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Post by Adrian Jordan on Dec 25, 2011 5:56:03 GMT
Hey guys. I am going to be getting a new EDC pocketknife soon and I am stuck between two models. First, the Benchmade Pardue Design Axis Griptilian. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003G5W4I2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=AU8KF031TC39CSecond is the Zero Tolerance ZT350. www.amazon.com/Zero-Tolerance-Handle-Speed-Safe/dp/B002QFJLEI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324791516&sr=8-1The price between the two is negligible, so that's not a problem. Here are some of my worries resulting from reviews I've seen. Benchmade: *154CM Stainless Steel. Totally unknown to me. I've read reviews of other knives made from this and tip breakage is mentioned more often than is comfortable. *Chubby handle. *Handle material not the strongest. Zero Tolerance: *S30V stainless steel. Said to lose "razor edge" somewhat fast, though stays very sharp for a good long time. *Weight. At 6.2oz it is on the higher end of the scale for a pocketknife. I prefer a slim, light folder. Both knives are made by high-quality manufacturers in the US, which I like. Both are constructed with great quality materials. Both have very high marks across the board. I don't generally use my pocketknives for heavy tasks but I like a blade that can handle them when they arise. I'm at a bit of a standstill on this, so any comments would be welcome.
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Post by Mr.Wallace on Dec 25, 2011 6:17:15 GMT
Of the two, I'd take the zero tolerance. 6.2 oz. is a little heavy, but I've seen a couple of unfavorable reviews on the griptillian. Plus, while trying to swype griptillian, it submitted terrorism. Conspiracy theory? I think not
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Post by nihontoman on Dec 25, 2011 7:05:23 GMT
I think those two knives are in different leagues and are designed for different purposes, but still, I'd take ZT over griptilian any day... while the weight issue might be true for some (I don't really care personally) I don't think that s30v has any issues. every kind of steel would loose its "razors edge" pretty so, but out of all my knives the only steel that outperformed s30v in that regard was zdp-189... s30v is one of the best steels on the market and I wouldn't worry about it. also, what's the point of having razors edge on a knife? are you going to shave with it or what?
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Post by Student of Sword on Dec 25, 2011 7:09:55 GMT
I have a ZT350. It is not the weight that makes it an uncomfortable blade to EDC; it is the width of the blade and handle. The knife is a very wide folder. Wider than most folders of similar length. However, ZT is a built like a tank. The blade is thick and it is frame lock. I personally think that Zero Tolerance (as a brand) has the highest value to price ratio than all other brands.
PS: I apologize. I just realized I made a mistake. ZT0350 is not frame lock. It is liner lock. I was confused with the ZT0300 because I have both models.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Dec 25, 2011 20:45:05 GMT
Thanks for the replies. It's looking like the ZT is the way to go.
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Sébastien
Senior Forumite
Retired Moderator
Posts: 2,967
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Post by Sébastien on Dec 26, 2011 17:56:48 GMT
I think that's a good choice. Benchmade gets some flak on bladeforums, some complain that they are overpriced and have a mediocre price-for-quality ratio (although they do have some very nice looking folders IMHO, like the Onslaught). Zero Tolerance gets little to no complaints.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Dec 26, 2011 19:53:58 GMT
That about seals it, then. ZT it is.
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Post by Student of Sword on Dec 26, 2011 21:07:42 GMT
Adrian,
Benchmade is not bad. But most of their blades are not meant for heavy use like ZT. Benchmade's blades tend to be thin. Just remember, ZT is a bit wide and heavy.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Dec 27, 2011 3:28:37 GMT
Thanks. I love Benchmade, but it seems that they are a bit over-priced for the level of blades you can get comparatively. I'll probably get the Benchmade too, but later.
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Post by Miekka on Dec 28, 2011 4:33:05 GMT
I did a little research a while back when looking to buy folders other than classic Bucks, and the complaints about Benchmade has increased over the past few years it seems, mostly about quality control like fit and finish and blade sharpness. Plus they're expensive compared to knives of equal or better quality like Spydercos.
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