Best New ZT

S

Shoopmonster

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Aug 26, 2014
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I am wondering what you think the best new Zero Tolerance knife is. The options are the 0095BW, 0220, 0450CF, 0456, 0804CF and 0909.
 
First off welcome to the forum. I think the lack of response on this has been because it is really hard to say. All the new models have not been heavily available. We are a dealer and have only gotten in the 450CF, 0095BW and 0909 so far and just now have the 804CF coming. Since not many members here have had many in their hands they can not say. Out of the ones we have gotten in so far I surprise myself when I say the 909 is my favorite!
 
I just bought a 909 today...man, it's a beast. I've handled most of them, but I have to say that the 909 has me smitten.
 
My vote goes for the 0456 by a frankly huge margin. Everything else looks boring to me, but I'm a sheepsfoot / wharncliffe kinda guy most days of the week.

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I just purchased a 0909 and I too was smitten immediately. I haven't handled a 0456 yet but wow! does it look sweet! I also purchased a 0095BW and although I'm sure many will love it, it's just not for me. I can't seem to warm up to all metal scales, except in very rare cases... I'm hoping the 0456 will be one of those. Either way, the 0909 is a definite keeper for me! Expect to see my 0095BW on the Exchange.

The 0909 is the first ZT that I've really been excited about since I got my 0550. So, it's been awhile!
 
It all depends on what you want as long it's a bearings flipper.

0909 with a near 4" blade, thick liners and 7.5 ounce weight is basically what the tough old ZTs used to be. It should be a great workhorse!

0804CF is also near 4" blade but with CF weighs just 5.1 ounces and has premium CTS-204P. You have to like all black though.

0095BW with a 3.6" blade is a good middle of the road size and weight (5.3 ounces).

0220 with a 3.5" blade is actually heavier than 0095BW at 6.2 ounces.

0456 with a 3.25" blade, premium CTS-204P, very nice contoured titanium milling, anodized pivot, clip and backspacer looks like a limited edition but priced to move. Heavy though at 6.3 ounces.

0450CF with a 3.25" blade, CF, DLC coating and green spacers is a great EDC at just 2.4 ounces. Perhaps the smoothest ZT flipper I've had!

The winner for me is 0450CF but if the 0456 had been lightened up by a couple of ounces (mill out the inside of the titanium) it'd be the winner.
 
I have a 0450CF and while its a great knife I thought Id like it more than I do. I'm not a fan of the pocket clip so I even put a deep carry titanium clip on it and am still so so about it. Not sure if I will keep it or not. The 0804CF looks like a sweet blade but the $280 price gives me a moment of pause.
 
The 0450CF is an absolutely wonderful knife. The size is just right for me, but I imagine it may be on the small side for some. The 0804CF looks like it is a great choice for those looking for a larger knife.
 
TimmyJ said:
The 0450CF is an absolutely wonderful knife. The size is just right for me, but I imagine it may be on the small side for some. The 0804CF looks like it is a great choice for those looking for a larger knife.
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I'm 6'11" with large hands so that probably has something to do with me not warming to the knife. *shrugs*
 
The 0456 is the only one that really appeals to me, and it really appeals to me...but I can't bring myself to buy it because I'm afraid it will simply get put aside like every other 3.25" folder I've ever purchased.
 
hhmoore said:
The 0456 is the only one that really appeals to me, and it really appeals to me...but I can't bring myself to buy it because I'm afraid it will simply get put aside like every other 3.25" folder I've ever purchased.
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I feel you on that. I really do. I'm about to axe this 0770CFM4 I picked up because something about it doesn't gel with me. Is it the AO? The light weight? The blade length? I couldn't tell you, to be honest. Everything about it should appeal to me and for some reason it doesn't, and I think it would if it was just a bit larger...
 
yamsi12 said:
I'm 6'11" with large hands so that probably has something to do with me not warming to the knife. *shrugs*
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That's pretty tall man. I feel for you when you have to go buy shoes or clothes. I'm only 6' 1" and it's hard for certain items. Shoes especially (13). I'm guessing you carry a big cold steel? Haha I knew they made made those knives for sombody!

And as far as "best" goes, I'm going to say the 456 based on looks and specks. Best for me that is.
 
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little folders generally do not appeal to me, so for the new ZTs, I am digging 0095bw and 0804cf. Just need to make more money before I can pull the trigger.
 
I bought a 0909 just a few weeks after I bought a Talos. The two are perfect compliments to each other. I think the blade on the Talos is better machined, but that is expected at over twice the cost.

The detent on the 0909 is hard and the flipper's jimping is sharp, so it took me about 4 days to work up a callous, but now it is perfect. In gloves, it is the single best flipper I have handled, and it feels like it was designed for gloves (though I usually have bare hands and never have an issue).

It is heavy, I suppose, but not in a negative way. It weighs about what I expected. No problem in jeans at all. I think it fits better in my pocket than my XM-18 (feels too wide for me sometimes).

The bearings are very nice, and I appreciate a flipper with a solid liner lock because hand placement will never impede an otherwise smooth opening (i.e. can't press on the lockbar).

I think it looked like the most boring offering when they first came out, but now it seems to be the best utilitarian design.

EDIT: If I was going to try another design, the 0804cf looks appealing. I worry it might feel too light, but that is my only hesitation.
 
marcus52AR said:
That's pretty tall man. I feel for you when you have to go buy shoes or clothes. I'm only 6' 1" and it's hard for certain items. Shoes especially (13). I'm guessing you carry a big cold steel? Haha I knew they made made those knives for sombody!

And as far as "best" goes, I'm going to say the 456 based on looks and specks. Best for me that is.
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The internet has worked wonders for tall people buying clothes, shoes, etc. I'm a size 15 and usually don't have a problem finding shoes anymore. Before the internet....forget it. I'm actually a ZT fan. Usually carry a 0350, 0560, 0562 or a 0566 as my edc.
 
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