Strongest , toughest , fastest folder @ 150$ max

O

outclass

Joined
Mar 9, 2010
Messages
15
Hi

I'm looking for some recommendation for a solid tactical folder @ 150$ budget

The main things I'm looking for are strength\toughness of the blade and extremely fast , reliable opening

Another thing that very important for me , in addition to the things mentioned above , is a good warranty and customer service

Few options I'm considering at this moment -

1) Zero Tolerance 0350\0400
2) Benchmade 710
3) Spyderco Military


Thanks
 
How about this one?
CIMG2537.jpg


CIMG2538.jpg


sorry, just realized it is a bit out of the given price range , going for about 220,-
 
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any of the three choices sounds good
i have the military and a 710, both are solid users, the 710 is a bit more robust/compact, and has a good look, but the real slicer, and fastest of the two is the military.
also, the tip of the military is quite strong, but i wouldn't use it for any prying, and the generous belly of the blade, plus the full flat grind really helps cutting, and its easier to sharpen than a recurve on a flat stone
 
0350/400 deploy the fastest of the bunch. I'd go with the 0350. It was my edc of choice until I bought something else. ZT is owned by Kershaw, a company that has one of the best warranties and customer service out of any production knife company, on par with Spyderco I'd say.
 
jacktrades_nbk said:
any of the three choices sounds good
i have the military and a 710, both are solid users, the 710 is a bit more robust/compact, and has a good look, but the real slicer, and fastest of the two is the military.
also, the tip of the military is quite strong, but i wouldn't use it for any prying, and the generous belly of the blade, plus the full flat grind really helps cutting, and its easier to sharpen than a recurve on a flat stone
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Thanks very much for your reply

I know Kershaw customer service and warranty absolutely top notch but how about Benchmade and Spyderco ? are they equally as good ?
 
harkamus said:
0350/400 deploy the fastest of the bunch. I'd go with the 0350. It was my edc of choice until I bought something else. ZT is owned by Kershaw, a company that has one of the best warranties and customer service out of any production knife company, on par with Spyderco I'd say.
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Thanks very much for your reply
Kershaw's customer service is definitely elite , and I really like the SpeedSafe AO

The ZT 0350 really seems like the best value , by far , out of the 3 , especially considering it's 50$ cheaper

Are there any advantages for the BM or\and the Spyderco over the ZT that justify the price difference ?
 
outclass said:
Thanks very much for your reply
Kershaw's customer service is definitely elite , and I really like the SpeedSafe AO

The ZT 0350 really seems like the best value , by far , out of the 3 , especially considering it's 50$ cheaper

Are there any advantages for the BM or\and the Spyderco over the ZT that justify the price difference ?
Click to expand...

I'd say the BM has more things that can go wrong, which would be a rarity since Axis lock failures are few and far between, but still. IF you ever got in a self defense situation, I'd argue that the simpler the mechanism the less that can go wrong. In fight or flight mode, when epinephrine (adrenaline) starts coursing through your body, you may not engage the axis lock all the way because you're 'excited.' A linerlock is a much simpler design.

Anyway, personally, I'd pick the 0350. The liner lock of the Mili looks anorexic in comparison to the 0350. Not bashing the Mili, but it's just that big of a difference. FWIW, I have zero experience with Militarys.

Check this video for a comparison shot of the two liners:
[youtube]O4x8orauxas[/youtube] Scroll to 2:47 and you can see both liners.
 
outclass said:
Thanks very much for your reply

I know Kershaw customer service and warranty absolutely top notch but how about Benchmade and Spyderco ? are they equally as good ?
Click to expand...

i really can't say for myself, because i never had a warranty problem with any of those, but from what i read here, at least Spyderco has great customer service and warranty, and Sal is almost always around here to talk to.
As for benchmade, i'll let others say, but my guess is they are ok too
 
The Spyderco Gayle Bradley. Is a little smaller than the Military but from the

reviews and reports Ive read its a heavy duty tatical folder with M4 Steel.

Its not light at 5.5 ozs but worth checking out. Try the Shoppe for a great price.
 
The Bradley's Spydie hole is partially obscured by the scale, which is not optimal if a lightning fast opening is what you are after - though it is still a fast opener. My Bradley is on the way to Tom Krein to relieve that area for full Spydie hole access, and a FFG if the blade will accommodate it.
 
The differences in capabilities between those knives are almost negligible. This is the part where subjectivity plays a big role.

My recommendation - PICK THE KNIFE YOU LIKE THE MOST!

You won't be disappointed or regretful then.
 
I would to with the Benchmade 710, great blade and can be found for around 100 bucks... Also there customer service is hard to beat IMO..
 
harkamus said:
I'd say the BM has more things that can go wrong, which would be a rarity since Axis lock failures are few and far between, but still. IF you ever got in a self defense situation, I'd argue that the simpler the mechanism the less that can go wrong. In fight or flight mode, when epinephrine (adrenaline) starts coursing through your body, you may not engage the axis lock all the way because you're 'excited.' A linerlock is a much simpler design.
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I don't understand why you think the AXIS lock would be harder to open? Both knives open easily, and both blades open 180deg where they lock in place. As long as you open both knives they are both locked open. To say you might not engage the AXIS lock because you're excited doesn't make any more sense then saying the same thing about a liner lock.

If anything could be said then I think it would be about the opening method and not the lock type.

Kershaw probably has the best warranty of the bunch just because they send out parts so readily. I know Benchmade has a great warranty and I think I have heard less complaints about Benchmade then Spyderco. That being said they will all take care of you if there is a problem with the knife.

Edit: I also recommend the 950 Rift or the 14205 over the 710. The 14205 has the thickest and most heavy duty blade of the 3.
 
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I would say check out the Spyderco Paramilitary. Its a little smaller than the Military though, but has a compression lock which is strong and makes for a fast opener. I also love my Gayle Bradley which is a super smooth linerlock. With M4 steel and carbon fiber handles it makes a sweet knife.
Emerson CQC 8 is great choice also. My CQC 8 is a great blade for hard use.
I don't have a Emerson CQC 7 or a Spyderco Military but they are next...if I don't buy more Para's which are outstanding.
Matt
 
I can open an AXIS way faster than any other kind of knife, auto included. Close it too.
That being said, out those 3 I prefer the 0350. It just really feels great in the hand. As for warranty, Kershaw sends out parts if you need them, and will replace the knife if broken/worn out. Benchmades will send out clips, but you have to send it in to get repaired, and they charge 25.00 for a new blade. Spyderco does not sell new blades, and does not send out parts.
 
samhain73 said:
I can open an AXIS way faster than any other kind of knife, auto included. Close it too.
That being said, out those 3 I prefer the 0350. It just really feels great in the hand. As for warranty, Kershaw sends out parts if you need them, and will replace the knife if broken/worn out. Benchmades will send out clips, but you have to send it in to get repaired, and they charge 25.00 for a new blade. Spyderco does not sell new blades, and does not send out parts.
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Sam has a really good explanation.

IF your knife starts to give you issues--it would be good to have the good warranty. Benchmade doesn't allow you to disassemble their knives (if you do it without them noticing when you turn it in for warranty service, then you're fine). Also, the 0350 has better steel than the 710 for most of my uses.

The spyderco only has one method of carrying the knife, not the generous 4-ways that the ZT offers. You cannot pry/abuse the military--the blade is just too thin. You can beat your 0350 to hell and back. I've seen what my buddies do to theirs.

But in the end. It's your decision. Go for the knife that fits YOU, and that you would see yourself carrying and using. :thumbup:

The 0400 isn't a bad choice either--mine sits in my car as a beater-knife.
 
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