EDC military service knife. Adamas vs 300

D

Doogoon

Joined
Feb 21, 2012
Messages
971
275BKSN.JPG
vs
ZT0301-2.jpg


Which knife would be more ideal in the military field? Both look like tough knives, but they both have their strength and weaknesses. Everything is good to discuss here; lock strength, blade strength, deployability, pin strength, price, quality of of manufacturing.


Go Go Go!
 
I dont have that particular BM but I do have the ZT. The ZT has a frame lock on the blade. Imho if that blade comes back on you then you must have stabbed a moving rhino. You wont be disappointed with the ZT, carry mine every day!
 
Just to note im not military but LE. Let me know if you have any questions i might be able to answer about the ZT. John
 
I'd take the Adamas just to avoid the recurve and brick handle. Switch to a 0561 and you could probably just flip a coin.
 
Neither. I wouldn't bother with a folder for military service, seriously. Get a short tough fixed blade, like the ZT Ranger, an ESSE 3 or 4, an Entrek, a Kabar, a Swamp Rat RMD or Rodent 4. Most soldiers end up using their knives for utility tasks, like opening food containers. It basically doesn't matter how "thick" or "tough" the ADamas blade is, because in the end--nice as it is--it's a FOLDER. It just isn't going to be as strong as a FB for serious hard use tasks. Will it hold up? Maybe, but a FB would be a better choice for soldiers.
 
If soldiers carried fixed blades with any frequency, perhaps. But, those that have knives have folders about ten times as often as they have fixed blades. 'Food containers' are plastic pouches for MREs or pogey bait, not very taxing. Support jobs are also more plentiful than combat.
 
maximus83 said:
Neither. I wouldn't bother with a folder for military service, seriously. Get a short tough fixed blade, like the ZT Ranger, an ESSE 3 or 4, an Entrek, a Kabar, a Swamp Rat RMD or Rodent 4. Most soldiers end up using their knives for utility tasks, like opening food containers. It basically doesn't matter how "thick" or "tough" the ADamas blade is, because in the end--nice as it is--it's a FOLDER. It just isn't going to be as strong as a FB for serious hard use tasks. Will it hold up? Maybe, but a FB would be a better choice for soldiers.
Click to expand...

I don't disagree, however I want something that would fit in a pocket as most Canadian officers don't like anything showing that isn't part of the issued items.
 
I have the Adamas, bought it for 115$. Unbelievable price for what you get. It's perfect for heavy use and is what I'm giving my brother when he joins the Marines.

Fixed blades are a must, I think a folder is just nice to have as well.
 
hardheart said:
'Food containers' are plastic pouches for MREs or pogey bait, not very taxing.
Click to expand...

Exactly my point, that's one of the most common uses, and you don't need a big meaty blade like the Adamas for that anyway. However, if you WANT a meaty blade that can be used for all kinds of utilitarian purposes--including heavy ones like cutting strapping or chopping open cans or prying stuff--the argument is you'd be better off without a folder.

Also remember that most US soldiers are already issued a MT with a decent blade, so it's hard to see the utility of adding a folder. I'd still recommend a quality, 3.5" to 5" fixed blade in the steel of your choice.
 
Doogoon said:
I don't disagree, however I want something that would fit in a pocket as most Canadian officers don't like anything showing that isn't part of the issued items.
Click to expand...

What kind of blades are you issued, do you get a MT like the US soldiers usually do?
 
I like both equally. It comes down the what looks cooler iin your opinion really.
 
maximus83 said:
including heavy ones like cutting strapping or chopping open cans or prying stuff
Click to expand...
well, I guess my question is why use a fixed blade for that when multitools with cutting jaws and can openers can be gotten from supply and pioneer tools are on the vehicles.

Folders are probably popular for a few reasons, such as easy to carry in uniform and civvies, command doesn't restrict their possession as much, and being much more available.

I carry a multi and a folder, and grabbed other tools from J4 when needed.
 
A folder will not be in your quick grab weapons. If you are issued a bayonet keep it sharp and ready to use as a fighting knife. If not then one of the 4-5 inch blades already mentioned here. Do get a light folder, i suggest an inexpensive one from the PX. I usually carried a Gerber Air Harsey as I could strip commo wire, open MRE packs, and use in town as an emergency blade. If you are in the field you will lose knives, pens, etc on a regular basis.
 
Well of course, let's assume anybody will want to use the right tool for the job when available. But part of the point is for service use, you don't always have access to all the tools in all situations, and when you don't, it's nice to have a knife strong enough to handle multipurpose use.

As for civvie carry, OP mentioned service use and "toughness" as the main criteria, that's why I recommended as I did. However, if civvie or Mil pocket carry is a requirement, then again, I would think you'd want something lighter than the Adamas or the ZT. Ultimately it's OP's money, if you want a large folder, these are both fine knives, and I have looked at the Adamas myself and would lean to that one to avoid the recurve. But I just think that there are more ideal choices for both of the suggested purpose (tough all-purpose service knife, or pocket/civ carry).
 
Doogoon said:
I don't disagree, however I want something that would fit in a pocket as most Canadian officers don't like anything showing that isn't part of the issued items.
Click to expand...
I wouldn’t suggest the Adamas folder if you can’t use the included sheath for when you gear up. In regular BDUs it will be fine as you will have the extra room, but strap on all your gear and you’ll find that your pockets are not as easily accessible. You’ll want something you can get to if you need it. That and when you are sitting, as in hours in a HUMVEE and that blocky knife is digging into your outer thigh you’ll wish you had a thinner folder. When I was in Iraq and Kuwait I carried a small Strider fixed blade in a kydex sheath inside my web gear so it wasn’t easily seen yet was still easy to get to. Folders are great for EDC and do have a place in military use for sure but it all depends on your load out. If you want a good, tough small fixed blade that is easily hidden in your gear then the ESEE Izula II would be good, and if you can get a little bigger go for the ESEE RC3-PM. They are relatively inexpensive and very tough. You can even carry the Izula II as a neck knife under your blouse.

I also want to add, even though it wasn’t really stated, that you should stay away from an assisted opener or auto. Firstly you don’t want something like that failing on you when you get sand and dust in it. You will, no matter how hard you try, get sand and dirt in the knife, unless you get an OTF and store it in a condom. Also, I see you’re in Canada, which is were I live now but I am American and was in the US Military and autos are not legal like everyone seems to think they are. After 12 years in and tons of travel and deployments I have never seen, except for certain field needs, a time where an auto was OK to carry. In fact MOST base laws forbid the carry of an automatic knife. Manufacturers say they are for military and LE only, and so do most shops, and they will sell it to you if you present a military ID. That doesn’t mean you’re allowed to carry the knife. In fact most military bases and rules state VERY clearly that the only time you can carry an auto knife is IF it was issued to you and ONLY in the performance of your duties. EDC when not in the field and when off duty are NOT in the performance of your duties and the “I’m always on call” excuse doesn’t work.

I know I’m just ranting here but wanted to make sure I put it somewhere before anyone suggested an auto or assisted opener. Aside from legal issues, you just don’t want something that may not work properly in bad conditions. The desert, which if you’re in the military is where you will go eventually and it’s an unforgiving environment on gear. So in conclusion, if you can’t attach it to your gear, you want something a bit slimmer, VERY strong lock and of very good quality. On the high end of the market I would say a Sebenza or an Umnumzaan would be great. Few parts and built very strong as well as not being too bulky. In the mid range a Spyderco Military or Gail Bradley, or a Benchmade 710 or 810 or one of many Emerson folders would be good and easy to carry. However I would suggest a small fixed blade. If knife laws were more PC I would only carry a fixed blade even for EDC.
 
Hear hear, couldn't agree more on the short FB service knife concept, and especially on the rant about autos and assisted. There's rarely a good reason to carry either one over an ordinary folder.
 
I have both and would recommend either one. Choose the one you like the best. If you go with the ZT, contact Kershaw and they will send you some extra screws and torsion springs to take with you.
 
hardheart said:
If soldiers carried fixed blades with any frequency, perhaps. But, those that have knives have folders about ten times as often as they have fixed blades. 'Food containers' are plastic pouches for MREs or pogey bait, not very taxing. Support jobs are also more plentiful than combat.
Click to expand...

Spot on. Fixed blades are part of a fighting load and usually on your MOLLE or equipment belt. 90% of the time when you need a knife your aren't wearing all your gear so you go for the folder in your pocket. Loads of good ones on the market but I have an affinity for ZTs
 
I have/had both of these knives, but not at the same time. The ZT is a tough folder and one that many, many folks love. I just couldn't come to grips with the grip's. The titanium, G-10 handle scales are something I just plain dislike. Still, the ZT is a tough folder!

The Adamas is also a tough folder, but one that hasn't been around as long as the ZT0300. But the parts add up to a knife that should be able to hold it's on in any situation that would require a folding knife. The Adamas is my edc knife, and has been since January. I really like everything about this knife. The blade is D2 @ 62/64 hardness, goes .160" thick, and is saber ground, yet will slice without problem, not as good as a flt grind blade, but acceptable. The steel liners that make up part of the Axis Lock system are .080" thick, which means that they will hold up over time. The Axis Lock itself is a strong lock, but in the Adamas it has been built 30% larger. I love the foldover, deep-carry clip it comes with, but still had to add a deeper-carry clip, just my preference. The handle shape really fits my large hand, and all of the hand is on the grip very securely. Not a whole lot I don't like about this knife, and what I do is mainly a personal preference.

I think either knife will serve you well, but if I were choosing I would go with the Adamas.
 
Wanted to add that the OP asked about which knife between the two he proposed. Why all the posts on choosing fixed blade's?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top