Buying my first knife.

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karnavor

Joined
Mar 29, 2008
Messages
51
New job needs new tools. I've browsed around awhile and know that I want to buy a Kershaw. Now I work in the construction business and do a little bit of everything. I want to get a folder that is easy to slip in and out of my pocket and be ready to do some work. So far I've just been looking and not really know how well some knifes compare to others. So, I've come here to ask for opinions. This will be a knife carried mostly everyday and used a lot in some different situations. I've been looking at the 0200 and have been liking it but can't really find any reviews or feedback on it. I have a price range of $180.

Thanks in advance.
 
Welcome karnavor!

There will no doubt be some residence experts around to give you excellent suggestions.
 
This one is just cool:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=544886
This is more informative:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=434154&highlight=zt0200+review&page=2 Start at post 34 to read the reviews of a passaround ZT0200

Try these. I didn't read through all of them but the info you are looking for is likely in there and in the passaround review you will get alot of viewpoints. My overall experience with the 0200 has been positive. I like the size and handle ergos. I think in a price vs performance test you won't find much better. This knife has a liner lock thicker than many framelocks, a very thick blade for a folder and excellent overall fit and finish. IMO it should excel on a construction jobsite.

Another knife to look at might be the ZT0500. It has a sealed lock and pivot. If you are going to be in wet, muddy, sandy or generally nasty conditions much this knife could work out well for you b/c it would cutdown on the amount of cleaning you would have to do.

A knife to consider in the basic beater/utility category would be the Needs Work. A nice smaller workhorse that you won't feel bad about losing or breaking. They usually run in the $25-30 range.
 
For someone in construction, I would recommend getting more than one knife in case one gets misplaced. I would look into the S30V Blur, the Cyclone, and the Speed Bump. You can buy all three for $180.
 
ZT has some great options. They are built heavier than most Kershaws. I'd suggest an 0500 for dirty and grimy work.
 
I agree that for the dirty messy work you want an 0500, but you also want a spyderco sharpmaker, a dull knife does you no good.
 
nygiantsfan3342 said:
For someone in construction, I would recommend getting more than one knife in case one gets misplaced. I would look into the S30V Blur, the Cyclone, and the Speed Bump. You can buy all three for $180.
Click to expand...

That's an excellent idea, but I would take one away and replace with
a couple of the Needs Work variations.
Needs Work is a work hog. It'll take a lot of abuse and you don't really
seem to care if it gets a little scared up when using it.
You could then have 4 Kershaws for less than $180.
Needs Work X 2, Speed Bump, Cyclone.
Rough costs would be $30+$30+$55+60 = $175.00.

Or you could get the ZT0200 and a Needs Work for around $160.00

Plenty of possibilities....

mike
 
Ordered the 0200 and it should be here soon. I've also been liking the look of the Speed Bump so I might order one of them later. God, I'm going to be like a child in a candy shop.
 
karnavor said:
Ordered the 0200 and it should be here soon. I've also been liking the look of the Speed Bump so I might order one of them later. God, I'm going to be like a child in a candy shop.
Click to expand...

Ah yes...this is how it starts...:D

Welcome to bladeforums, karnavor! ;)

Ray :)
 
karnavor said:
Ordered the 0200 and it should be here soon. I've also been liking the look of the Speed Bump so I might order one of them later. God, I'm going to be like a child in a candy shop.
Click to expand...

The speed bump is amazing. It's a pretty good sized knife, I've got big hands and it fits just beautifully in them. Cuts great, speedsafe has a nice kick to it, and the flipper babies you. And don't forget the stud lock, why ZT doesn't use it is beyond me.
 
Welcome karnavor, when I found BladeForums I had one Kershaw Blackout and a Buck 110, now almost a year later I have seven and more coming!
 
0401080953ok5.jpg


0401080954ve3.jpg
 
Nice pics!!

That just LOOKS like a construction knife, doesn't it.

For your next knife, look at the zdp cyclone.
 
kneedeep said:
I'm thinking it looks more like a demolition knife. :D
Click to expand...

eh, a little small for a demo knife, but I'd go after a lot with that knife, I guarantee you that.

karnavor, when's your sharpmaker coming? If you intend to work that blade the way it's intended, you'll want a quality sharpener.
 
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