Depends upon where you will be carrying it, are you moving to the city for a new office job? If so, then 0450cf would probably be your best bet for office carry but if you just want a good one to carry while messing around then 0801BW or 0562cf. If you like bigger knives then my oldie but goodie 0560 or 0561.
I have been using a 0900 as my EDC for a month or so, and have just paid for a few weeks old 0562CF which should be in the mail sometimes next week. If your local law prohibits carrying a folder with more than 3" blade, the 0900 makes a fine choice as it is ZT's only model with less than 3" blade. I've been aiming for 0562CF and 0770 for quite some times but the thought of assisted-opening on 0770 sways my decision for 0562. The 0562CF is always out of stock at my local dealer and when I saw one posted in the exchange with quite a discount, decided I should just go for it.
Surprised you didn't mention the 0300/0301 when it comes to Heavy Duty You sure have 0808 right when you say smooth out the wazoo hahah [video=youtube;4khKDlhmETQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4khKDlhmETQ[/video]
My first and only ZT is the 0808. I could not be happier with this knife. It's been in my pocket every day for almost a year now and I absolutely love it as an EDC.
for light weight, fast opening and price point I would go 450 hands down. The 770cf is also nice but not as big a fan of assisted flippers.
Sickest of the sick would have to be the 600 mentioned in post #3. Expensive now though. I wish I had gotten one when they were around more a couple years ago. Of ones I own the 0562cf is the epitome of zt and hinderer. I don't think I could in good faith call myself a knife nut without owning a 0560.
There's only one ZT that comes to mind as the sickest of the sick, and it is perfect in every single way: 0452cf
My vote would be for the 0562CF. I've owned a lot of ZTs, a good number of the LEs as well, the 0777, the 0600, 0560CBCF, and the action on the 0562CF has topped every one that I've felt so far. It topped the two Bodegas that I had to be honest. I really want to give that 0452cf a try as well though. lol
My 0770CF is still my favorite - it has maximum blade-to-handle ratio (but I have a 0450CF on its way to me, so I reserve the right to change my mind - hehe). It pairs nicely with my LT Wight Patriot:
Cool, thanks for the recommendations, gentlemen. Looks like the 0452cf or 0562cf. The 0804 looks very good, too. May have to just flip a coin.
Of the current regular production models, my favorite non-assisted one is either the 0562 or 0450 (depending on whether I'm in the mood for a larger or lighter carry). The 0452CF is a fantastic as well if you prefer a long, slender knife. It doesn't hurt that it's based off my favorite ZT model to date (0454). The 0804 is about the same length as the 0450, but the handles are noticeably wider and thicker, providing a better grip (versus the very slim and nearly unnoticeable carry of the 0450).
