The Zing is it!

[EZ Bake]

So, I had an Orange Packrat and while I liked it (lightning fast deployment - it was almost scary how it shot open)...

I had a few issues with it. First off, the flipper is tiny and slick. Secondly, the lock-bar was hard to disengage, and while I loved the shape and ergos, the blade-shape swaying back like it does made for a slight disadvantage in the way I typically cut things. And I'm not NutnFancy, but I do appreciate jimping in the right places (and the Packrat is completely smooth).

So I got rid of it and picked up an Orange Skyline. Love it, but I'm not a fan of liner/frame lock knives with no steel on the G10-scale side. I also prefer the ergos of the Packrat and like a little more heft to my knives I don't dislike the Skyline, so I still have it, but I decided to jump on an Orange Zing (since they're going away).

I really like this knife. I've got to be honest, I don't think there is a thing about it that I don't like. The thumb-studs are perfect, the pocket-clip is perfect, I love the back-spacer, and the flipper sticks out just far enough and is jimped with just the right amount of texturing. I love the scalloping on the blade-grind and the ergos are amazing. Love the orange (slightly different than the Skyline's orange).

Very happy with this knife. Get one while you still can.

[Basher313]

The Orange Zing is going away?? What about the black one? Source?

[PropThePolecat]

The Orange Zing is going away?? What about the black one? Source?

It came from Thomas. Apparently the Zing wasn't that popular among the general public.

[EZ Bake]

The Orange Zing is going away?? What about the black one? Source?

All Zings are going away as I understand it. I also didn't realize that RJ Martin designed this one. Sad really, it's a good knife.

[sticktodrum]

Didn't they recently release a stainless steel handle Zing? I couldn't even find those things for sale. Odd...

[svrider3]

Didn't they recently release a stainless steel handle Zing? I couldn't even find those things for sale. Odd...

I don't remember the ETA, but yes,(last I heard) there is going to be an all SS Zing. No striations on the blade.

[jimw451]

Great post and info EZB. I have an orange Zing and never really got around to using it because of the blade shape but always admired its ergos and design. Definitely want an all SS Zing when they come out though. That will be one cool looking knife!

[Elgreco]

How thick is the handle on this one? Say, compared to a tenacious or blur if you have either of those knives.

[svrider3]

How thick is the handle on this one? Say, compared to a tenacious or blur if you have either of those knives.

The digi calipers say the Zing is .440 and the Blur is .480.
Hope that helps.

[Elgreco]

It does indeed. That is probably the most important thing to me when it comes to knives. I might have to pick this one up.

[svrider3]

It does indeed. That is probably the most important thing to me when it comes to knives. I might have to pick this one up.

You won't regret it. It's one solid knife and has great flipper action. One of my favorite Kershaws.

[bluejayburly]

I recently got a couple Zing Tanto's, serrated and not, x-acto knife sharp. I have enough Grooves already.

The Kershaw catalog shows a Zing SS overseas model. All stainless, assisted opener. With the striated blade shape but a smooth grind, same 3 inch blade.

[solidorange]

i did not know they were going away either! now i am going to have to pick up a second orange one to keep in my collection.

also, i have seen the SS version available for pre-order on a few websites. surprisingly, it is about the same price as the current models.

[presz]

All Zings are going away as I understand it. I also didn't realize that RJ Martin designed this one. Sad really, it's a good knife.

Not going away just moving to China and getting SS handles.

[solidorange]

Not going away just moving to China and getting SS handles.

that would explain how they are keeping the price the same then.

[mqqn]

I like the Zing - it is awesome and has a little more of the Leek flavor in a Skyline-sized knife.

I gifted out a couple of Zings - and I can tell you one of those knives has been through the ringer with a hard-working man who runs a large city park - and that knife is his favorite.

Here is a picture of this very knife the last time it returned "home" for a touch-up -



I sure hope they don't discontinue, but even if so, there will be plenty on the secondary market for those who appreciate the quality and usefulness of this design.

You know this is an RJ Martin design, right? ;^)

best

mqqn

[Scurvy092]

I have the regular Zing and the Tanto. Love them both!

[RevDevil]

I picked up a Zing tanto recently and have been carrying it everyday since. It kicked the 0560 out of my pocket for about a week and a half. It's a great little knife, fanstastic design, everything is solid, lock up, blade centering, etc. I will be buying a few more, it's a shame I missed the Damascus though.

[EZ Bake]

I picked up a Zing tanto recently and have been carrying it everyday since. It kicked the 0560 out of my pocket for about a week and a half. It's a great little knife, fanstastic design, everything is solid, lock up, blade centering, etc. I will be buying a few more, it's a shame I missed the Damascus though.

Definitely - I hate that I missed the Damascus Zing and Skyline, but I didn't even know about the SS or Tanto versions of the Zing. Now you guys have me googling stuff trying to spend more money.

[RevDevil]

I have to find the regular black, orange, and the OD versions before they are completely gone...