First ZT purchase

For self defense I would carry the 0452CF. But the best all-around ZT in your budget is the 0770CF. It weighs nothing, flies open, and slices like a laser beam.
 
oxman198 said:
Certainly. If not 0560 while you can still get them.
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I second that, the 0562 or the 0452 for the size and bladeshape...However I would say that optimally a 0630 or 0620 IS the way to go for self defense If that's really what you are looking for in a knife. Because despite what you think of the Wave feature it works and it works every time if you learn to use it. On top of that Ernies blade designs really fall into the self defense role easily. The belly on the 0630 and the blade shape falls into the CQC-8/Tiger/CSF blade style and the harpoon tip will stab well and the belly sure slices great. The 0620 falls similarly with the tanto being a great stabber and slicer...The real benefit of ZT is that it's an effective emerson design and the bearing systems, honestly the bearings make it an easy thing to flick open moreso than emerson (in most cases) the only other plus is that if you aren't used to the chisel/Asymmetrical edge then you don't need to get used to it with the ZT's
 
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I just bought a 0566, which is pocket-friendly and has a four-position clip. I left mine tip-up simply because so many of my blades are tip-down only. However, my favorite ZT folder is the 0801, although I didn't buy it to carry and realistically probably never will on a regular basis.
 
Don't pull a blade for SD if you are not trained to use it. The BG will also have a knife, and will likely have used it before...successfully. He will try to keep his win percentage at 100.
Get a can of mace or OC pepper spray; small...shirt-pocket size, very effective unless the BG is already higher than a kite.
Get some training through NRA program for concealed carry of a handgun. Carry a small Glock concealed.
I do...every time I leave my home...and have for thirty yrs.
 
mrnotsam123 said:
I second that, the 0562 or the 0452 for the size and bladeshape...However I would say that optimally a 0630 or 0620 IS the way to go for self defense If that's really what you are looking for in a knife. Because despite what you think of the Wave feature it works and it works every time if you learn to use it. On top of that Ernies blade designs really fall into the self defense role easily. The belly on the 0630 and the blade shape falls into the CQC-8/Tiger/CSF blade style and the harpoon tip will stab well and the belly sure slices great. The 0620 falls similarly with the tanto being a great stabber and slicer...The real benefit of ZT is that it's an effective emerson design and the bearing systems, honestly the bearings make it an easy thing to flick open moreso than emerson (in most cases) the only other plus is that if you aren't used to the chisel/Asymmetrical edge then you don't need to get used to it with the ZT's
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PB washers in the ZT Emerson's
 
The ZT0801 is one I think you would like:

[video=youtube;biBB6zI8ttM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biBB6zI8ttM[/video]

nolaradio said:
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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I've had every ZT in production. The only one I have left is the ZT0450! Pure perfection at an unbeatable price!
Get a firearm for SD, a knifes just gonna piss the BG off!
 
Unless you've had extensive training in how to knife fight and use a knife in SD situations, then I'd highly recommend not using a knife for SD. Most attackers will attack with more than just their fists or a knife. An attacker with a 16 inch piece of pipe has much better odds against someone wielding a knife. Not to mention that you probably wouldn't be their first victims so they have an idea about how to accomplish their goal.

If you don't want or can't carry a pistol look into training in Krav Maga. I promise you won't regret it. And then knife, stick, pipe, or bare hands , you will be able to effectively eliminate all threats.

As far as ZT knife, 560 or 562 all day.
 
purely for defense? 560 hands down. when I didn't carry a gun, the only one I would grab is the 560.

and in no way do I condone or support using a knife as a defensive weapon. But as a last ditch, the 560 is what I would choose when it comes to ZTs. I don't have one anymore though. just a 566.
 
I would like to thank everyone for all the suggestions. You all have given me a lot to go on. I think I am going to take this long weekend coming up and start checking out some reviews and videos of the many models you all suggested.

One thing I would like to add is that I am not looking for a knife as my primary means of self defense. I think some of you took it that was. Quoted from my original post, " I'm looking for something to be used in a worse case scenario for self defense..." I think I should have posted it as reading that I am looking for something as a back up to my other means of self defense in a worse case scenario. That scenario being that I was disarmed of everything else except a blade.

But thanks again for all the suggestions. I'll be checking out some videos for sure to get a reference as to the sizes of some of the models. Nothing like seeing a knife in someone's hand to really get an idea of how big or small it is. Thanks again.
 
ZT has so many awesome knives, there is truly something for everyone. But it is hard to find a knife comparable to the 550 in pretty much every aspect, especially for the price; except aesthetically speaking it isn't the prettiest knife.
 
For my own self defense, I find other places to hang out and other people as friends. The superior warrior uses his superior judgement to avoid situations that require his superior skills.
 
The 0350 is a very popular first ZT model and it's in your price point, but I wouldn't recommend it for this use. Although it fits a lot of your criteria (price, tip down), it does not have very good penetrating ability. I'd say 0801, 0450, or 0566.
 
wtlj said:
I've had every ZT in production. The only one I have left is the ZT0450! Pure perfection at an unbeatable price!
Get a firearm for SD, a knifes just gonna piss the BG off!
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The 0450 is to date my favorite as well, good call.
 
A very large portion of knives are tip up only, especially framelocks and flippers. There are a few (mostly Spyderco) that have four way clip position. Tip down just:

A: Is not very popular, especially with "tactical" and waved knives
B: Gets in the way while trying to use the flipper
C: Depending on the design, it would get in the way of the lock release.

If tip down is absolutely necessary, your best bets are:

ZT 0350 and 561
Spyderco Military and Gayle Bradley
If a flipper is important to you, Kizer has quite a few tip down flippers.
 
I'm gonna cast another vote for the 0550. Out of the ten or so ZT models I have the 0550 gets carried twice as often as any of the others. I find it not too big, not too small, not too heavy, not too light. Mostly it's just right.
 
Personally, I find tip down to be preferred for larger knives, such as the Spyderco Military. I don't do "waved" knives and I feel no particular tactical urgency to draw and deploy a pocket knife for self defense.

I'm sure the preferences of others are well founded, but I myself have not experienced a tip down carry interfering with a flipper or lock release. I think it comes down to personal preference.
 
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