Best New ZT

I like the the 0456 more every time I see one posted...eventually, I'll probably crack, and end up with one sitting on my nightstand (next to the 0808 that I had to have, despite its size).
The 0095 is starting to have some appeal - initially, I was sort of put off by the harpoon-ish spine; but I like just about everything else about it...and I prefer the blade (cutting edge) shape over that of the 0220.
I think me getting one of those three in hand would probably result in a purchase.
 
Well, I wandered into the knife shop, as planned, and checked out the 2016 lineup. There were only 3 that were of any interest to me prior to the visit, and that was confirmed almost immediately. Those three, as noted in the post above, were the 0456, 0095, and 0220.
My initial concern about the 0220 was that the offset lanyard opening would be bothersome. Whitty said that wasn't an issue, and he was correct - I found the knife quite comfortable in hand. Ultimately, though, the blade shape was not all that appealing to me.
On the other hand, I liked the blade shape of the 0095 much more than I thought I would. I was pretty close to buying this one; but, after gripping and regripping it numerous times, I noticed a dull ache in my pinky. Looking down, I noticed that the lowest point of the handle was hitting my pinky. I messed with it a little more, hoping for an easy fix...but ended up scratching it off the list. I've been questioning that decision a bit, because I really liked the knife - maybe at some point.
The 0456 - this knife was everything I thought it would be. I love the blade shape, the chunkiness of the knife, and the overall aesthetic. Of course, there's the other side of that coin - I knew it was a smaller knife than I like, and the handle thickness does not change that. It left with me...even though I knew it would likely spend it's entire life in its box. Maybe I'll put it in my pocket at some point; but I doubt it. My 0200 has reclaimed that space, and will likely hold it indefinitely.
 
The recent ZTs I'm interested in buying are the 0450 and 0808, as they're smaller and lighter. The 0456 looks great, also, but I just don't need another pocket brick.


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The 0808 was a must have for me, even though I read the specs. I've never carried it - should probably sell it - but there it sits. Just too small for my taste.
I'll probably give it to a buddy of mine...but it might be a little larger than he likes.
 
I took a gamble on the 0095bw just based on the few reviews that were out/looks alone. I really ended up liking it. It locks up nice, has nice smooth action. The thinner blade stock and titanium makes it around the same weight as my manix 2, and is nearly the same size when opened, yet the ZT is thinner when closed and in pocket, and has a much larger usable blade surface. It's certainly not as good for precision work as my manix but I still think it feels great overall.

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So far, the 0456 tops the list for likeability for me. The 0450CF still gets more cycles in my current EDC rotation mainly due to size. I haven't gotten as well-acquainted with the rest of this year's lineup yet. The two Sinkevich models have been hogging my attention so far. :)

ZT0450CF_0456_800x470.jpg
 
flarp said:
So far, the 0456 tops the list for likeability for me. The 0450CF still gets more cycles in my current EDC rotation mainly due to size. I haven't gotten as well-acquainted with the rest of this year's lineup yet. The two Sinkevich models have been hogging my attention so far. :)

ZT0450CF_0456_800x470.jpg
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The 0456 is a beast next to the 0450. Do you carry both at the same time?
 
I agree with whitty on this post, after handling all these extensively! Due to personal preference my top two is the 0450cf and the 0456 and that does not take away from the others at all just a personal preference.


whitty said:
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/
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I've cycled through some of these...in short, the 0456 is staying.

As heavy as it actually is, it doesn't seem to carry heavy to me. I know it's there but I don't find it burdesome. Flipper action is right in the goldilocks zone. Not too much detent, yet still flies open smoothly and reliably without chewing up my finger. It looks like a work of art, great fit and finish, premium materials, just a lot of quality for the money. Of course the design could be very polarizing, took a second try for it to grow on me.
 
Colorodo said:
The 0456 is a beast next to the 0450. Do you carry both at the same time?
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The two really are very different. I don't carry both at the same time. If I do carry a second knife, it's usually a SAK or traditional, although in the last few days, it's been a Frikkie.
 
augostos said:
I miss Scanvenger 0400.
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We all do augostos, we all do.
I really loved the zt0450cf, i have sellers remorse on that one. Ill have to get one again down the road. But i have really taken a liking to the looks of the zt0220. The more i see it, the more i like it. Ive handle the 0804cf a few times and it is a really nice piece. Probably one of the nicer production knives ive handled, but still not quite my style in the looks department. Im sure ill come around to it though like i do will all zts and spydercos.
 
Just got the 909 in today . Really like it so far . May not be as flashy as this year's other models but it's a great knife for the money .
 
I will probably get the 0450cf, but the 0456 keeps catching my eye. I really like the look of the 0804CF, such clean lines, but I think it's far too big of a knife for me to want to carry regularly. 0220 ain't too shabby, either.
 
Shoopmonster said:
I will probably get the 0450cf, but the 0456 keeps catching my eye. I really like the look of the 0804CF, such clean lines, but I think it's far too big of a knife for me to want to carry regularly. 0220 ain't too shabby, either.
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The 0450cf is an amazing knife. If you want a slim and trim slicer, it's your best bet. It's the best flipper I've owned.

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I've been looking at these since they came out and which does everyone think is the best flipper? Last I remember is the 801 probably had the smoothest flipper zt has put out, but I've been out of the loop for a while.
 
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