How does zt do it

thefamcnaj

thefamcnaj

Joined
Jul 16, 2012
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I'm not a zt fan boy as I only have two, but I was sitting here playing with moy 0620 and 0562 and got to wondering how they give us their product at their price point.
I had a 0920 that was ever bit as good as knives double it's price. They are American made with top notch materials. Those are two reasons some makers use to justify their prices.
I actually collect and love hinderer knives but found myself wondering why I pay the extra price(guess I am a rhk fan boy)
If zt can come to market at their price point with their quality and materials why can't other makers. I think it says a lot about the company that they don't try to squeeze blood out of a turnip. I think they could up prices and not miss a beat, so good on them.
 
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Computer numerical control machines. Refined, streamlined processes and purchasing in larger quantities.

As a CNC programmer (mostly mastercam&edgecam) and 5 axis dmg mori vsp programmer and operator, I can tell you modern machining is amazing. The efficiency and speed can be astounding.
 
Totally agree OP. My 0450ti and 0562cf are outstanding. Very pleased with ZT folders.

Would buy a thoughtfully designed PM stainless steel woodsman's fixed blade from them in a heartbeat.
 
I think the same thing about ZT. I'm not big into frame locks, but sometimes I get a craving for one, and when I do I always come back to ZT. I think they have focused on their specialty (flippers, frame and liner locks) for so long that they have it completely dialed in, which reduces cost.
 
shinyedges said:
Computer numerical control machines. Refined, streamlined processes and purchasing in larger quantities.

As a CNC programmer (mostly mastercam&edgecam) and 5 axis dmg mori vsp programmer and operator, I can tell you modern machining is amazing. The efficiency and speed can be astounding.
Click to expand...

Yes cnc machining is mind blowing at this point. I use to run a line of six moris and they ar nothing less than amazing.
Rhk, medford etc also have cnc capability but not on the scale of zt i guess.
Zt pumping out knives that are as nice as knives at double the price is impressive.
I would kill to have anyone of my rhk's flip like my 0562.
I understand its on bearings, perhaps rick could atleast consider a model on bearings.
It suprises me that some of these makers are fine giving zt a design with their name and zt make a superior product cheaper ie. Emerson.
 
thefamcnaj said:
I'm not a zt fan boy as I only have two, but I was sitting here playing with moy 0620 and 0562 and got to wondering how they give us their product at their price point.
I had a 0920 that was ever bit as good as knives double it's price. They are American made with top notch materials. Those are two reasons some makers use to justify their prices.
I actually collect and love hinderer knives but found myself wondering why I pay the extra price(guess I am a rhk fan boy)
If zt can come to market at their price point with their quality and materials why can't other makers. I think it says a lot about the company that they don't try to squeeze blood out of a turnip. I think they could up prices and not miss a beat, so good on them.
Click to expand...

Because manufacturing in the US isn't as expensive as we are lead to believe especially at the small scale that ZT does. ZT/KAI from what I can tell has gone a long way to build their brand and taken what I see non-American perspective on their business, the don't chase quarters they chase repeat customers. Once you have a brand that is respected and so some extent sought after you then have some flexibility in what you can make, you can discontinue products that aren't the future you want even if they're cash cows now, you have flexibility in supply prices and on and on. Personally I see ZT and as the Apple of knives which is why I'll probably never buy one but they do have a loyal fan base and are successful.
 
GermanyChris said:
Personally I see ZT and as the Apple of knives which is why I'll probably never buy one but they do have a loyal fan base and are successful.
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I'm curious to hear more on this position, if possible. Are you saying that because ZT is too popular, you're not interested?
 
thefamcnaj said:
Zt pumping out knives that are as nice as knives at double the price is impressive.
I would kill to have anyone of my rhk's flip like my 0562.
I understand its on bearings, perhaps rick could atleast consider a model on bearings.
Click to expand...
Hinderer knives will open with thumb studs, flipping and shaking the blade out. RH has stated he wants them to open all 3 ways. The flipping action is dependent on how tight the pivot is. Here is a video my dad made showing all 3 methods.

 
jill jackson said:
Hinderer knives will open with thumb studs, flipping and shaking the blade out. RH has stated he wants them to open all 3 ways. The flipping action is dependent on how tight the pivot is. Here is a video my dad made showing all 3 methods.

Click to expand...
I own five hinderer's and have 2 inbound. So needless to say I am a fan. I have them all tuned differently. Some for a snappy flick and some for that "hydraulic" feel. I dont think the zt is better but it would be cool to see a knife on bearings come from the ranch.
 
Not all of their designs appeal to me but there are a couple that I like. Haven't yet pulled the trigger yet.
 
I would buy 2 of those knives right away... or maybe RHK should make a 3.25" xm-18 instead of the 3" as imo it is a little too small.
 
There are many aspects to look at but at the end of the day it all comes down to how many produced per given time frame. For example, Hinderer might be able to produce 25 knives per day while Zero Tolerance might do 50 or more. The less time it takes to make the same folder the cheaper the production cost. Also keep in mind a larger company can purchase same steel at cheaper price because of larger quantity purchase versus a smaller shop.
 
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