How's ZT's newer S35vn?

rileybassman1 · Jul 29, 2023

Howdy all,

Had an 0808 years ago that I loved... But the S35vn sucked bigtime. For years I avoided s35 due to that knife, but have had several knives since that were totally fine.

I have seen several steel tests since then and it seems like ZT had some bad years for that steel as cut tests were pretty poor on some ZTs in this steel.

I picked up a 0450 the other day and like the knife, but am a little worried about the steel - has anyone had positive experiences lately with this steel from ZT?

Delgadonine · Jul 30, 2023

As a collector and user, my ZT's each (3) have a great steel. The QC is another issue:

0022: Difficult to use. Cut myself. User error.
0562TI: Perfection.
0990: Off centered, permanently.

They came in sharp enough. No touch ups needed after a lot of EDC use.

Delgadonine · Jul 30, 2023

Sorry,

All three have CPM20CV.

So, ignore what I said. Except, I implied that you should use what you have and find out what works for you.

rileybassman1 · Jul 30, 2023

Delgadonine said:
Sorry,

All three have CPM20CV.

So, ignore what I said. Except, I implied that you should use what you have and find out what works for you.

Thanks! Yea I have them in 20CV and am confident in that steel with them. One of my favorite steels actually.

NeverEnuff · Jul 30, 2023

rileybassman1 said:
Howdy all,

Had an 0808 years ago that I loved... But the S35vn sucked bigtime. For years I avoided s35 due to that knife, but have had several knives since that were totally fine.

I have seen several steel tests since then and it seems like ZT had some bad years for that steel as cut tests were pretty poor on some ZTs in this steel.

I picked up a 0450 the other day and like the knife, but am a little worried about the steel - has anyone had positive experiences lately with this steel from ZT?

Never heard anything about any issues with ZT and S35VN.

Something just doesn't jive for me here with this claim. I mean we're taking KAI Cutlery here. Sorry but I call foul here completely. Sounds like a few minor cases of internet whining being taken way too seriously and blown out of proportion.

Alone · Jul 30, 2023

Delgadonine said:
Sorry,

All three have CPM20CV.

So, ignore what I said. Except, I implied that you should use what you have and find out what works for you.

Yup.

...and, with that, ignore their 20CV at your own peril.

*My 0308 bit the SH!T outta' me, the other night, while I was drunkenly playing "fidget spinner" with it.

rileybassman1 · Jul 30, 2023

NeverEnuff said:
Never heard anything about any issues with ZT and S35VN.

Something just doesn't jive for me here with this claim. I mean we're taking KAI Cutlery here. Sorry but I call foul here completely. Sounds like a few minor cases of internet whining being taken way too seriously and blown out of proportion.

Cool - All I can say is my ZT that had it was one of the worst steels I have had experience with - got a Sebenza in the same and it was easily 2-3x better… that’s my context. There are vids on YouTube of s35vn ZT knives with poor edge retention from the same time period as well.

not2sharp · Jul 30, 2023

rileybassman1 said:
Cool - All I can say is my ZT that had it was one of the worst steels I have had experience with - got a Sebenza in the same and it was easily 2-3x better… that’s my context. There are vids on YouTube of s35vn ZT knives with poor edge retention from the same time period as well.

Edge retention is only one factor in knife making. ZT may have been going for robustness and decided on a knife that could be easily maintained in the field and sturdy enough to survive heavy use. I have been happy with my ZT knives; then again I am satisfied by my Buck 110.

n2s