Cool factor vs practicality

ron finkbeiner jr

ron finkbeiner jr

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Jan 6, 2012
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I am going to buy a new folder soon and decided on the ZT brand but I can't quite make up my mind on either a 0452 or a 0562? I realize there are a number of differences between the two. My main use will be just edc task mostly there when I need a cutting tool. What say you?
 
Both will do the jobs. Want something more mean and Stiletto Style go for the 0452, want more of a beefy tool go 0562.
:):thumbsup:
 
Addendum:
I own both, I carry the 0562 more because the lockbar geometry works better with my fat thumbs. The 0452 bit me more than other knives.
 
I like a knife that fills my hand so I would go with the 0562. A good deal of how a knife performs for me is the "feel" it has when in use. I also like the lock bar stabilizer of the 0562. Some might have a desire for the smaller handle of the 0452.
 
Between those, I prefer the 0562.

Having said that, the 0470 and 0609 are 20CV blades in thinner stock, and are more efficient cutting tools for most tasks.
 
So which is the cool one and which is the practical one?

They are both 0.16" thickness at the spine... either knife will be fine for EDC tasks. Get whichever one you like the looks of better. Neither of them are excellent cutters when compared to say a Spyderco Delica or Benchmade Bugout.

You can do what I do and carry a ZT and a GEC slipjoint. Best of both worlds, and you get to buy two knives instead of one!

When specifically comparing the 0562 and 0452, the 0562 will be a bit beefier due to its external stop pin ("thumb studs") design which provides lateral support during prying (not that it's recommended). The tradeoff is weight at (about) 5.5oz. The 0452 has an internal stop pin design, so it's not as good with the more abusive tasks. However, the 0452 is thinner and easier to carry at 4.4oz. Do you like off-road trucks or performance SUV's? Cuz neither are sports cars at .16", lol.
 
WhitleyStu said:
I like a knife that fills my hand so I would go with the 0562. A good deal of how a knife performs for me is the "feel" it has when in use. I also like the lock bar stabilizer of the 0562. Some might have a desire for the smaller handle of the 0452.
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I agree. I only use my 0452 as a gentleman's folder. I have regular size hands and IMO the handle is a little on the thin side for every day cutting tasks and it's more blade than I need at work. The 0562 would fill anyones hands better
 
I have both and the 562 has been carried and used much more. Mine has cut everything put in front of it, great edc.
 
I have both but would recommend the 0770cf over both of them for actually cutting stuff. Small, light, but comfy in hand when cutting. Plus there's an M4 version and M4 is pretty great.
 
One of my favorite knives ever is the 0450. I have bigger than average hands, but my EDC is for opening boxes and cutting cardboard, and I have an affinity for tiny folders (the 0450 & 0460 are the biggest EDC's that I routinely carry). I have a 0452 but it's a decent amount bigger and always much more frightening to others. I live in Boca Raton, FL so most of the people around here consider the 0450 a hostile weapon. My blue nishijin Spyderco Spin is about the only one that people don't get seriously offended by. They think it looks cute and funny. I actually love that little thing. I should start a thread asking people about what knife or knives they have that they are very surprised by how much they like it or which knife they absolutely love that they thought they could never like.
 
I carry the 452CF and use it for a work knife. I like the longer slim blade and the slim frame. It's the only knife I have that I can get into my right front pocket with it not being in the way. IMO,the only draw back to it is lateral stress will cause the blade to flex at the pivot.
 
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sharp_edge said:
Need a cutting tool? I would look at Spyderco.
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Careful there . . . sounds like something I would have got flamed for . . .
I will say I just bought a Buck 102 simply because it is a very cool knife that I have always wanted. (not as practical as most of my others . . . OK not as practical as any of my others . . . it is still cool though and I like it !).
There is a time to be practical and there is a time to just buy something you like for no other reason than you just like it.
Which time is this for you ?
 
Pendexter said:
You can do what I do and carry a ZT and a GEC slipjoint. Best of both worlds, and you get to buy two knives instead of one!
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You may be relatively new here but you sure do "Get It" !
Great advice. I like it.
 
I say get the 0562, even though the 0452 is my favorite knife of all time. But I hardly ever carry my 0452s because they’re just too pretty for me to use. Plus the 0562 has g-10 on the show side which makes it a little easier to grip. Both are very well made, either way you can’t go wrong.
 
The 0452 is slightly less than 1/2" longer than the 0562. I suspect that circumfrence is abut 1/8" less for the 0452, but I can't prove that, not having a 0562 or finding handle width of both, online. I REALLY like my 0452 (have 2 of them:D), but having some Big-Dude friends, I suspect the 0562 would be a better fit, unless a handle length of ~ 4.17" makes you feel like your pinkie is swinging in the wind too much.
 
Both .16 at the spine, with the 562 having like double the grind height. If you want a cutter get the 562.
 
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