First ZT?

[scottabrandeberry]

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.

Actually, craytab, I have seen several 0600s sell for between $325 and $450 (MSRP was $400 if I remember correctly) over the last few months, so lately they have been not horribly expensive. It's a great time for 0600 lovers (if you have any money in your knife budget, which I don't right now...).

 

[Colorodo]

There is a 0600 on the exchange now.

 

[Nellem]

0600 all the way. It is one of the best production knives ever imo. Smoothest action of any folder I've ever handled.

 

[rogerxd45]

i wish there were more people voting for the 0804cf! i like it more and more every day, its so good ive been thinking of selling most of my other knives, with the 0804cf around they wont get much use. its still new so im sure as more people get this knife we will see lots of people saying how awesome it is.

the 0095bw is also growing on me, i bought as an impulse and had a little buyers remorse but after my two tone mod i did i really like it. the blade shape is awesome. its not as smooth as the 0801 or the 0804cf but its still a very nice knife. I dont know what you call a blade that has a constant curve (like the entire blade is the belly) but i really like blades like this

the 0801 is also a great knife. its the only high end knife i kept when i recently sold most of my knives so a could afford to buy a microtech scarab and Brad Southard midtech tolk, i was surprised to find i like my 0801 more then both of those. out of my high end folders this is how i would rank them

1.zt0804cf
2.zt0801
3.microtech scarab
4.zt0095BW
5.Southard Tolk
6. Spyderco mantra


here are some pics showing the two tone mod i did on my new 0095bw

 

[ebidis]

Have I mentioned the 0452cf?

 

[Colorodo]

Just got the ZT0095BW today really like the length of the blade , nice finish and light. I wonder if the clip from the 0804 will fit the 0095?

 

[rogerxd45]

Just got the ZT0095BW today really like the length of the blade , nice finish and light. I wonder if the clip from the 0804 will fit the 0095?

yes it does, I have both and have tried it. they use the same spacing for the screws. however if you put the clip from the 0095 on the 0804 you need to add a spacer or a riser since its recessed into the frame. but there is no problem putting the clip from the 0804 on the 0095 since its clip isnt recessed into the frame

 

[ToxicBot11]

This is my favorite..0801cf

But for a first ZT? .. 0452cf..

 

[ebidis]

...
But for a first ZT? .. 0452cf..

I couldn't agree more.

 

[pbcg]

My personal favorite is the 0452CF.

 

[ebidis]

My personal favorite is the 0452CF.

Mine too.

 

[10after10]

My first ZT was a ZT0550 which was also my first "high end" pocket knife. Prior to that, I never owned a knife costing more than $30 or so. It really opened my eyes to the better materials & the quality build of a "better" knife. I think I've owned almost all of them at this point. My latest is a ZT0801S100VBlk.

 

[yamsi12]

zt 0562cf...honestly its the best ZT has done, and that's hard to do. I have the 0562cf and the 0562 both amazing knives for the $$$

 

[sharp_edge]

0600 looks great but I never handled one. It looks heavier than any other ZT folders, correct? Also, is it on ball bearing?

Back to the topic of OP, it is a tough call since every ZT has some unique and attractive features. My first ZT was a 0801.

 

[rogerxd45]

This is my favorite..0801cf

I LOVE that knife. i really want one. I wish i had known about it when it first came out. hopefully i can get one eventually. I really wish they offered it as a regular production knife.
I dont know why all my favorites have to be limited edition knives!

 

[ebidis]

0452cf is a good one IMHO.

 

[Colorodo]

yes it does, I have both and have tried it. they use the same spacing for the screws. however if you put the clip from the 0095 on the 0804 you need to add a spacer or a riser since its recessed into the frame. but there is no problem putting the clip from the 0804 on the 0095 since its clip isnt recessed into the frame

Thank you.

 

[bflying]

Have I mentioned the 0452cf?

Ha, I've never heard that. [emoji23]. But have to admit, I really like that one too. But I think the 562CF edges out the 452 by just a hair. But only slightly, and depends on what I'm wearing and planned daily activity. Though the 452 is really fun to show off.

 

[farokhsidhwa]

The 0180 fixed blade has my vote. You want sickest of the sick, find another production knife that uses vanadis 4e. Their knives are great, but the 0180 fixed blade stands out way beyond the rest.

 

[jazub]

UPDATE:

Got my first ZT. I wanted to get the 0452cf but member Ebidis wouldn't stop pushing the 0900. So, as it suits my destination city a little better for everyday carry and I have been digging on small knives lately, of course I took his advice...

This stumpy little sucker is super fun to flip! It is my first non-assisted flipper and it feels great. Also, it is surprising how a 3 finger knife can feel like a 4 finger knife with the angled butt in this design.

Here are some size comparison shots. Top to bottom: Benchmade 940, ZT 0900, Benchmade 707:

I very, very rarely take the 707 out of the house, as the height of the handle makes it feel small. Not so with the stumpy 0900. Very comfy grip. Well done.

Now that I have a fever for the flavor of ZT, the 0804cf is on deck. And the 0456 and the 0220 and the 0801bw. And maybe, if Ebidis doesn't change my mind again, I'll try out the 0452cf. Thanks for all of your help lining up my next 5 knife purchases, knife brothers :thumbup: