Tax Return knife: BM 908BK-1501 or ZT 0562CF Feel free to suggest others.

Daniel Dorn

Daniel Dorn

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Apr 21, 1999
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I've got a sizeable return coming, and I've been a good boy, so I've given myself $300 for a knife purchase.

The 2 mentioned are at the top of my list, at the moment, and I'm waffling between them.

I love the looks of a Carbon Fiber handle, and have several, already, including ZT 452CF, 0620CF and a Benchmade 730CFHS.

With the BM 730CFHS, I am familiar with Axis locks, CF handles and a non-stainless tool steel blade. The 908 variant is very similar, and actually designed by the same guy (Elishewitz), so it would be almost too much alike.

With the ZT 0562CF, I'd be getting a slightly different look, but I've already got several ZT's, and the contrasting front and back handle slabs are getting a bit old to me.

Let me know your thoughts. If you like neither, feel free to suggest a similarly priced knife with Carbon Fiber, or whatever.

Before I get too far, I know there are those who will ask, "What are your parameters?" I do prefer larger knives, minimum 3" but up to 4.25" This would be part of my EDC rotation, and be used daily for general tasks, but could easily step into a more adventurous role as a Camping folder. Clip placement is not an issue. Opening method: any one-handed gimmick is fine. Lock: Pretty much anything, if done right.

I'd love to get my hands on the Gold Class BM 908 variant, with the red/black CF and Damascus blade, but that's just beyond my reach, and I worry the dual color handle might be too gaudy.
 
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zt0562cf is among the best folders that ZT has ever produced. Actually I would stretch a bit to say that IMHO it is THE best ZT production folder.
 
The 908bk-1501.
The 562 is plentiful enough to be around, the 908 model has been discontinued and I am not sure if this is included with the line being snipped.

To be safe, get the one that doesn't leave people's hands as much, the 908. The 562 is comments enough on the exchange to get second hand for $50+ under msrp.
 
Both of the ones you're considered are great knives. They're roughly about the same size, with the ZT being just a tad bigger in most dimensions. I prefer the Stryker, but it's by a very slim margin. If the 562 I have was CF, that might be enough to sway me the other way.

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Hi Daniel!

You, good Sir, should get yourself a Southern Grind Bad Monkey.

I dig the whole setup. Titanium lock and liner, choice of blade shapes and textures for whatever suits your personality. Made in the good ol' US of A.

I think the handles are awesome. They call it "twill-weave carbon fiber with textured matte finish". I just call it cool lookin'.

You can pick one up from Whitty at USA Made Blade... they're a proud supporter of these forums, or fora if you will.

Glad you got some monopoly money to throw around. Hoping for a chunk myself, but I may just have to live vicariously through you for this tax season.

Tell us how you like it!
 
I was going to get one of the Benchmade 908's until I felt it in hand with that stupid little bump on the spine. If that wasn't there I would have bought it.
 
I'd get the 908 if it were me based on a few things:

1. I'm not into the Cf on one side thing
2. Weight
3. Blade shape I find more useful for everyday tasks.

Now that said, as a steel snob if I was going to get the 0562 I'd look for one in M390. I'd also really do your homework on the M4 on the BM as it's not the best in terms of corrosion resistance so you're going to have to be hyper aware of that with anything you do with it. I know it does come in a variety of steels as well though so look around at which one works best for your needs.
 
I'm really not a 908 guy, but the 908BK-1501 is probably the coolest one ever made and won't be around forever. The 0562cf is one of my favorite ZTs, but I think I'd go for the limited run. Plus M4 is my favorite. You'll end up with a 0562 someday anyway ;)
 
908 is a great knife and M4 steel makes it even better. That is what I would choose with no hesitation.
I have several of the 913 Strykers and those are my some of my favorites.
 
jeepin said:
I was going to get one of the Benchmade 908's until I felt it in hand with that stupid little bump on the spine. If that wasn't there I would have bought it.
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I had not noticed that bump. I'll have to look into this, as that may be a deal breaker for me.

Thanks!

I guess I could take a Dremel to it, if needed, or find someone to grind it down.
 
Everyone else is recommending BM 908 but really did not say why. Just based on the looking, 908 does not look to me in the same league of zt0562cf. I cannot imagine its ergo would be as close as 0562 as well. Plus, the black coating is not on my top priority either. The two tone blade of ZT0562cf is just gorgerous.
 
sharp_edge said:
Everyone else is recommending BM 908 but really did not say why. Just based on the looking, 908 does not look to me in the same league of zt0562cf. I cannot imagine its ergo would be as close as 0562 as well. Plus, the black coating is not on my top priority either. The two tone blade of ZT0562cf is just gorgerous.
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I haven't handled the 0562 but I had the 0561. The 0561 is a substantial knife but thin and easy to carry. What I didn't like about it was that the blade is very thick behind the edge and didn't slice well, I like a keener point, and I'm not that interested in flippers. The 913 is a bit trimmer than the 0561 and the blade is thinner but not too thin. What I like best about the 913 is the point.
 
I literally just nabbed a 0562cf for a little over half of your spending allowance. I had the g10 last year and flipped it, I've been kicking myself ever since.

My daily carry is a dragonfly 2 in zdp 189 but sometimes I just want a bigger knife and for that I choose the 0562.

Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk
 
If down to the 2 you suggested I would go 562CF as it is pretty close to a grail for a lot of folks. If looking for other suggestions I do like the suggestion made above of the Bad Monkey. The carbon fiber on the Bad Monkeys is stunning and the fit and finish is top notch!
 
Have had both, the 908 is lighter and very tough as well. I think both are great but I'd suggest the 908.
 
Daniel Dorn said:
I had not noticed that bump. I'll have to look into this, as that may be a deal breaker for me.

Thanks!

I guess I could take a Dremel to it, if needed, or find someone to grind it down.
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Yeah. It felt awkward to me. I would have preferred it flat so I could put my thumb farther up the handle.
 
I've had the 0562CF on my list for quite a while, so I opted for that recently. But shortly after buying it I found out about the 908BK-1501 and wish I'd have gone that route due to it's limited supply. I'm probably going to get one some sometime soon. My vote goes to the 908. I only have a 903, but I really like the ergos on it. Yeah, the bump is a little strange, but it doesn't feel bad to me. That said I don't think I've ever handled a 908. Of course the 0562cf feels great in hand.
 
I have both and neither is going up for sale. They are both amazing knives.
Gun to my head??? 908-1501.
Gorgeous CF, great blade shape & steel. Amazing action and locks up perfectly. Tough as nails also!
Limited edition of a discoed model also.
Grab the 908 and in the future keep an eye on the Exchange.......you'll definitely be able to pick up a 562 down the road.
Don't get me wrong....you will not come up short with the 562! Mine is the CF version and I love it!!
Someone has to say it....get both!!
Joe
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Another that's worth a look is the Guardian Tactical Helix & the Helix Nano!!
I have one of each and they are extremely well made and sexy!!
Joe
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