Got my first ZT

[number9]

I've sorta wanted a ZT with a tiger striped blade ever since identifying Gibbs using one on NCIS. But the size and the price of the 301/302 kept me away. A buddy picked up a Blur with the striped blade, but it wasn't close enough. Well, last week, I spied a ZT350TS in the display case of my favorite toy store. I'd bought a Benchmade there, and knew their prices were usually better than online. After a few minutes of handling, opening and closing, my VISA card appeared and it was/is mine.

The crazy thing is that this knife has numerous qualities I usually avoid. I can live without assisted opening, coated blades and recurves. This one has 'em all. And it weighs about twice what I usually carry. Opening it makes almost as much noise as dropping the slide on my .45, and weighs almost as much as a .380. It's been in my pocket everyday for a week now, and I'm really enjoying it.

(BTW, my rationalizations:
The coating is supposedly DLC. I watched the video posted here a while back, and saw how tough it is. I usually sharpen on a Sharpmaker or Lansky Turn Box, so the recurve shouldn't be a problem. And, I guess it's the weight, but the knife jumps in my hand less than my Kershaw Scallion. Pretty effective rationalizations, huh?)

 

[McFeeli]

Haha, you were in the same position that I was in. I'm not the biggest fan of assisted opening knives, nor do I usually carry a hulking blade that ZT's usually entail, but I just felt this urge to get one in my pocket.

I went with the 0566 instead of the 350 myself, though. I really ended up enjoy the knife. I've put it through some serious stuff and it held up wonderfully. I hope yours will be as good to you as mine has been to me.

 

[Ratman79]

ZTs are nice, good quality knives--congrats on the purchase. My 1st ZT was a 0560BLK/Elmax.

 

[K.O.D.]

I've bought and sold several ZT's. 0350TS, 0801, 0561, 0770CF. Sold them all, went in the more minimalist approach. I bought my first ZT in two years today. Enjoy your new knife,. It's a tank for sure. I bought an 0095 BLK.

 

[Knifeoholic]

Congrats on the new blade! The 0350TS was my first ZT as well, great knife!

 

[scottyj]

Great knife OP. My first was a 0200 bought new in 2007. I just picked up a 0909, and I love it. ZT makes a quality knife.

 

[Bluearcflash]

So......which ZT are you going to "rationalize" next. You know you are, might as well make up your mind now. I'd go with K.O.D. and get a 0095, they're a great design.

 

[Franciscomv]

The 0300 and 0350 where my first ZTs and opened the door to a new adiction. I still love them, but I don't carry them as often as my other ZTs which offer the same performance in a lighter or more pocket friendly package (the 0350 is actually quite comfortable and flat).

You'll love it. For a long time I carried either the 0300 or 0350 on trips when I could only bring one knife and was very happy with their performance.

 

[BD_01]

Pics or it never happened!!!

Congrats! My first ZT was a turning point for me--it was a gateway into knife obcession (and this community). Prepare to loose lots of time and money!

...now about those pics.....

 

[K.O.D.]

So......which ZT are you going to "rationalize" next. You know you are, might as well make up your mind now. I'd go with K.O.D. and get a 0095, they're a great design.

Yeah it went against most of my parameters for a folding knife --weight, black blade, tactical looking, and 3.5" or under blade length. Oh well.

 

[KELAMA]

Great knife OP. My first was a 0200 bought new in 2007. I just picked up a 0909, and I love it. ZT makes a quality knife.

^ My first major knife purchase, was also my first "WOW" experience. When I first took that ZT 0200 out of the box, I was blown away! ZT, does make some amazing, quality knives!

Pics or it never happened!!!

Congrats! My first ZT was a turning point for me--it was a gateway into knife obsession (and this community). Prepare to loose lots of time and money!

...now about those pics.....

+1 on the pics!

ZT, is solely responsible for the cutlery addict I am today.

Congrats on the ZT knife score, Number 9!

 

[FullMetalJackass]

I also started ZT with a 0350

Enjoy your knife but careful they are addictive

 

[AndreLinoge]

Great knife OP. My first was a 0200 bought new in 2007. I just picked up a 0909, and I love it. ZT makes a quality knife.

My first was also an 0200.. its status as discontinued was the reason I chose it over the 909.. i want a 909 as well, but i really pine over finding an 0300 for a non stupid price at a time when I also have money. Ken Onion is one of my favorite designers as far as ergos and I also like the organic curviness of his work style.