First ZT purchase

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nolaradio

Joined
Nov 21, 2012
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Hi everyone. I am looking to purchase my first Zero Tolerance knife but I don't know what I want. That's where you guys come in. I'm looking at a budget of $200. Too low? Prefer something with tip down carry. Size isn't an issue right now, as long as it fits in jean pockets. Speed safe is nice, but not a sticking point. I just don't want something like the new Emersons in the Kershaw line that has the pocket catch thing to open the knife as you pull it out your pocket. Seems to gimicky to me. I'm looking for something to be used in a worse case scenario for self defense, so this blade won't get used much for routine tasks like opening boxes and cutting rope, etc. I have other knives I'll use for that.
Right now I switch between a few different models of the Blur and the Skyline. Just depends on what I feel like carrying when I wake up in the morning.
Any suggestions?
 
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If you want the blade for self defense like you stated get the waves zero tolerance. I know you say it seems gimmicky but it will be the fastest opening knife as long as you deploy it using the wave function. Otherwise go with a 500 series (550,560). I will recommend the waves model over these still since for your intended purpose it really suits you the best.


I hope this helps and while I don't condone blade for SD I don't know your situation. Anyway don't take my word as best advice.
 
Hmm for SD I would for sure go with the 0452cf. But it's just out of your price range and tip up only.

Hmmm tip down sub 200... 0550 I guess?
 
ZT 0801, 0801BW or 0562. All titanium frame lock with robust bearings flipper and 3.5" blades. $200 or a little less. All tip-up though.

The older models give you tip-down options: 0300/0301/0350/0566/0560/0561/0550.
 
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When I decided I wanted a ZT, it was the 0550 for me. I would prefer if it was a tad smaller overall, but I like that the front finger choil puts your front finger so close to the blade. With most of their flipper designs, your hand ends up a bit too far back from the cutting surface. The knife is built like a brick sh!thouse and works incredibly well. That said, my next one will probably be an 0566cf because it's a tad smaller, and flippers are fun. :)
 
ZT0452cf 4.1" blade and you have to remind yourself that you have it , it carries that light.
 
I don't think you can go wrong with any of them imho. If it were me, I would be tempted to buy a 770cf. I love the look of the carbon fiber, polished pivot, and I have no blades in elmax. I also like the blade shape. The 200 and 350 series with the belly give me some trouble in sharpening since I freehand with a stone.
 
I would have to agree with the ZT 801.I'm not about to deploy the blade against a Robber/attacker though, unless things escalate to that level. I'd probably bop them over the head with the titanium handle, mace them then call the police.
 
ZT 0562 elmax and g10. $200. I also really like the look of the 0452 as well, but they're extremely different styles so which ever you prefer.
 
The 0562 is designed nicely so that it can be used as a impact weapon should that option be needed before you deploy the blade. The handle works good for both forward and reverse grip.

Here is a interesting vid to watch. http://youtu.be/_pIaz1GO2hQ

I think anyone interested in using a knife as a weapon should watch this video.
 
nolaradio said:
.... I'm looking for something to be used in a worse case scenario for self defense, so this blad won't get used much for routine tasks like opening boxes and cutting rope, etc. ...
Click to expand...

For that purpose only I really like the ZT0808. It has a thick, strong, piercing blade. It has a heavy steel backspacer that can be used to break glass or for defense. It also rides a little higher and with a silver clip and a silver body it's noticeable and says "hey...ZT here....keep your distance..".

I'm sorry I don't have a good individual pic to show you...I'm on the road and don't have the 808 with me. It's the 7th one down from the top, between the Domino and the Rubicon.
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Thanks for the video, watched the whole thing. I'll just CC permit my CZ-85 combat, and use my knives for edc.
 
With your configuration, ZT isn't exactly what comes to my mind. The first thing that pops into my mind is a Spyderco Military.
 
BenC-60 said:
If you want the blade for self defense like you stated get the waves zero tolerance. I know you say it seems gimmicky but it will be the fastest opening knife as long as you deploy it using the wave function. Otherwise go with a 500 series (550,560). I will recommend the waves model over these still since for your intended purpose it really suits you the best.


I hope this helps and while I don't condone blade for SD I don't know your situation. Anyway don't take my word as best advice.
Click to expand...

+1

A little tactical? Yes. A gimmick? Absolutely not.
 
Based on ZT's I've owned I'd recommend an 0200 or 0350; they're both excellent knives and the recurve blades bite deep into whatever they're cutting. (had two 0200's and four 0350's. :thumbup:)
 
Because he prefers tip down, a waved knife wouldn't work for him. I would generally avoid tip down with an assisted knife. My suggestion to you would be the Spyderco Military.

Most framelocks (and ZT's) are tip up only.
 
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