ZT or Benchmade - I cant decide!!

I

illixir

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Sep 18, 2013
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I am just getting in to blades after being a long time firearm fan, and I have a bit of a tough decsision to make as to second quality knife purchase. I just got my first Kershaw (JYD II) in the mail yesterday, but I know that is really a base model compared to some of the nicer knives out there and I am ready to make a little larger of a purchase. I really like larger knives, 3+ inches with a significant feel in the hand as I have larger hands. I am looking to spend between $100 and $150 on my first "gateway" knife (as I know it will inevitably lead to larger purchases in my near future, lol). I have taken a look around and came up with a couple of options, a Benchmade 583 Barrage, and a ZT350. I cant decide! I know the steel is a little different, but I am not sure how much different they really are. Any input would be appreciated, as well as maybe some other options! I would not be opposed to buying something used, but I really don't know where to get started with that either.
 
I'd wait for the upcoming ZT0566. It's the same size as the 0350, but Hinderer design (no recurve), Elmax blade, and a steel framelock in stead of a linerlock.
 
The Benchmade 810 is worth considering and has premium steel.The BM 586 is a good value.There is a ZT 0350M390 limited in M390 steel that will release shortly.The ZT 0801 is a great option also.Some of the knifes I mentioned are a little more than $150, but worth stepping up to in my opinion. Don't forget to get a discount code if possible for your purchase. Good luck!
 
You can get a 1st Generation 0550 from kershawguy.com for $145 shipped. Blade length is 3.5 inches and the blade is S35VN. It's got a beefy feel to it and it was my gateway knife to Zero Tolerance and higher end knives in general.
 
The 0350M390 already can be ordered at knifeworks and limited to 500 pieces. I think it will be shipping out in October. It's $30 higher than your budget, but worth the extra money for the steel and limited availability if you decide on a 0350. Just don't wait too long on it since it is limited.

The Barrage seems like a good knife also, but I don't have any experience with it as of yet. 154CM is a good steel, easy to maintain and gets very sharp, but it isn't M390.

Good luck with your decision.
 
Both! With that being said, if I had $150 and didn't already have a 0550 I'd buy it in a heart beat. I like that knife so much I'm considering picking up the gen 1 and also the black version just because.
 
For the upper range of your budget you can get the zt 801, that is a really amazing knife. The 350 is ok but the 801 is truly worth its money. Or like previously mentioned wait for the 566
 
I would consider the 550 like Knotty said before the 350. I have both and the 550 just feels better in my hand. If you have the option, try handling a few. Both Benchmade and ZT will serve you well. Just depends on your personal preference.
 
When I'm looking at knives my primary considerations are aspects of the knives themselves and not the brand. Pick the knife that you like the best and buy it.
 
Well judging by everyones opinions, im probably going with a ZT. I did a little more looking and I found the 0561. Its a little out of my price range but I think it might just be a good choice. Anyone have experience with the 0561?? Hows Elmax anyway?
 
The 0560/61 is a great knife. Big knife but if that's your thing, it's a fantastic knife. I own the 0561 myself but my 0550 sees more pocket time. The 0550 is just a tad shorter (I believe it's thicker though) but that little less length makes all the difference in the world for me.

Elmax seems to have a love hate relationship going around here. I'm still forming my opinion. It came razor sharp and has seemed to keep its edge well enough but it did chip when I was cutting zip ties. I accept full responsibility in why it chipped as I was twisting the blade instead of straight down cuts. Nonetheless it chipped so I offer that here.
 
cards94 said:
axis lock vs. liner lock. which one do you trust more?:confused:
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I trust 'em both, especially the liner lock on the Gayle Bradley - things so stinking thick it's practically a frame lock. The locking mechanism is one of the last things I consider when looking for knives...then again I don't go around abusing them or stabbing things either.
 
Spyderco Manix 2 XL is an awesome larger knife. Definitely worth watching some reviews on it to see if it's up your alley.
 
bobjam said:
Spyderco Manix 2 XL is an awesome larger knife. Definitely worth watching some reviews on it to see if it's up your alley.
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+ 1 top of my chart of bang for the buck!I consider the Manix XL a large slicer if that's your cup of tea?
 
If you're looking for heavy duty, a Benchmade Adamas is hard to beat in that category.
 
It's a personal choice, but I prefer the handle shape on the 0566 over the 0350. You'll be able to buy an 0350 today, depending on where you buy your knives you might have to wait a few weeks to find an 0566 in stock, and it only comes with a black G10 handle and stonewashed blade (which is my preference anyway,) the 0350 comes in several different color/finish combinations. I'm a big ZT fan, but the Benchmade Griptillian is a good knife, if you can find a dealer that carries both try and hold a few knives, specs and user reviews can't really tell you how good a knife will feel in your hand.
 
Benchmade makes good knives, but ZT (in general) became known for their heavier-duty knives. And be careful that you don't go bigger than comfortable. I've had several 350's, several 550's, 551, 560 and 561 and right now, my only ZT is a 2nd generation 0550. It's a bit smaller than the 056x series and it looks like most of the earlier posters do prefer it.
 
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