A Short Rant About Zero Tolerance

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if you have such specific criteria for your knives and wished ZT would use different knife designers, why don't you just work on getting a custom? if you're buying high end ZT's you're not far off dollar wise.
 
Bugout Bill said:
That is an interesting little knife. A swayback spring assist. Who'd a thunk it.
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It was based on the titanium liner lock Kershaw Talon in ATS-34; incedentially the first folding knife supported for P'Kal use.

It had a bottle opener opening slot which just so happened to be a fantastic wave catch.

http://www.donrearic.com/southerncomfort.html

(That's what I get for skipping a page...Esav knows his knives!)

Hope you've been we'll EB.
 
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Do you need a hug Neil? I think its been a fairly civil electronic exchange of opinions from both sides here. Maybe we aren't reading the same thread? I think Zt has it figured out pretty well and I'm enjoying the ride that's been trucking since 2006. Its an ever evolving market and they always seem to find a way. I think good things are yet to come in the future as well.

Enjoy- JuJu
 
bad_juju said:
Do you need a hug Neil?
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I'm usually up for a hug. Bring it on.

bad_juju said:
I think its been a fairly civil electronic exchange of opinions from both sides here. Maybe we aren't reading the same thread?
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So, you missed the hater comments? Pages 1 & 2.

bad_juju said:
I think Zt has it figured out pretty well and I'm enjoying the ride that's been trucking since 2006. Its an ever evolving market and they always seem to find a way. I think good things are yet to come in the future as well.
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I agree. I have found ZT to be a very innovative manufacturer and expect to continue patronizing their wares.
 
I remember when the ZT name was in its infancy. Thats when Kershaw was the end all brand. They had everything from your USA made budget folders to the super exotics, like the Tilt. When ZT first started, you're right, they're concentration was only on hard use heavy duty work knives. However, slowly but surly the Kershaw premiums got phased out and more and more of Kershaw's products were being swept overseas to make way for more ZT production. As ZT's reputation for quality increased, the sprint runs and "gold class" models started arriving, and the overall price of ZTs products went up significantly. But that was to be expected since, as I said, the quality went up as well. In my opinion Kershaw is no longer what it once was, and some of their newer products are too expensive for being made overseas and featuring Chinese made steels. So everyone is looking to ZT for their high-end fix. Not everyone is interested in the hard-use and over-built style, myself included. So a market for urban EDC friendly, highend, USA made products was being unfulfilled for a short time. ZT, in the last year, is bridging the gap. Hence, ZT is no longer all about heavy duty products.

As far as you're preferences, well they're you're preferences. If you don't like all the finishes they offer now, it goes without saying, don't buy them. I don't mind KAIs composite blade technology, so long as they use something highly corrosion resistant for the spine and they get the edge steel to the proper heat treatment. Not being able to properly heat treat the s110v 0560 because of the composite blade was a joke. The cutting edge is really all that matters.
 
My opinion, I love the 0454 and 0777 but will never own either because of price and availability. For every 500 people that get these knives there are 5000 (minimum) that want one but cannot afford or weren't fast enough. ZT needs to make cheaper versions of these knives with single steel blades and less expensive handle etc. I like the 0770 which I believe is based on the 0777. It is smaller, wish it wasn't, oh well I still like it and it is within I price range I can afford. My 2 cents.
 
As far as I know, the 0200, 0300, and 0560, which are all large, beefy folders, are all still in production. They have the 0350, 0550, and 0700 in the heftier mid-sized knives, and they're adding to that the 0801 and 0566. They've also had some lighter offerings in the 0750 and 0780, and they are now adding the 0770. Those are all regular production models - not limited edition (although a couple, like the 0750 and 0780, didn't have many units shipped). It's true that they're producing more models now than before, but that seems perfectly logical as the company continues to grow and evolve. They have offerings that cover a broader base, which seems like smart business.

Even the limited edition knives are built to be used. Yes, limited-edition means they may be harder to get (hence "limited"). If some people buy them to put in a display case, that's their prerogative. That's not ZT's fault, nor is it unique to the ZT brand (or even the knife industry). Consider this... Of the people that do choose to use their limited edition ZT's (and there are many, even just within these forums), how many experience knife failure (from rational use of the knife)?

As for the variations (composite blade vs. solid, handle inserts, different finishes, etc.)... let's face it. We want our knives to look cool. Otherwise, you'd pick up an Opinel, get someone to make a <insert super steel name here> blade for it, and be done with it. Those variations don't really make a big functional difference (eg. TracTec inserts may offer more grip than carbon fiber, but ultimately, it's not a deal maker/breaker in terms of the knife function), but they do offer variety to appeal to a broader customer base. Again, that's just smart business.
 
Bugout Bill said:
I honestly did not start this thread to bash ZT. It was more intended as constructive, albeit highly unrealistic criticism. I didn't want to sow any discord, and I'm sorry if it came across like that.
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Sometimes the highly unrealistic criticism comes off like someone starting a ruckus. Good on you to offer an apology and more clarity to your position. *thumbs up*

I also think that ZT has done some LE high end knives to test the market/design amongst connoisseurs, then later manufacture a less expensive version (Speedform might've been the start?) for the general market.

Who will be more critical than a fellow who pays $300+ for a production knife. That business model takes some stones IMHO.
 
Moxy said:
Not everyone is interested in the hard-use and over-built style, myself included.

I don't mind KAIs composite blade technology, so long as they use something highly corrosion resistant for the spine and they get the edge steel to the proper heat treatment. Not being able to properly heat treat the s110v 0560 because of the composite blade was a joke. The cutting edge is really all that matters.
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This is bothersome to comprehend. I've had multiple 350's, 55x's and56x's and they are good folders. But, poor heat treat in the 0560 composite?
Perhaps that is why I'm drawn to the Spyderco 2013 Forum knife. Nice 2.950" blade (tip to grip) in S110v with a great heat-treat. All sold out in a big hurry.
This quote is from Sal at Spyderco:
"My S110V Native averaged 63.0 on 3 tests (62.9 - 63.6 - 62.5)."
Reference:
http://www.spyderco.com/forums/show...sh-Rockwell-Hardness/page3&highlight=rockwell
I do like my 0550 Gen2.
Sonnydaze
 
Bugout Bill said:
How do you like the 0550? It's one of the ZTs I've been eying for awhile. Do you think the lock would hold up ok without warranty? (I was looking into a blem)
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I have a 1st Gen (I think) 0550. The lock on it is ridiculously stout. I imagine the 2d generation knives are equally as stout. I'm pretty sure that what the "0" in 0550 stands for: st0ut.
 
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