Zero Tolerance 0450CF VS Benchmade 940-2 Osborne

Which knife for EDC should I choose?

  • Zero Tolerance 0450CF

    Votes: 21 40.4%

  • Benchmade 940-2 Osborne

    Votes: 28 53.8%

  • Other knife

    Votes: 3 5.8%
  • Total voters
    52
an update to my earlier response: I purchased a zt 0450 last month when I sent my 940-1 in to replace a broken omega spring. I must say that the 0450 has really grown on me. I believe both knives are very equal with regards to edc. I believe that the zt could potentially handle more abuse than the 940, most specifically in situations where lateral forces are applied to the pivot, (torqueing side to side); Mostly because of the pivot setup and being sandwiched between to titanium slabs. Plus, the zt provides a more secure grip due to the aggressive contours of the handle than the 940. I prefer s35vn steel to all other knife steels for edc use. It takes a very keen edge and is so easy to maintain and sharpen. Advantages I give to the 940-1 are the extended edge retention which is great for light to medium edc use with minimal maintenance, its light weight, stylish, and has great clip retention. I really love the clips and retention on both knives but while the zt slides in to pocket smoother, the benchmade holds to the pocket better, lesser chance of sliding out. Also, I was just cutting a pear today and the 940 goes through the fruit noticeable smoother than the 0450. Also, I find the benchmade to be more discreet to open .
 
940-2
I'm considering buying a 2nd 940-2.



 
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Pardon said:
The ZT is the cooler looking of the two I think, but I REALLY dislike frame locks and the 940 is a well proven blade so I'd buy it instead. Though I'd go for the 940-1501. Better steel for not much of a price increase.
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Exactly.
 
940-2. I actually voted for the ZT, because I thought it was the 0452CF, the longer one. My buddy has one of those, and it's a sexy knife. However, with you looking at the 0450CF, I would go 940, 940-1, or 940-2 easily. I would especially recommend the 940-1. I have a 940 and 940-1. They are both amazing knives. The 940-2 might be a good balance of the two, though. The G10 handles will make it close in weight to the 940-1 without the price increase. Plus, the green standoffs and open back are bonuses compared to the standard 940. But that carbon handle and S90V blade on the 940-1 make it the champ.
 
Gonna go with the 450. 940s always feel dinky to me and the reverse tanto while looking cool, completely wrecks the cutting geometry at the tip... I think I'd like the 941 better but have never tried it out.
 
You'll probably wind up with the 940 next.......I have 5 of them and I love the 940-1501 the most!! My favorite though is the 943 with custom scales!! Love the blade profile on the 943!!
Let us know how you like the 450!!
Joe
 
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Machining titanium costs a lot more than machining aluminum. ZT is a much better value as far as manufacturing cost.
 
Having owned both I would choose the 940. After cutting down boxes with the 0450CF I saw significantly far lock bar travel, to the point it required two hands to unlock, the 0450CF is a light duty knife...perfect for opening mail and cutting some vegetables. It's limits stopped short of cutting boxes in my usage.
 
I had both and just sold the 045CF yesterday. Of those two I would chose the 940-2.
To be clear, the knives were not in competition for a spot in my collection. I prefer the standard titanium 450 to the CF version, that's what really booted the 450CF. Still, given the choice I would likely chose any 940 over any 450. But I'm glad to be in a position where I don't have to choose between them.
 
I'm in the minority. I prefer the 0450 (all Ti in my case) to the 940-2 (I have both). I find the ergos about equal, YMMV. ZT has better materials. My 940-2 had QC issues out of the box, followed by an omega spring fracture. My 0450 was perfect and remains so today. I also prefer the flipper, and my sample is great flipper.

My only real complaint with the 0450 is it's thickness behind the edge. The only reason I haven't picked up a CF is I'm not keen on DLC.

Like photoman, I'm glad I can have both, as I still think the 940-2 is a good knife. It just doesn't give me the same pride of ownership.
 
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I owned both and sold both. I bought the 940 agan. Its just to good. THe 450 can get slippery if you needed to take it out quickly and that lock bar - of pressure is applied its almost impossible to open. 940 opens and closes super fast like an auto. light, great steel. Ideal EDC.

(dragonfly salt SE is the BEST EDC ever... just saying)
 
you can get a deep carry clip for both FYI. ZT or BM will send it to you for free in the mail. I belie the 560 clip is the one I used for the 450 and the adamas clip is the one I used for the 940. Both free - just call up and say you need a new clip for you knife. They mail it right out. Dont go spending $20-30 on a deep carry clip.

That said both companies have the same warranty. I have only owned 5 zt knives and about 10 benchmades. I have sent back 0 zt and 5 bm's over time. I think both have life shapren programs as well.

You could buy them both on amazon if your prime then return them easily if you don't like either. I do that to check out stuff I am on the fence about.
 
You can still find the ZT 0450G10 Sprint Run in stock at some dealers. It has S35VN & G-10 for $144 shipped!

Benchmade 940-2 with S30V & G-10 is $170 shipped.
 
just don't like the 940 blade shape at all. zt450 too small for my likes........
 
I have owned both the ZT 0450CF and the Benchmade 940-2. I had high hopes and was excited when I purchased the 940-2(largely due to how highly people spoke of it here/online), and wasn't too excited and was hesitant when I purchased the 0450cf. In the end, the BM 940-2 left me very disappointed. Handle was way to slick to do anything, the knife gave very little in hand confidence. Great action and I love the axis lock. However, the ZT 0450CF is very ergonomic, gives a lot of confidence when in hand. I ended up selling my BM 940-2 and keeping my 0450CF. My vote w/o a question goes to the ZT 0450CF.
 
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