2 completely different knives, which way do I navigate?

XtianAus

XtianAus

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So I -thought- I had decided on purchasing a WE 702 next until I saw ZT's new 0609. I know they are pretty much two completely different knives, but I like each equally for different reasons.

I need help to steer me in one direction.
Any thoughts between the two? What would you choose?
 
USA made vs Chinese made

Some of these high end Chinese knives are amazing and I have bought a few but if it’s that close of a choice I would chose USA made
 
Two very different knives...as you've said.
ZT is shorter, lighter, cheaper, thinner blade-stock, 20CV.
WE is longer, heavier, more expensive, and MUCH thicker blade-stock.
Guess which one will slice, while the other can chop firewood.
NO CONTEST. (I'm partial to a knife that can slice an apple.)
If you are not in a hurry, you might wait for Spyderco's new knife from Jerry Brauer, the "AMALGAM" model....Very nice. See it on Google.
 
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ZT. I'll take USA made > overseas + the cost savings in this one. I don't own a WE but I own ZTs. I love my ZTs.
 
You haven't told us what you plan to use the knife for. I have 2 WE knives and 3 ZT's. I never carry my WE's because they are too pretty and the ZT's are built to be used. So if you carry 2 knives at the same time you can carry one nice one and one for EDC. If you only carry one Then get a ZT. Both are nice but I don't consider the WE as a hard use EDC blade.
I just noticed that the WE is a lot more money. As I said, if you plan on carrying it for EDC ZT will always come out on top.
 
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I have a ZT 0606, it's a really nice knife. I have lots of We knives, super nice as well. You can't go wrong either way.

Is the 0609 available yet? I have only seen it on pre-order.
 
I would pick the ZT. Nothing to do with the country of origin, but WE knives generally look a bit too much bling for me.
 
Sonnydaze Sonnydaze - I tend to gravitate to knives that are moderate to overbuilt. Just my preference because living in Australia, we cannot edc knives. So my knives are used around the house and out in the bush. So I usually like things that I can put to work rather than say slice an apple :D
Thats just what works for me but everyone has different uses.

Also that spyderco is definitely interesting looking!

@emjay why don't you consider the WE a hard user? This particular model is .160 thick and integral design. The WE is definitely more expensive. The ZT is $220 and 20cv. Seems like a bargin to me. But its only .120 thick so that leaves me questioning if its built enough for more harder use.

F Faiaoga , I love the look of the ZT 606. Lucky you! Too bad they are not around anymore. And yes you are right, they are only available per pre-order.

sharp_edge sharp_edge I absolutely agree, WE are very bling looking but the 702 model in particular is much less so and much more up my alley. The ZT 0609 is far off being bling(ish) either, but in a very good way :p
 
I would go zt. I think it has the better blade profile and grind. Looks like it would be a great slicer. Plus zt has amazingly solid pivots. Plus, when confronted with a choice, always buy American!
 
Although the 609 isn’t on shelves yet, it’s way more in line with my EDC preference. It’s size and weight, along with grind and blade thickness are more what I’m looking for. It’s also (expected to be) cheaper. I’m almost certain to pick one up later this year.

The 702 is quite a different knife. I was hot on one until I saw Zel’s review.
He liked the knife, which is fine, it just convinced me it’s not what I was looking for. It’s bigger, heavier, and thicker (blade) than what I expected (or what I’m after).
 
See the issue is, I like big and thick and solid folders because I cannot edc one, its not a problem. They sit at home and are used around the house or when I go on walks/hikes in the bush.
Thats why i like the WE

But I like the ZT too and it has better warranty etc. Probably more people friendly blade too.
Its .120 thick though. Do you guys think thats thick enough for heavier use if required?
 
Uhm, both of course? The We Knife is available now, so get it now. The ZT isn't going to be available for probably two more months, plenty of time to save up until then. And if it comes to it, sell the 702 and fund the 609 with it then.
 
Hello XtianAus
Do the ZT. I have several ZT's and one WE 710F and while the WE 710F is a quality item with nice packaging and a priority tool is included I'm just not there yet and wish I'd not bought the thing and it's going down the road!
Good Luck,
T&B
Duh, am I out of date! Sorry!
 
XtianAus said:
See the issue is, I like big and thick and solid folders..
Click to expand...
I don’t think the 0609 is going to fill that need. If that’s what you’re after, you should be contemplating the WE 702 vs ZT 0452. (I’d pick the 0452 in that situation, btw.)

Maybe the right answer is the 0609 and a decent Mora fixed blade for the bush? You could do that for the same cost as the WE, and not feel bad for beating the crap out of your bush knife.
 
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