Zt 550 or benchmade triage

[Dallas T]

I need s big knife only have small ones, kind of TT thinking between zt 550 or bm triage. Any experience with both.

 

[whitty]

I like them both. The ZT 550 is discontinued. There are still some at dealers and you can also find some in the for sale section here. The interesting thing about the 550 is either you can open it or you can't. For some reason some people (about 1 in 5) have a horrible time opening this knife. They either push in on the lock bar or try to push out on the thumbstud. If you have held one and have not had this issue then I would say this might be a good choice.

The triage is one of the best Benchmades out there. Some complaints are that the scales are too grippy. I personally think they feel great. The N680 Bohler steel comes wicked sharp and the knife keeps a great edge. The bonuses of course are the seat belt cutter and window breaker!

I think the question needs to come down to what you want and which one you like. Do you want an Axis lock or frame lock?

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Dallas T]

Not sure, I've only had one axis it was a mini grip and it didn't feel super sturdy. I love the frame lock feel of my small seb just can't afford that n A large. Just didn't know if the zt just seemed like overkill, never held either. Thanks for the help.

 

[craytab]

I like them both. The ZT 550 is discontinued. There are still some at dealers and you can also find some in the for sale section here. The interesting thing about the 550 is either you can open it or you can't. For some reason some people (about 1 in 5) have a horrible time opening this knife. They either push in on the lock bar or try to push out on the thumbstud. If you have held one and have not had this issue then I would say this might be a good choice.

The triage is one of the best Benchmades out there. Some complaints are that the scales are too grippy. I personally think they feel great. The N680 Bohler steel comes wicked sharp and the knife keeps a great edge. The bonuses of course are the seat belt cutter and window breaker!

I think the question needs to come down to what you want and which one you like. Do you want an Axis lock or frame lock?

Good luck with your decision!

Yup, Whitty hit it on the head. I have both. I couldn't imagine not having the 550. It is a classic. The Triage is just so versatile though. It can handle a lot more types of work and in different environments. I've even used it as a water knife without any issues.

You will really need to think about what you will be doing with this knife and if you put a lot of value in the varied capabilities of the 915.

 

[Dallas T]

Well I am an EMT by profession going on 12 yrs, so I guess it would b appropriate me. Just was apprehensive of it being more of a gimic.

 

[Dallas T]

Which feels more solid and beefy and easy to carry?

 

[craytab]

To me the Triage feels a bit more beefy even though technically I don't know if it is. It has the more secure lock by far. It has thick full steel liners and g10 so it will not feel cheap like a grip. A decently thick blade. The grip on the G10 is far more secure in hand than the 550. I sanded under the clip to avoid the g10 tearing up my pants.

The one thing I always worry about with an Axis lock knife is the weak detent. The blade just doesn't hold in the hand as secure as the 550 or other knives with a stronger detent. To me, that is the only flaw to the axis lock. It is not a problem as long as you clip the blade in a place that will not allow the blade to come open like against the seam of your pants pocket. Sometimes that is not possible so I made little lanyard that wraps around the knife to keep the blade in even when jostled. I'll get some pics up after dinner.

Since you are an EMT the choice seems clear to me. Triage all the way.

 

[Dallas T]

Thanks for opinions I think I'm sold. Triage coming my way. Might even get the tip mod on it to make more pointed.

 

[Dallas T]

Now the question is orange or blk.

 

[craytab]

I am not a huge fan of bright orange but the one I have has grown on me significantly. There are so many black handled satin bladed knives. I say go a different direction.

Some pics of my 915 and my 550. The 915 feels smaller while closed but they feel about the same open. Size difference is almost zero and the liner on the G10 side of the 550 is thinner than the liners on the 915. Also a pic of my lanyard safety.

I also did a thread Here recently about the corrosion resistance of the internals: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1321946-How-do-those-Omega-springs-handle-water

And when you get one I know where you should buy it:

 

[Dallas T]

Thanks that actually helped a lot cing side by side pics.

 

[sabre cat]

Pick up the Triage and then snatch up a Stryker or a Mini Stryker for EDC when you don't carry the Triage. Wonderful combo.

 

[craytab]

Thanks that actually helped a lot cing side by side pics.

No problem.