VANAX35 vs. M390 (or ZT 0550 vs. BM 755 MPR)

mattz357

mattz357

Joined
Jun 20, 2002
Messages
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Not knowing much about steel, and what components make what aspects better or worse, how do these steels compare? I actually like the slightly shorter blade of the BM because IL is a 3" blade state, but I really like both knives. Any info on either or both would be great! Thanks in advance!!!
 
I think very few people have actually used any of the Vanax steels. So you might get some speculation but no one knows for sure yet. However, it is a pretty good bet that they are both good steels. If that is the case, go with the design you like the most as good steel doesn't make much difference if you don't like the knife.

Another thing is that no one knows when the 550 will come out. There has been speculation from 6 weeks all the way until next year. How long are you willing to wait?
 
BM makes some nice knives but IMO ZT/kershaw has the better HT. If one steel is vastly better HT won't be as big of a factor though.
 
I am willing to wait, that is no big deal. I should have mentioned the steel characteristic I'm interested in is high corrosion resistance.
 
HT= Heat Treat

Here is a graph of the two steels.

The Vanax 35 should be the more corrosion resistant and the M390 should have more carbides and be more wear resistant. I would think it would also have pretty good corrosion resistance because it has lots of chromium but not positive about that. ZDP has about the same amount and it can stain.
 
HT is heat treat.
It's mostly personal tastes if you asks me when it come to the MPR vs the 550. Neither steel will be "that" much better than the other.
Both will be great steels, it's like comparing D2 to S30V, both are great and some people pick sides but in the end both are great steels and neither will disappoint most users.
I prefer the Hinderer design to the MPR personally but pick whichever you prefer, keeping in mind that ZT has a lifetime warranty that will cover everything but abuse in case that matters to you. I don't know much about BM's warranty so I can't comment.
 
I live in Illinois and almost always carry a knife over 3". Even worse i live in loves park Illinois which has a 1.5" blade limit...
 
I like the M390 in my 755 MPR and it's a great knife but I'm also going to get the ZT0550 because it looks like a cool knife and a little bigger.
 
The high Nitrogen and low Carbon of the Vanax35 should make it VERY corrosion resistant. The Molybdenum and Nickel should make it quite tough as well.
 
The ZT is much more comfortable. Their warranty trounces BM's as well. Only one way to carry the MPR--tip down right hand. Sorry Benchmade.
 
knivesandguns said:
The ZT is much more comfortable. Their warranty trounces BM's as well. Only one way to carry the MPR--tip down right hand. Sorry Benchmade.
Click to expand...

Are you sure cause very few people have held the 0550? And comfort is completely an opinion because what is comfortable to one might not be to someone else. And to say Kershaw's warranty 'trounces' Benchmade seems a little fanboyish. Benchmade has an outstanding warranty, one of the best out there. Kershaws may be a little better, or at least make getting parts somewhat easier. But you make it sound like Benchmade has a bad warranty which is not the case.

With that being said I probably like the 0550 design a little better, but that is my personal choice. I have no idea about the Vanax 35, and only know that M390 seems fairly wear resistant from sharpening it one time. I have held the MPR and did not find any of the common complaints in the example I had. The lock bar did not seem to easy to unlock, at all, and the machining looked good. I did not handle the 0550 because it was locked in a case and everyone seemed too busy talking to pull it out for me to look over, but I'm sure it is awesome as well. Buy the one you like the design of. Or buy the Benchmade, and by the time the 0550 actually comes out you will be ready for another knife and buy it also.
 
Both are very good steels (and knives). If corrosion resistance is the biggest factor in your decision than I would wait for the ZT 550 however I don't think you'll have any issues with the m390 unless you're a diver/canoer or something. Both knives are very cool designs by two very influential knife makers. You may want to think about what size knife you would prefer as the 755 has about a 3 inch blade and the 550 is 3.5. Also theres no telling when the ZT 550 with Vanax35 will come out. The knfie itself may not even come out this year and when it does it may be with a different steel. Thomas W is thinking about trying to get the knife out sooner with a more common steel like s30v so they don't have to wait for the Vanax35 to get there.

However if corrosion resistance is really that important to you I would suggest that you take a look at some other knives. I'm not sure what activities you plan to do but if you're a diver/boater I would suggest a fixed blade in kydex pants. Theres no fumbling around to get it out of the pocket with a fixed blade and no pivot to attract (salt water?). If you really want a folder then check out Spydercos Salt offerings. They are practically rust proof and aren't terribly expensive either.
 
knivesandguns said:
The ZT is much more comfortable. Their warranty trounces BM's as well. Only one way to carry the MPR--tip down right hand. Sorry Benchmade.
Click to expand...

I also wanted to say that while Kershaw/ZT does have about the best warranty service of any manufacturer (not just knives) that I have ever dealt with, Benchmade is also takes care of their customers very well. They offer a lifetime warranty against defects of course but also if you abuse the knife and say break a tip or something, you can get a whole new blade no matter the knife or steel type for about $25.

Just as an example I included this link. I have used both companies warrantee service and can say from experience that both impressed me with the way they dealt with the problem.:thumbup:
 
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