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

I buy nine Spydies for every one "other" brand, but my second-favorite is ZT.
Get a ZT; they are great folders. BUT, pick the blade-length, steel-type, grip-length and weight that is comfortable to you. Many ZT's are designed for law-enforcement and military, and are MUCH too heavy for my casual use. I do not like any folder that exceeds about five ounces. There are lots of newer model ZT's that are less than five ounces, and very classy ones. Most are about $200 or less.
Remember that your hand-size (closed grip-length) is tremendously important in your comfort. You don't need a pry-bar unless you intend to pry.
Read RamZar's stuff...He does a great job. Search for his posts, pics and threads.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...Upcoming-Discontinued-Models?highlight=ramzar
I like the ZT 0770 for a nice, light flipper.
Folders I like are the 0450, 0801, 0808. Carbon fiber grips are nice, but I also love titanium slabs.
I really like the 0452CF for a larger, longer knife, while still being reasonably light.
Flippers are big right now, and they work well, but thumb-studs are also available. Also, some models are spring-assisted, so just be aware.
Take your time; try to get the right "size" for your personal needs.
 
Zero Tolerance is certainly the brand to go to for Ti Framelocks. My first "expensive" knife was a 0561, way back when they had just came out. I found the blade length to be a bit unwieldy, ultimately, and eschewed it for a Southard. However, ZT has expanded their catalog quite a bit since then, and not everyone was the same tastes (or hands!) that I do. The 0770CF is a VERY solid option if you're not opposed to assisted knives, the 0550 is a standby on these forums that, while a brick in the pocket, will not let you down in performance or durability.

And, recently, they've been making smaller and lighter knives. While the 0452CF isn't particularly small, it has quite a following here and the weight to length ratio is fantastic. The 0900 is much smaller, but very capable and won't make you look/feel like a tacticool teenager every time you bust it out.

I would recommend checking out the 0770, 0450 (smaller version of the 0452CF), 0900, 0350 (assisted), 0566 (assisted), and the 0801. In fact, check out the 0801 and 0808 first. They're probably some of the best knives you can get in the price range.
 
ZT is the best in that segment, IMO. Get a 560 before they're gone. I'd put my life on the ZTs I own. That's the only reason I carry a blade - for protection. I will agree with the last post, buy the knife you need.
 
I had sold my ZT 0301 and ended up buying another, I missed it. You should give ZT a try.
 
I'm also a Spyderco fanboy. I have a Southard, Domino, PM2, Yojimbo 2 and DFly2. But today I'm getting a 0560BW and pretty excited about it.
 
For your price range, frame lock preference, and intended use I don't think you can really go wrong with ZT.
 
You need, need, NEED to try zt knives. My first zt was the 0566bw because it was a good size for edc and the price was decent if I didn't like it. I don't mind having a larger knife but I love my zt's. Don't care for the 0566's elmax but have a 0630 in s35vn and it's just as good as any other. The 0630 is probably one of the smoothest knives I own. The lock up is tremendous. Get at least 1 zt and you'll accept them.
 
Why not? You'll never know if you like them or not unless you give them a shot. You may find you like them better. Having said that, I've handled and/or used around 10 different ZTs. The only three that I really cared for are the 0560, 0600, and 0566. I'm still on the fence with the 0180. I prefer the spydercos that I've handled and/or used.
 
Just got it today. Man that thing is a beast.

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To me, size wise, the Southard falls between the ZT 450 and the 452. All are good so you can't go wrong either way.
 
I buy more Spydies than anything else. Mostly just because they make more great knives than anyone else IMO. BUT, I'll buy any great knife and I do love my ZTs. They may not have as many great knives as Spyderco but the knives they do have are pretty awesome. If I were to suggest a first one to add to your collection I would suggest picking up an 0562CF while you can still get one. Since you are used to Spyders (which are almost all great slicers) you will probably appreciate the "slicer" grind on the 0562 blade as the other ZT grinds are much more "wedge" like than the Spyderco knives you would be used to. That said, they are all worth checking out.

Here's a few of the ZT's this Spyderco fan has bought. The 0562CF I recommend is the Carbon Fiber knife in the middle. Not included in the picture, but also worth consideration is the 0452CF.
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Hertz33 said:
Just got it today. Man that thing is a beast.

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Click to expand...

That's one of my favorite knives. I used a 560 up in battle and then got the 560BW for civilian use. I love that knife! You have a lower serial than I do, and I've had mine for over a year. Congrats and enjoy.
 
Yep, get a ZT. You only live once. Not a big fan of metal scales, but I could get used to them.
 
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