Need help deciding on a knife

Wolfgang · 03-19-2011, 06:15 PM

Im looking at picking up a knife for everyday use. Something that will slip into my dockers nicely while Im at work (Best Buy). I also want something that isnt flimsy as I need to break down cardboard boxes from time to time. The two I have in mind are a Zero Tolerance 0200 and a Piranha Mini bodyguard.

Steel: 154CM stainless-steel with Tungsten DLC coating
Handle: 3D machined, G-10 in matte black
Blade Length: 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm)
Closed Length: 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm)
Weight: 7.7 oz.

or

Overall Length: 6.6"
Blade Length: 2.9"
Blade Thickness: .10"
Blade Steel: CPM-S30V, 60 RC
Handle Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
Closed Length: 3.7"
Weight: 1.8 oz.
Made in USA

What do the masses say?

floydpink · 03-19-2011, 06:18 PM

Take a look at Kershaw, they make some sharp knives.

I love mine.

Bill86 · 03-19-2011, 06:21 PM

I would get a full size body guard or the mini, even though I prefer a blade over 3.5 inches. I had a ZT 301 and I wasn't impressed at all, I got rid of it for a Strider SMF. For my pocket sized Auto I got a MT Ultratech, not very sheeple friendly but it does it's job.

So my vote is the Piranha, I would be careful though seeing as that is an automatic knife. At least it's not an OTF though.

Have you considered a 912-913 Benchmade? Those can be had for right around $100-$120 and I must say they do an excellent job with boxes. I prefer the tanto though, I had both of them. The assisted opening is wicked fast too. *not an automatic*

Another worthwhile point is Benchmades CS is just about the best out there in the knife world.

Bill86 · 03-19-2011, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by floydpink

Take a look at Kershaw, they make some sharp knives.

I love mine.

Zero tolerance is made by Kershaw they just do collaborations with other knife makers to produce a more high quality and durable knife then there original line.

The recent one they made with Rick Hinderer is a heck of a knife for $200-$220 ISH. I still would go with a Strider though for durability if that is what you need.

EDIT no Zero Tolerance knife is slipping into any pants pockets, they are gigantic and not very light in the pocket.

Wolfgang · 03-19-2011, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill86

I would get a full size body guard or the mini, even though I prefer a blade over 3.5 inches. I had a ZT 301 and I wasn't impressed at all, I got rid of it for a Strider SMF. For my pocket sized Auto I got a MT Ultratech, not very sheeple friendly but it does it's job.

So my vote is the Piranha, I would be careful though seeing as that is an automatic knife. At least it's not an OTF though.

Have you considered a 912-913 Benchmade? Those can be had for right around $100-$120 and I must say they do an excellent job with boxes. I prefer the tanto though, I had both of them. The assisted opening is wicked fast too. *not an automatic*

Another worthwhile point is Benchmades CS is just about the best out there in the knife world.

Im not super worried about the sheeple friendliness I usually carry a UTX85 or LUDT and havent gotten anything but compliments from customers. Im holding out for the New Lone Wolf Trask (produced under benchmade) for my next blade.

If I may ask what diddnt you like about your ZT (Keep in mind a ~$130 knife and a ~$500 cant be compared apples to apples.)

DMK · 03-19-2011, 06:53 PM

Pick them both up and play with them. Pick the one that 'feels' best in your hand. What I like and carry probably wouldn't work for you...

Bill86 · 03-19-2011, 06:56 PM

Sure I hear ya, I bought my brother a UTX85 he carries it all the time. He only likes OTF Autos so I figured that would be a good start.

I got my SMF for $360 but I get your point, they aren't cheap at all. Bombproof though so it's worth it IMO.

The ZT blade shape isn't the most useful, it's heavy as all hell and the blade came with like a 65/35 lockup that touched the backspacer. Made an annoying click every time it closed. You could say I got a bad one or whatever even though it was NIB but it's definitely heavy and has a less than useful blade shape. The 301 was like 8.2-8.5 oz your's is 7.7 but don't get me wrong that's still heavy as hell.

I just think for your application the blade shape on the Piranha is much more useful. Also it's very light weight and no doubt carries MUCH better than the ZT. I think with dockers that's the way to go. If you were wearing jeans something like a 5-6 oz knife isn't too bad. Even still I found the ZT @ over 8oz's to really bring my pants down.

This of course is just all my opinions and experiences. YMMV

Also worth mentioning that the CPM S30V is a very nice steel which I would say is easily superior to the 154CM.

WyoBob · 03-19-2011, 10:17 PM

I have a Benchmade "Griptilian" that I bought 12 years ago. It seems like I use it on a daily basis and I've never sharpened it on a stone. Just used a steel.

After owning Buck's and Kershaw's for years, I think the Benchmade is quite a bit better. Though I liked the Kershaws (and still have a few around in drawer's), the Benchmades are superior and light years ahead of "Buck".

I got a Cabela's catalog the other day that had a model of the Benchmade (with the "axis lock" which I much prefer) for $40.00. I think it was a bit shorter than the "Grip" that I own and almost bought one for a spare but I think my wife tossed the flier. (She's cagey that way.)

WyoBob

Wolfgang · 03-19-2011, 10:25 PM

I agree the Grips and mini grips are wonderful knives.

I probably should have prefaced that Im a knife collector looking for a reason to buy another blade lol

Family photo

Wolfgang · 03-19-2011, 10:55 PM

Dont forget to Vote Bruddas!

Bill86 · 03-19-2011, 10:58 PM

I'm the only Piranha vote

MurphysLaw · 03-20-2011, 09:32 AM

I say the Zero Tolerance just because you'll be using it to cut cardboard and the blade is a lot more substantial looking.

replicant_argent · 03-20-2011, 10:05 AM

Could you have picked two more vastly different knives?
I carry a ZT0350, and it most certainly is carry-able in a pocket, however the width of the blade and handle and the edges may preclude use of that pocket without taking a scratch or gouge out of the back of your hand. A dedicated pocket such as in tac-lites work well, or for me, a knife like that rides in the corner of a cargo pocket. The bearing surface of the ZT vs. the piranha is larger (wider) and would probably be better in a torsional sense. It is MUCH heavier, but some things are acceptable for size and weight constraints and the weight may be one of the lesser important qualities. Steel choice? 154CM vs. S30V. Tough. I would also look at the pocket edge shredibility factor. That G10 will likely treat a pair of regular khakis like a squeaky toy at a dogpound. Factor in a couple extra pairs a year to look sharp if you want to carry an aggressive G10 handled knife for heavy work edc use. Love the DLC coatings on the ZT knives, and the pearlescent nature of it pleases me, especially in bright light. The aluminum treatment on the Piranha is also highly attractive however. The slight compound curve on the ZT will be slightly more difficult to sharpen, but has a great belly. The Piranha is a load lighter, would be more pocketable, has no real belly and will be easy to sharpen, but during hard edc work, you will be using that point quite a bit more, not only putting wear on the slimmer profile of the point of it, but subjecting it to much more stresses than a knife with a deeper belly. Deep, safe finger choil on the ZT, none on the Piranha, How sweaty are your hands, and do you like them not slipping forward on a piece of surgically sharp steel?

Pick 2 more similar knives, repost a poll, and then I will vote.

Bill86 · 03-20-2011, 02:00 PM

Pete makes some good points but considering that it is just cardboard boxes I don't see that giving any sharp knife of good quality much trouble. I will say the ZTs do come scary sharp not sure on the Piranha.

Or you could always sell off 4-5 of those knives you collect and get a Rick Hinderer XM-18 3.5 inch. There isn't a better knife on the planet. They carry well, not too heavy, great slicing blade and are built like slim profile tanks. I only wish I could afford one.

longknocker · 03-22-2011, 03:53 PM

I Voted Zero Tolerance Just Because I Like The Look & Heft, Better, Mark. Never Had One, Though. Either Choice Would Work For Cutting Cardboard, Though. My Boss At Work Uses A Small Automatic Benchmade Everyday For Cutting Just About Everything. Very Nice Action, It's Not Too Large To Carry In Your Pocket & Doesn't Scare People.

longknocker · 03-22-2011, 03:56 PM

What About This One?
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchmade-Impel--4802

Wolfgang · 03-22-2011, 04:05 PM

Its nice but the blade length is a little lacking at under 2" HOWEVER if I was in California id be all over that.

captain53 · 03-23-2011, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longknocker

What About This One?
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchmade-Impel--4802

If I had the luxury of living in an auto-knife legal State I would for sure be owning one of these. Really nice pocket piece.

Old Saying - The longer the knife the greener the hunter!

wayner123 · 03-23-2011, 07:57 AM

I voted but didn't comment til now. I would think that if you are going to be using it for work, that the ZT will be a pain sliding off your Docker's. It looks to me like it would grab a lot on the way out. If you are doing this multiple times a day, You could ruin a pair of pants.

You can always check out youtube reviews and see what those people think as well.

kydsid · 03-23-2011, 08:19 AM

I vote neither one. If you are going to be opening packaging/breaking down boxes you need a partially serrated blade. cardboard will dull even the best knife. years of opening boxes for me and the only non-serrated knife i ever liked was a cold steel and that still didnt see much use.
Posted via Mobile Device

View Poll Results: Which knife??
Zero Tolerance 0200	10	58.82%
Piranha Mini Bodyguard	7	41.18%
Voters: 17. You may not vote on this poll

03-19-2011, 06:15 PM	#1
Wolfgang Back from the dead Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Tampa, Fl Posts: 2,541 Trading: (14)	Need help deciding on a knife Im looking at picking up a knife for everyday use. Something that will slip into my dockers nicely while Im at work (Best Buy). I also want something that isnt flimsy as I need to break down cardboard boxes from time to time. The two I have in mind are a Zero Tolerance 0200 and a Piranha Mini bodyguard. Steel: 154CM stainless-steel with Tungsten DLC coating Handle: 3D machined, G-10 in matte black Blade Length: 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm) Closed Length: 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm) Weight: 7.7 oz. or Overall Length: 6.6" Blade Length: 2.9" Blade Thickness: .10" Blade Steel: CPM-S30V, 60 RC Handle Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum Closed Length: 3.7" Weight: 1.8 oz. Made in USA What do the masses say? __________________ You probably wont remember that test you failed, but you'll never forget the girl you were with the night before, when you decided not to study.

03-19-2011, 06:18 PM	#2
floydpink crazy diamond Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Pete Location: Orlando Posts: 1,955 Trading: (17)	Re: Need help deciding on a knife Take a look at Kershaw, they make some sharp knives. I love mine. __________________ "If we weren't all crazy we would go insane"

03-19-2011, 06:21 PM	#3
Bill86 Snob Join Date: Jul 2010 First Name: Bill Posts: 6,704 Trading: (67)	Re: Need help deciding on a knife I would get a full size body guard or the mini, even though I prefer a blade over 3.5 inches. I had a ZT 301 and I wasn't impressed at all, I got rid of it for a Strider SMF. For my pocket sized Auto I got a MT Ultratech, not very sheeple friendly but it does it's job. So my vote is the Piranha, I would be careful though seeing as that is an automatic knife. At least it's not an OTF though. Have you considered a 912-913 Benchmade? Those can be had for right around $100-$120 and I must say they do an excellent job with boxes. I prefer the tanto though, I had both of them. The assisted opening is wicked fast too. not an automatic Another worthwhile point is Benchmades CS is just about the best out there in the knife world.

03-19-2011, 06:53 PM	#6
DMK S.O.B. Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Darryl Location: Hamilton, ON. Canada. Posts: 2,747 Trading: (86)	Re: Need help deciding on a knife Pick them both up and play with them. Pick the one that 'feels' best in your hand. What I like and carry probably wouldn't work for you... __________________ Darryl, SOB...

03-19-2011, 06:56 PM	#7
Bill86 Snob Join Date: Jul 2010 First Name: Bill Posts: 6,704 Trading: (67)	Re: Need help deciding on a knife Sure I hear ya, I bought my brother a UTX85 he carries it all the time. He only likes OTF Autos so I figured that would be a good start. I got my SMF for $360 but I get your point, they aren't cheap at all. Bombproof though so it's worth it IMO. The ZT blade shape isn't the most useful, it's heavy as all hell and the blade came with like a 65/35 lockup that touched the backspacer. Made an annoying click every time it closed. You could say I got a bad one or whatever even though it was NIB but it's definitely heavy and has a less than useful blade shape. The 301 was like 8.2-8.5 oz your's is 7.7 but don't get me wrong that's still heavy as hell. I just think for your application the blade shape on the Piranha is much more useful. Also it's very light weight and no doubt carries MUCH better than the ZT. I think with dockers that's the way to go. If you were wearing jeans something like a 5-6 oz knife isn't too bad. Even still I found the ZT @ over 8oz's to really bring my pants down. This of course is just all my opinions and experiences. YMMV Also worth mentioning that the CPM S30V is a very nice steel which I would say is easily superior to the 154CM.

03-19-2011, 10:17 PM	#8
WyoBob Still Watching My Back Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Bob Location: Buffalo, WY Posts: 155 Trading: (1)	Re: Need help deciding on a knife I have a Benchmade "Griptilian" that I bought 12 years ago. It seems like I use it on a daily basis and I've never sharpened it on a stone. Just used a steel. After owning Buck's and Kershaw's for years, I think the Benchmade is quite a bit better. Though I liked the Kershaws (and still have a few around in drawer's), the Benchmades are superior and light years ahead of "Buck". I got a Cabela's catalog the other day that had a model of the Benchmade (with the "axis lock" which I much prefer) for $40.00. I think it was a bit shorter than the "Grip" that I own and almost bought one for a spare but I think my wife tossed the flier. (She's cagey that way.) WyoBob

03-19-2011, 10:25 PM	#9
Wolfgang Back from the dead Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Tampa, Fl Posts: 2,541 Trading: (14)	Re: Need help deciding on a knife I agree the Grips and mini grips are wonderful knives. I probably should have prefaced that Im a knife collector looking for a reason to buy another blade lol Family photo __________________ You probably wont remember that test you failed, but you'll never forget the girl you were with the night before, when you decided not to study.

03-19-2011, 10:55 PM	#10
Wolfgang Back from the dead Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Tampa, Fl Posts: 2,541 Trading: (14)	Re: Need help deciding on a knife Dont forget to Vote Bruddas! __________________ You probably wont remember that test you failed, but you'll never forget the girl you were with the night before, when you decided not to study.

03-19-2011, 10:58 PM	#11
Bill86 Snob Join Date: Jul 2010 First Name: Bill Posts: 6,704 Trading: (67)	Re: Need help deciding on a knife I'm the only Piranha vote

03-20-2011, 09:32 AM	#12
MurphysLaw Anything can go wrong Join Date: Dec 2010 First Name: Brian Location: SoFlo Posts: 2,823 Trading: (19)	Re: Need help deciding on a knife I say the Zero Tolerance just because you'll be using it to cut cardboard and the blade is a lot more substantial looking. __________________ It's THIS easy to help our Troops.

03-20-2011, 10:05 AM	#13
replicant_argent Gravy Boat Winnah. Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Pete Location: my attorney has advised against giving this information to insane people Posts: 5,326 Trading: (22)	Re: Need help deciding on a knife Could you have picked two more vastly different knives? I carry a ZT0350, and it most certainly is carry-able in a pocket, however the width of the blade and handle and the edges may preclude use of that pocket without taking a scratch or gouge out of the back of your hand. A dedicated pocket such as in tac-lites work well, or for me, a knife like that rides in the corner of a cargo pocket. The bearing surface of the ZT vs. the piranha is larger (wider) and would probably be better in a torsional sense. It is MUCH heavier, but some things are acceptable for size and weight constraints and the weight may be one of the lesser important qualities. Steel choice? 154CM vs. S30V. Tough. I would also look at the pocket edge shredibility factor. That G10 will likely treat a pair of regular khakis like a squeaky toy at a dogpound. Factor in a couple extra pairs a year to look sharp if you want to carry an aggressive G10 handled knife for heavy work edc use. Love the DLC coatings on the ZT knives, and the pearlescent nature of it pleases me, especially in bright light. The aluminum treatment on the Piranha is also highly attractive however. The slight compound curve on the ZT will be slightly more difficult to sharpen, but has a great belly. The Piranha is a load lighter, would be more pocketable, has no real belly and will be easy to sharpen, but during hard edc work, you will be using that point quite a bit more, not only putting wear on the slimmer profile of the point of it, but subjecting it to much more stresses than a knife with a deeper belly. Deep, safe finger choil on the ZT, none on the Piranha, How sweaty are your hands, and do you like them not slipping forward on a piece of surgically sharp steel? Pick 2 more similar knives, repost a poll, and then I will vote. __________________ www.stogietorch.com Some days call for a stiff Pomade. Last edited by replicant_argent; 03-20-2011 at 10:13 AM.

03-20-2011, 02:00 PM	#14
Bill86 Snob Join Date: Jul 2010 First Name: Bill Posts: 6,704 Trading: (67)	Re: Need help deciding on a knife Pete makes some good points but considering that it is just cardboard boxes I don't see that giving any sharp knife of good quality much trouble. I will say the ZTs do come scary sharp not sure on the Piranha. Or you could always sell off 4-5 of those knives you collect and get a Rick Hinderer XM-18 3.5 inch. There isn't a better knife on the planet. They carry well, not too heavy, great slicing blade and are built like slim profile tanks. I only wish I could afford one. Last edited by Bill86; 03-20-2011 at 02:05 PM.

03-22-2011, 03:53 PM	#15
longknocker Postwhore Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Greg Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 11,162 Trading: (82)	Re: Need help deciding on a knife I Voted Zero Tolerance Just Because I Like The Look & Heft, Better, Mark. Never Had One, Though. Either Choice Would Work For Cutting Cardboard, Though. My Boss At Work Uses A Small Automatic Benchmade Everyday For Cutting Just About Everything. Very Nice Action, It's Not Too Large To Carry In Your Pocket & Doesn't Scare People.

03-22-2011, 03:56 PM	#16
longknocker Postwhore Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Greg Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 11,162 Trading: (82)	Re: Need help deciding on a knife What About This One? http://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchmade-Impel--4802

03-22-2011, 04:05 PM	#17
Wolfgang Back from the dead Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Tampa, Fl Posts: 2,541 Trading: (14)	Re: Need help deciding on a knife Its nice but the blade length is a little lacking at under 2" HOWEVER if I was in California id be all over that. __________________ You probably wont remember that test you failed, but you'll never forget the girl you were with the night before, when you decided not to study.

03-23-2011, 07:57 AM	#19
wayner123 Country Gentleman Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Deltona, FL Posts: 2,351 Trading: (159)	Re: Need help deciding on a knife I voted but didn't comment til now. I would think that if you are going to be using it for work, that the ZT will be a pain sliding off your Docker's. It looks to me like it would grab a lot on the way out. If you are doing this multiple times a day, You could ruin a pair of pants. You can always check out youtube reviews and see what those people think as well. __________________ 'It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; But every fool will be quarrelling.'

03-23-2011, 08:19 AM	#20
kydsid Ditat Deus Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: Jason Location: Among the Pines Posts: 2,361 Trading: (46)	Re: Need help deciding on a knife I vote neither one. If you are going to be opening packaging/breaking down boxes you need a partially serrated blade. cardboard will dull even the best knife. years of opening boxes for me and the only non-serrated knife i ever liked was a cold steel and that still didnt see much use. Posted via Mobile Device