2013 Kick-Off: ZT 0350, ZT 0550, Boker Minos, or Strider PT

Locutus D'Borg

Locutus D'Borg

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Okay, I promised the wife "no more new knives for a while", but, like Chinese food, I was hungry again in an hour and perusing the usual sites and Youtube for my next baby.

Nothing definite in mind other than an overbuilt, stout knife with a roughly 3" blade (or 3.5" but no longer).

I was torn between the 0350 and 0550, but then saw a couple videos on the Boker Minos. Man, what a cool looking blade: all Ti, one of the scales is carved like a labyrinth. Around $250. Then I stumbled upon the Strider with a short blade, I believe the PT. I've avoided Strider since I have an XM-18, but hey, it's a disease, I can't help myself.

So first I gotta settle on a knife, then formulate a plan to sell my wife (probably involving a gift of jewelry). Being disabled I can't pop over to knife shows (unless they are really close, and in my part of Virginia knife stores that would carry these are sparse). So I would be relying on expert opinion and videos.

I'm leaning toward the Minos, despite the minor finish issues discussed on Youtube. But I also like the ZT's, and between the 0350 and 0550 I just can't decide.

Any thoughts would be most welcome.

Currently own a Sebenza, XM-18, BM Mini-Barrage, couple of William Henry's, and a BM 755 MPR is in the mail.
 
I don't have experience with the others but I do have both an 0350 and an 0550. Of the two I prefer the 0550 by far. The handle on the 0350 is a little too small for me. The handle on the 0550 is about the same length but I find that the design fits my hand better. I don't have particularly large hands either, if you do I think you'll find the 0350 a bit small. I like the blade shape better on the 0550 as well. Of course the 0350 is an assisted flipper and the 0550 is manual with thumb studs. I find myself moving away from assisted knives, but that's just my opinion. I don't own an XM-18, but my concern with the 0550 is that it might be a bit redundant in your collection since you already do have an XM.
 
I have both the 0350 and 0550 too. The 0550 kicked the 0350 out of my pocket. Sold my BM755 just wasn't my cup of tea.
 
Thanks, RJ80, that is very useful input. I have medium to small hands (to compensate for my big brain), and if I go with a ZT, I think a 0550 will be my choice. I have never owned a flipper, and would lean toward a thumb stud. Gotta build up the calluses. Frankly I'll get one down the line anyway. Glad to meet someone who owns both ZT's. Now if I can find someone who is familiar with the Boker Minos....

RJ80 said:
I don't have experience with the others but I do have both an 0350 and an 0550. Of the two I prefer the 0550 by far. The handle on the 0350 is a little too small for me. The handle on the 0550 is about the same length but I find that the design fits my hand better. I don't have particularly large hands either, if you do I think you'll find the 0350 a bit small. I like the blade shape better on the 0550 as well. Of course the 0350 is an assisted flipper and the 0550 is manual with thumb studs. I find myself moving away from assisted knives, but that's just my opinion. I don't own an XM-18, but my concern with the 0550 is that it might be a bit redundant in your collection since you already do have an XM.
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I think the Strider SnG would be more comparable in size to the 350zt and 0550zt. It's a good carry size.
 
I'll check it out, but I want the shortest blade Strider makes, about 3" or a tad more. Legal reasons. I'm in the D.C. area and if I cross into DC, 3" is the limit. Around my residential area, 3 plus is no problem.

mjolnir74 said:
Look at Strider SnG's. I carry a DGG daily.
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Thanks, but I'm going to stick to my list for now. Emersons are not quite what I want. That pocket hook doesn't do it for me. A great knife, from what I hear. And I do appreciate the idea. I've been researching for a while and ZT, Strider, or the Boker Minos are my choices for my next purchase.

mjolnir74 said:
Oh, ok. The Emerson CQC14 has a short blade also.
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I'd pick the ZT550 among the choices you listed. Price and ergos considered, it's the best value, imo. You will want to use it a lot.
 
I don't like thumb studs, and the handle didn't feel "just right" to me. The quality was great, but the overall package just wasn't for me. If it had a flipper and a slightly taller handle, I'd be singing a different tune.
 
Thanks never more. Appreciate you taking the time to respond. Food for thought. I'm not a flipper guy, so the 0550 is perhaps more my style. Maybe I'll order both and send back the one I like least, assuming the dealer agrees to it.
 
I've never had a Boker. I've had the other three. I'd get the 0350 if it was my decision.
 
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