Deep-carry Ti flipper of a specific length, ZT or otherwise?

Dadpool

Dadpool

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I'm looking for a folder, ideally a Zero Tolerance or something similar, with all of these features:

  • Manual flipper
  • Titanium (one or both scales)
  • Blade 3.5" or less as measured to the portion of the handle furthest from the tip
  • Stainless
  • Deep carry clip
  • Tip-up carry
  • $300 or less

The ZT0562 was perfect in every way except the length; it's 3.5" to the furthest-forward part of the handle, but considerably longer to the furthest-back portion. The ZT0456 was also marvelous (and a perfect length), but adding a deep carry clip ruined the ergonomics for my hand, and the stock clip is anything but deep. I loved everything else about those knives, and I love the beefy, overbuilt feel as well as the overall quality of them -- which is why I'm after a ZT, or something similar.

Among ZTs, I think that leaves only these knives:

  • 0450, which I suspect will be the right length, but which lacks a deep carry clip; it's also smaller overall than I'd like
  • 0808, ditto
  • 0900, which is absolutely good on length, but only technically has a deep carry clip (it's not that deep!), and again I think it will be too small for my fairly large hands

Am I overlooking a ZT that meets all of my criteria?

If not, are there other knives along these lines you'd recommend? Is there a perfect knife that misses one criterion, other than blade length, but makes up for missing it by being super-amazing?

Either way, thanks in advance for any help you can provide! :thumbup: :)
 
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Spyderco Mantra. It's M4 tool steel which is not stainless, but it does not rust or patina as easily as most other carbon steels.
 
How about the ZT 0801?

Made in the USA
Manual open, KVT ball-bearing system
Frame lock
Reversible (left/right), deep-carry clip
Steel: ELMAX®, stonewashed finish
Handle: Titanium
Blade Length: 3.5 in. (8.9 cm)
Closed Length: 4.7 in. (11.9 cm)
Overall Length: 8.2 in. (20.8 cm)
Weight: 5.8 oz. (164.4 g)
 
Spyderco Domino or Dice. Great steel, titanium/carbon fiber handle, four-position clip, awesome ergonomics, superb build quality. (I've got a Dice and I love it; easily the best folder I've ever owned.)

While they don't have deep carry clips, aftermarket clips are readily available for about $25, which puts it all well under your budget.
 
What are the concern with blade length? I pretty sure length is measure from longest part of the handle to the tip if you worried about legality. The 562 is a perfect knife for what you want.
 
Zt 0450 plus ask zt nicely for a deep carry clip for an 0561, it's a great knife. Also the Mantra and Domino are great.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
 
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Thank you for the recommendations so far! :)

The Spyderco Domino wasn't on my radar at all, and looks like a strong contender. :thumbup: I'll have to research whether folks like the ergonomics of their aftermarket clips.

With respect the other knives that have been recommended, the ZT0562 and ZT0450 are not in the mix at the moment. I love the 562, but it's too long; the 450 looks great, but looks too small/thin.

The Mantra isn't stainless, and I'm not a fan of non-stainless. I know some tool steels are "near-stainless," but I don't want to go there. (The Mantra looks fantastic otherwise.)

The ZT0801 looks like a "deeper" blade measurement will be over 3.5", just like the 562 (and many other ZTs). If that weren't the case, I'd jump on one of those; it looks great.

With respect to blade length, I'm taking a conservative approach. Nothing in Seattle law specifies how a blade is measured, only that folders need to have a blade that's 3.5" or less. As much as I'd love for that to mean tip to nearest part of handle, I'm not taking that chance.

Thanks again!
 
I've looked at lots of Kizer options, but most don't have deep carry clips (or miss another criterion, or both). Which ones fit the bill?
 
For ZTs, you might want to check out the 0808 or the 0456. Neither come with a deep carry clip but KAI will send you one for free. USA Made Blade sells anodized versions for no extra cost. If you liked the 0452, you might like one of the flavors of 0450.

There are a bunch of Kizers that meet your criteria, although the depth of carry on the clips is variable. Take a look at the Eliminator, Velox 2, Kyre or Gemini.

Have you looked at the Viper Vox Kyomi? I've never handled one but people I respect speak well of them.

You can look at the Spyderco flippers; Mantra, Domino, Dice etc, but although great knives I've yet to try a Spyderco that I'd consider a great flipper.
 
If the clip is the only problem on some of your ZT choices you can get aftermarket deep carry clips for them.
 
Whoops, looks like you were replying while I was posting. I think most Kizer clips are 3 screw (Benchmade compatible) or 2 screw (Kershaw compatible) but if you'd like I can try and check.
 
Spyderco southard is really nice. G10 on one side and titanium frame lock on the other. Not super deep carry but I'd consider it deep carry none the less
 
Speaking of Kizers, there's only one that I've been eyeballin'...the Escort. But for the OP the clip might not work.

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I'll take a look at the Kizer Eliminator, Velox 2, and Kyre, (I'm already familiar with the Gemini), as well as the Viper Vox Kyomi.

I'm not confident about the Spyderco Southard's blade length, but I like I lot of other things about it.

My experience with adding deep carry clips to knives has been mixed. On the full-size Griptilian, the clip from a Contego was dreamy. On the ZT0456, an aftermarket deep carry clip made a huge, uncomfortable hotspot. I worry the ZT0808 and ZT0450 will share that problem, given their respective handle shapes.

Thanks for the additional recommendations. :)
 
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