Need help picking a blade (again)

Semper Praesidio

Semper Praesidio

Joined
Feb 19, 2014
Messages
1,184
A few months ago, I made a post in general discussion that led to my decision to purchase a ZT 0566. You guys didn't let me down on that purchase, so coming to you again.

About to acquire a nice little chunk of change and plan to spend it on a blade and would like your thoughts. Looking for a larger folder (over 3.25") for $150(ish) or less. Don't mind buying used, as long as not abused. No preference on locking mechanism, no preference on assisted opening versus manual (not really interested in an auto). Prefer seeing some G10 on the handle.

Current front runners are:
-Spyderco Military
-ZT 0560
-Benchmade Bone Collector in black G10

Also open to other suggestions. Thoughts?
 
Not G10, but if I had $150 to spend on a knife right now I'd probably go with the Doug Ritter m390 Griptilian.
 
The ZT 801 commonly goes for about 140$ used, but that doesn't have g10 on it. If you're looking for g10, I saw a Spyderco Southard go for $160 last night. Which is only 10$ more
 
What will your primary uses be for this knife?
The large Bone Collector is basically 550HG Griptilian with a thicker G10 handle and D2 blade. Long edge life, but susceptible to rust since its technically not a stainless. Smallest knife of the three. Axis lock is great.
The 560 is a big chunck of knife. Flipper vs spydie holes. Elmax blade steel is probably the best of these listed.
The military is a well loved knife all around. Usually in s30v at that price, longer and leaner feeling than 560 and weighs less.
Here is a nice write up by wquiles comparing the Military to the ZT 560 http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/953102-Military-vs-ZT-0560

From those three, the Bone Collector is the odd man out IMO.
Good luck
 
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Mr Krieg said:
A paramilitary 2 might be right up your alley as well
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Thanks - already snagged a PM2 off the exchange a few weeks ago (black g10, satin blade, S30V). Although, I'm not opposed to a second. :-) Love the compression lock and wish Spyderco used it on more of their knives. If there was a standard millie with a compression lock, this thread might not have been posted.
 
lockster30 said:
What will your primary uses be for this knife?
The large Bone Collector is basically 550HG Griptilian with a thicker G10 handle and D2 blade. Long edge life, but susceptible to rust since its technically not a stainless. Smallest knife of the three. Axis lock is great.
The 560 is a big chunck of knife. Flipper vs spydie holes. Elmax blade steel is probably the best of these listed.
The military is a well loved knife all around. Usually in s30v at that price, longer and leaner feeling than 560 and weighs less.
Here is a nice write up by wquiles comparing the Military to the ZT 560 http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/953102-Military-vs-ZT-0560

From those three, the Bone Collector is the odd man out IMO.
Good luck
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Thanks for the link to that review. Great information.

As, I think more about use, I'm leaning more and more towards a "briefcase carry" for emergencies. People at work would freak if I pulled a knife of this length and use it - unless their life was depending on it. Also would be an after hours carry and would see a lot of pocket time for yard chores.

Think I'm starting to lean away from the bone collector at the moment....
 
Semper Praesidio said:
A few months ago, I made a post in general discussion that led to my decision to purchase a ZT 0566. You guys didn't let me down on that purchase, so coming to you again.

About to acquire a nice little chunk of change and plan to spend it on a blade and would like your thoughts. Looking for a larger folder (over 3.25") for $150(ish) or less. Don't mind buying used, as long as not abused. No preference on locking mechanism, no preference on assisted opening versus manual (not really interested in an auto). Prefer seeing some G10 on the handle.

Current front runners are:
-Spyderco Military - Everyone should get to handle and experience this knife, it's terrific.
-ZT 0560 - A venerable steple in the ZT line up, very well made and great knife to use.
-Benchmade Bone Collector in black G10 - You better hurry, this were discontinued and won't be around much at all.

Also open to other suggestions. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Added comments after knives listed.
 
Minus the g-10 the new Ritter griptilian in M390 is a must have. You can always upgrade scales later. The forum has quite a few scale makers that produce some awesome handles. Plus you can specify just what you want. Also the knife will be semi-custom and likely the last you would ever need; want is a whole other illness many here suffer from.
 
If you already have a Spyderco PM2 then I will say a Benchmade 710. Classic, Proven and SWEET.. and you'll be right at the $150 mark in most cases.

 
I'd have to suggest the ZT 0550. 3.5 inch blade, titanium frame lock, s35vn steel...it's all there, as long as a little bulk isn't a factor. Carries well despite its size, but I like a little heft. New Gen. 3s can be had for 160ish.
 
zl1 said:
Not G10, but if I had $150 to spend on a knife right now I'd probably go with the Doug Ritter m390 Griptilian.
Click to expand...

I agree with the ritter m390 griptilian if you cant find a manix 2 lw s110v. I dont think a better knife can be had in that price range than those two. I have both.
 
blades&wrenches said:
I'd have to suggest the ZT 0550. 3.5 inch blade, titanium frame lock, s35vn steel...it's all there, as long as a little bulk isn't a factor. Carries well despite its size, but I like a little heft. New Gen. 3s can be had for 160ish.
Click to expand...
Got in some more consulting money and just took your advice as well. :-) I do love these ZT's!
 
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