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finally ordered a ZT 801

Lee D

Lee D

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ive been wanting one of these since they hit the market, and im curious....to those who bought them when they became available, how are they holding up? ive had a couple ZT knives as well as some other frame locks, but never a knife that is darn near all titanium. also, is there anything I need to look for when it gets here next week? I did use the search feature, but aside from all the "omg look at the new ZT flipper", i didn't find any threads that answered my questions.

thank you in advance,
Lee
 
I have seen many threads and posts about them holding up extremely well under use. I don't know of any consistent issues or problems with the 0801 whatsoever - however, many have noted that the detent is very strong and thus a higher-than-average amount of pressure is required to flip the knife open. The tradeoff is that it flips open super quickly.

The knife being all Ti means that it will show wear on the handles relatively easily. That's all I can really think of.
 
Mine is holding up fine. I used it a lot during deer season. Still locks tight. It fires hard. After the initial sharpening the edge stays sharp with stropping. Funny thing, it locks further over if I open it slowly instead of flipping it. The lockup hasn't moved other than that.
 
I believe you will be quite satisfied with its performance. As Comeuppance has pointed out the detent is strong, IMHO I believe it is just right for fast firing, especially with the KVT bearings. I have carried mine awhile, and hasn't shown any wear on either the blade or Ti scales. Mine came very sharp, just occasional stropping has maintained the edge. Hope you enjoy your new knife!
 
thanks a bunch everyone....ive never had any issues with ZT knives in the past, so I took a chance. I normally don't buy a knife without doing a bunch of homework, but I have wanted to try one out since they hit dealer shelves and I just happen to get permission from the woman yesterday to pick up something new for myself. I knew I needed to get something ordered before she changed her mind, :D so I pulled the trigger. I ordered the 801 and a Maratac Copper flashlight, so needless to say, im really looking forward to the postman dropping a package in my mailbox next week. :thumbup:
 
Nice Lee D, I picked up a Maratac copper Cr123 awhile ago, nice light, pictured here with SWM Ti and my XM 18.

DSCN4093.jpg
 
The first 801 I got as a gift for a friend, had a perfect detent.
The second one I bought for myself has such a strong detent,
I thought it was jammed when I first attempted to open it.
 
very nice Final, ive seen a couple Maratacs in some of the other members pics and really like the looks of them so I couldn't resist. i don't have an edc light that runs on AA batteries (all my Surefire and Fenix lights use 123 batteries), so that plus the classy look and the fact that i hadn't reached my spending limit with the ZT, i had try one out. im not afraid to admit, im a bit of a flashlight junkie LOL
 
The only mistake you made was not ordering from me:D

Seriously we have sold a good number of these and only had one complaint. I am sure ZT's Customer Service took care of it quickly. I carry an 801 a lot and do have to tighten up the pivot from time to time but it is very rare. The pivot has to get really loose to cause a problem. The KVT is amazing. I know you will be happy with your purchase!


Whitty
 
Hot diggity dog! Just reading this thread gets me all fired up for the 801CF. Im pumped for that M390 bronze beast! Ive been tempted to pick up the 801, but am holding out for the CF.
 
dishcore said:
Hot diggity dog! Just reading this thread gets me all fired up for the 801CF. Im pumped for that M390 bronze beast! Ive been tempted to pick up the 801, but am holding out for the CF.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a couple people have already received these and that was it. Did you read somewhere there is more coming?
 
dishcore said:
Hot diggity dog! Just reading this thread gets me all fired up for the 801CF. Im pumped for that M390 bronze beast! Ive been tempted to pick up the 801, but am holding out for the CF.
Click to expand...
Kyle_4 said:
Sounds like a couple people have already received these and that was it. Did you read somewhere there is more coming?
Click to expand...
Indeed! I'm about the pull the trigger on a 0801, but I might hold out if I can get one in M390.
 
Kowan said:
The first 801 I got as a gift for a friend, had a perfect detent.
The second one I bought for myself has such a strong detent,
I thought it was jammed when I first attempted to open it.
Click to expand...

The 801 grew on me over time. I kept showing up to a vendor at some shows in the area and trying one and eventually had to have one.

The detent was a bit strong for me on the first one I tried, as has been mentioned here, but the pressure I had to apply did sort of "pre load" the blade such that it just whipped open. which was very cool. Still, for me I wanted less of a detent, so I tried another 801 he had boxed and it didn't need as much pressure to open. Didn't whip open, but with the right swiping of the finger will open and lock in one movement without having to flex the wrist. I compared it to an assisted opener (ZT 566, a cool knife in it own right), but prefered the 801.

Visually and practially its solid metal, which I prefer over some of the other options (e.g., g10). Only things I'd prefer would be more of a radius on the inside edge of the sides on the backside (for ease of swiping with the pad of my finger) and a more interesting pocket clip (I like the one on the Chris Reeve Ti Lock). Still, for what you get, I've got no complaints.

Oh, Will Moon does some really cool customizing of these knives. I'm going to keep mine stock, but his work is nice.
 
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Excellent choice, I love mine. I re-profiled it to 30° inclusive and it's holding it great.

The detent is pretty strong on mine, so it opens like an A/O.
 
loonybin said:
Indeed! I'm about the pull the trigger on a 0801, but I might hold out if I can get one in M390.
Click to expand...

ive only owned one knife in 390 (Benchmade 755). it was a "catch and release" so I didn't get to fiddle around with it much, and this will be my first in Elmax...care to share why youd prefer one in 390?


and thank you all for your replies...much appreciated
Lee
 
Its an amazing knife for the money, ive been carrying mine almost everyday for about 9 months. I work in a shop and its the only one i dont worry about getting scratched and beat on. I work with alot of abrasives and blasting material and even with a movement full of grit it flips nicely. Only maintenance i have to do it tighten the pivot about once a week or longer. You wont be dissapointed.
 
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