Anyone really like zytel handles?

Status
Not open for further replies.
P

Paul Work

Joined
Jun 21, 2000
Messages
1,697
For years I rfused to buy one. I didn't think they would/could hold up to everday wear & tear. Then a guy at work wanted me to sharpen his mini-buck. He used this thing hard. Had the blade loosened up, edge looked like he'd been cutting wire with it, etc. I told him to bring it back to me when it needed sharpened so I could see how it held up. To my surprise, it did. It took all the abuse he put that thing through. Since I bought my first zytel folder (a Gerber LST), it has become one of my favorite handle materials.

Paul
 
They do hold up but most feel cheap to me. Often the open edges of Spyderco's lignt weight line are sharp. I have one I like the feather weight Russel onehander. I guess all in all I like G-10 and micarta better. Does zytel offer any advantage over these other than being cheaper?

------------------
Roger Blake
 
Price is probably the only advantage over G-10 or micarta. I do prefer the balance difference, too. I like a slightly blade heavy feel in my knives. Th cheaper price IS attractive.

Paul
 
Zytel......Not my favorite.

I know that it is lightweight, strong, and performs well, but the bottom line for me is, that it looks and feels cheap.

I own several knives that have Zytel handles and have handled even more. I'm never initially impressed. They have to grow on me with time.

And, why don't more companies use liners (like titanium) with Zytel???
confused.gif

Even if they were thin, I think that they would add strength to the knife as well as providing a secure mount for the pocket clip screws. This might also help with the ever present complaint about sharp edges.
Sounds like a good idea to me!!!!

I guess that I will always prefer the performance, feel, and traditional look of bone and stag over all.

I calls 'em as I sees 'em!!!
smile.gif


--The Raptor--

 
Zytel is great stuff, super tough, light, cheap, corrosion resistant, good grip hot or cold. I think Buck was one of the first to use it on folding knives. My CS Voyagers have Zytel handles, I think. No complaints here.
 
Love my Spyderco Delica. I own other knives with G-10 scales, but for balance, ease of draw, and that "it just feels right in my hand" feeling, I always end up carrying the Delica after the "new" wears off of my latest purchase. Either that or I end up comparing the new knife with the Delica and coming up with more reasons why I like this knife.

Flinx
 
I've made this comment before: I had Zytel mag wheels on my BMX bicycle when I was a kid and I tortured those things way more than I could (or should) a folder.

Truth is I find black G-10, and unpolished titanium as ugly as Zytel.

I think Zytel has its limitations as with most things but it is quite adequate for the average pocket knife use. For most people -- myself included -- G-10 and titanium is probably overkill.

However like with any hobby, the more serious you get into it, the more you want the "best". E.G. if you are a serious guitarist you want a "Gibson", if you're into stereos you want a "Audio Research", computers you want the latest Pentium or G4, if you're into watches you graduate from a Tag-Heure to Omega or Rolex...You may never need all it's capable of, but you can say you have the best.
 
G-10 is far too heavy. I like the fact that Zytel is cheaper, but it comes down to weight for me. I don't like having thick, heavy handles that feel like they're pulling my pants down. With a 3" blade or less, G-10 handles feel ridiculously thick and awkward; the BM 705 Axis is an excellent example. I would take a Delica (still a champion among champions) over a 705 any day. Wouldn't even have to think twice. I've also never felt unsure of Zytel's safety. It feels perfectly strong for me, and I HATE having anything feel flimsy or delicate.

Howie
 
I have an old-style Bucklite with the green zytel handle. I shaved off all of the finger-grooves except the first groove for the index-finger, and now it is the most comfortable grip of all my knives. It's also lite and extremely tough!
I also bought my friend a CRKT Mirage and I really like the way it feels and looks.
There's nothing wrong with zytel for me.
 
Howie,

I'm surprised you find G-10 thick and heavy. Many people complain that G-10 is utilized too thin, and without contours; "slabs" is an often used term.

I have the BM710, and the only reason I would think the handle is heavy is due to its 410 stainless steel liners; not the G-10.

Spyderco's Military is reknown for its lightweight and thin profile due to its minimal use of steel liners.

Does anyone else feel that there is a utilitarian simplicity that is lost when you go from the humble Zytel handled, Aus/440 bladed knife to a higher end knife?

The inexpensive Zytel lockback/linerlock has that same sort of basic charm that reminds me of those simple CASE pocketknives our fathers' or grandfathers' bought from the corner drugstore.

[This message has been edited by Full Tang Clan (edited 10-23-2000).]
 
I recently had to make a buying decision regarding a Zytel Spydie (Goddard lightweight).

What I came up with was that the Spydie at $45 was the same size class and basic combat abilities as a CRKT KFF priced at $40. The KFF had a slight edge in ergos but not that much; the Spydie ATS55 blade steel was a world ahead of CRKT's AUS6 and I prefer a "single stage" lock versus the safety-lever LAWKS system on the CRKT.

Upshot: despite the Zytel, Spydie's "total package" won out, bigtime. I wouldn't go "searching out" a Zytel piece over other materials necessarily, but if a knife is well designed and has a good blade steel, Zytel won't kill the deal for me.

Spyderco's release of the Goddard in a low-cost Zytel version was an excellent move.

Jim
 
Zytel definitely has its place. My new CRKT Mirage Wharncliffe (cost $17) has zytel handles and steel liners. Has good heft and feel. If price is an object, Zytel is the way to go.

Other great zytel knives: Spyderco Calypso, Jr., Spyderco Native; well done zytel handles on both of these. The steel on these knives is top notch - the zytel makes them affordable and lightweight.

I'm happy with my zytel knives. I'm also happy with carbon fiber, G10, micarta, annodized aluminum, etc.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top