Are ZT knives worth it?

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pbcg said:
As for insults, I don't approve of either doing so. It's uncalled for and unnecessary.
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What insults? I am unable to identify any insulting through this thread despite the W&C regulars claiming as much.

To suggest someone has an agenda or an axe to grind is not an insult.
 
crom said:
I'm still trying to figure out how one can spend $400+ on one brand only to decide they aren't worth it after all. Sounds like a newb spending spree.
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It was more like $700, and a noob spending spree is exactly what it was, but I am ok with that.
Like I said earlier, I really wanted to like them so I didn't mind spending the cash to try out different models, but in the end they didn't fit my needs so I moved on.
 
I'm sure you could recoup most of your money if you put them in the exchange.

Unless you paid retail, if course.
 
I will say I like the knives ZT produces in general - I don't like how they handled the ZT0777, and I am discouraged on how they are handling their sub-forum. No agenda just how I feel. Not buying or recommending them at this point.
 
To get back on topic.

In my opinion ZT knives are worth it.

The ZT line of knives offers great value, IMO they are undervalued.

Cutting edge tech,
Premium steels,
Exotic materials,
Fit and finish,
Leading knife designers.
 
marcinek said:
I was under the impression that the topic of this thread was "Are ZT knives worth it?", not "Tell us how ZT knives are worth it." :confused:

Are you saying arguing the "con" side of "Are ZT knives worth it?" is off-topic?
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Sigh...I can't believe I sat and read this entire thread! What a fiasco! Man, as much as I hate to...I mean I hate, hate, hate, hate, hate to...I've got to side with Marcinek on this one. Yes, he's an smartass and an instigator, (cheers Marcie!) but the mans got an opinion and has a right to voice it in response to a question asking for opinions!! Hell, I even agree with him, but that's not even the point. Mr. KAI rep/moderator, I believe you did yourself and your company a disservice by trying to stop folks from voicing a simple opinion in answer to a question posted in "general".

I don't own any zt knives and I'm not sure i am a fan, but i was a little more open minded towards the brand before reading this thread than after. And thats not because of anything any "haters" said. i wasn't really seeing any hate, just some varying opinions. i didnt hear any "zt is awesome" guys being asked to qualify their opinions. I dunno, thats was just my take on the whole mess. Take it for what its worth.
 
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Shouldn't there have been a poll at the beginning of this thread if the only thing folks wanted to know was peeps opinions?

ZTs are a little expensive for my budget most of the time, but I saved up and got a 0560 that I love and carry every day. There are a couple of 2013 ZTs that I'm keeping my eye on.
 
Surfingringo said:
Sigh...I can't believe I sat and read this entire thread! What a fiasco! Man, as much as I hate to...I mean I hate, hate, hate, hate, hate to...I've got to side with Marcinek on this one. Yes, he's an smartass and an instigator, (cheers Marcie!) but the mans got an opinion and has a right to voice it in response to a question asking for opinions!! Hell, I even agree with him, but that's not even the point. Mr. KAI rep/moderator, I believe you did yourself and your company a disservice by trying to stop folks from voicing a simple opinion in answer to a question posted in "general"...
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Absolutely agree. I own a couple of ZTs and like them (LOVE my ZT0121), but this is exactly why I do not post in the KAI sub-forum and why I do not own more ZTs than I do. One's public face has an impact, like it or not.

Well stated, Surfingringo.
 
stabman said:
Some people in this thread sure do a great job of appearing to have an agenda if they don't.
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After reading all 12 pages of this thread, I agree with that. If somebody threatens to never recommend a brand again or to never buy a brand, then they probably have an agenda against the brand.

I think KAI Corp. has handled him/herself very well in this thread. If anybody wants to disparage or point fingers at knife makers / vendors / manufacturers, I can think of hundreds who are more deserving than KAI.

As far as ZT knives go, I think they are generally worth the $. I don't love every ZT design, and I'm not willing to pay $1200+ for a 1st gen 0777 .... but I do own about 20 or so ZT knives. The materials are high quality, the craftsmanship is great, the designs are very nice and original, they're made in the USA, and the company stands behind their products.

Note that not all of the ZT line are "heavy" or "bulky". The 0150, 0566, 0770CF, 0801, 0750, etc are not heavy or bulky. There are of course tons of super lightweight and very small Kershaws too.
 
fwiw, if KAI Corp. is guilty of anything on this forum, it's being extremely passionate about their products, brand, and company. That's a pretty rare quality for the customer service dept of any business.
 
pbcg said:
It shouldn't have to work both ways because I don't think a company mod should be lurking the forums looking to confront or defend the honor of his company at every turn in an attempt to discourage opinions that he finds unfavorable to his brand.
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I am not aware that moderators have a mandate against entering General and responding to threads about knives.

First, I plan to continue doing so until Spark tells me to stop.
Second, I have not seen KAI making a habit out of General.
If I were a betting man, I'd say the thread title simply caught KAI's interest.
 
Oh, and yes, I find that ZT knives are well worth the price of admission.
KAI, you can send me that free ZT0454 or ZT0770 carbon fiber whenever you get the hankering.
Heck, I'd settle for a ZT0560 Blackwash. ;) :D

IMG_3229.jpg


P1020808.jpg
 
Worth every dollar and more...The only heavy folder ive ever owned or will ever need...After 5 years use i had to tweak the pivot once...ZT,s rock...........FES

 
stabman said:
How are words on a screen imposing one's will on you?
Are you not free to ignore them?
Or argue back?
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When they are coming from a manufacturer rep/moderator, we are not free to ignore them or argue back. And when that man rep/moderator is asking for qualificctions for my negative opinions about the brand he represents while not asking for qualifications for positive opinions, and asking me to cool down when I have asked him for the same qualifications I have been asked for, I feel I am running the risk of being infracted for trolling or mod sass for my opinion about said brand.

Does a mod or a rep have a right to participate in a discussion as a member? Of course.
Does any member have a right to question my opinion or feel I have an agenda? Of course.
Do I have a right to have an ax to grind or agenda and state it when asked for my opinion? Of course.

But moderator for brand X attempting to moderate negative opinions about brand X in General? That's problematic. I came (technically came back) to this forum to avoid that kinda thing.
 
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I agree that Kai should have done less "moderating" in this thread. Seems to over now though I hope.
I just got an 801, my first ZT and it's very impressive.
 
I don't really do tactical knives. My EDC uses don't require thick blade stock, assisted opening, monster pivots or overbuilt knives generally. However I do have a few that are used more for fidgeting with while watching TV than anything else. So wading through this thread (ignoring all the people wetting their shoes and trying to wet other peoples shoes) makes me pull out my ZT 551 and an SNG and have a look at both critically. There isn't a lot on it from where I'm sitting. I prefer some features of the SNG and others of the 551 - it is swings and roundabouts.

In the rare event that I feel like / need an overbuilt folder (rather than a fixed blade) I'll reach for one of my SNGs before I take the 551 and that is ONLY because I've redone the bevels so I can touch them up on a Sharpmaker - I'm not looking forward to re-bevelling the Elmax on the 551 - there is a LOT of material to take off.

So, the short answer is - Yes, they are worth it when you are looking at a fairly direct comparison and it is half the price. Materials are almost identical, steel similar from my perspective, F&F similar, stud vs hole is semantics, tip up vs option of both also semantics. With a ZT you are getting a lot of knife for the money.

That's just me based on a quick comparison that I'm surprised I haven't done before. I've put both away now and am back to a small Sebenza (yes, that's also worth the money)
 
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