Are ZT knives worth it?

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Very subjective topic but if you are drawn to the ZT lineup than the answer to your question will most likely be yes. For me it is a resounding yes! There are a bunch of great manufacturers out there, of which I own knives from several. I partly stumbled upon ZT from the forums here and boy am I glad.

Side story on KAI/ZT customer service. My second ZT was a 0560 and when I got it the lock was incredibly sticky (everything else was great). I'm not going to lie, at this point I figured I'd get the knife fixed and then sell it. After contacting ZT I sent off the knife and had it back in no time. They were extremely friendly and communicated well. I decided to give the knife a shot and kept it. Best decision I made! I likewise have always felt that warranties were something I didn't want to even think about, if a knife/gun/etc. needed it then it probably wasn't great. Well, I've become wiser with time and though I hope I don't need it, if I do I know KAI has my back 100% and then some. This can't be said for many other manufacturers.

Even though I've acquired even higher end ZT models since that experience I'm still in love with my 0560 and couldn't be happier with ZT. While I still buy knives from other companies ZT is one of my go to brands now, all thanks to the forums here and the great followers that led me to it. No matter what you decide good luck finding a knife that works for you!
 
dericdesmond said:
No hard feelings or anything but I could really care less what you think.
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What ! First you take a shot at marcinek, and now me. I'm hurt :(:p





Like I said, if one wants a ZT I feel they are well worth the price.
I don't care for the designs myself, but its a great thing that we have so many choices in knives.
 
RemyKaze said:
Every time I show a knife over $200 to my coworkers or anyone else really, they say something like "I could buy a gun for that", and it firmly reminds me of the idea of diminishing returns, versus the idea of "man jewelry". At some price point a knife ceases to be a tool, and becomes artwork. A person who uses artwork as a tool either has money to blow, or little common sense. Either way, someone who recently posted about buying knives under $30 (OP) should not be encouraged to skip the so called middle ground, which usually provides a much better bang for the buck while still being extremely well made.
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what gun are they "buying" for $200? Nothing that I'd own is in that range, even a used and beat up ex cop glock goes for more than $200.

Oh, and to stay on topic:

I have a zt0350. It's a very well made knife. I'd have to say that the machining is the nicest that I have had on a folder. It's tough, and it cuts bigger than it's size.

I like the blade shape, has lots of belly which is nice for a lot of things, and the recurve keeps branches from slipping off the tip before they are cut............ but I've found it hard to sharpen (this is MY failing).

It's a bit heavy, but for what it's designed for, that's to be expected.............and when I'm carrying a 1/4 thick fixed blade, one cannot complain about "weight" being a problem without sounding stoopid.

I've not had the pleasure of using KAI's customer service, but I keep hearing how good it is. This is part of why I buy certain knives. If the customer service part is lacking, I ditch the brand (I want a backup omega spring for my griptillian.......sitting in my tool box.......but I can't........that kind of thing irks me. I take apart my cars when they have problems...I think I can manage a folding knife just fine.).

I'd buy again.
 
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Ken44 said:
:rolleyes:
Deric, I knew exactly what marcinik meant, and agree with him.
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Well thank you Ken. :thumbup:

Clearly I am guilty of not clearly qualifying at least one of my statements. In my original post I agreed with Bigfatts who called ZTs "Over hyped big clunky knives." I do not fully agree with that. I do not find ZTs any more over-hyped than any other fine make of knife with dedicated followers, like Bark River, Strider, or Cold Steel, for example.

As far as any further qualifying, we were asked if ZTs are worth the money. If an item, to m,e is worth the money, I buy it. Fundamentally that is exactly the decision everyone makes when buying anything. "Is this item worth buying?"

I have not bought a ZT and have no current plans to.

The guy didn't post "Tell me reasons to buy a ZT."
 
marcinek said:
Indeed. And that it's a great thing that we are in a place where opinions can be discussed freely! :thumbup:
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Agreed!

It's especially nice when we can discuss without having to degrade, put the boots to, be aggressive with when answering about not liking a specific knife or brand, or disagreeing with another member. :)

There is of course an outlet for that kind of behavior, of which many here are familiar with.
 
Kai Corp. said:
Agreed!

It's especially nice when we can discuss without having to degrade, put the boots to, be aggressive with when answering about not liking a specific knife or brand, or disagreeing with another member. :)

There is of course an outlet for that kind of behavior, of which many here are familiar with.
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The custom knife forum? :p
 
Kai Corp. said:
Agreed!

It's especially nice when we can discuss without having to degrade, put the boots to, be aggressive with when answering about not liking a specific knife or brand, or disagreeing with another member. :)

There is of course an outlet for that kind of behavior, of which many here are familiar with.
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Agreed on both counts! This thread's a great example of the open discussion of varied opinions when they have been solicited! :thumbup: The kind of stuff that makes BF a standout among its peers.
 
I personally think they are worth it. The materials, fit and finish, and warranty you get for the price are awesome. Does my 561 slice as well as my Para 2? No, but it still cuts pretty well and holds an edge like a dream. So if you like their style, then yeah, they're worth it. If they're not your thing, then I won't judge because variety is the spice of life, and differing preferences are why there's such an awesomely varied knife market today!

It is much with my knives as it is with my music, I can't expect everyone to like the heavy stuff!
 
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Well I bought this one a few months ago and I think it's worth it. Pretty much custom quality for under $275.00.

I think Kai proves once again that you can have a tough folder that is also perfectly finished.

- Textured titanium frame
- IKBS Bearing System
- Elamx Steel
- Lock Stabilizer

 
In my opinion - yes.

I've never had issues with the few I've owned and still own, except having to sell when times were lean. Knowing they have outstanding CS just reinforces my high opinion of them, knowing that if I do have a problem with one of their products I'll be taken care of.
 
JPD1998 said:
Well I bought this one a few months ago and I think it's worth it. Pretty much custom quality for under $275.00.

I think Kai proves once again that you can have a tough folder that is also perfectly finished.

- Textured titanium frame
- IKBS Bearing System
- Elamx Steel
- Lock Stabilizer

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I agree 100%, who else sells a knife with all those features, plus Made in America, for the actual online price that you'll pay for a ZT?

Are some "a tad" bulky?...sure my 0300 isn't a knife that I'd carry in my suit pocket, BUT if I find that I need a knife that's built like a tank and don't want to carry a fixed blade then the 0300 is my choice. Carrying bricks in your pocket? I EDC my 0560 several days a week and seldom notice that its there in my front pocket.

Worth the price? Doesn't live up to the hype? Well, I happen to like Strider folders yet once I carried and used a 0550 Gen II it went right into my EDC rotation, AND I gave my son the only SnG I owned as he had been wanting one for a long time. I still have my Lego SW SMF so I'll live. :D

I simply felt that (after USING BOTH KNIVES) that the 0550 Gen II covered all the bases that the SnG did and I could buy two of the 0550's for the price of the SnG...that kind of covers "hype" and "being worth the price."

Obviously we're all talking opinions here and they will vary but I have to wonder what motivates someone to make blanket statements like they're "bulky," "over hyped" and "not worth the price" Do you have an axe to grind with ZT or are you simply in the mood to put down a extremely popular, multiple award winning brand just for the heck of it.

To those making these statements, ask yourself, have I actually used and carried these knives? If not, what are your opinions based on? Pictures?
 
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Are ZT knives worth the money? I have 2 words for you:
Yes, they are worth the money.
 
KLJTech said:
I agree 100%, who else sells a knife with all those features, plus Made in America, for the actual online price that you'll pay for a ZT?

Are some "a tad" bulky?...sure my 0300 isn't a knife that I'd carry in my suit pocket, BUT if I find that I need a knife that's built like a tank and don't want to carry a fixed blade then the 0300 is my choice. Carrying bricks in your pocket? I EDC my 0560 several days a week and seldom notice that its there in my front pocket.

Worth the price? Doesn't live up to the hype? Well, I happen to like Strider folders yet once I carried and used a 0550 Gen II it went right into my EDC rotation, AND I gave my son the only SnG I owned as he had been wanting one for a long time. I still have my Lego SW SMF so I'll live. :D

I simply felt that (after USING BOTH KNIVES) that the 0550 Gen II covered all the bases that the SnG did and I could buy two of the 0550's for the price of the SnG...that kind of covers "hype" and "being worth the price."

Obviously we're all talking opinions here and they will vary but I have to wonder what motivates someone to make blanket statements like they're "bulky," "over hyped" and "not worth the price" Do you have an axe to grind with ZT or are you simply in the mood to put down a extremely popular, multiple award winning brand just for the heck of it.

To those making these statements, ask yourself, have I actually used and carried these knives? If not, what are your opinions based on? Pictures?
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Since I am the one who mentioned the brick thing, I'll go ahead and assume this was partly aimed at me.

I own 4 ZT knives. Bought each one brand new, 2 from Blade HQ and 2 from Kershaw Dave.

Every year for the past 15 years I have went on 7 - 10 day backpacking adventures in different parts of the country and have never felt the need for an overbuilt tank of a knife to add extra weight to my pack, and I find them bulky and cumbersome for edc.

After carrying, using, and sharpening, I have decided that I do not like ZT knives and won't buy any more.
That doesn't mean I have an ax to grind or an agenda, it just means I don't like ZT and don't think they are worth the money.
 
cbxer55 said:
I always get a big LOL when people refer to Customer Service. I've never bought a knife I needed to return. If you are having to rely on their customer service, they are most definitely a knife I'll never ever buy. Aside from the aforementioned BIG CHUNKY knives do absolutely nothing for me.
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I have ZT's, Benchmades, Spydercos, etc. The thing I like about Kershaw/Zt customer service, is they don't treat you like a 6 year old if you want to disassemble your knife to change or upgrade parts.
 
cncpro11 said:
Since I am the one who mentioned the brick thing, I'll go ahead and assume this was partly aimed at me.

I own 4 ZT knives. Bought each one brand new, 2 from Blade HQ and 2 from Kershaw Dave.

Every year for the past 15 years I have went on 7 - 10 day backpacking adventures in different parts of the country and have never felt the need for an overbuilt tank of a knife to add extra weight to my pack, and I find them bulky and cumbersome for edc.

After carrying, using, and sharpening, I have decided that I do not like ZT knives and won't buy any more.
That doesn't mean I have an ax to grind or an agenda, it just means I don't like ZT and don't think they are worth the money.
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Ok, we got that you don't like them but to say they are not worth the money? Isn't that saying that the materials and worksmanship don't equate to the price they are selling at?
 
cncpro11 said:
... it just means I don't like ZT and don't think they are worth the money.
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Mutually exclusive.

ZTs doesn't fit your needs but inherently (quality, craftsmanship, customer service, etc.) not worth the money?

Or just not worth the money to you because you don't like them?
 
RamZar said:
Mutually exclusive.

ZTs doesn't fit your needs but inherently (quality, craftsmanship, customer service, etc.) not worth the money?

Or just not worth the money to you because you don't like them?
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They do nothing for me, period, so I don't need to consider other variables.
Ever since I have been on BFC, I have read lots of threads praising Kershaw / ZT for their warranty / CS, which tells me that lots of people are returning their knives for lots of quality issues, which leads me to believe that perhaps the quality is suspect.
By the way, my 0550 developed up down blade play within the first month, I just haven't got around to sending it in yet.
 
cncpro11 said:
Ever since I have been on BFC, I have read lots of threads praising Kershaw / ZT for their warranty / CS, which tells me that lots of people are returning their knives for lots of quality issues, which leads me to believe that perhaps the quality is suspect.
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I have quite a few ZT knives and have yet to send one in! The praise is sometimes for rudimentary things like requesting screws, pocket clips, torsion bars, pivot bolt screws and handle screws which are sent FREE for the asking. I have heard of cases where they go beyond their warranty obligations. If you want your knife sharpened just send it in and they'll take care of it at no charge to you (you pay shipping to their factory). If you break your blade for whatever reason they'll fix it with a new blade for $30.

To equate praise for Warranty / Customer Service as poor quality products doesn't compute to me...
 
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