ZT 0450 or BM 943

M

majen

Joined
Dec 6, 2008
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195
I've been looking to pick up a light folder and have narrowed it down to the zt 0450 and the bm 943. I think I'm leaning towards the 0450. What do you guys think is the better pick of the two?
 
I had to look up the BM and it has a S30v blade and the 0450 has a S35vn blade. The blade on the BM is a bit longer. I like the framelock on the 0450 but that is a personal preference. The 0450 appears to be cheaper.
 
The 943 has a little longer grip, which would fill my hand better.
However, I love titanium grips...and don't love aluminum grips..which are found in both models.
I'd rather buy a BM with G10 or carbon fiber than aluminum.
Remember also that one is a flipper and one is not. You probably have a preference.
 
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Both good knives, I'd go with the 943. Lightweight for how long the blade is, ergonomic, looks good, good blade steel and aluminum. Both would be fun to open and close if that matters to you, the 943 seems more elegant, whereas the 0450 a bit more rugged.
 
Both knives are excellent choices. I've had a 940 for a while (blade shape and handle color is the only difference from the 943, I think), and it is one of my favorite Benchmades (behind only the Ritter Mini-Grip). It is very slim, carries comfortably, and offers a good length of blade. I just got a 0450 (USPS dropped it off earlier today). I thought I had really over-hyped this knife to myself since I first saw it, and now that I have it in hand, I must say I didn't hype it enough. It has the sleek elegance to it (like its larger siblings, the 0454 and 0452CF). It's going into the rotation right away. I can't wait to get some cycles on this one.

Some objective comparisons... The 940 blade is slightly longer (by 0.15", based on specs). The usable handle length on the 940 is also longer by about 0.25". They are about the same thickness (my calipers show the 0450 to be about 0.1mm thinner) and width (1.1" and 1.0" for the 940 and 0450 respectively). The 940 is lighter by about 5g according to my kitchen scale (about the weight of a nickel). The 940 does carry a little bit lower in pocket.

BM940_ZT0450_open_800x364.jpg


BM940_ZT0450_handle_800x355.jpg


BM940_ZT0450_closed_800x375.jpg


BM940_ZT0450_length_800x295.jpg


BM940_ZT0450_pocket_800x524.jpg
 
Both good knives, from good companies, made in USA from good materials. You won't go wrong either way on this one.

Both the same weight. 943 is 0,15 inch longer, but I doubt you'd notice much of a difference.

I am a fan of the Axis lock, so I'd most likely pick the Benchmade.

If you have a knife outfit that sells both, I'd recommend you go and handle both. That usually settles it for me.

Or buy both. You won't have a problem selling off the one you don't like. :D
 
Zt 0450 , if the 940 had g10 scales I would go with it , but the aluminum scales will show scratches and dings easily. I have both knives the zt has better fit and finish plus the blade on the 0450 is centered.
 
flarp said:
Both knives are excellent choices. I've had a 940 for a while (blade shape and handle color is the only difference from the 943, I think), and it is one of my favorite Benchmades (behind only the Ritter Mini-Grip). It is very slim, carries comfortably, and offers a good length of blade. I just got a 0450 (USPS dropped it off earlier today). I thought I had really over-hyped this knife to myself since I first saw it, and now that I have it in hand, I must say I didn't hype it enough. It has the sleek elegance to it (like its larger siblings, the 0454 and 0452CF). It's going into the rotation right away. I can't wait to get some cycles on this one.

Some objective comparisons... The 940 blade is slightly longer (by 0.15", based on specs). The usable handle length on the 940 is also longer by about 0.25". They are about the same thickness (my calipers show the 0450 to be about 0.1mm thinner) and width (1.1" and 1.0" for the 940 and 0450 respectively). The 940 is lighter by about 5g according to my kitchen scale (about the weight of a nickel). The 940 does carry a little bit lower in pocket.

BM940_ZT0450_open_800x364.jpg


BM940_ZT0450_handle_800x355.jpg


BM940_ZT0450_closed_800x375.jpg


BM940_ZT0450_length_800x295.jpg


BM940_ZT0450_pocket_800x524.jpg
Click to expand...

This is exactly what I needed!.
Thank you.
W.
 
steveg30 said:
Zt 0450 , if the 940 had g10 scales I would go with it , but the aluminum scales will show scratches and dings easily. I have both knives the zt has better fit and finish plus the blade on the 0450 is centered.
Click to expand...

I just bought a BM 940-1 specifically for the carbon fiber scales, as the anodized aluminum on the 940 can show wear pretty quickly, although I take care of my knives, so that probably wouldn't be an issue. The 940-1 knocked my Sebenza 25 out of my pocket. It is that nice. Very light, yet has a rock solid blade that opens very smoothly with no play.

I am a ZT fan also, so this is a tough choice.
 
Both pretty are good knives. If I had to pick. It would be the Benchmade. You can get a titainium deep Carry clip from Casey Lynch for a few bucks. The S35 steel is a bit better. The deployment is faster and easier with the Benchmade, and that is using either hand. Even with gloves on. The same goes for closing it. The tip will be stronger on the Benchmade as well. This is due to the balde design.There are carbon fibre versions out there as well. If you want pretty and trendy. Get the ZT. You want proven functionality get the Benchmade. Getting scratches on the scales does not effect the performance of a knife. Only an anal mind set.
 
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I have a 940-1 and a 0450. The 940-1 was my most pocketed knife and I still love it, but the 0450 has taken all the time from 940. Both are fantastic knives and weight is 2.4 Oz for the 940 and 2.9oz for the ZT. When comparing an aluminum 943 vs titanium 0450, the weight is the virtually the same. I have deep carry clips on both. I ordered a deep carry for the 940 off ebay and had ZT mail me out a deep carry clip off a 0560 that fits perfectly. Both are fantastic, but If I was going to buy just one, I'd get the 0450. There's something about a Sinkevich that just needs to be experienced.
 
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