Are ZT's overpriced?

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Actually, the Bose reference is good. Bose stuff is cheap and any audioholic knows that. That's why you won't see true audioholics buy Bose or see any audio forum posting about its quality. Instead, you will see all the worthy, high end brands mentioned like Paradigm, B&W, Martin Logan, Mcintosh, Focal, etc., etc,. none of these, by the way are close to cheap. You want quality, you pay, or go the "cheap" route and suck it up. You can't get both.
That being said, this is a forum of knifeaholics. If you do your research, you will find that ZT is well liked by the knife community and thought very highly of in terms of quality and value for the money.
 
Hey I like my Bose Companion 3 speakers!.... actually they're just OK. Sound quality is meh, and there is always background distortion at low volumes. But they are made from aluminum, and they've lasted a good 4 years now. Can't complain. haha.
Oh and since we're sharing our ages, I'm 24.
 
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I've owned 7 ZT's. All of the ZT's cost more than my Spyderco's or Benchmades, except for the BM710-3. My 550 was close to that cost. Out of those 7 I had to send back to ZT for repair 3 of them. I had to send back a 300, 301 and a 560. I had to send back the 560 twice before it was made right. I've NEVER had to send back any of my spyderco or Benchmade knives, none of them. And, I own quite a few more of them than I have of the ZT's. So, just judging by my experience, I'd have to say value for the dollar ZT was below my Spyderco and Benchmades. For the money I spent on them they had a much higher problem rate. I still like them, and still own my 561. I do plan on buying more, maybe as the new models come out and become more available. But, I'll be more likely to buy them when I can look at them in person, rather than order one on line where I may, or may not, get a good one.
 
If your analogy takes that much explaining, it's not a good analogy. This is a knife forum, not an audiophile forum, and trying to draw comparisons between the two industries is not an effective way of asserting an [incorrect] opinion that the products are "overpriced." A good rule of thumb is that if your analogy is based off of your own niche interest, don't use it. It only makes it easier for you, and likely distorts the reality.

I'm not going to draw comparisons between ZT and DW Drums, the drum industry, Blue Microphones or the pro audio industry. It's an ineffective ploy, and has really done nothing to prove your point brandonnash. Perhaps it's proven it to yourself, however the response to everything your writing should give you a clear impression that it's not only poorly received, but flawed. I'm not sure why this analogy is continuing to be pressed, but on the other hand this thread has gotten rather weird anyway.
 
sticktodrum said:
If your analogy takes that much explaining, it's not a good analogy. This is a knife forum, not an audiophile forum, and trying to draw comparisons between the two industries is not an effective way of asserting an [incorrect] opinion that the products are "overpriced." A good rule of thumb is that if your analogy is based off of your own niche interest, don't use it. It only makes it easier for you, and likely distorts the reality.

I'm not going to draw comparisons between ZT and DW Drums, the drum industry, Blue Microphones or the pro audio industry. It's an ineffective ploy, and has really done nothing to prove your point brandonnash. Perhaps it's proven it to yourself, however the response to everything your writing should give you a clear impression that it's not only poorly received, but flawed. I'm not sure why this analogy is continuing to be pressed, but on the other hand this thread has gotten rather weird anyway.
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Good enough. Maybe the thread should have taken a different route then?

Post #1- are zt's overpriced?

Post #2- no.

Thread closed by moderators.

Should there have been a thread started if no one questions what the original post was asking?
 
I'm a little late, but I double space after a period too.
I bought a BM Griptilian for $110 (LE M4) and the blade coating got ripped off by tape!! TAPE!!!! I only got it fixed after going through quite a bit of BS. This isn't saying anything against BM, but I'm saying all companies have lemons, and it seems you're unlucky when it comes to ZT's. I've never had a problem with mine.
 
This thread has taken a bit of a weird turn.:confused:

At the end of the day, where it adds up is in time and labor. It takes time and labor to make a ZT. Running USA business is hard work, and a very expensive venture.

Now let's stop being weird.
 
mley1 said:
I've owned 7 ZT's. All of the ZT's cost more than my Spyderco's or Benchmades, except for the BM710-3. My 550 was close to that cost. Out of those 7 I had to send back to ZT for repair 3 of them. I had to send back a 300, 301 and a 560. I had to send back the 560 twice before it was made right. I've NEVER had to send back any of my Spyderco or Benchmade knives, none of them. And, I own quite a few more of them than I have of the ZT's. So, just judging by my experience, I'd have to say value for the dollar ZT was below my Spyderco and Benchmades. For the money I spent on them they had a much higher problem rate. I still like them, and still own my 561. I do plan on buying more, maybe as the new models come out and become more available. But, I'll be more likely to buy them when I can look at them in person, rather than order one on line where I may, or may not, get a good one.
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Just a two spacer audiophile here with some questions for you. I'm not trying to get into a heated debate here at all. I was just wondering a few things about your experiences.

1) What ZTs do you still own? Just the 561?

2) What did you like about your 550? What didn't you like?

3) Did you ever have a 350?

4) What was wrong with your 300, 301, and 560 from the factory?

5) Once you got those knives back fixed, did you then like them more than your Benchmades or Spydercos or was the thought of an imperfect knife never out of your head and that is why you sold them. (seems like this happens quite often here on Bladeforums)

6) What is your favorite two or three Benchmades and Spydercos and what advantages besides cost do they have over your current or past ZTs?

7) For future orders, are you able to contact Dave (Kershaw Guy) and have him check over the knives before he ships them to you?

8) Has Kai addressed your issues you've had with multiple knives, or did they just fix the ones you've sent in, and left it at that?

9) Do you think that Kai's QC is lacking or even after they were fixed you feel that BM and Spydys were a better buy?

10) And finally the most important question. What speakers do you own and how many spaces do you use after a period? :rolleyes:

Sorry for so many questions I just was wondering how your experience was with ZT in a little more depth. The couple of Benchmades I have had felt a little cheaper than my ZTs (not SOG cheap just a little bit) and while the Spydercos felt pretty solid, not as over built, I just can't get over their looks for most of them.

PS My 550 is my favorite knife I have ever owned including Kershaw, SOG, Benchmade, Spyderco, Gerber, and some other lesser known brands. I can't understand how someone couldn't love this knife unless they wear skinny jeans or dress pants a lot, or if it's just not your style (overbuilt folder). But then again, why would one buy it in the first place if you didn't like the style of it? Again, not trying to argue, just trying to understand a little better and maybe take a look at some other offerings.
 
lintonindy said:
Just a two spacer audiophile here with some questions for you. I'm not trying to get into a heated debate here at all. I was just wondering a few things about your experiences.

1) What ZTs do you still own? Just the 561?

2) What did you like about your 550? What didn't you like?

3) Did you ever have a 350?

4) What was wrong with your 300, 301, and 560 from the factory?

5) Once you got those knives back fixed, did you then like them more than your Benchmades or Spydercos or was the thought of an imperfect knife never out of your head and that is why you sold them. (seems like this happens quite often here on Bladeforums)

6) What is your favorite two or three Benchmades and Spydercos and what advantages besides cost do they have over your current or past ZTs?

7) For future orders, are you able to contact Dave (Kershaw Guy) and have him check over the knives before he ships them to you?

8) Has Kai addressed your issues you've had with multiple knives, or did they just fix the ones you've sent in, and left it at that?

9) Do you think that Kai's QC is lacking or even after they were fixed you feel that BM and Spydys were a better buy?

10) And finally the most important question. What speakers do you own and how many spaces do you use after a period? :rolleyes:

Sorry for so many questions I just was wondering how your experience was with ZT in a little more depth. The couple of Benchmades I have had felt a little cheaper than my ZTs (not SOG cheap just a little bit) and while the Spydercos felt pretty solid, not as over built, I just can't get over their looks for most of them.

PS My 550 is my favorite knife I have ever owned including Kershaw, SOG, Benchmade, Spyderco, Gerber, and some other lesser known brands. I can't understand how someone couldn't love this knife unless they wear skinny jeans or dress pants a lot, or if it's just not your style (overbuilt folder). But then again, why would one buy it in the first place if you didn't like the style of it? Again, not trying to argue, just trying to understand a little better and maybe take a look at some other offerings.
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1. Yes, just the 561.

2. I loved the ergonomics of the 550 and 551. They fit my hand like a glove. I didn't like the shortness of the blade. The blade always seemed a bit stumpy to me.

3. Yes. Kershawguy gave me a 350 blem once. I liked it ok. But, it didn't fit my hand well. I have since given it to a friend of mine, who uses the hell out of it. I've had to sharpen it for him a few times since I've given it to him. He LOVES it.

4. 300- lock rock after only a month or two. It was so bad you could close the knife and not touch the lock bar. They fixed it. 301 was the same. The 560 had a similar issue with the lock bar, and it would go all the way over to the far scale. I sent it in, they sent it back worse. I sent it in again. And, they fixed it up nice. KAI customer service was excellent in all cases.

5. I could no longer trust the knives. I traded all of them off.

6. I'm a big fan of Benchmades axis lock. My favorite is their Griptilian. But I also have several others, among them my favorites are the 810 Contego, and the 710-3, both in CPM M4 which is my favorite steel. With the axis lock I can open and close the knives without ever having any fingers or thumbs in the path of the knife. My favorite Spyderco is the Endura, as it has the best bang for your buck on blade length and steel. Plus, I like Spydercos fit and finish. I've never had one with any issues with f and f. The ergos on Spyderco's are very good as well.

7. Dave is a great guy. I have ordered from him. However, I've never asked him to hand pick for me. I don't know if he will or not. That's a question he would have to answer.

8. KAI customer service was great. They fixed the knives I sent in. And, they were very timely, and had good communication with me.

9. Yes, my Spydies and BM's were all better buys for me. With the cost of shipping, and the hassle, I really didn't feel the money spent was worth it on those particular knives.

10. I don't own any speakers. I use head phones. And, I use proper English and grammar whenever possible, also punctuation. But, alas, I'm not perfect and make some mistakes.
 
lintonindy said:
Just a two spacer audiophile here with some questions for you. I'm not trying to get into a heated debate here at all. I was just wondering a few things about your experiences.

1) What ZTs do you still own? Just the 561?

2) What did you like about your 550? What didn't you like?

3) Did you ever have a 350?

4) What was wrong with your 300, 301, and 560 from the factory?

5) Once you got those knives back fixed, did you then like them more than your Benchmades or Spydercos or was the thought of an imperfect knife never out of your head and that is why you sold them. (seems like this happens quite often here on Bladeforums)

6) What is your favorite two or three Benchmades and Spydercos and what advantages besides cost do they have over your current or past ZTs?

7) For future orders, are you able to contact Dave (Kershaw Guy) and have him check over the knives before he ships them to you?

8) Has Kai addressed your issues you've had with multiple knives, or did they just fix the ones you've sent in, and left it at that?

9) Do you think that Kai's QC is lacking or even after they were fixed you feel that BM and Spydys were a better buy?

10) And finally the most important question. What speakers do you own and how many spaces do you use after a period? :rolleyes:

Sorry for so many questions I just was wondering how your experience was with ZT in a little more depth. The couple of Benchmades I have had felt a little cheaper than my ZTs (not SOG cheap just a little bit) and while the Spydercos felt pretty solid, not as over built, I just can't get over their looks for most of them.

PS My 550 is my favorite knife I have ever owned including Kershaw, SOG, Benchmade, Spyderco, Gerber, and some other lesser known brands. I can't understand how someone couldn't love this knife unless they wear skinny jeans or dress pants a lot, or if it's just not your style (overbuilt folder). But then again, why would one buy it in the first place if you didn't like the style of it? Again, not trying to argue, just trying to understand a little better and maybe take a look at some other offerings.
Click to expand...

Are you btinindy on avsforum?
 
Kai Corp. said:
Running USA business is hard work, and a very expensive venture.
Click to expand...

Exactly. I wouldn't presume to know anything about that. What I do know is that you make a quality product for a fair price...and that I put 2 spaces after a period :cool:
 
So, I guess I'm in the minority because I've never heard of people puttting two spaces after periods. I'm in awe.
 
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