Large Folder Question

robo7de

robo7de

Joined
Jan 8, 2008
Messages
50
First Post..Howdy,
I’m having a problem choosing between two large folders; the Benchmade Skirmish Large (S30V 4.3”) and the Zero Tolerance 0200 (cm154 4”). I am Deputy Sheriff and the knife will be used as an EDC as a cutter and not a chopping blade. Currently I carry a Protech TR3 Swat (CM 154) and a Spyderco Endura (VG-10). This new large folder will be used instead of the Endura. I am leaning towards the Skirmish but worry about “blade chipping”. Any suggestions? Thanks, Robo7de
 
Spyderco Militarys are on fire. I'd give them the once-over. I also like the 4" blade on my Mission MPF-Ti. Have fun.
 
I am impressed with the 154cm, it takes a good edge, and is easy to touch up. S30V is great to, and I don't think the chipping is that much of a deal these days - no problems with my Native yet. You could always go with D2 and get yourself a BM 710 or CMP D2 Military. Those won't chip and you get great edge retention. There is also the BM Stryker Spear Point - an alternative to the ZT.
 
The ZT0200 is quite a knife and for the price it is one of the best bargins going. In my opinion this knife could sell for more than it currently does and still go out the doors. It is more handfilling than the Skirmish and your ability to hang onto it should be improved over the Skirmish. Kershaw has done a great job with the 154CM steel it uses as mine came razor sharp and has stayed that way through some trial cutting I did with it. You get a flipper and thumbstud options for opening the knife and it has a very, VERY solid lockup. You know, nothing really wrong with the Skirmish, it's just that everything is right with the ZT0200! Now if you to talk about a BM Rukus..........................:D
 
I do not own one yet , but another vote for the ZT0200.

Built like a tank and the price is awesome considering the materials used.
 
Smash05 said:
I am impressed with the 154cm, it takes a good edge, and is easy to touch up. S30V is great to, and I don't think the chipping is that much of a deal these days - no problems with my Native yet. You could always go with D2 and get yourself a BM 710 or CMP D2 Military. Those won't chip and you get great edge retention. There is also the BM Stryker Spear Point - an alternative to the ZT.
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my benchmade presidio 5000 auto has 154cm. It has a nice chip about 1/4 cm from the tip. I don't know how it happened. It never sees hard use, and has NEVER been lent out. The only thing I could even think of, is that I have too acute an angle on it. I keep it hair splitting sharp.
 
Have you thought of the Spyderco Manix?
A great "cutter" and built for "Abuse".
Bit heavy but an excellent tool for what you need it for.
 
robo7de said:
First Post..Howdy,
I’m having a problem choosing between two large folders; the Benchmade Skirmish Large (S30V 4.3”) and the Zero Tolerance 0200 (cm154 4”). I am Deputy Sheriff and the knife will be used as an EDC as a cutter and not a chopping blade. Currently I carry a Protech TR3 Swat (CM 154) and a Spyderco Endura (VG-10). This new large folder will be used instead of the Endura. I am leaning towards the Skirmish but worry about “blade chipping”. Any suggestions? Thanks, Robo7de
Click to expand...

Well, I think if you are going for use, you cant go wrong with either of them, but I own the ZT 0200 and I know, the ZT has more grip being the g-10 handles and is built very practically and really locks up based on the design. I don't know about the BM but the ZT has WONDERFUL edge retention.
 
Between the two you are asking about, I would go with the Skirmish as it is quite lighter to carry.
I have owned both, and liked both, but the ZT carries heavy to me.
Would not worry about s30v chipping.
:thumbup:


Tom
 
of your choices I would probably go with the ZT I own one and love it but as far as 4" blades I would (and did) go with a Rukus
 
I own a pair of the ZT 0200, and trust me one this...You DO want the ZT 0200. The BM Skirmish IS a great folder, but I DO like the ZT 0200 ALOT better, and it feels ALOT more secure in-hand than the Skirmish.
 
I carry two Benchmade Rukus daily, the large as a right hander, and the small as a left. Great knife with a really good edge geometry, that opens and closes almost effortlessly.
The large has a 4.25 blade, and the small a 3.40, made of S30V. The handle ergonomics are unbeatable.
I have a large Skirmish as well, but do not like the wide flat handle. So it stays in a display case more often than not.
 
The Skirmish is a big, beautiful knife, but it didn't make my EDC rotation because it's not that much of a cutter. It is a good chopper, and I had no trouble with the S30V steel, even though I gave the steel a real tough workout.

It's hard for me to recommend a Kershaw over a Spyderco or a Benchmade. The Rukus will outcut the Skirmish and O200 easily. I think it has a more professional appearance, which may be a factor. The Rukus also has an axis lock, which opens like a dream -- smooth and quick, especially with that big blade. I gave mine a real tough workout to test the S30V steel and also the knife itself. It's so big that it generates a lot of leverage that can damage a knife. The knife was a rock. Just awesome.

The Manix may be even tougher, but that blade is about a half inch shorter than you want.

The Military will outcut everything, and you can get it in a variety of top steels (S30V, BG-42, D2 and soon S90V) and handle materials (G10 and carbon fiber). It is light and easy to carry, but it doesn't open as fast as the Rukus.

If you get a chance to handle one, that will be the test. The Rukus handles and cuts better than either of your choices. The Military easily, easily outcuts either of your choices.
 
I think the 0200 is what you want. The ZT is flawless really and its my opinion that the 154CM blade will be less problematic for you than the S30V.

STR
 
They're all good. Personally, I carried an Emerson CQC7 CE during my Patrol years. While an auto or A/O is nice, I prefer the simplicity & "more bulletproofness" of a manual. The ZT 0200 is great, but so is a Benchmade 710 D2, although I'd prefer the thicker, larger blade on the ZT.

The problem I have with the Skirmish, is I think the thumb-hole is a little small. It "could" be a problem to open quickly, especially if you're wearing gloves.
 
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