Which blade (BM 810 vs ZT 200) would you consider tougher/more durable?

[Divine_Madcat]

So, i own and love both of these blades, as each brings some uniqueness that i enjoy. And from both camps, i hear that they are considered very tough and strong (of course for what they are.. folders). After fondling the two for a bit of time now, i dont know that i have come to a solid conclusion which is "better", though i do have my leanings. But me debating got me thinking... which blade would the masses choose? Personally, my criteria is a blade that carries well in the day, handles daily tasks, but if SHTF (not even crazy disaster stuff, just an honest basic emergency, etc) would hold up to rigors and keep going. And where i work, a folding knife is the only legal form of self defense i can carry, so i do add that in as well.

*Now before people go crazy:
- Not looking at any other blade suggestions.. just wanting to hear debate between the two
- I cant carry a fixed, so don't even bother suggesting it (to be honest, even if i could, i wouldn't.. much prefer folders)

So.. what is your pick between the two?

 

[9blades]

I've only handled Contego's, but I've owned a 0200 for almost two years. The 810 has better steel, the blade shape is easier to sharpen, and the axis lock is stronger...if you're going to be wearing gloves buy an 810. They're covered in jimping and the milling in the G10 is extreamly aggressive. The 0200 is an excellent knife, and it would be my pick between the two. The ergonomics are excellent, the handles are grippy, the recurve cuts like a demon, it carries easily, and IMO it's a sexier knife. I've battoned mine trough wood, thrown it a couple times, used it for yard work since I got it, generally abused the crap out of it. Hey! I got it when I was 13. Apart from a little lock rock (fixed by bending the lock bar in a little), she has come out on top every time. Just my two cents, your millage may very :thumbup:

Kirby

 

[bld522]

If "tough" and "strong" equate to "overbuilt" in your reality, you know which one to choose.

Seriously, the 0200 is a beast. To me it epitomizes everything ZT has built their well-deserved reputation on. The difference in weight alone between the 0200 and the Contego should pretty much tell you everything you need to know. If you're willing to rely on a folder to get you to hell and back, the 0200 would be my choice. But try not to run into me. I'll be carrying a Battle Mistress.

 

[Divine_Madcat]

I've only handled Contego's, but I've owned a 0200 for almost two years. The 810 has better steel, the blade shape is easier to sharpen, and the axis lock is stronger...if you're going to be wearing gloves buy an 810. They're covered in jimping and the milling in the G10 is extreamly aggressive. The 0200 is an excellent knife, and it would be my pick between the two. The ergonomics are excellent, the handles are grippy, the recurve cuts like a demon, it carries easily, and IMO it's a sexier knife. I've battoned mine trough wood, thrown it a couple times, used it for yard work since I got it, generally abused the crap out of it. Hey! I got it when I was 13. Apart from a little lock rock (fixed by bending the lock bar in a little), she has come out on top every time. Just my two cents, your millage may very :thumbup:

Kirby

Cant argue with antyhing you say there, other than the 810 G-10. It was nothing a little 1000 grit sandpaper didnt fix in 2 minutes (thankfully, because yes, it was very aggressive).

If "tough" and "strong" equate to "overbuilt", you know which one to choose.

Seriously, the 0200 is a beast. To me it epitomizes everything ZT has built their well-deserved reputation on. The difference in weight alone between the 0200 and the Contego should pretty much tell you everything you need to know. If you're willing to rely on a folder to get you to hell and back, the 0200 would be my choice. But try not to run into me. I'll be carrying a Battle Mistress.

No... tough and strong equate to tough and strong.
I know folders aren't miracle pieces, but i still like to be able to rely on them to not break, or fold (when i dont want em to), and to hold up in general (mechanisms hold up, locks stay strong, handles dont break), that sorta thing.

 

[bld522]

I don't really have axe to grind. I'm unwilling to carry a folder that weighs more than about 4 ounces or so. Neither the Contego nor the 0200 fit that description. But if size and weight weren't issues for me, I'd go with the company that built their reputation on delivering strong, tough knives and choose the 0200. YMMV.

 

[grownstar]

I'd go with the 0200. That thing is huge in the hand and sturdy as hell. The liners are beefy and the blade shape makes it a good cutter.

 

[kurt6652]

Contego is good slicer for a 4 mm blade it has fairly thin grind for a heavy duty knife. I really like m4 too, but it can rust.

 

[Wolverine666]

If "tough" and "strong" equate to "overbuilt" in your reality, you know which one to choose.

Seriously, the 0200 is a beast. To me it epitomizes everything ZT has built their well-deserved reputation on. The difference in weight alone between the 0200 and the Contego should pretty much tell you everything you need to know. If you're willing to rely on a folder to get you to hell and back, the 0200 would be my choice. But try not to run into me. I'll be carrying a Battle Mistress.

Hahaha , well-said. I too choose the 0200.

 

[Boggs]

Useless without pictures......

Vs. anything else

That's my idea of flippers, cute to look at......

 

[9blades]

Tried to remove the coating at one point - hence the extensive blade wear.



Kirby

 

[Divine_Madcat]

Useless without pictures......

Vs. anything else

That's my idea of flippers, cute to look at......

Awesome, thank you for your worthless and specifically non asked for reply. Your "pictures" will totally help sway me in my debate between the two knives. What ever would I have done without your "knowledge"...

/s,

 

[3boys865]

I own several ZT's including the 200. It is a very smooth, well made knife and fits great in my hand. I think it is the best value for the money in all of ZT's lineup.

 

[Wolf1524]

Contego all the way to hell and back.

 

[bdmicarta]

My 0200 seems to have a relatively thin blade compared to the rest of the knife.

I would suggest that M4 steel in the standard 810 is tougher than 154 steel in the 0200. I'm not sure if M390 in the limited edition 810 is tougher than 154 though.

In some situations the Axis lock is probably stronger than the 0200's liner lock.

 

[JuJu-]

Both great knives. I'd go with the ZT 0200 because I just like the looks, the feel, the shape in hand over all better than the 810. I'm sure both could do whatever you would need.

 

[Colorodo]

zT0200

 

[K.O.D.]

I will try to be objective, though I do have an ax to grind with Benchmade.


BM 810 Contego

Pros:

CPM-M4--Very wear resistant
Grippy G-10
Axis lock--very strong lock (when it works)
Tip-up reversible clip
Light weight

Cons:
Quality Control--Benchmade has had major issues with this lately.
Axis-lock--There have been complaints of the Omega springs breaking easily; crop that up to QC issues. It is also difficult to clean without dis-assembly
Slim profile--If you have meathooks it may be uncomfortable.

Worth noting:
CPM-M4 is a high carbon tool steel, and is prone to rust.
Blade shape--With this knife, it seems that Benchmade designed this to be a jack of all trades, master of none.

Zero Tolerance 0200

Pros:
Large handle, easier for guys like me with big hands
154CM--Stainless=less prone to rust than M4
Very grippy
Flipper
ZT's QC is excellent
KAI's excellent warranty

Cons:
Blade shape--for those who sharpen with stones, the recurve can be a bitch.
154CM--Other than being more stain resistant, it cannot keep up with the performance of M4.
Liner lock
Heavy
Overpriced for what you get
Discontinued (Kershawguy does have great deals on these, while they last

Notable

KAI has no problem with disassembly, will not void the warranty.
Though I like flippers, the flipper on this is rather large and obtrusive.

 

[MatthewSB]

The ZT0200 is, all around, a big friggin strong folder. Even as big and heavy as it is, mine sure carries easily.

the axis lock is stronger

I'm not sure that it is stronger in any way that matters, especially when compared to the 0200's extra thick liner. Axis locks are only great while they're working, their "weakest link" is a tiny wire spring that can break for any or no reason at all while a 0200 liner lock's "weakest link" is a flat thick heat treated piece of steel.

 

[K.O.D.]

The ZT0200 is, all around, a big friggin strong folder. Even as big and heavy as it is, mine sure carries easily.



I'm not sure that it is stronger in any way that matters, especially when compared to the 0200's extra thick liner. Axis locks are only great while they're working, their "weakest link" is a tiny wire spring that can break for any or no reason at all while a 0200 liner lock's "weakest link" is a flat thick heat treated piece of steel.

I'm not a fan of liner locks or axis. The axis works great in theory, but the execution leaves it wanting. This especially true with BM's QC problems. I don't care for locks where my hand is where the blade is going, but I definitely prefer the 0200 over the 810.

 

[Rasco]

I have the KW exclusive 810 and I love it. M390 is one of the best overall steels around right now, hence why you see it on a lot of ZT models "upgraded" versions.
The G10 is less aggressive on the KW version as well.


Can't weigh in Vs the 0200, but I can say *IF* you do decide on the 810, the KW exclusive version really is the way to go.