How are the ZT Fixed blade models... Anyone have one?

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Biginboca

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I was looking at the Rat Cutlery RC-4 and RC-6 for a camping, keep in truck toolbox SHTF type knife. This weekend I was very close to purchasing the RC-6.

At the last minute I changed course and picked up the ZT 0121 instead of the RC-6 when I stumbled on one priced the same as the RC-6. My reasoning was I figured it might fare better forgotten in the truck for long periods of time (S30V instead of carbon steel) and I also like the ZT folders I own quite a bit.

The knife hasn't arrived yet, and now looking for more info I find that the ZT fixed blades are infrequently discussed compared with the Rat, Busse, Bark River, and other production fixed blades.

What is the consensus on the ZT fixed blade models? Any reason they are not frequently discussed?
 
I remember reading about the knife in question a couple of months ago. If I recall the op liked the knife and the only shortcomings were that the handle was a little shorter than he had anticipated. I really like the looks of the ZT fixed blades and plan on the ZT0100 one day.:D Not sure whay the fixed blades are written about so infrequently.:confused:
 
I had a ZT121. I moved it along b/c I prefer a smaller fixed blade (Krein PSK) for EDC, but, I thought it was a great knife. It reminds me alot of the 0300 in the way it handles and cuts. There are a few points most would point out as being a negative, but, they never really bothered me. Some say the handle is too short... and it is a little short, but, it fits just like the 0300 handle and IMO that isn't a bad thing. Some folks say it is too heavy.... and it is kinda heavy, but, it isn't THAT heavy when compared to many knives in the same size and thickenss range. It surely isn't going to be an issue on your belt and weight isn't an issue for a "car" knife. My only knock on it is the sheath design. I'm not a fan of snaps on kydex. If I had decided to keep mine I was going to send it out for new kydex set up for canted, right hand carry.

I'm sure you will enjoy it.... make sure you come back and tell us a little about your thoughts when you get it.:thumbup:
 
the zt121 is a heavy duty utility blade; i use mine with a total disregard for it's well-being because it was designed to take it...i've pried, punched, dug and banged on it...i'm not sure if the handle is too short; i definitely get all of it in my hand and the scale design make it a secure grip...in addition i have a "lanyard tail" that i can hook the pinky finger on when i hold it looser...

unless you're a soldier or work in construction, it's really too heavy to edc; i'm only carrying it if a specific work situation calls for its use...i don't bring it for camping either; i prefer the zt100 in wilderness situations...

as for the kydex sheath; it feels lousy on my belt, so for now i just carry it around...i am planning on mod'ing the kydex with a leather backing and belt loop, and also make an all-leather horizontal-hold sheath or it...
 
Biginboca said:
I was looking at the Rat Cutlery RC-4 and RC-6 for a camping, keep in truck toolbox SHTF type knife. This weekend I was very close to purchasing the RC-6.

At the last minute I changed course and picked up the ZT 0121 instead of the RC-6 when I stumbled on one priced the same as the RC-6. My reasoning was I figured it might fare better forgotten in the truck for long periods of time (S30V instead of carbon steel) and I also like the ZT folders I own quite a bit.

The knife hasn't arrived yet, and now looking for more info I find that the ZT fixed blades are infrequently discussed compared with the Rat, Busse, Bark River, and other production fixed blades.

What is the consensus on the ZT fixed blade models? Any reason they are not frequently discussed?
Click to expand...
The ZT0100 is probably the toughest blade you can get for the money. It's a beast! Not to mention it comes with stellar warranty, excellent fit, finish adn craftsmanship, cuts like a laser and don't seem to lose the edge.. And it is made in the U.S! What's not to like??
 
Biginboca said:
I was looking at the Rat Cutlery RC-4 and RC-6 for a camping, keep in truck toolbox SHTF type knife. This weekend I was very close to purchasing the RC-6.

At the last minute I changed course and picked up the ZT 0121 instead of the RC-6 when I stumbled on one priced the same as the RC-6. My reasoning was I figured it might fare better forgotten in the truck for long periods of time (S30V instead of carbon steel) and I also like the ZT folders I own quite a bit.

The knife hasn't arrived yet, and now looking for more info I find that the ZT fixed blades are infrequently discussed compared with the Rat, Busse, Bark River, and other production fixed blades.

What is the consensus on the ZT fixed blade models? Any reason they are not frequently discussed?
Click to expand...

Outdoors Fanatic said:
Stainless steel? The ZT0100 is made of CPM-3V, a very tough Tool steel, just like INFI.
Click to expand...

I took the OP's word for it.:o

3V is a totally different animal... and yes, I hear it's similar to INFI.
 
Yes, the 0121 uses S30V but I have never seen any sign or evidence of brittleness nor any other point of weakness... It is as tough as any tactical/camping knife should be. No chipping or point failure at all.
 
Outdoors Fanatic said:
The ZT0100 is probably the toughest blade you can get for the money. It's a beast! Not to mention it comes with stellar warranty, excellent fit, finish adn craftsmanship, cuts like a laser and don't seem to lose the edge.. And it is made in the U.S! What's not to like??
Click to expand...

There is a YouTube video (thanks to all those guys... I would never do the things they do to my knives intentionally, but nice to know they can handle it) of a guy taking a 3# hand sledge and cutting through different kinds of pipe with that knife. He beats on the spine until he gets it through, then cuts more. He does other things to it as well, kind of like a more polite Noss.

The blade never suffered any damage, even when struck repeatedly with a hand sledge to cut metal pipe.

Sounds tough to me!

Robert
 
midnight flyer said:
There is a YouTube video (thanks to all those guys... I would never do the things they do to my knives intentionally, but nice to know they can handle it) of a guy taking a 3# hand sledge and cutting through different kinds of pipe with that knife. He beats on the spine until he gets it through, then cuts more. He does other things to it as well, kind of like a more polite Noss.

The blade never suffered any damage, even when struck repeatedly with a hand sledge to cut metal pipe.

Sounds tough to me!

Robert
Click to expand...
It is indeed, as tough as it gets. I've heard of a Kershaw employee who tried to destroy a 0100 by shooting it with a Glock, he didn't succeed...
 
GregS said:
All of them... just kidding.

When I envision a hard use knife I think fixed blade... in carbon steel, I doubt I am alone.

I will start a poll.
Click to expand...

In a 4" fixed blade is it really a concern (carbon vs stainless)?

I mean, for a large camp/chopper I could see it being an issue but the knife I started this thread about is a 4.25" blade knife. I imagine in that size range the ss vs carbon issue isn't such a concern?

Here's a picture of the one I bought stolen from google images...

ker-zt-0121_600.jpg
 
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