Zero Tolerance 0350 or Benchmade Volli

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timchan76

Joined
Jul 17, 2013
Messages
5
Good day everyone. I am relatively new to this forum, but have browsed the postings for quite some time, as I am a fan of knives. I have learned a great deal from hearing the opinions of everyone on this forum, and have much respect for the knowledge and time that people put into their replies. :thumbup:

After being a spectator for so long, I have decided to pick up a knife myself, primarily for use with my first responder duties and EDC use. Currently I have a Kershaw Skyline and I like it a lot. I decided to possibly invest in a higher end knife for the future. I was primarily interested in a blade that had a good quality steel that would hold an edge well. SV30 seemed to fit my needs. I also wanted an auto or Spring assisted knife, as a majority of times I only have 1 hand free to grab my knife. A 3-3.5 inch blade also seems like the perfect size for me. Price is not really an issue here, but I hoped to spend anywhere from 50-300$. So that leaves me with a lot of options.

With these requirements, I have narrowed down my choices to the ZT 350 (which after researching extensively, have seen that this is a very solid and reliable pick), and the relatively new Benchmade Volli (I haven't heard too many opinions on this one).

I would like to see which knife you guys would prefer. I know a lot of forums ask "what is the perfect knife for" this and that, but I actually wanted to open up the discussion for suggestions based off your personal needs as well. I don't want to just limit it to what I need it for. I have always appreciated the opinions of others, as they sometimes give me new things to consider when figuring out which knife to buy. Also, if you guys have other knives to recommend, I wouldn't mind checking those out too. Thanks in advance :D
 
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Well I assume you're talking about the benchmade volli right? :D welcome to the forums, I've handled both and I would say it depends on what you want. The Volli is geared towards slicing, it had a very thin grind. The 0350 has a bit thicker of a grind but cuts good non the less, it will hold up to a bit more abuse though. The assist (in my opinion) is faster on the volli. When it comes to lock strength the axis lock on the volli will be stronger, both are very stout folders though. Over all it depends on your taste in knives. Take this with a grain of salt, I don't own either so some of this is speculation. Best! ~Kirby
 
I think that you should get two different knives; one for your First Responder job, and one for EDC.

I feel that the Benchmade Volli is better than the ZT 0350 for EDC tasks. Mainly because the Volli is lighter, it's thinner, and it has a little more character to it. The ZT 0350 is a great knife, but I feel that it is more suited for hard use and camping due to it's weight and it's beefy blade.

Have you taken a look at the Benchmade 9170? It's an automatic version of the Benchmade Triage which is a knife made for EMTs, First Responders, etc... It has a 3.58" blade and a seat belt cutter.

benchmade-9170-org-auto-triage-satin-plain-large.jpg
 
Ah yes. Benchmade, haha. I always type Benchmark for some reason. Can't edit the subject though. :p

You know, I did check out the Benchmade Triage and it was pretty sweet as well. Very popular with the EMT ranks. I borrowed my friend's and liked the way it felt. I'll probably eventually pick one of those up too.

But ya, I wanted to see what your tastes were. Thanks for the input!
 
timchan76 said:
Ah yes. Benchmade, haha. I always type Benchmark for some reason. Can't edit the subject though. :p

You know, I did check out the Benchmade Triage and it was pretty sweet as well. Very popular with the EMT ranks. I borrowed my friend's and liked the way it felt. I'll probably eventually pick one of those up too.

But ya, I wanted to see what your tastes were. Thanks for the input!
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When you go to edit your post just click "go advanced" and you can edit the title. :) ~Kirby
 
zero-tolerance-0350or-folder-orange-g-10-large.jpg



benchmade-1000001bk-volli-axa-plain-black-large.jpg




Both great knives.


I prefer the proven performer that I know the ZT 0350 is.

But I do like Benchmade's Axis lock too.



It really comes down to personal preference.





Big Mike
 
I am not a big fan of assisted knives but assisting an axis lock knife is a double no no for me.

I don't like assisted knives because they are harder to close one handed for very very little benefit of opening marginally easier (not faster) than a proper manual knife. Add in the axis lock and they very difficult to close one handed.

One of my first knives was a mini-barrage and while I could close it one handed, it required a bit of concentration. Closing an axis lock like a 530 or 940 is just so much easier and if you have the right technique, you can open it one handed just as fast as the assisted knives.
 
Wow, the weight of a 940 is 2.90 oz. I had no idea. Gives me some more to consider now.

Thanks for your thoughts!

For those who own the ZT 350, do you think the knife feels a bit bulky in your pants? That was part of the reason I was leaning on the Volli. The reliability of the ZT350 that I've been hearing is definitely a plus. I'm going to be putting the knife through it's share of trials so I would like one that can hold up to harsh conditions. In the end, I can definitely see it's a matter of personal preference. I suppose I can't really go wrong with either one.
 
timchan76 said:
Wow, the weight of a 940 is 2.90 oz. I had no idea. Gives me some more to consider now.

Thanks for your thoughts!

For those who own the ZT 350, do you think the knife feels a bit bulky in your pants? That was part of the reason I was leaning on the Volli. The reliability of the ZT350 that I've been hearing is definitely a plus. I'm going to be putting the knife through it's share of trials so I would like one that can hold up to harsh conditions. In the end, I can definitely see it's a matter of personal preference. I suppose I can't really go wrong with either one.
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The 940 is a great knife, my dad EDC'd his for years and now my brother carries it. The only thing that I would concern myself with using it as a first responder would be slick aluminum handles when wet. You're going to want something in g10 or similar for that. The 940 would be a great EDC though.

The 0350 rides well in the pocket and has a tight clip. It's a good knife. Good luck. I agree with the above, the Triage is perfect for First Responder duties. I suggest the non auto though. The g10 is really grippy on that one.
 
timchan76 said:
Wow, the weight of a 940 is 2.90 oz. I had no idea. Gives me some more to consider now.

Thanks for your thoughts!

For those who own the ZT 350, do you think the knife feels a bit bulky in your pants? That was part of the reason I was leaning on the Volli. The reliability of the ZT350 that I've been hearing is definitely a plus. I'm going to be putting the knife through it's share of trials so I would like one that can hold up to harsh conditions. In the end, I can definitely see it's a matter of personal preference. I suppose I can't really go wrong with either one.
Click to expand...

I like the ZT 0350 because it's relatively thin and flat which makes it a very very good knife for back pocket carry.
 
I've been looking really hard at the Volli as an EDC knife, love almost everything about it, the size, the 3d G10 handes, axis lock, SV30 steel...but that blade is so thin! They even bent it during their test on youtube (props to them for atleast showing it) where other just slightly thicker blade models didn't.

I know they call it a "slicer" but still think if it had even just a .115" blade like on the full size Griptilian it would have been my perfect knife. Sigh...
 
I have the Orange 0350/S30V and have only carried it a time or two. It stays in the console of my P/U and is there for emergencies and personal protection. You could knock someone out with that thing. It is one chunk of knife! I love it!... If you want EDC it will do OK, but not my first choice. Nothing beats the Spyderco Delica for EDC, IMO.
 
I had a ZT0350 and found it's too big for me. You may like it. I do have the Volli and love it. It takes very little effort to open and one handed closing is no problem either. Go and handle both and decide what fits your hand,pocket,needs and wallet best. If like most around here, you will probably end up with both.
 
Thank you all for your opinions!

And I have decided to buy.....


both. :foot:
Lol, i caved.... i'm weak. If I figure it's in my price range and if I don't like one, I can just sell it off. But I'm excited to try them out.
 
I have both, and can say hands down he 350. Unless weight is really an issue, the ZT is more robust, and easy to sharpen with a spyderco sharpmaker. The Volli is easier to sharpen even though. The Volli's blade is very thin. The Volli is very well made, The ZT just seems much stouter. Good luck
 
I just got my first benchmade, a mini-grip. For some reason I thought it was an assisted opening and when I got it I almost sent it back for a mini-barrage but after playing with it a bit, I can open it as fast or faster than an assisted. I use my thumb nail to flick it open rather than my thumb pad. Opens in a flash and it is very easy to close one handed.
 
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