SG Spider Monkey vs ZT 0450CF - Recommendation/Thoughts?

aleforme

aleforme

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Feb 21, 2013
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So I have been going back and forth on the ZT 0452, 0450CF and BM 710 for a while now and had thought I recently made my decision on a 0450CF mainly due to its size. I simply would carry it more than the 0452 or 710 for that reason alone.

However, the Southern Grind Spider Monkey now has me very intrigued. Seems like most reviews are very positive and the build quality is right up there with Benchmade and ZT. However, I have never handled one. The size seems great and comes with a great steel. I also like the story behind Southern Grind.

So, can anyone compare the Spider Monkey with the ZT 0450/52 in terms of build quality and handling? I know they are very different knives in terms of blade geometry and overall design but I’m not hung up on the ZT 0450/52 design. Mainly looking for a good EDC blade to add to the lineup. SG is fairly new to the markeT comparatively so I just don’t know a lot about them. I kinda like the idea of having something a little different and less common. I just want to make sure to quality compares favorably to the ZT 0450CF.

Thanks and I promise to make a decision very soon.
 
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Quality wise my Spider Monkey is just as good as any ZT I own. ZT makes a great knife and I enjoy carrying the ones I own but my pick between the two would be the Spider Monkey.
 
I've got the SG SM and the ZT 0450 but not the carbon though I've handled one. Tough choice between the two. Good luck figuring which one you like best.
 
@whitty

That actually helps a lot. I do like how the 0450 is quite a bit slimmer. The more I have been reading about the SM, quality does not seem to the an issue at all. The main reason I finally choose the 0450 over the 0452 was size. I would love to have the 0452 and cost is not an issue but I know I would carry the 0450 much more. Now seeing the thickness of the SM, I'm thinking I would still carry the 0450 more given it's a little more discrete and slimmer. But hey, I'm still a bit on the fence. I least I know where I will order which ever knife I choose. :)
 
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I've been meaning to get a Southern Grind Spider Monkey for a while now. It's about the size of the Zero Tolerance 0450CF and both use S35VN steel.

ZT 0450CF with titanium liner lock is noticeably narrower and lighter than SG Spider Monkey with liner lock.

With black blades ZT 0450CF is $50 less than SG Spider Monkey!

One advantage for SG Spider Monkey is that you can get a thumbled satin blade and serrations if you desire.

Also, ZT 0450CF is a flipper only opening mechanism and SG Spider Monkey is dual thumb stud opening only.

Both are very well made. I have a SG Bad Monkey.
 
I'm intrigued by the Spider Monkey as well, but I'm having trouble getting past the liner lock issue. I'm just not a fan of them. However, I wouldn't dismiss the 710 so easily, if I were you. It's got a long blade, but it's very well-designed and carries like a much smaller knife. You have to love the Axis lock, also.
 
RamZar said:
I've been meaning to get a Southern Grind Spider Monkey for a while now. It's about the size of the Zero Tolerance 0450CF and both use S35VN steel.

ZT 0450CF with titanium liner lock is noticeably narrower and lighter than SG Spider Monkey with liner lock.

With black blades ZT 0450CF is $50 less than SG Spider Monkey!

One advantage for SG Spider Monkey is that you can get a thumbled satin blade and serrations if you desire.

Also, ZT 0450CF is a flipper only opening mechanism and SG Spider Monkey is dual thumb stud opening only.

Both are very well made. I have a SG Bad Monkey.
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Good points. I don't think I would be unhappy with either knife. However, I think I'm still leaning toward the 0450CF just based on the slimmer body. The opening tech isn't really a factor at this point. I have knives with liner locks, compression locks and axis locks and enjoy them all.
 
Knave said:
I'm intrigued by the Spider Monkey as well, but I'm having trouble getting past the liner lock issue. I'm just not a fan of them. However, I wouldn't dismiss the 710 so easily, if I were you. It's got a long blade, but it's very well-designed and carries like a much smaller knife. You have to love the Axis lock, also.
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Trust me, it's still on my list but I just want something a little smaller, "right now". I agree it carries a lot smaller than it looks and I do love the Axis lock. My Grip and HK Axis are a couple of my favorite knives. Can't say enough great things about the HK!
 
I kinda want a Spider Monkey, but my 0450 carries great. Its funny that as great as the knife is, I grab the 940-1 or the Mantra2 instead of it every time. Ergos are just better for me on the other knives. The 0452cf, however, is in a league of its own.
 
aleforme said:
My Grip and HK Axis are a couple of my favorite knives. Can't say enough great things about the HK!
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Those H&K Axis (14715, 14717) and Mini Axis (14716) folders give you the best value in a Benchmade folder all for about $100 with G-10 and D2!
 
Just ordered the 0450CF from usamadeblade. Confident it was the right choice after seeing the photos of the 0450CF and SM side by side.

The Spider Monkey and BM 710 are still on the list but will be for another day.

Thanks again for all the help everyone. The fast responses are greatly appreciated.
 
I've only held the 0450 and the Spider Monkey, but not an 0450CF, though the salient points remain the same:

The Spider Monkey has the advantage in ergonomics, having a superior handle design (in my opinion) especially for extended use. The amount of traction the textured CF gives is well complimented by the hourglass shape of the handle. Also arguably superior for most utility purposes is the drop-point blade that gives a more forward-facing edge than the 0450.

However, I would probably choose the 0450CF for several reasons:
- Better value, coming in a solid $50 or so cheaper
- Smoother and easier to open, as it is a bearing flipper knife compared to the thumbstud/washer setup on the SM.
- I'm familiar and happy with the ZT warranty service.

Honestly, what made me trade away my SM was the proprietary pivot (always a negative to me) and the less-than-stellar pivot action. I can't tell you the last time I've had to wrist-flick a $225 knife, but I immediately was not okay with having had to do so just to open it in one smooth motion. Also, not being able to adjust the pivot tension without a proprietary tool is just asinine. User maintenance should not be discouraged or prevented, which is why Microtech gets none of my knife dollars.
 
Comeuppance said:
I've only held the 0450 and the Spider Monkey, but not an 0450CF, though the salient points remain the same:

The Spider Monkey has the advantage in ergonomics, having a superior handle design (in my opinion) especially for extended use. The amount of traction the textured CF gives is well complimented by the hourglass shape of the handle. Also arguably superior for most utility purposes is the drop-point blade that gives a more forward-facing edge than the 0450.

However, I would probably choose the 0450CF for several reasons:
- Better value, coming in a solid $50 or so cheaper
- Smoother and easier to open, as it is a bearing flipper knife compared to the thumbstud/washer setup on the SM.
- I'm familiar and happy with the ZT warranty service.

Honestly, what made me trade away my SM was the proprietary pivot (always a negative to me) and the less-than-stellar pivot action. I can't tell you the last time I've had to wrist-flick a $225 knife, but I immediately was not okay with having had to do so just to open it in one smooth motion. Also, not being able to adjust the pivot tension without a proprietary tool is just asinine. User maintenance should not be discouraged or prevented, which is why Microtech gets none of my knife dollars.
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Good to know. I was under the impression that the SM's pivot was not proprietary? I read that the scales were but not the pivot. Maybe this was a recent change? Or, I could be totally wrong. There is a first for everything.:rolleyes:
 
Received the ZT 0450CF yesterday. What a great knife. Perfect size for EDC and the build quality in typical ZT. The initial "flip" is really stiff and takes some pretty good pressure but it already seems to be loosening up a bit.

And, big thanks to Whitty at usamadeblade. Great service and really fast shipping. Ordered it Monday and got it yesterday, shipped from NC to Seattle, WA. Great company and great forum member.

K2hRI5R.jpg
 
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