Zero Tolerance BM vs. Ergo BM

A

Alex p. Schorsc

Joined
Feb 18, 2003
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I hope one of you experts could inform me or point me in the right direction to discover how much each of these models weigh. The Zero Tolerance Battle Mistress and the Ergo Battle Mistress. I understand that their format (length, handle and width) are the same and only the thickness of the Infi is different. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me in my quest.
 
Alex p. Schorsc said:
I hope one of you experts could inform me or point me in the right direction to discover how much each of these models weigh. The Zero Tolerance Battle Mistress and the Ergo Battle Mistress. I understand that their format (length, handle and width) are the same and only the thickness of the Infi is different. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me in my quest.
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Alex, take a look at www.badmojo.tv
There are a couple other differences, nothing huge, but the ZTs have a spearpoint, and do not have a full grind. Also, I've found that the ZTs have a slightly thinner handle, than the regular ehandles, though I doubt this was intentional.
 
Given a choice between only these two, If I planned to carry it in my vehicle and primary planned use was a lot of chopping, I would use the BM-E.

If I were to carry it while backpacking, hunting, etc. for more of an all-round just-in-case knife, I would use the ZT-BM.

Now if the choice could be broadened, what I would really carry is the ZT-SH.
 
Funny, I saw a picture of an Ergo Battle Mistress on ebay and it was definately spear point. Maybe it was the ebay guy made a mistake and the knife for sale was really a ZT or maybe there was a special series of Ergos with spear points, I dunno. I have a picture of it to post but I don't know how. here's a link-http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...bayphotohosting
 
The ZT-BM and the BM-E have the same spear-point profile. The difference is that the ZT has a swedge ground at the top of the point, which thins the point.
 
MikeH said:
The ZT-BM and the BM-E have the same spear-point profile. The difference is that the ZT has a swedge ground at the top of the point, which thins the point.
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When I see most Busses, I think of them as drop points.
MY definition of a spear is a knife that at least has a swedge, or a false back edge. In my book, knives with one grind are not spear points. Basically, if it looks like a lopsided dagger, I would consider it a spear point.
 
Alex,

Welcome to BladeForums, and the Busse forum in particular! The regular BM-E weighs 21 oz. according to the page from the old Busse website. With the thickness of the steel on the BM-E = 1/4", and the ZTBM = 3/16", I would guess the weight of the ZTBM steel to be roughly 75% of the BM-E. The weight of the micarta would be the same on both models, and the slightly different grinds would have some influence on the difference in weight, so as a guess using 80% x 21 oz. = 17 oz. for the ZTBM. I have a SH-E and a ZTSH, and the difference in weight is readily noticeable, and would be even more noticeable in the longer Battle Mistress.

Nearly all of the Zero Tolerance models were uncoated, but there were a relative few that had the black crinkle coat. Even the coated ZT models have the swedge grind at the top by the tip, so this is how you can tell a coated ZT model from the regular Ergo model. The swedge grind would make the blade from a side view look like somewhat of a spear point, although the grind is not deep enough to give it a false edge (it is flat on top of the swedge grind). Also, "Ergo" refers to the handle shape, which is the same on both the ZTBM and BM-E; in other words, the ZT models are a type of Ergo model, although they are usually not referred to as an Ergo model but just as a Zero Tolerance model.

Gene
 
MikeH wrote:"Now if the choice could be broadened, what I would really carry is the ZT-SH."

Good call! That is exactly the knife I do carry. Modified it a bit myself (bobbed the pommel or tang extension some). It rides in a Kydex sheath in my grab pack for day hikes.
 
Thanks gk4ever and everybody else. Here in the Brazilian rainforest I think I'll go with a ten inch blade over an eight inch blade. It's a matter of personal taste. Also here it is quite normal to use big knives and nobody hassles you because you're carrying a "Big'un". Still have to decide if I'm going to go with the ZT or a 1/4 inch model. The Fusion might be a good option because I didn't like the handle too much on my old ZTBM. The magnum handle might be really nice on a big Battle Mistress. I just hope that the Fusion B.M. doesn't go over a ten inch blade because , for me, ten inches is perfect. Cheers, Alex.
 
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