Zero Tolerance vs. Benchmade

Semper Praesidio

Semper Praesidio

Joined
Feb 19, 2014
Messages
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So a few months ago, I jumped back into daily carry of folding knife. Rather than make a significant investment right off the bat, I started with a budget priced Kershaw. Now that it is obvious to me that I'll never again go "bladeless," I am considering a more significant investment. I think I've narrowed it down to either a ZT or a Benchmade product.

Recommendations on specific models to consider/avoid? Looking for a fine edge (no serrations) with a 2.75 to 3.25 blade length. Thanks!
 
I own 5 Benchmades presently. If I were going to buy a new folder in the size range that you are specifying, I'd go with a ZT 0566. They suck until you remove the torsion bar. After that, they are superb. I like mine a lot....
 
Need more information.

Do you want an assisted opening?
What kind of lock?
Budget?
Uses?
 
Sunyata said:
Need more information.

Do you want an assisted opening?
What kind of lock?
Budget?
Uses?
Click to expand...

I do like AO, but not a necessity.

Probably liner lock

Under $200

General daily cutting tasks: probably not food prep; def no heavy bushcrafting type tasks
 
ZT has more liner/frame locks than BM.

The old Nitrous Stryker series had some nice knives in D2 that fit the criteria.

The ZT770-cf is what I'm waiting for from ZT if I can get over the liner lock
 
I am a big fan of the ZT 0566. I have decided thus far to leave the torsion bar in place, for I enjoy it with the overall design of the knife. If you can stretch your blade length parameter a bit (to 3.5"), you may want to consider the ZT 0801. Closed, it is not much larger than the 0566, for the blade to handle ratio is very good, plus, you get the KVT bearings, titanium handles, and a very fun and smooth flipper.
 
ZT0566 is hard to beat for the price. I also love the 0550! Overall I do prefer the ZTs.
 
I'd definitely suggest you wait for the ZT 0770CF to arrive. Believe me, it will be worth the wait.

ZTCatalog_2014_16_zps7710d579.jpg
 
I go with ZT over BM every time. My reasons are specific to customer service. KAI has been nothing short of excellent while BM has been a little less than that to me. I usually get attacked by the loyal BM customers when I mention this so I'm sure they are better to some others.
 
I´d go for ZT. Pick between the 0550,0566,0770 (0770 CF when it arrives) or the 0801, they will all impress. If you really want a linerlock right now and dont´t want the 0770, you might consider the 0350 as well. It has a wide variety of color options, bladestyles and even material/blade choices. Check out Kershawguy for the best prices.
 
ZT 0770 or BM 484 would be my suggestions, with based on your requirements the ZT has the edge.
 
wazu013 said:
I go with ZT over BM every time. My reasons are specific to customer service. KAI has been nothing short of excellent while BM has been a little less than that to me. I usually get attacked by the loyal BM customers when I mention this so I'm sure they are better to some others.
Click to expand...

This!
 
AO knives are hard to take seriously here in Oregon where autos are completely legal. BM FTW in autos, (if their pricing model weren't so Stone Age.)
 
For me is ZT every time. Never really warmed up to BM despite trying a number of models. The closest I've gotten to liking them is a Rift I just bought. It's nice, just not for my hands and I'm considering selling it. I would suggest the zt 0566. They are stiff when new but it's a wonderful and capable knife for edc. Just my. 02

Drew
 
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If weight and portability is a factor in your every day carry, don't discount Benchmade. They make a number of fine knives around 3" that may even be more suitable for your purposes than Zero Tolerance.
 
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