SOG Tomcat 3.0 / BM Hardtail / ZT 300 / Al Mar SERE 2000 / BM 581 / ZT 200

too solid

too solid

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Apr 17, 2011
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Please help me decide. I love all of these knives which is why I'd like everyone's opinion. I'll list my thoughts beside each, stating mostly cons which are keeping me indecisive.

SOG Tomcat 3.0 - probably my favorite looking out of this bunch. No pocket clip is a negative. Also I have a TF-2 Trident which feels a bit cheap to me, it is the only SOG I own at the moment. *I've never held a Tomcat so I'm not sure if the quality is there

Benchmade Hardtail - Sweet knife, love it especially since I own a Harley Davidson edition F-250, but not a huge fan of the handle and blade shape

ZT 300 - other then it's bulk and weight prefect knife here. Doable for an edc but a bit large. Also hoping for a non assisted opener for my next

Al Mar SERE 2000 - a little bit simple looking, yet awesome at the same time

BM 581 - nothing bad to say other then I was aiming for a non assisted opener for my next knife. If there is anything out there comparable to the 581 *in a non assist let me know

ZT 200 - sweet knife, just don't know if the quality compares to the 300, and I think if I went with this I'd regret not going with the 300. Non assisted though which is a plus

If anyone would like to chime in or give their opinions or recommend another knife please do so. I'll be choosing one by this weekend.
 
SOG Tomcat 3.0 -
Nice knife. Definitely doesn't feel cheap...feels and looks like quality.
Could depend a lot on how you feel about Kraton handles...they look good and give a good feeling of control, not quite as sure how well they will wear.
No clip, but does come with a fairly nice sheath with quick release belt clip.

ZT 200 - Oustanding knife. Love mine, I have the 200KW (bead blast finish blade).
Liner lock vs. the 300s frame lock (I prefer the liner lock).
With the flipper and a tad of wrist action, no assist is needed.
 
I'd go with the 0200 or 2000. I wouldn't worry about the 0200 being lower quality than the 0300. If a manual knife is what you want, I'm sure you'll be happy with the 0200. It's very well made and is built like a tank. Weight shouldn't matter that much, but it is bulky, and the texturing is aggressive. The SERE is a great knife if you're ok with the cost. Otherwise it's a little pricey given what it is.
 
The ZT 0200 is one of the most solid knives that i have ever held. It has amazing handles, and the thing is just massive. if you do not want an assisted knife, but you like the 0300, then this is the knife for you. the quality is top notch. the 0200 will do everything you need and more. do it.
 
A vote for the 0200 / 0300 here. I can easily open up an 0200 without any wrist movement. It's an incredibly solid knife with one of the best folder-ergo's in the industry.
 
I owned an Al Mar SERE 2000 briefly. I really liked the knife, but I did not like the low ride pocket clip or the tip up only carry option. Have you considered the BM Dejavoo or Spyderco Military? These are two of my favorite larger folders.
 
@ acidoveride, I love the military and have been considering it as well, just not sure how I feel about the space rather then thumbstud. I especially like the camo version. The BM Dejavoo looks a bit boring IMO. Size is perfect for an edc for me.

Seems like popular vote is the ZT 0200, second the Al Mar or ZT 0300. I haven't held a 0200 yet but I am anxious to get my hands on one.

I think cosmetically the SOG Tomcat is most attractive. It just looks like such a bad a$$ knife. I wish I had $600 to blow, I'd buy a few. Maybe I should sell a watch or something... Lol hmmmm
 
Seems like you're looking for a "tactical heavyweight folder"

Honestly, bang for your buck, I'd place it between the ZT 0200 and the Spyderco Milie. It depends on what you want out of your knife - the ZT is overbuilt and fairly heavy but solid. The Millie is quite strong and is very light considering how thick and long the blade is, and the lock is rated pretty strong as well. Personally, I prefer the ergos and carryability of the Military but the ZT 0200 is a very solid choice if sheer strength is what you're looking for. P.S. both are steel linerlocks so they're very strong compared to the typical titanium alloy framelock or linerlock. Another choice would be the Spyderco Gayle Bradley... superb F+F, great tough and hard steel and one of the toughest liner locks I've ever held.

Tomcat 3.0 is nice, but overpriced, and Kraton doesn't wear too well. Never handled any of the other knives.
 
I own the Tomcat 3.0, and have owned the ZTs. The blade on the ZT chipped severley, 1/4" chunk missing. The Tomcat, if so equipped, could loosen the lugs on your car with it's frame. HeHe. It also uses a type of lock similar to the axis, Sog calls it Arc-Lock.
That being said, although not on the list, I carry the Spydie CF, BG-42 Millie.
Please excuse the low post count, I just returned from deployment and had more important things on my mind.
 
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The SOG Tomcat is made in Japan and it's very well made and looks like a high quality knife. I own a pretty good sampling of knives from every maker you listed and the Tomcat is right up there with the best of them. I bought it because it had a little more style than some of other knives in the same price range. If you like the style, get it. But as you mentioned the only con is that it lacks a pocket clip and must be carried in the included belt pouch ( it doesn't matter to me) . I think I paid $129 for my TC.

My next choice would be the ZT200, the quality of that knife is equivalent to knives costing 2x the price. It's a little on the heavy side, but it is very well made and cosmetically will probably hold up better than the SOG.
 
Thanks for the info JPD, where did you purchase your tomcat? Best price I've seen is $170.
 
too solid said:
Thanks for the info JPD, where did you purchase your tomcat? Best price I've seen is $170.
Click to expand...

I ordered it from LApolicegear when they were having a 10 or 15% off sale. If you register with them to receive email specials , they send coupon codes a few times a year.

Sometimes they don't have the item in stock, but for the price , who cares if you have to wait a few weeks.

The coupons used to be great when they carried Strider knives , but that might be the reason they don't anymore. :)
 
It's relatively easy to disable the Axis-Assist, I've disabled it on my 580. So my vote goes for the 581
 
I can get a bnib ZT 0200 for about $130 all in. I guess for that price I can't go wrong. They also have the al mar 2000 and possibly a couple others on my list in stock to check out. Ill leave the sog for my next knife purchase.
 
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