Is a ZT worth it?

The 560 rules, it's one of my favorites. For EDC I've been carrying the 770cf and 566cf which were both bought used and fairly cheap
 
If you value "overbuilt," yes. If you value "cutting performance," no.

Without a doubt they're overbuilt but you should give the new 0562 a shot before giving up on ZT with regards to cutting performance. The 0562 really surprised me with how easily it sliced through several double walled cardboard boxes a couple days ago...most would have dragged a bit as its pretty thick stuff. The way they're chamfered the edges of the scales makes it more comfortable to use than 0550 Gen 2 in my opinion and I love the 0550 Gen 2. Plus, it has a steel insert on the lockbar face which is a nice bonus.

It's a lot of knife for the money and certainly worth a look if you haven't yet had the opportunity.
 
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For the price of them blem in the link, I don't think I can go wrong to try a ZT... but I really wish I was able to hold a few ZT models in my hand first, because I have very large palms, so sometimes knives don't feel right... does anyone know of a store in west Michigan where I can hold these?
 
Im very seriously considering the ZT 350 blem.... what comment do you guys have on the 350 model?
 
The OP mentioned CRKT so IF you can get your hands on one fo the new Ken Onion designed the Hi Jinx folders I'd certainly give that one a try. Over the years I've learned to really appreciate the incredible design skills of guys like Rick Hinderer and especially Ken Onion. It appears that Ken Onion hit one out of the park for CRKT with his new Hi Jinks. I'm basing this solely on the pictures and videos I've seen and the fact that it won Blade Magazines Overall Knife of the Year award. CRKT's were the first "real" knives I started buying when I got involved in this crazy hobby. I've always carried a knife of some sort dating all the way back to when my grandfather gave me my pocket knife as a young boy, an old slipjoint.

If you can't find the CRKT Hi Jinks or prefer not to spend THAT much most everyone here has mentioned a great knife. Hint, Hint, try the ZT 0562...I see that a couple in stock right now with G10 scales (which is great if you plan on using the knife) for only $201 including shipping. That's a hard deal to pass up.
 
Im very seriously considering the ZT 350 blem.... what comment do you guys have on the 350 model?

I don't own one yet I've never heard anything negative about them. They're sort of like the 300 series yet scaled down about 10 percent and with a sturdy liner lock rather than a frame lock. Honestly, (knock on wood) I've yet to be displeased with any of my ZT purchases. Plus, as others have said, if you're not happy you can always return the knife or re-sell it here. Good luck!
 
Im really not looking to spend as much as the Hi Jinx costs, but I do LOVE the Ken onion designs, I have a CRKT Swindle which was designed by him, and enjoy that very much, a simple, sleek design, goes great with dress pants! But as of now I'm not gonna spend that much, but I would love to have one someday!
 
Only you can decide it a ZT is worth it. But I can tell you that they are good knives. I struggled with this for a year reading about how great they are and finally decided to buy my first this past spring. I chose the 0770CF which was newly released then. Can't be more pleased as it is small enough for me to carry comfortably. I have carried it just about every day since. The size and price were what kept me from buying. I knew I wouldn't carry a pocket brick. I like my choice. It's no pocket brick.
 
I also have large hands. I would go with any ZT with a 3.5 inch blade up to 3.75. Thickness of the knife also comes into play with large hands. ZT is a top value for dollar blade. Definitely try to hold a few. Good luck.
 
I have a 0350. I like it a lot but it really doesn't get much pocket time because its heavy. I dont really like large heavy knives for an EDC. Everyone is different weight doesnt bother a lot of people, if it does for you look at the 0770 model. The 0770 CF in my opinion is a very sexy knife and prob will be my next purchase.
 
Well... you could say I bit the bullet... I looked around on the side the blemish one was on, and saw the 560 BW Hinderer first gen, $185 on closeout, and decided to just do it... So Ive got a 560 on the way :) Ive been doing a lot of research and you guys all affirmed that its worth it, and I liked the looks of the 560 over the 350, also has a deeper pocket clip, so here goes nothing! well... here goes 185 bucks :)
 
I love the 0350.. you'll hear a lot of people agree. It's a great knife, but I feel like it's a little chubby as an EDC, and the clip it comes with rides really high. The 0566 is a great size, maybe a little hefty, but personally that's what I would recommend for a college EDC. You can find the 0566 in the secondary market for about 110 bucks NIB. It's very solid, carries well, has a great elmax blade, a frame lock, and it rides low in the pocket. Totally worth it.

If you're hell-bent on spending $200 bucks.. 0562. There's nothing else to say. Best value there is right now.
 
looks like I was too late.. but hey.. the 0560 is awesome too.. you won't be disappointed. You're going to end up with a lot of ZT's.
 
Congrats! The 0560 is a hell of a knife! I'm sure you're gonna love it. Sleek yet solid.
 
Advice on a model, affirmation on the brand... I had a lot of people say the 560, or something similar, and it was within my price range, so I decided to go for it :) a small blemish I wont mind, im not a serious collector, yet... and I hope to use it for work too, it should be great!
 
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