ZT guy looking at Beachmade 300....info

northend816

northend816

Joined
Aug 25, 2012
Messages
1,476
Hello all im a Kershaw/ZT guy who has no experience with benchmades at all but the 300 axis lock flipper has caught me eye. Was wondering how it compares to a ZT by size, how smooth is the flipper, and how does axis lock work? any other info would be more than welcome as well like I said I know nothing about Benchmades have never even held one....thanks
 
the 300 is a small knife imo compared to a ZT. I like the action on my 0561 better than on the 300. However, you cant beat an axis lock.
 
I would buy the ZT long before the 300. The Axis lock is fine, but once handled is a poorly designed hybrid flipper knife. Too blade heavy (and too short) with lousy scales. This is an oddball that makes the 0561 look really good. Along the same size I'd recommend an Osborne designed 950, this is a much better example of what Benchmade can do.
 
like i said ive never held a benchmade and the 300 just caught my eye......but after the feedback ive gotten so far i guess its just the looks lol whats a good benchmade to check out than?
 
jkarp_53 said:
I would buy the ZT long before the 300. The Axis lock is fine, but once handled is a poorly designed hybrid flipper knife. Too blade heavy (and too short) with lousy scales. This is an oddball that makes the 0561 look really good. Along the same size I'd recommend an Osborne designed 950, this is a much better example of what Benchmade can do.
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This exactly. Try a 950 or if you would like a bigger. beefier knife along the lines of a ZT the Adamas and Contego are also standouts in the Benchmade line up.
 
I love benchmades and ZTs. The 560/561 is one of my favorite flippers. I was initially very excited to try the 300. After i received it my excitement instantly faded. :( The 300 to me is not a comfortable knife. The flipper feels weird. The handle is too big for the blade and the little curve at the bottom really bugs my hand. The 560/561 walks all over the 300sn. No question.

JD
 
I used to be a kershaw guy until I bought a 950 rift and fell in love with the axis lock. I would recomend the 810 contego it has a thick 4 inch cpm-m4 blade which is super tough and holds an edge better than zdp189 is made in the USA and you can get it for under $140 shipped its my favorite benchmade.
 
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I've got 4 BM including the 300 and I also own 2 ZT 0350's. The ZT's are bigger and beefier but I still love the 300. I know it goes against the grain of everyone, practically everywhere you ask about the 300 (nutnfancy anyone?) but I love it. Great knife. The blade is shorter and handle smaller compared to ZT's. it's pretty smooth on the flip and I have no problem with the Axis lock being on it. I strongly recommend handling one to get your own feeling on it.
 
I cannot speak for the ZT lineup as I have never owned one however ill give you some opinions on a 300SN. The handle is quite small and feels like absolute crap in a larger hand (from what I have heard ZT's attract larger handed people). The blade shape seems okay, it's a pretty nice size but not perfect for me. Also the G10 looks like crap crom factory, with a nice pattern the true definition in this G10 comes it and the handle really seems to pop. If your looking for a new user then I would stay away however if your looking to add to your collection the. This blade is pretty cool.
Damn I forgot to mention that the action is super smooth, with zero blade play the knife easily flips straight up and down with no wrist action. I think I just did a 300SN review on accident but hopefully you get the point, good luck.
 
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