First Look! ZT 0180 Fixed Blade

wobly

wobly

Joined
Sep 20, 2012
Messages
482
Hey all!

This is the newest Hinderer+ZT fixed blade collaboration.

Vanadis 4 Extra, Tungsten DLC Coating
G-10 handle scales
Blade: 4.2 inches long
Overall length: 9.2 inches
MSRP $275

ZTCatalog_2014_35_zpsaa5c1657.jpg

Disclaimers: ETA's are currently not available. Tweaks to the design and specifications for are subject to change for final production. The images above are property of KAI USA Ltd. and posted here with their permission. I do not speak for or represent Kershaw or KAI USA. I'm just a knife nut that happens to like many of Kershaw's and ZT's knives and was given the privilege of providing sneak peaks here for some of their new products.
Enjoy!
 
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Oh, so it's based off of Hinderer's fixed blade. I knew it looked vaguely familiar. Still, does anyone know about this Vanadis 4 steel? Maybe time to ask Google for a favor... powdered tool steel of some sort, and on a ZT so it's gonna be good but curiosity must be sated...
 
Apparently, Vanadis 4 Extra is a tool steel designed to do what D2 does but better. I'm assuming Uddeholm's comparisons are made to D2 because it is an industry standard tool steel. Still, even though it's not the sole application, D2 is proven in knives so something that can outperform it in wear resistance and chipping isn't a bad thing at all. Maybe someone with more knowledge will want to correct me.
 
This is the fixed blade i have been wanting them to make for some time now. Great all arounder and the perfect compliment to my 0550! Very awesome to see ZT/KAI bringing yet another new steel to the market before anyone else. These guys know how to push boundaries!
 
0.200" thick and only 4" blade ?! And not a very wide blade, saber-grind, a steel that's supposed to be like CPM-3V ... "overbuilt" is an understatement! It's like a fancy ESEE-5...
 
It's funny because I'm a folder guy and eventhough I have a sizeable collection of folders I've always said to myself I'll only get ONE fixed blade once I run into the perfect blade. I came close to getting the Buck Hoodlum but never pulled the trigger because of that hideous notch in the blade. That bugs me to no end.

This however...one look and I was sold... It's absolutely positively perfect for me. I hope the sheath is good. This will be the first and last fixed blade I get.
 
Knives are made to be used.
A good fixed knife should have a simple useful design.
Why a saber grind, false edge, heavy spine jimping, finger contours that might not fit the different hand sizes?

Why not just a simple working knife made with this super steel in a perfect fit & finish.
If it has to be tactical it still could have simple lines like for example the Dustar Magen

du-star-dus07-magen-flat-gray-large.jpg


(just an example, not speaking about the fit & finnish of the Dustar knives)
 
Vanadis 4 extra is as tough as 3v but may hold an edge a bit better. I know a competition champion that swears by the steel. It's a cross between cpm m4 and 3v. This knife would make a great bushcraft blade!
 
I like it a lot. The blade shape is very much what I favor, and I'm curious what grind is being used with it. I like the basic no nonsense design and am curious how it will feel in the hand.
 
Looks like a good design but I wander ...if the steel is so good why is it so thick?
 
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