I miss my ZT 0302...but ;)

I EDC mine daily and don't notice it's overbuilt size anymore. However, after seeing the 551 I can't wait to check it out.
 
A better way to look at it is the 030x series basically has about 3 ounces of extra robustness.

The 0551, although not stress tested in front of me, appears to be as apt as any well made, beefy Ti frame lock between 5 and 6 ounces. Mine is so solid I can't even induce any side to side play using the tip if the blade for leverage. I can feel a tight flex but no play.

It's a monster. Or at least the one I'm carrying is. A monster with a reasonable carry weight and pocket print too. Carrying it in the stock clip position in my right front pocket, it shares the real estate with my banded cards and cash very well and it is smooth and gentle on the hand. There is nothing but smooth when I reach in.

This is one of my biggest tests with an EDC. How gentle it is on my hand when I reach in.

iacchus said:
I have never handled a 0300, but I cant even imagine a more robust folder than the 0551. Now you have me wanting to check one out just to see.
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Reeek said:
A better way to look at it is the 030x series basically has about 3 ounces of extra robustness. The 0551, although not stress tested in front of me, appears to be as apt as any well made, beefy Ti frame lock between 5 and 6 ounces. Mine is so solid I can't even induce any side to side play using the tip if the blade for leverage. I can feel a tight flex but no play. It's a monster. Or at least the one I'm carrying is. A monster with a reasonable carry weight and pocket print too. Carrying it in the stock clip position in my right front pocket, it shares the real estate with my banded cards and cash very well and it is smooth and gentle on the hand. There is nothing but smooth when I reach in. This is one of my biggest tests with an EDC. How gentle it is on my hand when I reach in.
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I think I get it now, thanks.
I agree about the practical use of pocket real estate. The 0551 is about the biggest folding knife I would want to carry, and it carries as well as many smaller knives.
I have only stayed away from ZT this long because of the recurve.
 
Over the past year, I've come to really appreciate the ZT line. I own two of them; an 0350 and an 0400ST. I particularly like the 0400, because it carries easily when I choose to clip it. The clip side of the handle is just aluminum, so it creates minimal pocket wear. It's easier to clip on and take out, and it's not too heavy. I would have preferred G-10 inserts on the non-clip side instead of the trac-tec(sp?), but I'm still happy with it.

That said, I'm considering a couple more. The 0200 and the 0300. They are huge folders, not necessarily in terms of blade length, but in overall robustness. I haven't handled either, but just from observation, the 0200 looks a bit more comfortable(?) than the 0300, but IMO they'd both make great outdoor folders. I'm not sure if they'd be very comfortable for me for regular EDC carry, though.

Jim
 
I have been carrying a ZT0200 since about 2007. I find that it is a little heavy to carry every day, but in the field I have never had need of another folder. If the ZT0551 is anything like its predecessor I am sure you will be happy.
 
MConstable said:
Ok...I got on the 0551 list...and I'm ordering a ZT 0350cb from Dave (kershawguy) tonight.
I want to order one more from to save on shipping...well....Ok, we all know shipping's free...I just want to narrow my wish-list.
...so :)
I need help deciding between a Tyrade (titanium/cf) and a ZT 0301.
Basically, I want both, but want to order whichever is "smarter" to order now as opposed to,say,six months from now...as in will either likely get less available and more expensive by then, or am I pretty safe with either one?
TIA!
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I'd get the Titanium Tyrade while you can. They don't make them anymore and its a great price that Dave (Kershawguy) is charging for them. I own a 551, 301 and a Ti Tyrade and the Tyrade is every bit as beefy as the other ZTs. The composite blade with CPM-D2 cutting edge and carbon fiber inlays are awesome too!
 
knifenut1013 said:
The 0551 screams utility, the 03xx are more like a heavy use field tool. They still work day to day but its kinda like using a 1000hp truck to pick the kids up from school.

I miss my 300 too and wish I never sold it and want another one but the 0551 fits my needs and likes better. Smaller, lighter, just as tough, no recurve, and a great steel, its a limited run too whereas the 03xx is not. Get it while you can!
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Hello,
I just added a ZT 350 to my "next" list. After reading this I looked for a 551 but can't find one. Have they been discontinued? If so, are they still out there somewhere? I like the 350 from what I've seen on the net but would like to see others also. For me, the 350 is the ZT to get from what is available on their site and reseller sites I've looked at so far.

Thanks,
Jack
 
The 0551 was a limited run getting ready for the 0550. The 0550 will be out in a month or so. Both the 0551 and 0550 are a $175.00 knife. ZT knives are heavily discounted so give it time and you will see them very affordable.
 
mystro said:
The 0551 was a limited run getting ready for the 0550. The 0550 will be out in a month or so. Both the 0551 and 0550 are a $175.00 knife. ZT knives are heavily discounted so give it time and you will see them very affordable.
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Thanks Mystro. Is $175 the MSRP or what they will be available for? Just wondering because that may influence my decision to wait or go ahead with the 350.

Jack
 
If you don't have a blemished JYDII in Ti/SG2 from K-guy, you are missing 'the deal'. After that, the ZT-301 I have, from him of course, is still a moose, if not an ideal EDC. Of course, if you want to stop buying folders, get a CRK Umnumzaan - I chose the one made for Wilson Combat with the 'StarTac' pattern handles. It'll spoil you. No, I won't 'collect' CRK folders... one is enough ("I'm not worthy... I'm not worthy...").

The op mentioned a BM 950 Rift. I have one - and I still prefer the D2 steel 15020-1 Bone Collector. Now, my favorite BM requires a secondary market search - the 630 Skirmish. That's a handful. Here they are - with a Buck 172 Mayo TNT, also long gone:

IMG_4526.jpg


Good luck!

Stainz
 
Stainz said:
If you don't have a blemished JYDII in Ti/SG2 from K-guy, you are missing 'the deal'. After that, the ZT-301 I have, from him of course, is still a moose, if not an ideal EDC. Of course, if you want to stop buying folders, get a CRK Umnumzaan - I chose the one made for Wilson Combat with the 'StarTac' pattern handles. It'll spoil you. No, I won't 'collect' CRK folders... one is enough ("I'm not worthy... I'm not worthy...").

The op mentioned a BM 950 Rift. I have one - and I still prefer the D2 steel 15020-1 Bone Collector. Now, my favorite BM requires a secondary market search - the 630 Skirmish. That's a handful. Here they are - with a Buck 172 Mayo TNT, also long gone:

IMG_4526.jpg


Good luck!

Stainz
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Time to show my ignorance once again. Who is K-guy? If he sells knives I'd like to check out his site.

Jack
 
Search in the knife exchange - "for sale by dealers section". He's got blem and new ZTs & Kershaws. Very fast shipping. If you want the 0551 you can email him to be put on a waiting list.
 
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Thanks for the advice guys...an 0350CB is on its way, I'm on the 0551 wait list, will jump on the Tyrade I have the dough before the 0551 comes in, or after if it takes a while.
 
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