ZT or Benchmade - I cant decide!!

I would consider the ZT 200 too. The 810 Contego is a good size folder that gives the tactical feel and has a good substantial feel. I also like the looks of the Benchmade over the 0350. I prefer the Hinderer designed ZTs usually. I own the 580 Barrage and I like the steel and size along with looks, but lacks traction. It does have a great assisted action which won me over when I bought it plus the size and weight is right on.
 
Oakengroves said:
Benchmade. The 710 and 940 are especially efficient, strong knives.

ZT makes good knives (especially the 0777 and other limited models) but ZTs usually suffer from a common flaw. The vast majority of ZT's knives cater to the hard-use titanium frame-lock flipper fad. The resulting product is an excessively heavy, thick knife that does not provide additional strength to compensate for its size and weight. Most Benchmades are slimmer and lighter, have stronger and more functional locks, and out perform ZTs in terms of pure slicing ability. Benchmade also has far superior customer relations, respect for knife consumers, and warranty servicing.
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I understand opinions, you enjoy the BM's to the ZT's, I get that. But the highlighted sentence is simply not true in any way shape or form.
 
Just because no one has said it yet SPYDERCO!!!

If I was forced to pick between KAI and BM my personal choice is Benchmade. Not that I feel KAI is bad I just prefer Benchmades designs is all.
 
bad_juju said:
I understand opinions, you enjoy the BM's to the ZT's, I get that. But the highlighted sentence is simply not true in any way shape or form.
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I can't think of a single production folder company (even CRK) that matches Benchmade's warranty servicing (especially scope of work, price, and turn around time), respect for customers (as evidenced by product test videos, LEs, community interaction), and great customer service relations (incredibly well staffed, always working to satisfy customer, and engaging the community in positive ways, including online and offline).
 
I can think of a couple including KAI/ZT/Kershaw. I would say Spyderco also from what my friends here on the forums tell me but I won't because I haven't used them (simply own but one Spyderco now, rarely use it.). KAI does care about it's customers thats why there are so many people here on the forums that say so and endorse their products. For the designs/ collaborations, L.E.'s, high end materials used, you can't find another manufacturer that does everything they do and charge the prices they do especially for a U.S. made product on the ZT side. Have you called into the company and had any half hour chats with representatives or talked to the warranty department and have them go above and beyond when they didn't have to? they will send you everything short of the blade and handle. Simply pay for shipping to them and whatever the problem is it will get taken care of free of charge. Free sharpening to boot. They turn it around in about a week or two to your door shipped free of charge. How is benchmades warranty better than that? Did you see when the Boston bombing happened and there was an officer that lost his tanto cyclone, they sent him a new knife for his efforts? Did you see where a gentleman here on the forums broke the tip off of his 0550 that he used to open the elevator doors because he was stuck there, and they replaced it free of charge, even though it wasn't covered by warranty?

I'm sure the answer is no you have not. I say that because if you did then your answer would most likely be different. From what you have said, it simply looks like you are basing your opinion over them shutting down their forum, and all the broo ha ha that happened over people not being happy that it happened. I am all for them shutting it down if it means they can put out newer better things faster which is what they have been doing ever since. Forum or no forum. Look at the 0777's, 0801's, 0566, 0770's, 0600's etc... many more coming down the pipeline. They are busy putting out a great product at even better prices these days. When this happens it usually means they are working to satisfy their customers.


I have no problem with benchmade or their products. But I sure wouldn't go lambasting their warranty or company on my opinion alone.

So please tell me how benchmades warranty is far superior? All you stated was an opinion that their knives are better in build.
 
Oakengroves said:
I can't think of a single production folder company (even CRK) that matches Benchmade's warranty servicing (especially scope of work, price, and turn around time), respect for customers (as evidenced by product test videos, LEs, community interaction), and great customer service relations (incredibly well staffed, always working to satisfy customer, and engaging the community in positive ways, including online and offline).
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I have a question, what kind of experience with Zero Tolerance's customer service have you had? I'm certainly not going to dispute that BenchMade has excellent customer service. I've talked to some of the CS reps, in person and over email/phone, I consider one a friend.

But I've also had a similar experience with ZT's CS. Are you sure you aren't saying BenchMade's CS is so much better because you've had more experience with BenchMade?

As for customer relations and respect for knife consumer, what does BenchMade do so much better than ZT? has the ZT ever been rude or disrespectful to the consumers?

Just to be clear, I love both companies, own knives from both, and will be buying more in the future.

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Kirby
 
If benchmade's warranty is so awesome, why did I have to jump through so many hoops to get a problem that was their fault fixed? I ended up having to talk to a technician because the reps kept telling me it wasn't covered under their warranty.
.....Just saying
 
As everyone knows, I love my BM's.
Unfortunately, BM recently stated they would not be doing anymore LE run's in amounts less than 1000 pieces.
Most of my BM's are just that; LE run's of 200, 250, 300 and such.
So, I started looking other places for my LE fixes.
It hasn't taken long for me to find a company putting out a lot of LE's in various combinations.
ZT.
I picked up one of the new LE ZT0350M390's (500 pieces).
This is a tank of a knife.
A razor sharp chunk of M390 steel, with a super thick liner with awesome lock up.
I love my BM's, but this is one awesome knife that has earned a spot in my rotation.
 
The only ZT that I have got is 200. It turned out too wide to my liking both in blade and handle and too heavy. I still have it somewhere in the closet, but I never use it for anything.
I probably do not have an appreciation for folding knives which are beefy enough to be replaced with fix blades for the sake of both strength and ease of carry...
I am still looking forward to see their 07770 and 0454: though the last one looks like it will be really really expensive!
 
The ZT 0550 2nd gen is (IMO) above and beyond the 0350. It's less bulky but the blade is a bit thicker and not as wide and it doesn't have that annoying flipper (I hate flippers). ZT makes a great heavy duty knife. But the fact that 99% of them come with a flipper turns me right off.

Benchmade makes a vast array of superb blades. Their catalog is much larger than that of ZT. I suggest checking out the BM site to check them all out.
 
I Only have the 0560bw, and i Totally love it. Maaan what a knife.. Worth every penny.
Dont own any Bm, and i'm not planning on owning any Bm either, i have fooled around with a Bm 940, and it was decent, i guess. But it was nothing special, other than the Axis lock, which was Fun to play with.
And maybe it wasnt the best Bm knife? To begin the love for Bm?

But that could change rapidly, because i like the looks of a few Bm Knives.

But i'd go with a Zt. But i like beefy Knives,
 
I dig lots of ZT's design's, and they are well made knifes. I tend to carry more BM knifes, I like slicers. If I'm carrying 2 knifes, I always put a Barrage on my weak side, and for edc, 710-D2, Contego, Spyde Military, or a ZT0777-M390 on the other side.

I don't carry most of my ZT's, 0560's, 0550s, 0350s(camping knifes), 0801, or 300's. Even when re-profiling the ZTs, the blades are a little thick for slicing, but still cut well for edc. I have lots of Elmax from ZT, but will buy other super steels from them in the future.

I'll buy more BMs and ZTs in the future!!!
 
Benchmade. KAI. Emerson. Those are my most owned brands (not that I own many knives anymore).

I love the 0200/0300 line from KAI/ZT. Their Nerve from the Kershaw line is one of my favorite and most gifted budget blades. Not too big, not too small.

Benchmade. Even before the axis-lock. The old Emerson and Snody designs, tip down only liner/framelocks. Love them. Still own the 910 Stryker, 425/426 Gravitators. Just added the 943 and 950.

I've dealt with both companies' CS (pocket clip idiocy on my part) and both were more than happy to send me a spare clip/hardware. Both do limited editions with quality materials. Both are American made (short of some of the budget lines). Can't go wrong with either. Its all about your personal preferences. Or do what I do and get both.
 
Personal preference is everything here.

I do not like liner locks or flippers so , for me , the 0550 is the only ZT that appeals to me. And I like it a lot. But I find its a little heavy in the pocket especially since I remove the pocket clips from my knives.

I like the wide selection of knives from Benchmade. And the variety of different sizes , blade steels , styles and locking
mechs keeps me a faithful fan and avid user. For personal civilian carry I find BM's to be lighter , more easily concealed and more pocket-friendly while offering fantastic quality. The 710 is a good size knife. But it's lean profile and perfectly contoured design make it a joy to carry. No unnecessary bulk or inconvenience . I'm always amazed that the big D2 blade is so well hidden when closed. I love it.

Anyway , like I said , personal preference is everything here.
 
benchmade all the way, it wont disappont. their company customer service has treated me extremely well & the Barrage is an excellent choice as well
 
I appreciate both brands, :thumbup::cool::thumbup: ...quality knives for sure.


A Benchmade in CPM-M4 is my most carried "pocket Knife".

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When it comes to ZT, I really like the no assist 0200; it's a bigger, beefier knife that I wear on my fall protection harness on the job-site, a tough knife that handles the rigors of construction sites with ease.


Find one from either company that calls to you and give it a try, you won't be disappointed.




Big Mike
 
Big Mike said:
I appreciate both brands, :thumbup::cool::thumbup: ...quality knives for sure.


A Benchmade in CPM-M4 is my most carried "pocket Knife".

bjxg.jpg




When it comes to ZT, I really like the no assist 0200; it's a bigger, beefier knife that I wear on my fall protection harness on the job-site, a tough knife that handles the rigors of construction sites with ease.


Find one from either company that calls to you and give it a try, you won't be disappointed.




Big Mike
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Hey Big Mike,

What make and model is that Pardue with the wooden handle & M4 blade?

Thank You
 
I have Benchmade MPR and it is amazingly great EDC knife. Priced perfect (when you get it from KW), sized perfect (for my M/L four fat fingers), weighed perfect (not a fan of 4oz or lighter philosophy but also not a fan of 7+oz heavy duty knives), and built perfect (Made in USA, M390, reset-able frame lock, thick G10, thick blade spine).

I also handled Z0560BW-N and Z0561 (basically the same knife). They are built like a tank for sure. Great design by Hinderer and great steel for sure. But I only wish it was in the same size category as xm18. Z0560s are more in xm24 category both in sizes and weight.

If Z0566 comes out in Blackwashed version, I would definitely recommend you Z0566 (if the built quality is on par with Z0560s. NOT Z0350s) because of its great specifics plus!!!! frame lock. ZT's speedsafe opening is probably the smoothest opening system out there on a production knife. I have absolutely no complaints on Benchmade MPR. It is the best Benchmade Knife I've owned to this date. Probably one of the best EDC knife available on a market from factory line. BUT man oh man, those ZTs (or Kershaw) do make some tough knives.

On the other hand, if you are willing to cough out extra $100 (around $300), Strider PT and PT CC are another great option for EDC. Personally don't like CC because of absence of pocket clip but that is personal preference.

Good luck
 
Hypermole said:
Hey Big Mike,

What make and model is that Pardue with the wooden handle & M4 blade?

Thank You
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That's a Hybrid......a LE M4 Presidio blade combined with a Bone collectors walnut scales or a "Bonesidio".
I've got one too. :D

 
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