How does zt do it

RamZar said:
ZT makes high-quality and mostly larger folders (mostly manual bearings flippers) with quality materials made in the U.S. with excellent after-Sales customer service and warranty.

They skip many segments now but less so than years ago when they were mostly known as large, heavy, beefy and black folders.
SNIP
Again, people still seem to equate ZT purely to a black, big, heavy and over-built folder!
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I think that, along with some other posts along this line are the key of the matter. The KAI family of knives has repeatedly announced their intention of reinvestment into the American market, and advanced manufacturing techniques are certainly part of that. I have a couple of acquaintances that are deep into the CNC modeling/application processes, and I have to say that just because their fingernails aren't filthy and they don't smell like sweat they take any less pride in their work or are any less the craftsman than someone that sits at a grinding belt. The quality of their renderings help make the ZT processes as good as they are.

I am in construction and have been swinging a hammer for over 40 years, carrying a knife for well over 50. The only knives I own that have "soul" or "heart" are the ones that have earned a place in the pocket after years of use. I see knives as tools, and like my saws and routers that earn a place in the tool box, knives have the same responsibility. They must be durable, reliable, and have a long track record before I really like them.

I have one ZT that is fast tracking (the 0909) that might get there in a couple of years. It is all I could want in a work knife. Sturdy, the S35 is a breeze to sharpen, it locks like a tank, and was a complete surprise at how well it slices. Actually, a total surprise.

I don't have any romance attached to a few pieces of metal that someone screwed together when I am buying. I look at reputation, bang for the buck, fit/finish, and how well that manufacturer stands behind their product. I don't care if there are thousands made or hundreds. And truthfully, if RH was worried about selling his "soul", he never would have entered into an alliance with KAI.

My new ZT is great knife for hard work and I am looking forward to several good years of job site work as well as going camping and hunting. The 0909 will be great for camp chores.

I am glad they make their level of quality affordable to folks like me.

Robert
 
I don't know how they do it, but they truly do an amazing job kicking them out. I also have an 0566 that I dig
 

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Yes, I do agree with that. However, the ergonomics are different, less jimping, the handle is actually 0.01" wider than the XM-18, has the same blade thickness as the 3.5" XM-18 and weighs the exact same as the full size XM-18. So, for me I would just rather EDC my XM-18 than the Jurassic.
 
Although I like many of ZT's designs , I'm just not a flipper fan. Tried a couple. Didn't like them. But I do really like my 0550 and 0620CF. I'd love more non-flipper ZT's. But I doubt that will happen.

I'm now looking at the 0055 as my next knife purchase (even though it's a flipper). It has that strange flipper trigger that doesn't jut out the back side like most flippers. Looks like an odd knife. But an interesting one. So I'm definitely intrigued.
 
Wolverine666 said:
Although I like many of ZT's designs , I'm just not a flipper fan. Tried a couple. Didn't like them. But I do really like my 0550 and 0620CF. I'd love more non-flipper ZT's. But I doubt that will happen.

I'm now looking at the 0055 as my next knife purchase (even though it's a flipper). It has that strange flipper trigger that doesn't jut out the back side like most flippers. Looks like an odd knife. But an interesting one. So I'm definitely intrigued.
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You may want to check out the 0850. Non-flipper, non-bearing pivot, super light for its size.

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^^^ Yes , I have looked at the 0850. The blade shape doesn't do much for me but the rest of the knife looks pretty sick. The CF handle w/frame lock is a great idea.

Ok , your pics are awesome and very convincing. The 0850 is on my list along with the 0055.

And is 20cv on par with M390 and 204p?
 
Wolverine666 said:
^^^ Yes , I have looked at the 0850. The blade shape doesn't do much for me but the rest of the knife looks pretty sick. The CF handle w/frame lock is a great idea.

Ok , your pics are awesome and very convincing. The 0850 is on my list along with the 0055.

And is 20cv on par with M390 and 204p?
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The way I understand it, 20cv is Crucible’s version of similar makeup, of Bohler’s M390 and Carpenter’s 204p.

And now after flipping mine a few hundred times, I can say that it is my smoothest non-ball bearing action that I own (or have ever owned), out of hundreds. With any of my other washer pivots, the only way I have been able to get a smooth, free dropping action, was to loosen the pivot just a bit. This usually leaves a little unwanted side play. But I have not touched this pivot, and it has zero detectible play in any direction on lockup. Pretty amazing.
 
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Agreed......my 562CF flips like a dream, also easy to flick with the studs.
Most guys say theirs won't flick with the studs. Maybe detent varies, or maybe they need some more breaking in???
Not sure, but that knife is an absolute winner in almost every aspect.
Joe

halden.doerge said:
It really depends on the way the detent is dialed from ZT, and there is some variation there. On mine the detent is set just right so I can easily fire it off the thumb stud, I can even middle finger flick it. But I know not all of them come this way.
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How would you describe the type of flipper that the 0055 is? Is there a name for having the flipper trigger pointed upward (and more discreetly tucked away)?
 
Wolverine666 said:
How would you describe the type of flipper that the 0055 is? Is there a name for having the flipper trigger pointed upward (and more discreetly tucked away)?
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It's called a hidden flipper tab which is tucked away when the knife is open. When closed a small portion of the flipper tab is exposed. Deployment is different. More like a two-stage trigger.
 
It's called SLT. "Spring Loaded Tab"
Its awesome and I look forward to hopefully seeing it on more knives!
 
My zt 562cf in 20cv kinda sucks. I think it has a bad heat treat on it or a burnt edge or something. 20cv is my favorite steel I think kinda hard for me to %100 pick my favorite but it's way up there. Needless to say I've handeled allot of 20cv but this just doesn't keep its edge like it should
 
Sour27 said:
My zt 562cf in 20cv kinda sucks. I think it has a bad heat treat on it or a burnt edge or something. 20cv is my favorite steel I think kinda hard for me to %100 pick my favorite but it's way up there. Needless to say I've handeled allot of 20cv but this just doesn't keep its edge like it should
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Ouch! Hate to hear that. Most everyone i know or read on the forum including me love their 0562
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Mine has its forever home:D
 
thefamcnaj said:
Ouch! Hate to hear that. Most everyone i know or read on the forum including me love their 0562
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Mine has its forever home:D
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I have three ZTs & my 0562 in Elmax has it's forever home too. If I could have only one ZT it'd be the 0562.
 
I just picked up a 0055. It is interesting, in a good way. Not sure what I was expecting overall, but I really did not like it's general looks. However now in hand, I'm digging it. The general EDC usefulness of this blade shape and grind is still yet to be proven. Seems like it would be great as a self defense weapon (as far as a folder anyway).

Many past Kershaw/ZT purchases checked off a lot of "firsts" boxes for me. Not to mention heavy participation in a massive wallet drain.

But, my example has a killer stiff action (detent). This being my ZT #15 (actually purchased more, but some were given as gifts), and all but one have had pretty perfect actions. All have smoothed out and become even sweeter with a little break-in.

So is there a simple way to tweak the action on this knife? Does this model have a history of skin breaking detent breakthrough? I decided to "break-in" a new pair of leather gloves today, and gave the knife a flip or two.........Hundred. I doubt loosening the pivot would help this issue. Other than the detent, the action is pretty smooth and sweet. No blade play in any direction. Rock solid lockup. And free falling blade on close.

Any suggestions other than "send it in"? Thank you in advance.
 
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