The Benchmade Bone Collector.

O

OpKey

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Jun 6, 2011
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So, I'm in the market for a more higher end folder. I've been carrying a Kershaw Tone here lately, and recently retired it for a BK14 as my EDC. I'd like to have a real nice folder incase I felt like alternating to a folder depending on my attire. I've always liked Benchmade from holding them and whatnot, and I've recently found out about the Bone Collector. I don't know much about it at all, but I figured you guys could clue me in. I don't want a small folder. I don't plan on clipping this knife to my pants, because I'm more than likely going to get some custom kydex made for it.

What I'm basically asking is, is there a better knife out there for the money? Should I take a look at a different Benchmade? Perhaps a ZT? I'm just not sure, and I'd really like a recommendation. It doesn't have to be a $100 knife. It could always be cheaper. :) I have one request, I'd prefer if no one recommended a Spyderco. Sure, I like them and they're amazing knives, but that's just not something I'm looking for. The knives themselves feel too thin for me. Thanks ahead of time, guys.
 
I'm a big ZT fan, but there is one issue with them and it is the WEIGHT. You have a trade off with their strength. They are heavy folders. I think the ZT350 is the lightest folder they have at 5.8 oz, and its not the prettiest of knives either. The ZT0551 is better looking and comes in at the same weight, but it is pricey at $200+ especially since it was a sprint run and you'll be hard pressed to find one under $250.

The ZT200, IMO, is gorgeous, easier to find around $120, but its at 7.7 oz also.

In regards to your no spyderco thing, Ironically, my nice folders are my spydercos. The Vallotton, Gayle-Bradley, and Navaja to be precise.
 
bone collector is a great knife. i have the smaller version. i love the axis lock, steel liners, the opening hole and the rib cage handles feel great in the hand. i havent found anything better in that price range.
 
Bishop2Queen's6 said:
I'm a big ZT fan, but there is one issue with them and it is the WEIGHT. You have a trade off with their strength. They are heavy folders. I think the ZT350 is the lightest folder they have at 5.8 oz, and its not the prettiest of knives either. The ZT0551 is better looking and comes in at the same weight, but it is pricey at $200+ especially since it was a sprint run and you'll be hard pressed to find one under $250.

The ZT200, IMO, is gorgeous, easier to find around $120, but its at 7.7 oz also.

In regards to your no spyderco thing, Ironically, my nice folders are my spydercos. The Vallotton, Gayle-Bradley, and Navaja to be precise.
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I'm not really worried about weight. I want something beefy. I was actually looking at the ZT350, which was my alternative to buying the Bone Collector. The 350 is a little more expensive, and that was the only downside which made me lean toward the Bone Collector. Do you have any input on the 350 that might make me head back in that direction? That'd be great.
 
The bone collector has a D2 steel blade, vs the ZT with the S30V steel.

The ZT0350 has a tall handle, but slim profile with the G10 scales, so you get great grip in a slim profile. It's also A/O and has titanium liners. The ZT also has a 4 position clip so you can carry it the way you like it.
 
I like the zt350 better than the bone collector simply because its s30v instead of d2. the increased corrosion resistance is nice in a folder.

cricket
 
From your description of what you're looking for, I think you'll love the Bone Collector. It's a solid knife, with good heft and excellent handling and ergos. Benchmade does a good job with D2. You might also want to check out the discontinued Rukus, which is a just a little bigger and better in every way.

Another thing to consider is that Benchmade is pushing a lot of models with M390 steel, which is really, really nice.
 
The Bone Collector has a lot to recommend it, especially since you can often find them for <$100 retail. Axis lock, beefy G-10 scales with lots of gripping surface, round hole opener, D2 with good edge geometry. It's essentially a G-10 Griptilian.
 
I love the Bone Collector. I like the D2 steal as it takes me no time at all to get a razor edge and it seems to hold it for a decent amount of time. Axis lock with a great feel in the hand. It's a solid EDC.
 
elkins45 said:
The Bone Collector has a lot to recommend it, especially since you can often find them for <$100 retail. Axis lock, beefy G-10 scales with lots of gripping surface, round hole opener, D2 with good edge geometry. It's essentially a G-10 Griptilian.
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^^^This. The Bone Collector is a superb knife.
 
The g10 handles on the bone collector are probably the nicest g10 handles around. The texturing on them is excellent and it won't eat up your pockets like the rough textured g10 I have on my paramilitary. It's a sweet knife. I through the limited edition m4 blade from the 520 in the bone collector handles and it is really nice.
 
That Bone Collector can also be had with a walnut handle that looks really good. As said, Benchmade does a fine job with D2 and my BC came out of the box with an excellent edge from the factory. I have the large model and I believe it tips the scales at 5.5 ounces. The blade shape is a real user, and the blade is hefty at a full .125" thickness.

The ZT0350 is also a nice knife, though I just didn't take to it and traded it. Now the ZT0200 is an entirely different story! You want beefy? Then the 0200 is the answer. It has a .157" thick blade, with liners at .080" thick. It's blade is 154CM and this is a fine using steel, and in fact, is one of my favorites.

I don't think you would really go wrong with any of the three.
 
Thanks for all the help, guys. I think I'm going to go with the Bone Collector and put one of the ZT knives on the back burner for when I've really got some cash to spend. You guys really helped with my decision and I really appreciate it.
 
For what its worth. Here is a review of the BC.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...enchmade-Bone-Collector-(longish-term-review)

Here is the polish the D2 can take:
P5170044.jpg


under 25X magnification.
P5170039.jpg
 
Thank you! I like my full size Ritter Grip a lot, but that is about as big as I go with folders.

The mini grip was just too small, but the mini Bone Collector looks to be a full 4 finger size...love the look of the g10 and seems to get great reviews...
 
There's a Youtube review showing the thickness differences in the handle compared to the Griptilian. It's pretty substantial from what I can tell, the Bone Collector being a good bit thicker.
 
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