Dilemma. Which would you pick?

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Xdm9mili

Joined
Mar 7, 2014
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I've been bit with the knife bug. I am choosing between the Emerson Mini horseman or the ZT 0566. I like the heritage and bad ass factor of the Emerson, but like the shape and specs of the 0566. Looking for an EDC. My daily uses would be opening boxes, cutting cardboard, and cutting plastic wrap off pallets.

I will probably end up getting both since it is about $265 for both on BladeHQ. Any other suggestions would be much appreciated.
 
I like the design of the 0566 more. It carries great, feels great in hand, and the high flat grind makes for an excellent slicer while still maintaining a good amount of steel at the tip. I haven't handled an Emerson Mini-Horseman. There are some ZT and Emerson collaborations in the works though (no estimated release date yet), so if you want the best of both worlds... (see http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...n-Collabs-Made-in-USA-Feared-around-the-world)
 
I find full size Emersons work best for me, I'm not too fond of the mini versions. I'd go with the 0566: better steel (and a proper V edge, unlike the Emerson chisel edge), and probably superior fit and finish.
 
Franciscomv said:
I find full size Emersons work best for me, I'm not too fond of the mini versions. I'd go with the 0566: better steel (and a proper V edge, unlike the Emerson chisel edge), and probably superior fit and finish.
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But the Emersons are so bad ass. I would have to agree with the fit and finish would be more superior on the ZT.
 
Xdm9mili said:
I've been bit with the knife bug. I am choosing between the Emerson Mini horseman or the ZT 0566. I like the heritage and bad ass factor of the Emerson, but like the shape and specs of the 0566. Looking for an EDC. My daily uses would be opening boxes, cutting cardboard, and cutting plastic wrap off pallets.

I will probably end up getting both since it is about $265 for both on BladeHQ. Any other suggestions would be much appreciated.
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Don't get a knife because its "badass". That takes any badass out of it anyway. Get a knife by what fits your needs and what calls you.
 
For your described use, the Emerson. If you were gonna do some harder work with it, the ZT. ZT's are like pocket tanks though.
 
Is this going to be your only knife for a while? If so I say ZT
Remember that Hinderer and ZTk knives are considered pretty "badass" themselves
 
I have 8 knives right now that I have in a rotation. Been carrying my Kershaw Cryo more lately, and that is why I liked the ZT 566. Same shape with better components. I picked the horseman as one of my choices due to the shape of the blade. Not sure if a tanto would suffice in my daily activities.
 
Xdm9mili said:
I have 8 knives right now that I have in a rotation. Been carrying my Kershaw Cryo more lately, and that is why I liked the ZT 566. Same shape with better components. I picked the horseman as one of my choices due to the shape of the blade. Not sure if a tanto would suffice in my daily activities.
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Xdm9mili said:
My daily uses would be opening boxes, cutting cardboard, and cutting plastic wrap off pallets.
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Believe it or not, a tanto blade would do just fine at these activities. In fact, a lot of people get by EDC'ing a tanto. That's why Emerson's CQC 7 gets a lot of love around here.

Between the 2 knives you're considering, I would go with the ZT. I own both and the 0566 gets way more pocket time than the Emerson. Better blade shape, materials, fit and finish, ergos and let's not forget the warranty. It's really not as heavy as some people make it out to be. Plus, if you're already used to carrying the Cryo, you're not going to notice much of a difference in weight. You will, however, notice a difference in the G10 grip, not to mention the extra half inch of premium Elmax steel. Plus you can use it assisted or de-assisted.

I wish I wasn't at work right now. I would get some comparison pics up. Let me know if you want some and I'll post a few later today.
 
I would go with the ZT. I have seen too many jacked up emersons from the factory to really have any interest in them. And even if you get a jacked up ZT they have the best warranty of any company.
 
Have you considered the mini cqc15? The blade shape is a sick tanto hybrid. I have both the 566 and cqc15 and I have to say the Emerson is more badass. If you want everyday utility and dependability, go zt. The even have a blade replacement option in the warranty!
 
This is a tough question because IMO the Horseman and the CQC8 are both some of the best designs made by Emerson. So if you want an Emerson , the Horseman is definitely a good model to start with. The wave feature on this particular model works really well and you will master drawing the knife in a few minutes. As far as warranty, I've only heard good things about Emerson , but I've never returned any of mine.

Now here's where it becomes a hard choice.... first , I'd also take a look at the ZT 550. It's similar to the 566 ( a little bigger) but it's made of titanium and the prices are low on those models right now. It doesn't have an assist but it's a well made knife.

As far a quality, Kai's quality (IMO) is second to none. I recently bought a ZT 560 and was blown away by the quality of this knife and I thought the 550 was well made.

I guess if I had to pick one , I'd take the ZT because of Kai's consistent quality and you've mentioned you like the Cryo. Also when you spend over $150.00 for a knife, you might be a little underwhelmed with the Emerson, but you won't feel that way with ZT.
 
JPD1998 said:
Also when you spend over $150.00 for a knife, you might be a little underwhelmed with the Emerson, but you won't feel that way with ZT.
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I couldn't agree more. Don't get me wrong, I still like my Horseman. I just think you get more bang for your buck with the ZT.
 
Thank for all your replies. I just pulled the trigger on the ZT. Got it for $115. Can't wait. I really wanted the Enerson due to the wave feature, but I already preordered one of the Kershaw/Emerson collaboration knives with that feature.
 
Xdm9mili said:
Thank for all your replies. I just pulled the trigger on the ZT. Got it for $115. Can't wait. I really wanted the Enerson due to the wave feature, but I already preordered one of the Kershaw/Emerson collaboration knives with that feature.
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She's definitely worth the price, man. Congrats!

 
I used to be a straight emerson aholic with no signs of recovery in sight. Had and probably still have over a dozen of them. But little by little I started to notice the small things that separates a good knife from a great knife and I've come to the opinion that most emesons don't have them (say the 8, the etak, and I'm sure a few others I haven't owned). The ZT is an all around knife with a PROPER V EDGE). Something emesons don't have and it drives me nuts. In short zt. ... Id go with the 0550 though unless you've got your heart set on a flipper. Besides the ugly scale which can easily be replaced it's an all around amazing knife priced at an all time low currently.
 
Have to go with emerson. Especially the horseman/cqc-8's. They are excellent slicers and all around great knives. I own a super 8 and standard 8 and I love both. For some reason the chisel edge isn't as noticeable on the 8's. They are very easy to sharpen and hold an excellent edge. Zt's are ok, but their blades are big and chunky. You can also wave with the emerson :)
 
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