Help me decide on ZT

GB940Rookie

GB940Rookie

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Apr 19, 2016
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For the last 7 years or so I have been slowly selling most of my Case traditionals for more modern EDC blades. I'm about to my limit (yeah right). I'm selling off a couple of backup folders to finance one more folder for now. I want to add a ZT to the stable and then will upgrade my fixed EDC's next.

Right now I'm leaning towards the 909, 456, 452cf and 560 series. Was also thinking of Hogue EX01 4", green alum. handle. What do you think?

It's not for any specific purpose. Leaning towards a larger 4" or close blade but the 456 is calling me. Don't know if I should go more traditional type (909, 560 or 452cf IMO) or machining jewelry which I think the 456 is. I'm not against other options if you have them.

Here is my current rotation minus a couple of slips.
Which ZT should a add to this group?
 
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I guess it depends on your needs. The 0909 is a beast. The 0452cf is long and slim. I haven't handled the 0456. The 0560 is a beloved older design but it's just that, an older design showing it's age.
 
I LOVE my 0909. Such a great knife. It's like a mix of the present ZT knives and the past ZT knives.
 
I'm really leaning towards one of the 2016 models. No real specific purpose, just want a ZT. Forgot to add that I have very large hands so big beast and overbuilt is what I'm looking for.
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I can confirm the 0909 is a great knife. I love it for yard work. A very simple and fun knife to use. The grind makes it useful for fine tasks as well as tougher ones.
I also handled a 0562 for about 2 days until I sold it (bought it right when they were released knowing I would sell it at a small loss, I just had to try one in hand). It is another fantastic knife that would fit your collection well.
 
I think they are 2 very different folders. Both overbuilt and awesome? Yes. Just different styles I guess. The 0456 is pretty overbuilt. The 0909 is just overbuilt overbuilt lol
 
the 0909 is the winner for sure. I have handled the 0456 and that comes in a close second for me
 
I'm closest to Dallas/FT. Worth area. Does anyone know where I can look at these in person? I found one place in FT.Worth called House of Blades but that's it.
 
The 0456 falls well short of your desired 4" blade length. The size is, IMO, its only downfall. It feels great in hand. A lot of people complain about the weight; but I don't see it as an issue.
The 0560 is a great knife - I've had mine for a few years, and I don't foresee me parting with it.
The 0909 did not appeal to me at all in pictures. I met one in person, and handled it briefly - then I put it back on the counter without a second thought.
I found the 0095 very appealing once I held it in hand (at first glance I didn't like the blade shape); but initially passed on because the bottom corner of the handle hit my pinky wrong. (Waaaaah) Seriously, though, it was only after tightly gripping the handle - grip, release, grip, repeat x ___ - that I noticed; but I decided it would get uncomfortable in extended use. I couldn't quite shake the interest that I had though; and I have since traded a small fixed blade for one. It should be here today; so I'll be able to update my opinion this weekend.
The 0452 didn't interest me at first. It's long and short at the same time. The short height makes me wonder if I would like it in hand. The actual length is more than I usually carry; but not enough so to be a real deterrent. (It's a little shorter, overall, than a Military.) I've been looking at this one, and may one day give it a try.

Since it isn't for any particular function; I'd say go with the on you find the most appealing. For me, that was the 0456.

Good luck with your decision.
 
The 0909 may be my favorite folder. I have an 452cf that was my first. Slim and light and powerful.

However the 909 is just a monster of a knife. I don't have huge hands, but it still feels great.
 
GB940Rookie said:
I'm closest to Dallas/FT. Worth area. Does anyone know where I can look at these in person? I found one place in FT.Worth called House of Blades but that's it.
Click to expand...

House of Blades
Knife superstore offering a variety of blades & kitchen cutlery, plus sharpening services.
6451 NW Loop 820
(817) 237-7721
Opens at 9:30 AM

best

mqqn
 
OP - it is the right time to buy a second-hand 0560/1. Show up at the Exchange for as cheap as $140 lately. They are discontinued so get one before they disappear.

Every ZT that I have handled are great. But for 4" or close blade, your choices are 0560/1, 0452, 0200, and couple of 2016 releases as others have suggested above.
 
Ruggdogg87 said:
Then the 0909 is the knife for you!

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The only thing that concerns me about the 909 is the pivot screw sticking out from the scales. I wonder how it would feel after riding in my pocket for awhile against my leg. Doesn't seem like it affects gripping the handle. For those of you who have one, does it bother you at all?
 
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Nope. Never even know it's there. It's the same pivot as in the Emersons and older ZTs and I have never had an issue with any of those.
 
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