Deciding which ZT to save up for

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kubelik

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Oct 16, 2013
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so I'm generally a Spyderco fan but I do have a few Kershaw knives and lately I've been considering saving up money for a ZT. I've heard all sorts of good things about their flipper pivots and I like that, unlike Kershaws, the ZTs are generally manual, not assisted.

my question is, between the ZT 0562 (either G10 or CF) or the upcoming ZT 0450, which do you guys think I should be saving up for? I don't own any Hinderer or Sinkevich designs yet, so either way that would be a first for me. I also don't own any Elmax, M390, or S35VN blades, so either way I'd be interested in the blade steel as well. the usage would pretty much be as an EDC to do some food prep, box cutting, featherstick making, etc.

I realize that since the ZT 0450 isn't actually out yet, it's sort of hard for people to make a comparison, but I guess I'm just looking for people to weigh in on what they would do if they were in my shoes. what do you think of the ZT 0450 looks versus the 0562? would you save up for an unknown knife or just go for tried-and-true?
 
Either will do, but for me it's the 0450 based on your anticipated uses. I'd also suggest you take a look at the 0770CF. I realize it's AO, but it's pretty much the perfect compromise between the 0450 and the 0562 . . . or at least it appears to be based on what I've been able to gather so far.
 
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Those are two very different knives. Based on the specs, the 0450 is basically a "gentleman's knife," if you will. Relatively small, slim, and lightweight when compared with many of ZT's other offerings. That said, your uses don't sound too intense, and coming from Spyderco which generally puts out pretty slicey blades, I'd say the 0450 would probably be more up your alley than the 0562. I currently EDC the 0562 and I love it, but I also like that size of knife in general. It's pretty beefy.
 
To me they are two totally different knives. So it really comes down to how you prioritize your EDC tasks, and what is most important.
The 450 is thinner, lighter and more pocket friendly and makes a better EDC I think.
The 562 is much beefier and heavier.

If it were me, I'd go 450. If you want a compromise, wait for the 808.
 
The main thing to consider is size and weight. Do you like smaller/lighter knives or are you wanting something a little bigger? While the 0562 carries like a dream, it's nearly double the weight. My choice would be 0562 hands down, but it's exactly what I like in an EDC. Can't go wrong with ZT either way!
 
The 0562 has my preference
First I like the design better (I think ZT gave me some hinderer bug of some kind), second on the technical specs the 0562 appeals me more: deep carry clip, elmax or m390 steel....

I used to carry 3.25" blades and now 3.5" is fine too
As long as it is no more thAn 3.5"
 
thanks for the responses, guys, it's been pretty enlightening. in terms of my carry, I typically carry anything from a Chaparral-sized knife (maybe 2-3/4" blade?) to a Military (4" blade I think), so the 3-1/4" to 3-1/2" that these knives come in at should both work.

I guess for the ZT 0562, how chunky is it in hand? my favorite handle ergos are the Spyderco PM2 and the Manix 2, how would the ZT 0562 compare to those? I would go try it out in person but the blue state I live in is pretty short on knife stores and the knife stores are even shorter on quality blades, so I'm not aware of anyone actually stocking ZTs in their display case.
 
kubelik said:
so I'm generally a Spyderco fan but I do have a few Kershaw knives and lately I've been considering saving up money for a ZT. I've heard all sorts of good things about their flipper pivots and I like that, unlike Kershaws, the ZTs are generally manual, not assisted.

my question is, between the ZT 0562 (either G10 or CF) or the upcoming ZT 0450, which do you guys think I should be saving up for? I don't own any Hinderer or Sinkevich designs yet, so either way that would be a first for me. I also don't own any Elmax, M390, or S35VN blades, so either way I'd be interested in the blade steel as well. the usage would pretty much be as an EDC to do some food prep, box cutting, featherstick making, etc.

I realize that since the ZT 0450 isn't actually out yet, it's sort of hard for people to make a comparison, but I guess I'm just looking for people to weigh in on what they would do if they were in my shoes. what do you think of the ZT 0450 looks versus the 0562? would you save up for an unknown knife or just go for tried-and-true?
Click to expand...

I believe BHQ is listing the 0450 to come in at $200. In another thread I posted what BHQ is saying the prices will be for the new 2015 models.

I own three ZT's: 0561, 0770CF (which I found last night, has been missing for a month) and the 0801. I like the design and aesthetics of the 0450 better than the 056x, but if you are needing to fell Sequoias and whatnot, the 0562 is a better choice. Hinderer designs as a whole are not very strong flippers. My 0561 kinda glides out, whereas the 0801 (and I assume the 2015 ZT flippers) rocket out due to the strong detent.

I vote the 0450. Though the 0808 is my favorite of the new ones.
 
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Between the two, I'd say go with the 0562. ZT , to me, is known for being overbuilt. I absolutely love the fact that they're overbuilt... I've had a 0200 , have a 0350, and most recently got an 0561. The 0562 is supposed to be similar to the 0561 in some aspects, at least it seems like that to me. For your first ZT, I'd say go with something that really feels overbuilt. if that's your thing (it's mine, and I think it's a pretty good representative of ZT as a whole). Either way, know that you can't go wrong. Like a lot of people said, you'll probably end up having both at some point.
 
If you don't have a Hinderer design and are curious, maybe keep an eye out for the upcoming ZT 0392. It's a limited edition, so it'll only be available for a short while (the last couple of LE's sold out in minutes). If you sign up for their newsletter on the ZT site, they typically announce the sale date a bit before it happens. Both the 0562 and 0450 are going to be production models, so I'd try for the LE first.

I did finally get a 0562 a couple months ago, and it is an awesome knife. Great ergos, excellent cutting performance, awesome flipping action, and plenty of style points. I'll get some shots of it with a Chaparral, PM2, and Manix for comparison when I get home unless someone else posts some.

Here's mine, with a custom scale by Rival:
ZT0562_20141226_800x450.jpg
 
flarp said:
If you don't have a Hinderer design and are curious, maybe keep an eye out for the upcoming ZT 0392. It's a limited edition, so it'll only be available for a short while (the last couple of LE's sold out in minutes). If you sign up for their newsletter on the ZT site, they typically announce the sale date a bit before it happens. Both the 0562 and 0450 are going to be production models, so I'd try for the LE first.

I did finally get a 0562 a couple months ago, and it is an awesome knife. Great ergos, excellent cutting performance, awesome flipping action, and plenty of style points. I'll get some shots of it with a Chaparral, PM2, and Manix for comparison when I get home unless someone else posts some.

Here's mine, with a custom scale by Rival:
ZT0562_20141226_800x450.jpg
Click to expand...

Because, like the hokey pokey, that's what its all about.
 
I like the blade shape of the 0562 better, but personally I am saving up for the 0450. I think I will prefer the shorter blade, lighter weight, and full titanium handle.
 
kubelik said:
thanks for the responses, guys, it's been pretty enlightening. in terms of my carry, I typically carry anything from a Chaparral-sized knife (maybe 2-3/4" blade?) to a Military (4" blade I think), so the 3-1/4" to 3-1/2" that these knives come in at should both work.

I guess for the ZT 0562, how chunky is it in hand? my favorite handle ergos are the Spyderco PM2 and the Manix 2, how would the ZT 0562 compare to those? I would go try it out in person but the blue state I live in is pretty short on knife stores and the knife stores are even shorter on quality blades, so I'm not aware of anyone actually stocking ZTs in their display case.
Click to expand...

Ergos are fantastic. I also have a manix 2, and it's just as comfortable. Surprisingly thin and doesn't feel as big as it is, IMHO.
Just buy one, and by the slim chance you don't like it, I guarantee you won't have a problem selling it.
 
I have a PM2 and I like its ergonomics too.
I am not sure how it can compare to the 0562..... They are very different knife and can serve different purpose.
I think that for heavy use the handles of the ZT's hinderer are better.
I enjoy the PM2 because it fits your hand in whatever grip you use.
With the 0562, IMHO the grip it way more comfortable but less flexible.
I had the opportunity to use my P 2 to work some wood.... And I was missing my ZTs
 
I vote the ZT-0562CF

I have both the ZT-0562CF and several Spyderco PM2's.

The overall open length (562 8.25" vs PM2 8.28") and closed length (4.75" vs 4.81") are almost identical.

Both fit my hands and are comfortable to use. The ZT is heavier (5.45 oz vs 3.75 oz), but feels much stouter because of it.

Both ride nice in the pocket.

The ZT-0562CF is my new favorite EDC. YMMV.
 
My all time favorite of those I own is the ZT801. But it is a little on the heavy side, so a very close second (and much lighter) is the 770CF. I have very high hopes for the 562CF that has been on backorder for quite some time. I am intrigued by some of the new offerings, but won't hold my breath for an actual release date (well actually, hit the shelves date).

But must say that I have not been disappointed in any of the others.... 350ts, 561, 566, 121, etc. They are all tight, great fit/finish, and have their own specific positives.
 
kubelik said:
thanks for the responses, guys, it's been pretty enlightening. in terms of my carry, I typically carry anything from a Chaparral-sized knife (maybe 2-3/4" blade?) to a Military (4" blade I think), so the 3-1/4" to 3-1/2" that these knives come in at should both work.

I guess for the ZT 0562, how chunky is it in hand? my favorite handle ergos are the Spyderco PM2 and the Manix 2, how would the ZT 0562 compare to those? I would go try it out in person but the blue state I live in is pretty short on knife stores and the knife stores are even shorter on quality blades, so I'm not aware of anyone actually stocking ZTs in their display case.
Click to expand...

Here's some side-by-side shots of a 0562 next to a PM2, Manix2, and Chaparral. I don't know how the G10 Manix2 compares to the FRN one (I only have the latter).

ZT0562_PM2_Manix2_Chaparral_open_800x488.jpg


ZT0562_PM2_Manix2_Chaparral_closed_800x418.jpg


ZT0562_PM2_Manix2_Chaparral_length_800x414.jpg


ZT0562_PM2_Manix2_Chaparral_thickness_800x506.jpg
 
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