ZT 0560 Vs. Benchmade 275 ADAMAS?

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michaelmcgo said:
This is a big misconception due to marketing hype. The most common Titanium alloy is Ti6Al4V (used almost exclusively in knife applications) has a tensile strength of 170,000 psi, while the stainless that Benchmade uses for its liners (Grade 410) has a tensile strength of 200,000 psi. Many steels exceed 200,000 psi in tensile strength with some of the more exotic ones reaching just shy of 300,000 psi. Now, of course we're not talking about he dynamics of the locking mechanisms, but SO MANY types of steels are way stronger than titanium. Titanium is advertised often as being lighter than aluminum and stronger than steel. The fun part about that fact that they leave out is the "per pound" referring to the characteristics of titanium that allow it to be formed into structures that are handle more stress than aluminum or steel per pound. Titanium is actually heavier than aluminum and weaker than most steels.
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Ti is heavier than aluminum, but stronger, too. Ti isn't as strong as steel, typically, but is lighter & stronger at a given weight than steel. A given length of Ti equal in weight to say 410 steel, will be much thicker (& most likely stronger because of that). Keep in mind we're talking about an equal weight (Not at an equal thickness/size). If you have the same thickness liner or lock-bar, the Ti knife will be lighter.

Also, Ti doesn't rust, which is a big plus, too.
 
BladeChick777 said:
That's the thing, I cannot get the ADAMAS and keep my 0560.
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Ultimately, the Adamas is probably a stronger folder. I don't think either knife's a slicer, but I believe you said you have a knife for slicing. The 560 is a good, strong folder, but I don't think it's as overbuilt as the Adamas or even as overbuilt as ZT's 550/551, either.
 
That's a tough situation. I understand the dilemma. Although I can't say enough about the Adamas the 0560's a great knife too and as mentioned at least a $100 more. I can't deal spot here but if you can resist the urge to make an immediate decision the Adamas is priced low enough to wait and save. In the end you'll be glad you did. They are both great knives and if I could have only one it would be the Adamas but since you already have the ZT wait and try and have both. Best of luck!
 
The Adamas clip has been bothering me. It's difficult to get it to clip to my pants.

I really think a fixed blade replaces the Adamas must more effectively, so I placed an order for a 560 the other day.
 
I own both and I have to say that I am satisfied with the D2 steel and cutting performance of my Adamas considering how thick and strong the blade grind is. I managed to get a SHAVING sharp edge on mine and it holds it well. For the price you cannot go wrong, I have beat the living crap out of my adamas and it is a good feeling knowing that it will not let me down. Overall, the Adamas is a great value and I personally like how it rides in pocket and am comforted by that little extra weight. ;)
 
I mean he would add something to the trade but keep in mind my ZT is heavily used and not worth it's selling price lol.
I'm thinking on it.

Thanks for all of the opinions and insight guys.
 
I don't really understand the Adamas. I guess it fits in with the whole "beefy folder" craze, but 7.7oz? Who is carrying this in their pocket? Hell anything over 3oz and I start debating how often I use a big knife to justify the weight when there are great capable knives in the 2.0-3.0 oz range.

I'd rather drop that money on a Benchmade 710 with M390 steel. A big blade in it's own right, and $20 cheaper than the Adamas street price. Better steel and it's actually pocketable. It's still a big knife though, just not overbuilt for the purpose of a folding knife.

The ZT 0560 is big, but you can tell ZT realized weight is a big deal, and there's a limit over which a knife is just too heavy for EDC. For most people I'd say that limit is 6.0 oz.

If you want super strong locking or handle capability, why not go with the strongest lock of all? A knife with the handle and blade made out of a single piece of metal.

The Adamas for me takes the obsession with beefy folders too far, to the point that Benchmade forgot the purpose of the folding knife as a tool. Maybe that's just me though.

EDIT: I guess I should do an edit before I get flamed. There are people out there who really do need a big beefy tool like the Adamas, but I think they are in a small minority of those who are buying it and talking about it. For those people who actually need such a knife, I salute you, but for everyone else I can't help but think there's a little bit of "armchair general" going on.
 
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The 275 does come with a great sheath, so B/M at least gives you the option of belt carry, which I do anyway with a heavy folder. Many other folders of like weight come with none and I have to use one of my own. They often are less than ideal for fit.

I would only carry such a heavy folder, when out in the woods. 275 is over the limit for me for EDC. 560 feels a lot thinner and lighter in the pocket. I have both and they are both excellent knives that I wouldn't consider being without.
 
I like both but they are too big for my tastes. I like the 055x in this categorie. good luck with your decision.
 
Eh, I'm not into the big knives because it's a craze, I loved big beefy folders before I even knew there were other knife nuts lol. I enjoy the feel of them and weight doesn't bother me a lot. That and I'm not really into fixed blades and carrying one in the city I'm in(especially here on the West Side) could possibly cause problems. I seem a lot less threatening with a folder in my pocket(not that I look threatening anyways). A folder is just more practical for me.
 
I have edc'd both the Adamas and my zt0301..I just don't get this whole they are too heavy to carry thing. I don't even notice they are in my pockets.

If ya can't carry 8 ounces maybe ya need to hit the gym....not a knife shop.
 
Thomas W said:
So then, why so desirable if it's all hype?
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Right. I not only desire titanium locks/handles, I love them. That being said, 0560 vs. Adamas, I'd say 0560. My Adamas is nice, however, it has been relegated to my pack as it doesn't sit well (weight and size) in pants, even with the lowrider clip.
 
For me the 0560 would be my choice. It's just on a different level of production knife. Fit and finish, feel in hand, weight, machining, action, steel, are all things that put it over the 275. The 275 is a great knife that I would have put slightly ahead of the old recurved ZT's from a user standpoint, but the 0560 is different than those beasts. I would keep the 0560 and be patient and save up for a 275. Or sell the 0560 and regret it later. :D
 
Everyone has their own opinion of what is "too heavy". I have battoned with my adamas while camping, and love knowing that my folder can take it with ease.
 
I really like the MPR and i dont think anyone ever gave it enough credit. Maybe because there is no BM forum on this site. Iv played with them a few times and love the size and heft of it. I think there was an earlier model also but dont remember if was a different steel. I know the later model comes in m390 which is my favorite right now.
 
I have a 561 and i've handled an Adamas folder at the local enabler, The Adamas is pretty beefy compared to the 561, almost like a 551 but just a bit blockier/chunkier. if that makes sense. It was smooth (Adamas) and if they had the PE version I would have bought it on the spot. I'm thinking the Elmax and bearing system is the better of the two if you have to make that decision.
 
The B/M is a bit less polished, but this one was less than half my 560's price. It opens just as easy and I like it a lot, but if I had to choose which to keep, I'd pick the 0560. It just feels better in hand and it's better looking.

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