zt 0550 vs benchmade osborne 940

B

bayoubangles

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Jan 21, 2013
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I'm just curious as to what yalls thoughts are on the knives which one is better made and better for edc ect. Just curious!:cool:
 
Both knives are great but this is not an apples to apples comparison. The ZT weighs more than twice as much as the 940 and would be considered a "hard use" knife compared to the 940. That is not to say that the 940 is a slouch. Frame lock vs Axis lock. Both functional and secure. Different scale material, blade geometry and type of steel. You also have to consider what weight and dimensions you favor in the pocket. The 940 is freakishly light for it's size and is like carrying nothing. The ZT is a beast but still carries O.K. with suspenders! :D

2.9oz for the 940 and 6.0oz for the 0550. The 940 is one of those knives that grew on me and one that will stay with me. The styling is a little odd for some, but it's a great EDC.
 
Just wanted to say thanks for your service my dad was a marine and I'm getting the 940 I just like how the at is very strider like but I don't have the money or can justify spending 400 on a knife
 
They're both excellent but you literally could not have pick two knives more different from one another. If you want a beefy pocket tank get the ZT, if you want a lightwight edc then go with the Benchmade.
 
mkjellgren said:
They're both excellent but you literally could not have pick two knives more different from one another. If you want a beefy pocket tank get the ZT, if you want a lightwight edc then go with the Benchmade.
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Oh I bet I could...
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Random Dan said:
Oh I bet I could...
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Lol, this is why you have to be careful with the use of literally ;)

And as others have already said, there really is a huge difference between the two. The 940 is incredibly pocket-friendly and light for the amount of blade it provides. The ZT is stout, but heavy and clunkier.
 
I'll say 940 - I've never owned a 940 but I have owned a 943(really similar) and owned a ZT 0550/1.

Both are excellent knives, the ZT 0550/1 is a heck of a work horse and can handle just about anything. s35vn is a good steel as well. However, this knife is a BRICK and a TANK. It will cut through anything but isn't the best slicer in the world.

The 940(3), is lightweight, a slicer, good steel(s30v), and the size isn't overly monsterous. It packs a lot for such a light weight. Also can handle other tougher tasks. Just don't baton it or stab it into concrete.

You could go wrong with either as they're great knives, however the 940 will make the better EDC.
 
Ive owned both (still own the 550) but would take the 940 for edc all day over it. Much more pocket & user friendly. I will be purchasing another 940 soon as parting with it was a dumb move on my part.
 
I would say the 940 is the better EDC knife out of the two.

It's light, carries excellent, and has lots of blade packed into the handle. "It's kind of a little big knife"
 
Lets just say the 940 forced me to remove the small Sebenza out of its EDC role..as much as I didnt want to. The 940 has been with me longer than the Seb though. It surprisingly is a very capable knife.
 
I prefer the ZT 0550. I'm a Kershaw guy and always will be. After owning a few Benchmades, Spydercos, and ZTs; I can say that ZTs are much higher quality than many Benchmades. The 940 is a great knife, but I think the ZT 0550 is better built. I like my knives to be overbuilt.
 
Believe it or not, I believe the 940 axis lock is better for harder use, In my experience it has been stronger than the framelock (even though 80% of my knives have a TI framelock). ;)
 
Zookie said:
Believe it or not, I believe the 940 axis lock is better for harder use, In my experience it has been stronger than the framelock (even though 80% of my knives have a TI framelock). ;)
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I'm inclined to agree with you here. The axis lock is a tough sob.
 
Had the 940 and loved it, but it has 1 flaw. The pocket clip is garbage, replaced it a couple of times, but eventually lost it. Called and talked to benchmade, complained and they said they knew the clip was poorly made. But they sent me the replacement clip for free. After losing the 940 I bought a small sebenza and it is perfect, really, perfect.
 
saylorbrand said:
Had the 940 and loved it, but it has 1 flaw. The pocket clip is garbage, replaced it a couple of times, but eventually lost it. Called and talked to benchmade, complained and they said they knew the clip was poorly made. But they sent me the replacement clip for free. After losing the 940 I bought a small sebenza and it is perfect, really, perfect.
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East fix for that, you can buy an excellent aftermarket clip from STR on this forum. :)

To the OP, I've had a 550. Great knife but like the others say, more of a hard use type of folder. I found it a little wide for EDC.

Now the 940, that is one of my favorite production knives of all time. I got one when they first came and carried it for years and the things still locks up tight and works great. I've collected a bunch since then, all users, and all excellent. It's a perfect EDC for me, light, slim, but with a big capable blade.
 
Guess I feel the opposite. I really dig the 0550. A tough workhorse that can take damn near anything you throw at it. S35VN sharpens up easily, the action gets really smooth, plus its a good fit for my big hands. Check out kershawguy if you really want one.

Can't bash the 940 as i've never owned one. I could guess that it is like other BM in its pricepoint. Smooth, fast, and a better slicer with its thinner blade.

I'll leave you to look up and compare the specs, but I urge you to try both in-hand. That alone will tell you whether you really like a knife or not. Worst case scenario: you won't like either. Best case: you'll buy them both.
 
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