ZT or Benchmade - I cant decide!!

illixir said:
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.
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- Since I'm a little bit of a nut, I own Benchmade, Spyderco, Emerson, Kershaws, SOG, etc. They all make quality knives with quality steel. I also just received my first Zero Tolerance today (ZT0777), so I don't have any experience using it yet, but the fit and finish is great. Your best bet is to try and handle as many knives as you can in person and see which one you like.

cards94 said:
axis lock vs. liner lock. which one do you trust more?:confused:
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- Either implemented correctly will work. I'm partial to frame locks simply because they are easier to clean. While the Axis lock is very strong, the weakest link is the Omega spring, which can fail over time. One of the Omega springs in my Benchmade Kulgera broke after two years of use. The other broke within a week of the first. Benchmade did fixed it within two weeks.
 
CJZ said:
If you're looking for heavy duty, a Benchmade Adamas is hard to beat in that category.
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I agree I like the 275 way more then the 350. Good luck with the sickness.

I feel compelled to add I owned a 300 own a 121(edc), and a 560 (never carry). I love zt, Kershaw, and kai. But the 275 really took me by surprise.
 
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coli said:
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
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This^^^, and I'm talking the 801(hey, at least I didn't say save your money and get a Sebenza!!). But I also understand budgets. So for the two knives you have mentioned I've had the ZT0350 and it was a nice knife. I'm just not into assisted opening knives so I sold it. The Axis lock is one heck of a strong lock and has much going for it and I really favor it in my BM275 Adamas. But a well made, properly made, linerlock will give you a safe knife as long as you use common sense in using it, something to also remember when using the BM Axis lock! From what I could see and tell, the ZT0350 has a proper linerlock.

That all said, my choice would be the ZT. And if you can swing another $30-$40 the ZT0801 would be ideal!!:thumbup::)
 
I had a ZT350 for a while (two actually). They are great knives but were a little small for me. Then I bought a ZT560 and loved it even though it is a huge piece. Then I got a ZT550 and sold both 350s and the 560 because it is just that good. You can use it, flip it, abuse it, pimp it and it just keeps coming back for more. Conversely, I'm yet to meet a Benchmade I've even remotely liked.

This thread needs pics:

ZT550s_x3.jpg
 
I'd say the 560, that's my choice. it will come down to your personal preference.
 
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Zero-Tolerance-Hinderer-0566-Knife--15192

Short video of ZT 566. Framelock, good steel, thinish.

The ZT 561 is the bomb. A knife achievement to be proud of for Kai, enthusiasts everwhere and yourself.

However the Kershaw Thermite has just pushed the 561 out of my pocket for a bit. Framelock, thinish, assisted, OK steel, deep pocket carry (Kershaw warranty reversed pocket clip for me, no sweat).
 
ZT all day long. Better build quality IMHO. Benchmade makes a good knife, but I'm more impressed by my ZT's build quality and exactness of tolerances than I have been by past benchmade purchases.

Not saying benchmade doesn't make a good knife, but I don't think ZT and benchmade's regular line are even in the same class.
 
First off welcome to the knife world and secondly start saving your money because this qickly becomes a sickness moving from Kershaw to custom blades in no time. You cannot go wrong with the 583 barrage and should be able to score one around 100 bucks or less if you are patient. However the 581 is more than worth the upgrade and can be had for the $130-$140 range if you wait and watch. (CPM154-M390 UPGRADE). Wesson Ace Hardware online is a great place for Benchmades when they have them in stock. The Axis lock is the best locking system out there. However, I prefer the Zero Tolerance newer designs over most Benchmade designs. Bigger blades and fill your hand better. Not a fan of the 0350, 0550 or 0560. Inherently have had a lot of issues, read the reviews carefully. However, now that they have their act together I agree with others here the 0556 is going to be an excellent option. I have the 0801 which is awesome, Elmax steel at 3.5". All Titanium but $180. The 0770 out soon as well in carbon fiber same price 3.25". I started in your price range, sold most of those and learned that my best range for keepers was the $150 to $250 range. Now I am moving to customs so what do I know. (DOWN WITH THE SICKNESS!)
Remember this, for the most part steel is steel and you can add super steel to the name and it is still just steel. Unless you are an extreme hard user, prone to getting wet, you do not have to worry about the steel. For the most part any reputable knife maker is going to use an excellent steel. The difference maker is how they heat treat the steel prior to use. Yes you can upgrade to a so called better steel but do not be taken advantage of just because of the steel. Do your home work before you buy anything.
 
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co556guy said:
ZT all day long. Better build quality IMHO. Benchmade makes a good knife, but I'm more impressed by my ZT's build quality and exactness of tolerances than I have been by past benchmade purchases.

Not saying benchmade doesn't make a good knife, but I don't think ZT and benchmade's regular line are even in the same class.
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would be nice if zt gave you the option of spring assisted or non-spring assisted.
 
Glad you brought the chipping up. Most new steels will chip and do not handle being bent and twisted very well. Sandvik 12c27 for example is a lost metal that a lot of the custom knife makers use. Easy to work with, inexpensive, holds an edge and you can beat on it. You can bend it and it won't break or chip within reason and you can heat and fix it.I just think that the hype on metals these days is just that and a selling feature which most of us fall for!
 
First off welcome to the knife world and secondly start saving your money because this qickly becomes a sickness moving from Kershaw to custom blades in no time. You cannot go wrong with the 583 barrage and should be able to score one around 100 bucks or less if you are patient. However the 581 is more than worth the upgrade and can be had for the $130-$140 range if you wait and watch. (CPM154-M390 UPGRADE). Wesson Ace Hardware online is a great place for Benchmades when they have them in stock. The Axis lock is the best locking system out there. However, I prefer the Zero Tolerance newer designs over most Benchmade designs. Bigger blades and fill your hand better. Not a fan of the 0350, 0550 or 0560. Inherently have had a lot of issues, read the reviews carefully. However, now that they have their act together I agree with others here the 0556 is going to be an excellent option. I have the 0801 which is awesome, Elmax steel at 3.5". All Titanium but $180. The 0770 out soon as well in carbon fiber same price 3.25". I started in your price range, sold most of those and learned that my best range for keepers was the $150 to $250 range. Now I am moving to customs so what do I know. (DOWN WITH THE SICKNESS!)
 
Don't bother with the 0350 if you have large hands and can't hold one before purchase. The handle design compacts your grip, thus it pinches me pretty good. The 0350 is good enough however, that I'm considering grinding mine down to a more comfortable hold. For now my 0350 is relegated to truck duty (only carried if I somehow forget my 2 edc's). The 0550 is MY knife! It feels as though it was made for me. I'd say go with the 0550; unless you want a flipper, then do the 0561. Good luck, and good hunting.
 
fetzer85 said:
I do. Have you had issues with them?
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no i'm not a benchmade owner or zt owner, but trying to make the best decision and get the most for my money. the omega springs is what holds me back from looking further into the bm. they just look like they aren't made to last and flimsy looking.
 
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cards94 said:
no i'm not a benchmade owner or zt owner, but trying to make the make decision and get the most for my money. the omega springs is what holds me back from looking further into the bm. they just look like they aren't made to last and flimsy looking.
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My personal experience with them has been good. I owned a Griptilian for 3+yrs and an Adamas for 5+yrs and I never had an omega spring problem. Sometimes they were EDC'd, other times sat in the drawer, but would go no longer than a week or so being inactive. The next on my list is the 940.

Worst case, a spring breaks, you send it back to BM and they replace it? I don't believe that your uncertainty about the omega springs is an adequate enough reason to not at least give them a try.
 
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