I am a Spyderco Fanboy but should I try a ZT?

V

vg10blade

Joined
Jan 17, 2014
Messages
47
I love Spyderco and am acquiring a pretty nice collection. 90 percent of my knives are Sypderco. For my next purchase I would like a titanium frame lock. So I am eyeing the Southard. Should I go for it or are there some ZT knives that I should consider instead? Price range is less < $250 for this piece. I have heard some negatives about ZT's Elmax so I would prefer a different steel if I go that route. I will use it for some EDC general use. What say ye and why?
 
There are way too many great brands and models to only stick to one. Most ZTs fit your price range. Pick one that fits your need and style.
 
I really like spyderco but i love my zt's. I have a Southard but imo zt is hard to beat when it comes to ti frame locks. this is obviously a very subjective topic so only you can decide which is the best knife for you. what I can tell you is that there's no comparison for me between the Southard and a zero-tolerance framelock. The Southard is a really well done knife, but the zt's are a much better fit for me.
 
I love my Endura and the other Spydercos I have handled, but ZTs are very nice. I have a 560 and it just feels so solid!

Looking to get a 562 or 452 next
 
Life's to short not to experiment a little. Spyderco's are what got me into knives and I still love them to death but ya gotta try other brands. Don't worry it doesn't mean your cheating on Sal!

Mike
 
I like Spyderco much better than ZT, but if I was looking for a framelock flipper I would get a ZT. If you like large knives the 0452CF is very handsome or, if you want something more in line with the size of the Southard, the 0562CF is a very nice knife.
 
I just ordered a ZT 0562cf. Get's you a titanium framelock with a CF scale and CTS-204p Steel for $240.
Pretty excited.
 
Go for the ZT0350. I'm always reading that the ZT0350 and the PM2 are the two best options for a sub-$200 EDC.

S30V is pretty sweet, too.
 
Stop worrying about the Elmax. The very early Elmax blades had a problem with heat treat, but that has long since been resolved and the current production knives rock. I love Elmax and I have some early production ZTs. In fact, the 0561 was my very first ZT. It has a very soft detent, but the blade is amazing! The blade just drops free and closes on its own when you pop the lock. I had a friend cut her knuckle when she popped the lock and didn't get out of the way. I've used it to chop oak saplings out of my driveway. Have no fears about the Elmax.
 
Try the ZT 0808, very nice Ti frame lock in your price range. I really like mine. S35VN is a good all around steel.

 
Last edited:
Absolutely... My 2 favorite/nicest knives

2ce1z76.jpg
 
I had a Southard and it didn't really do it for me. Don't get me wrong I love Spydies in general. After a pair of 566 ZTs, I got a 562 and fell in love! Coolest folder I have owned, to date!
 
Mike45ACP said:
Eschwebach your 808 looks awesome! Who did the ano job on that? Love that color!

Mike
Click to expand...

Thank you Mike. The ano job was done by Harris (Zeta33) here on BF. He does excellent work and his prices are very fair.

Back on topic, I can also recommend the ZT 0801. That being said the Southard is a fantastic knife in it's own right, I just hated the brown scale so the price went up a healthy amount when I had a scale made for it. I am really excited for Southard's newest Spydie, the Positron.
 
Safe to say that I am in the minority, but ZT knives do absolutely NOTHING for me, nor do most other frame/liner locks.
 
I'm also a Spyderco fan and most of my folders are Spydercos. I also became more interested in ZT recently and bought a 0620CF and 0562CF. They are both nice and are different than what Spyderco offers. That said, I'd choose a Southard over either of them. The ZTs are ground a bit thick for my taste. Also the detent on the 0562CF is too strong for my taste while the detent on the 0620CF is a bit weak.
 
Elmax has served me well. Takes a very sharp edge and I can use it A LOT before it needs to be touched up. If you are going to try a ZT but you're also drawn to the Southard, I agree with suggestions to go with the 0560 or 0561. If you really want to avoid elmax, the 0562CF just might be the best value production knife known to man.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top