Zero Tolerance 0350 vs Spyderco Paramilitary2 vs Benchmade Barrage?

J

JackAColeman

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Jul 7, 2012
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Just wanted to see you guy's opinion on this, they all come in at around 115$, are all american made, but it seems like it would be difficult to value because 2 are assisted and one is not.

like, the BM has axis lock but a cheap-ish handle (i think).

The 0350 is really durable, but has a liner lock (as opposed to axis, or whatever the paramilitary's lock is called).

and the PM2 seems like a quality knife, but it isn't assisted.

What do you guys think?
 
All good, just different. Get the one that speaks to you. Nobody else can know which one that is.

Edited to add: remember that assisted knives are harder to close than manual knives due to the assist spring. A good manual is just as fast to open.
 
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Never had a 0350 but I did own a barrage and do own a para2. Between the Spydeco and BM I like the Spyderco better. It may not be assisted but it owns very smooth and fast.
 
Had 'em all. The only one I have left is the Para. I have 3 Para 1s and a Para 2. I kept them because they're lightweight, simple, reliable, fantastic cutters, and easy to maintain. I don't trust AOs or autos so even the really good ones like ZTs don't get anywhere with me. But I will say that my 350 was outstanding and I do sometimes regret selling her. She'd never replace my Paras, but she was a fun knife. I just don't keep knives around as toys to play with. They have to earn their keep or go somewhere else.
 
My thoughts on these "vs" type threads always amusing.
All 3 knives have different blade grinds, lock types, and overall dimensions. It's like comparing apples and oranges.
I prefer the ZT and the Spyderco to that particular Benchmade. I've never been imnterested in the aesthetics of the Barrage. The ZT is a solid choice, heavy duty and can cut very well. Te Spyderco is an excellent work knife and has a terrific lock.
 
the knives are only similar in price, their other characteristics are a lot different. Personally I have a Paramilitary 2 and a 581 Barrage. I'm interested in a ZT 560, I don't know much about the 0350. My 581 Barrage is my favorite knife, my Para 2 is 2nd or 3rd on my list. I think most people that have Para 2's rate them higher than I do.

I think the ZT would be the toughest, the Paramilitary would be the best overall slicer but not as tough.

I don't see that assisted knives really offer any advantage. I have 5 of them and the detents that they come with to provide safety against accidental opening slow them down and also make them sometimes less than foolproof to open if you are in a hurry. The Para 2 OTOH is very smooth and easy to open.
 
I agree with RevDevil.
You need to find out what you want out of a knife, then find a knife with all the features to meet your needs.

If you are buying a knife simply because you want any sort of knife I would get the Paramilitary 2.
The Zero Tolerance will be heavier, wider, and probably thicker. It also has a recurved blade. (I will be getting this knife soon because of the wider handle.)
I had a mini-Barrage and yes, the handles are awful, but the knife is still very usable.

Good luck. :)
 
I have a ZT 0550 and more than a couple of PM2's. I obviously prefer the Paramilitary 2. It's light, thin, easy to carry, the lock/unlock is very quick and it can do anything well...except perhaps a prybar. But then, the ZT 0350 has a thinner blade than the PM2 so I wouldn't pry with that either. My 0550 has a thicker handle, much heavier, a wider blade, but I like it regardless. It's a well-made design, but I'll take the PM2 any day.
Sonny
 
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I've had all three of those, and ended up keeping a benchmade 943 as my edc knife. Slim, handle material doesn't damage pants, decent blade length, and axis lock thats oh so fun to play with.

para2 was a little too big in my pocket. I don't use my knives for that much, aside from a little bit of food prep and cutting random things (opening packages, mail, etc). I really liked the knife, but it took up enough room to not want to put anything else in that pocket, and the grippy g10 killed my pants. Just no need for it.
zt0350 just didn't fit my hand well. It was too chode-like (excuse my french). Very comfortable, but literally built like a tank.
barrage, i realized I'd prefer a manual knife and just wasn't in love.

best case scenario, try them all out. Its hard to have someone else make that decision for you. Once you start getting into the better knives (para2, manix, zt0350, bm grip, bm 940's) its all about personal preference. You'll be getting good knives with good steels regardless of which one you choose. Do you want G10, or an axis lock, or sv30, or a black blade...etc.
 
It is a very personal decision between those 3.. they're all different. But you don't wanna hear that..
so...... Para2!!!! love that knife. I think it's the best knife you can get under 150. (tied w/ the military based on ur size pref)
 
I like the ZT 0350. I haven't bought a PM2 but I like the Military. I'm not a fan of Benchmade so far. I don't think you'd go wrong with either the ZT or PM2.
 
The para 2 and the zt 350 are both more hard use, tactical while the bm barrage is more edc thats not to say that the other two are not
 
JackAColeman said:
:barf:
Click to expand...

Get the 0350, the liner lock is beasty, the G10 has great grab to it. There are 3 blade finish varieties and custom scales can be ordered. It carries nice, and there is a ZDP-189 composite blade version out there.
 
BobSig said:
Get the 0350, the liner lock is beasty, the G10 has great grab to it. There are 3 blade finish varieties and custom scales can be ordered. It carries nice, and there is a ZDP-189 composite blade version out there.
Click to expand...

There's also a full zdp-189 blade in addition to the composite one. For finishes there are the black dlc, bead blast, stonewash, and tiger stripe finishes, so 4 total.
 
RevDevil said:
My thoughts on these "vs" type threads always amusing.
All 3 knives have different blade grinds, lock types, and overall dimensions. It's like comparing apples and oranges.
Click to expand...

Indeed! I'm especially amused by the "indecision/vs" threads, where each thought seems to warrant a new thread! Seems like we have had a few members do that lately.

Jack, you've been though ZT350 blem, Speed Bump, Blur, My Tighe, Shallot, back to ZT 350, PM2, Barrage, back to a Shallot, Tenacious, Griptilian, and RAT-1 so far! I may have missed a few.

I'd highly suggest just buying something! Anything! It shouldn't be that agonizing. It's just a knife....you are not getting married to it.

Especially before all the good members here who have offered you advice tire of doing it! :thumbup:
 
The ZT350TS is built like a tank, well finished, handsome, and well priced. (I have one). I've considered the Barrage but there seem to be nicer Benchmade's. (The Barrage 581 does have a bolster andM390 steel; the Barrage/Ware - 583-1? --- has a better handle.) Para 2 --- I'm a lefty, so not for me. There are some really handsome BM's --- mini-onslaught to adamas (used by Rangers) to Ares 730 to whatever. Axis lock is great.
 
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