Which one

James w

James w

Joined
Aug 6, 2015
Messages
951
Hey guys

So I'm looking at 2 knives and I'd like some feed back on them before I choose one they are as follows


Barrage 581 (barrage with aluminum bolsters)

Or


Zero Tolerance 0560 Knife Hinderer Black G-10 Flipper (3.75" Stonewash) ZT
 
The AXIS lock is friendlier than the framelock, the 0560 is tougher and has arguably better steel, I can't speak for the ergos but the 0560 was pretty comfortable for me, if not a bit large. I'm not a flipper fan, so the 0560 kinda annoyed me.
 
Thanks I'm not familiar with elmax steel so how does that compare to other steels
 
I would buy the ZT by a longshot. IMO it's better, tougher, stronger. The ones I've had can be opened by thumbstud as well as the flipper. Know, however, it is a big, relatively beefy folder.

Elmax is a very good knife steel.
 
From what I've read around here, Elmax got off to a bad start due to bad heat-treating, but with proper heat treat it is a very tough, capable steel on par with the super-steels that are pricier.
 
the 0560 will eat the barrage for breakfast .... no comparison imho. As far as elmax having an issue....well, I think a few loud voices blew up an issue a handful of knives had and blamed a process as a whole. Every maker that has ever used Elmax sings its praises, and any mass production knife is bound to have a dud or two.

Don't get me wrong, the barrage in m390 is a nice steel, but the handle just feels cheap....aluminum bolsters and some poorly contoured g10 slapped on a thin steel frame. I'll take the beefy 3d milled 0562 framelock any day of the week. on paper they may seem like similar knives, but in real life, not so much:-)
 
I have the ZT 0566 (which I think is a stellar size for edc) in Elmax and I can't say enough good things about it! It holds a really terrific edge and I can strop it after use to very easily bring it back to a razor edge (and I mean hair popping). The ZT gets my vote!
 
I have both, use both, and like both. Both are comfortable in hand and pocket (IMO). Some people don't like the styling of the 581, or the fact that it is an assisted opening knife; I prefer the 581 over the regular Barrage, myself...and don't dislike the assist. Some people are put off by the size of the 0560 - I rather like it. Admittedly, I wasn't a big fan of the 0560 for a while; but I've sort of rediscovered it, and like it a lot more than I used to.
Either knife will serve you well...your best bet is to sort out which appeals to YOU the most. Sort out what is important - technical specs, features, aesthetics, whatever; and run with it. Since they are fairly different knives, it wouldn't be a bad idea to get at least one in hand first, if possible. Otherwise, fall back on normal logic - namely, buy them both!
 
I have, carry and use both. They are really quite different knives, so much so that the above advice, buy them both, is certainly apt.
M390 and Elmax are both great blade steels in my experience. In general use I don't notice much difference, except I find it a bit easier to get the edge razor sharp on M390.

I like the assist on the Barrage, though the option of de-assisting is there if you want, thereby allowing the full advantage of the Axis lock mechanism. Having said that, I have no problem closing my 581 one handed.

The 0560 is a big solid chunky Ti framelock that carries well and is really well made. I do have a bit of trouble closing it one handed though.
I've come to prefer the ZT 0562 to the 0560, have you considered it?
 
I have both and they are both very good. The 560 is bigger but still not hard to carry with the pocket clip. The blade shapes are different and I prefer the 581 blade shape myself. The blade on the 560 is fairly thick, even right behind the edge. I think I would like the 561 better if the blade was a bit thinner behind the edge.
 
I have both, and they are very different knives. The ZT560 feels much bigger and suited to rougher tasks than the BM581, but after I de-assisted my BM581, I've carried and used it more often. As Rival has pointed out, it's a chunky knife for its profile and would be better received if it was slimmer in the pocket as I feel that it's better suited for office carry. With regards to bladesteel, I used to prefer the BM581's M390 over the ZT560's Elmax, but it likely had to do with the edge profile and thinner stock. After I had my ZT560 reground, it has become an insanely effective cutter/slicer.
 
I have the 0561, soon i will get a full size barrage. However if you like the looks of a hinderer xm-18 the 0561 is for you. I love my 0561 and i love flippers.
 
Here are some side by side shots. Personally I like the looks of the ZT. I like the flipper more than a thumb stud too. In my hand I think the Benchmade is more comfortable though. The ZT is larger overall and a little bit heavier. Both would be a factor if I were looking for an EDC blade. I'm not sure your use though.

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For me, 581. The .12" blade stock will cut a lot better than the .16" stock on the 0560.

Unless you're really going to be kicking the crap out of it, the loss in cutting ability just isn't worth the extra "toughness" in my opinion.

(and if you are going to be kicking the crap out of it I would still get a small fixed blade like a Survive GSO 3.5 or Bradford Guardian 3 over the 0560.)
 
Eric@DLT said:
Here are some side by side shots. Personally I like the looks of the ZT. I like the flipper more than a thumb stud too. In my hand I think the Benchmade is more comfortable though. The ZT is larger overall and a little bit heavier. Both would be a factor if I were looking for an EDC blade. I'm not sure your use though.

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Click to expand...

Thx for the pics the zt to me looks like a tougher knife I just not sure if it's worth the bulk
 
I think the ZT would give you the "I got my monies worth" feeling. I'm a big Benchmade fan but the Barrage never really apealed to me.
 
I have the barrage with m390 it's a big knife, I carry mine in my pants, with the clip under the first belt loop on the right side. It sharpens well but you really have to pay attention and know what your doing. It opens fast if you keep it oiled, and the axis is easy to use. I fingered a 0566 today, put it in how I carry the barrage and it just disappeared. It's definitely on my short list to replace the 581. I've quit carrying the 581 because the clip wants to come loose all the time and it's so damned big, thick. Didn't notice it near as much when it was in my front pocket, but the clip kept catching on stuff and it was just always in the way there in my line of work.
 
I only have the 581 and I can say it is a great knife! No blade play at all, blade FLIES out and easy to close one handed..........sober.........excellent blade shape that slices like a demon and it fits the hand very well.
Good luck!!
Joe
 
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