Benchmade 940 vs ZT 0450

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JDX

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I was looking around on the forums and found one thread but it mostly talked about aesthetics or personal preference. And I'm more asking which is better in terms of ergonomics. I have relatively large hands, my ZT 0562 CF fits my hand perfectly. I was looking at the 0452 but it doesn't obey the knife laws in my area. Anyways I'm just stuck here picking a better edc knife. I really don't like aluminum scales so I was looking at the g10 version of the 940.

I was surprised that more people suggested the benchmade over the ZT and I guess I just wanted to know why.
 
If the 0562 is perfect in your hands, there’s a chance the 0450 could be a little small and feel awkward. It fits me well, but i have medium hands. The 940 has a more neutral handle without a hump near the pinky area so it might feel a lot better if the ZT is too small
 
I'm a big fan of both knives. As someone who has big hands the 940 is better for getting all 4 fingers on. I end up with my pinkie hanging off the back of the 0450. Still for me that's a fine grip for what I do,
 
Check out the 940-1501 with the blue and black G10 scales.......excellent steel also.
It’s a KSF exclusive and I think they still have them.
Awesome knife!
I have a 450 and a couple 940s.
450 is a great knife, but you’ll prob get 3 1/2 fingers on it. The 940 will melt in your hand.
Good luck!
Joe
 
I've really enjoyed both knives. But when it comes to ergos, the 940 is way, way better. And honestly, it's blade is much better for edc use as well.

The ZT is more fun in some ways with the super free bearings and snappy flipper, but the fidget factor on the axis lock is pretty great as well.

You also have more steel options in the various 940 variants, though of course then pricing differences become a factor. However I'd also say that I'd tend to take S30V as heat treated by Benchmade over S35VN as done by ZT. Both are good, but IMO, Benchmade has the best heat treat in production knife companies currently.

All in all I'd say that the 940 is definitely better in use. Unless having titanium and a flipper is really important to you.
 
I wear large/XL in gloves. I don't own the 0450 but I've handled them in stores. I do own a 940-2 (the g10 one). The 940 is very comfortable in hand and I can get a full 4 finger grip on it. The axis lock is easy to use and fun, the action is also very smooth. For me it's a great size for edc.

The zt was I little small in my hand but not bad . I really like the design of the 0450 and 0452cf. They are both at the top of my wish list.

Just my 2 cents.
 
I have both the 940-1 and the zt 450. I have a strong preference for the 940. I'll put it this way: owning the 940, my zt 0450 never gets carried. The 940 has a more accommodating grip, especially for larger hands. I find the 940's blade shape to be superior and more practical for edc use. The zt has more steel behind the edge and as a result does not slice as well as the 940. The zt 0450 clip does not hold in the pants as well as my 940.
 
I haven't carried every knife in the world but in comparison to what I have used, there's nothing more pocketable (slim, lightweight) that has the blade length of a 940. Pairing that with the Axis lock and it's difficult to say there's a better modern EDC folder on the mass market. It's a classic for a reason.
 
I agree with those above that say it you have large hands then the 0450 might be abit small. The 940 might be a better size.

That said they are two of the most amazing edc knives IMHO..

The ZT you get titanium.
 
Snapped this before closing up the safe, I will concur with all of the previous replies. The 940 will give you a bit more blade and also more handle. Both have great blade to handle ratio and I've been pleased with both. That said, the 940 carries like a much smaller knife. I think either would serve you well, but if handle real estate is a concern, the 940 gets the nod over the 450 imo. ymmv.

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There both great knives, I have all 3 and my pick is the 450cf. I like the feel of the carbon better. I have about average size hands and to me the 450's fit my hands better. The steel is great in both but I'd give the nod to the Benchmade. I prefer the flipper on the ZT's, the 940 opens great and closes even better, you better have your fingers out of the way when you pull the axis lock! Either way you cant go wrong...
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JDX said:
I was looking around on the forums and found one thread but it mostly talked about aesthetics or personal preference. And I'm more asking which is better in terms of ergonomics. I have relatively large hands, my ZT 0562 CF fits my hand perfectly. I was looking at the 0452 but it doesn't obey the knife laws in my area. Anyways I'm just stuck here picking a better edc knife. I really don't like aluminum scales so I was looking at the g10 version of the 940.

I was surprised that more people suggested the benchmade over the ZT and I guess I just wanted to know why.
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I have no idea why it would surprise you the the 940 which is one of the most recommend EDC knives would be talked about more than a ZT.

I'd take the Benchmade solely on blade shape, it fits my uses, and has an unbeatable warranty. What more do you want?
 
I have a BM 940-2. It is a great “pocket and forget it” type of knife. It’ll ride along innocuously and provide good utility when needed. That being said, it just doesn’t give me pride of ownership and doesn’t feel as “special” to me as the ZT 0450.

-My 940-2 has fit & finish issues that it shouldn’t for its price. My 0450 is flawless.
-The 940 is thinner behind the edge and is easier to 4 finger (though the 0450 works for me too)
-The 0450 has superior materials.
 
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Never held a 940 but I'm 6'11" & 300 lbs with an XL hand and I have three different 0450 models if that says anything. Love the knife.
 
GermanyChris said:
I have no idea why it would surprise you the the 940 which is one of the most recommend EDC knives would be talked about more than a ZT.

I'd take the Benchmade solely on blade shape, it fits my uses, and has an unbeatable warranty. What more do you want?
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I guess I was always under the impression that zero tolerance (in general) was superior to benchmade. But I guess the aluminum handles turned me off but the g10 version is catching my eye.
 
JDX said:
I guess I was always under the impression that zero tolerance (in general) was superior to benchmade. But I guess the aluminum handles turned me off but the g10 version is catching my eye.
Click to expand...

Then there's the carbon fiber version which is all kinds of sexy
 
The more neutral handle of the 940 is a great fit for bigger hands. Plus, small framelock flippers are really hard to get a handle on sometimes with big hands. Also, the 940 is a legend that everyone should try.
 
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