Benchmade 860 (Bedlam) or ZT 0452cf

which knife (first)

  • Benchmade Bedlam

    Votes: 22 44.0%

  • ZT 0452cf

    Votes: 28 56.0%
  • Total voters
    50
Bedlam if it were my choice. Heard to many reports of the locks being way to easy to squish over to 100% with a tight grip on this model ZT, might not be all of them, but i wouldn't take the gamble unless you can handle it in a store before purchase.
 
The bedlam is an excellent knife. So is the ZT. But the bedlam always brings a smile to my face.
 
I have both with me right now. The ZT is smaller, lighter, and thinner. I've had zero issues with the carbon fiber scale or lock up and interestingly enough, the blade is a tad longer than the Bedlam, but the closed frame is almost a half-inch shorter than the Bedlam. The ZT is far more size-efficient. My ZT 0452CF is S35VN compared to 154CM, but I actually still like 154CM quite a bit and have had zero issues with it.

The Bedlam has the great Axis-locking mechanism. It's heavier, a little thicker, the closed profile is wider than the ZT and it's also longer. I really like the blade profile, but that is very subjective.

Both have deep pocket clips (which I like), but the Bedlam rides a little lower and a little more of the knife protrudes from the pocket. As to opening actions, it really depends on your preference; however I can open both just as fast, yet the Bedlam requires a little more wrist-flick. While the Bedlam's handle is longer and larger, both knives feel pretty good in my hands, I have no real preference between the two. I'll caveat that the 0452CF would likely fit a smaller hand better whereas the Bedlam would definitely put a smile on the face of someone with massive meat-hooks. My hands are medium sized (9.5 military glove size if that means anything to you), and both are just fine for me.

Since I have both, I'll answer my preference as to which one I would get first. I would pick the Bedlam first. It's a unique design, it's a heavy-duty folder, and I like the Axis-lock. Now, if I was looking for a more dressy EDC blade between the two, the ZT is far more aesthetically pleasing with good lines and it's both lighter and thinner with a deeper pocket clip for a less noticeable profile. I'm in Afghanistan, so my EDC is typically "Combat Casual". If heading outside the wire, I would take the Bedlam all day, every day. If staying on base and working in the office, I would likely opt for the ZT.

Getting both definitely solves the dilemma:D

ROCK6
 
Funky pattern G10 handle scales? 154cm? $240+? Looks like it belongs in a Prince of Arabia movie?
 
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Mick_1KRR said:
Bedlam if it were my choice. Heard to many reports of the locks being way to easy to squish over to 100% with a tight grip on this model ZT, might not be all of them, but i wouldn't take the gamble unless you can handle it in a store before purchase.
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That lockface that can be pushed over has had absolutely zero effect on my 452. It is only a nuisance, not a real problem.

I carry it often and it hasn’t caused any issues.

Meshach said:
which one to get (first...)? Anyone own both? Which do you prefer? I would be using this in my edc rotation (which includes a cold steel talwar xl so these would be mid size for me before i get lectured on them being to big for edc.)
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ZT hands down. Compare the two. The ZT you get titanium and carbon fibre AND better steel.
 
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Lapedog said:
That lockface that can be pushed over has had absolutely zero effect on my 452. It is only a nuisance, not a real problem.

I carry it often and it hasn’t caused any issues.



ZT hands down. Compare the two. The ZT you get titanium and carbon fibre AND better steel.
Click to expand...

Im seeing the bedlam for cheaper than the ZT on certain websites.
 
I have both too, QC stuff aside.
The Bedlam is bigger/bulkier and more imposing, they are about on par practicality and cutting ability wise.
I would pick based on visual preference. If you want something with a more murder-y tactical look go bedlam, if you want something that carries easier and lighter with a slender stilletto look go 0452CF.
 
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I have both knives and based on what you wrote, I'd pick the BM.

But here's some more thoughts.

pros of the ZT: slim & light for a knife with a similar blade size as the BM.
cons of the ZT: ( for me) it's hard to flip the knife open unless your mindful to not place your fingers on the lockbar.

pros of the BM: the axis lock ... it just works better for me than other lock types. The action of this knife is very smooth.
cons of the BM: it's a little on the bulky side and is better for those with larger hands.
 
Had both and i regret selling the Bedlam. All written above i can endorse. What counts for me: The ZT is nearly perfect but the Bedlam has a soul. So i would definitely opt for the Bedlam.
 
own both. they are different knives other than being larger. I just like the Persian shaped blade of the bedlam myself......but own more of the zts.
 
It wouldn't take too long for anyone to the know the story behind the bedlam's original design intentions. Seem to me that you already know that it's going to pair up fine with talwar. Go for it!
 
FWIW I really wanted a Bedlam until I actually messed with one in a shop. It's cool looking but seemed unwieldy and not particularly useful to me. YMMV. I ended up getting a BM Fact on that visit which I love. I have a ZT0450 and will probably get a 452 next.
 
Thanks for the response everyone!
I think i will get the Bedlam first.
I love the axis lock and already have a benchmade 940 that is small and light.
I love upswept designs and got a microtech sbk awhile ago to go with the talwar xl (and soon the bedlam.) While being slightly less practical ( really the more i use trailing points the more capable I become with them), i think at this point in my knife buying life i am just looking for designs that just make me happy. Im sure the zt would as well and it looks totally capable of many tasks but i do prefer the aesthetics of the bedlam.
 
If this is any indication:
Bedlam resale...mine was NIB listed twice and the second time I tried to sell for $140.
Finally had to tack it onto a trade for pennies on the dollar.
All of my 0452s have sold in minutes for a decent price.
YMMV...but I doubt it. So lotsa luck when you find out it's kind of a clumsy pocket hog.
 
I own both. I'd get the 860 first just because I like the way it looks and feels. It is not the better EDC though. The 0452cf is far more pocketable. So if you really are looking for pure EDC, the ZT is the way to go. That said, my collection will not be without either.

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Mick_1KRR said:
Bedlam if it were my choice. Heard to many reports of the locks being way to easy to squish over to 100% with a tight grip on this model ZT, might not be all of them, but i wouldn't take the gamble unless you can handle it in a store before purchase.
Click to expand...
Do you own either or both? My 452cf has no issues so it certainly can't be all of them :thumbsup: I'm not one of them, but there are plenty of folks that will complain about BM QC.
 
craytab said:
Do you own either or both? My 452cf has no issues so it certainly can't be all of them :thumbsup: I'm not one of them, but there are plenty of folks that will complain about BM QC.
Click to expand...
The early models had an issue and a few threads were created addressing the issue but I haven't heard any complaints in subsequent models, and of the 4 that I've owned lockup is perfect.
An 0452 will always be in my collection.
 
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Bedlam.

Wonderful handle contouring that is grippy with gloves on. One of my all-time favoUrite Benchmades.

The 0452, in my opinion, has lesser ergonomics. Sold my ZT0452CF....still have 3 Bedlams.
 
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