Best New ZT

Indeed Comeuppance's analysis makes good sense, and thx for recommending those spydies. Will definitely look into them.
 
austonh said:
In terms of all around performance, features and value, I feel the 0095 comes ahead. Prefer the stonewashed DLC to matte, I really like the size and slenderness of the 0095 for carry and use, pocket clip works perfectly (even if it's not as exciting as the 804 milled clip), price is reasonable (although up from the 0801). Action is probably the best on the 95 and the ergos are excellent for my XL hands. The majority of my feelings are going to be subjective and based on my experiences with all other knives I've owned. Although i greatly prefer the 204p steel to S35vn for better edge retention, I like all of the other features better on the 0095.

Hope that helps, although they are all great choices honestly. ZT sets the bar for value, even compared to equal quality knives from overseas.
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By keeping the titanium and blade thinner than the usual ZT, the 0095BW weighs only 5.3 ounces for a 3.6" blade. The thin blade stock of 0.12" makes for a better slicer. It's only $4 more than 0801BW.
 
Comeuppance said:
Oh and the 0456 is fantastic and I love mine and I just got it and you guys it's the best.
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It really is fantastic but for me to carry every day it's too heavy at 6.35 ounces with a 3.25" blade. Hopefully, one day ZT will lighten the titanium by milling it internally even though it adds to the cost.
 
RamZar said:
It really is fantastic but for me to carry every day it's too heavy at 6.35 ounces with a 3.25" blade. Hopefully, one day ZT will lighten the titanium by milling it internally even though it adds to the cost.
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I'd go along with the lightening idea....IF they do a version with a 3.5ish" blade - I'm okay with the weight, don't care if they mill the larger version. The short blade is the only thing preventing me from purchasing the 0456.
 
Comeuppance said:
Oh and the 0456 is fantastic and I love mine and I just got it and you guys it's the best.
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And, just a couple days later, it was posted for sale...which is exactly why I won't buy one unless I have a chance to handle it first. I love the way it looks; but that won't mean squat when I get it in hand and realize that the specs didn't lie. It's just too small.
 
Anyone using the 804cf? I'm on the fence about it. I don't usually like larger knives, but I'm a sucker for carbon fiber.
 
I really dig the 0450cf, just didn't like the St. Pattys Day standoffs, had a wooden spacer made to replace them.
Have an 0909 incoming that I'm really intrigued by.
Other than that, none of them really jump out at me...
 
hhmoore said:
And, just a couple days later, it was posted for sale...which is exactly why I won't buy one unless I have a chance to handle it first. I love the way it looks; but that won't mean squat when I get it in hand and realize that the specs didn't lie. It's just too small.
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Honestly, it was an ergonomic issue and not a weight issue for me. It just didn't have the handle shape and blade length ratio that I wanted. I actually chose it BECAUSE it weighed so much, as the light weight and thin profile of the 0770CFM4 is what turned me away from it. I though a heftier profile would be the solution, but, alas...
 
The weight is a non-issue for me....but I'm used to carrying the 0200 (yeah, it's back in my pocket; and the ones I forced it out to try are on the bench).
Bump the 0456 up to about a 3.5inch blade, and I'll buy it on faith; and love it for what it is, even if it doesn't get pocket time.
 
TimmyJ said:
Anyone using the 804cf? I'm on the fence about it. I don't usually like larger knives, but I'm a sucker for carbon fiber.
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Got mine a few days ago. For me, the 0804CF is a Spydie Military-killer. And I REALLY like my Military. The weight on such a large knife—with a whole slab of Ti—is unbelievable. It actually had, for me, the "cheapo" problem that a lot of Spydies have in that it feels lighter than it looks like it should. I got over it quick though. It's super well-balanced, and has a way better blade-to-handle ratio than the Military. For the package, there's a lot of blade to work with. The cutting edge is longer than the Milie, and I was genuinely surprised at the edge geometry out of the box—it's a wicked slicer and I'd put it up against the Milie on any cutting task.

It's super slim in the pocket—which is a big deal for me. The flipping action is impressive, it fires like a rocket, and locks up like a vault. The ergos are the only thing that could set it behind the Milie, but it's hard to top Spydies in general on ergos. With the simplicity of the design combined with the strength of the build and its slicing capabilities, it's a very strong competitor.

My only real complaint is the DLC, and only because I tend to get obsessive about marks that show on a brand new knife. It's not that the coating gets scratched, but it shows any mark from a softer metal or oils from fingers. If that is a concern, it's worth noting. After it earns some wear with use, however, the coating won't bother me.

Also, some pictures:

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Hey Friar,

Thanks for the response. This will most likely be my next knife. The fact that it is slim in the pocket is a big deal to me as well. As far as DLC, I enjoy watching the subtle marks add up and give the knife more character. Using knives and watching them age with time and usage is something I seem to enjoy. Anyways, These new ZT's are screaming to me and carbon fiber is my most beloved handle material. I can't wait to go pick one up!
 
Now that I have gotten them all in my hands I can say I truly like them all. Each one is different from the other. If I had to put them in order of my favorites it would have to be:

ZT0456-This is just about as close to my grail knife as you can get. Mostly because I just like chunky beefy folders in this size range. I know it is not everyones preference.

ZT0909-It is strange for this knife to come in 2nd when I am a titanium frame lock fan but something about it. It just screams hard use, tough and overbuilt. At the price point I think it is one of ZT's best values to date.

ZT0804CF- ZT put every top of the line product that they have in to this knife. It is smooth, overbuilt and light weight. I would not be afraid to use the 804CF for any task. The only reason it is below the 909 for me is price.

ZT0095BW and ZT0220 These are an easy tie for me. Both different designs and really sweet looking knives. The 220 might have a little edge over the 95 just because I like the stonewashed look and actually love the back spacer.

ZT0450CF- Last only because it is just not a knife for me. As I stated I like beefier overbuilt heavy knives. That this is not but it is ZT built so still ready for every knife task you want to throw at it.

All in all I think ZT knocked it out of the park with all of them!


Picture was taken according to overall length!
https://flic.kr/p/EW4bAE https://www.flickr.com/photos/57703464@N02/
 
While it is far from scientific, I've used both my Pm2 and the 0095 bw for edc and kitchen tasks. The Spyderco is a slicing machine, no doubt about it but the 0095 held its own. The Zt is an exceptional all around performer and I love it's appearance. The geometry between the lock bar and tang of the blade is much better than my on 0562. The 0095 locks up solid, even when cutting through thick cardboard. The flipping action is slick. I really hope Zt decides to come out with a few variations of the 0095.
 
I picked up an 804 probably a month ago now at my local Buck and Jakes. Popped in after I heard they got the new models in to touch all over them. I wasnt really excited about any to be honest after seeing them online, but once i held the 804 i was sold almost immediately. Such a fantastic build, friar nailed it, its silky smooth, light and robust.my first 204p as well. I actually do like the dlc, and im not a fan of coated blades or all black, but this ones different, others look like there trying hard to be taticool and this one pulls off the all black effortlessly like an og k-bar (sorta, you get me). But this thing hasnt left my pocket since, i climb towers and it kicks around in my tool pouch and putting it though the paces cutting all sorts of or banding and zip ties. All i can say is its an all around amazing knife, not a single flaw i have found yet.

P.S. the final selling point was the low serial number #0040
 
I'm pretty keen on the 0450CF, except I could do without the black blade coating. Gonna wait a while and see if it becomes available without.
 
0450 without a doubt! Titanium scales. Wish they made the 0452 with titanium scales both sides. I would pick one up today.
 
Whitty I understand what your saying but I think not having a lanyard hole is a huge mistake. Seems like the rear post could have been hollowed out? It's my favorite of the new designs (the only one without lanyard hole :-( ) and I'd have one in my pocket if it would accept a lanyard. Whitty or anyone else know if a lanyard can go around the rear post without making contact with the blade?

Mike

whitty said:
This was an in house design by ZT and the simplicity of the build on this knife is what makes it so perfect. It is simple in its build but complex in engineering. The fact there is one post and the pivot, but the knife is very rock solid, makes this knife quick and easy to take down and put back together. A lanyard hole did not really fit the design, so I understand the lack of one.
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