Is the 0400 Scavenger the black sheep of ZT

Flashpoint · Oct 30, 2008

I don't hear much chatter about the 0400, nothing like the other ZT models. Just wonder why that was.

I picked one up about a month ago $95. I was interested in it because it reminded me of the Blur (one of my favorite knives), and the blade shaped interested me. I've always been one to like a more pointed blade. Not too super crazy about tantos, but this one was modified enough that it reminded me of a Warncliff style, which is probably one of my favorite blade styles. Anyway, I like the knife. The shape works well for penetration, reminds me of a Boker Reality Based, but beefier. The handle is comfortable and big enough that the end could be used as a striker. The lock up is tight and the liner lock is very thick. Thicker than the Blur. For it's size it carries well in the pocket, though it's not as quick and easy to deploy as the Blur.

So what is it about the Scavenger that seems to make it a "black sheep"? I'm sure Thomas might want to hear as well, so he could pass it on the RR dept at Kershaw/ZT.

J_Curd · Oct 30, 2008

I had a similar review recently. Reminds me alot of the Blur with more features. Its my current EDC. Luckily I dont live in Sheepleville.

sixfoot7 · Oct 30, 2008

I don't think it's a "black sheep", to me that implies it's not very well thought of. I think the ZT 02xx and the 03xx are so wildly popular that it might seem that way to you. All my ZTs see equal pocket time, including the 0400. Might also be produced in lower quantities, although I wouldn't say for certain. I'm sure enough people own, use, and love them.

No_b00st · Oct 31, 2008

That doesn't make sense to me. the 400 seems to be the best bargain in the ZT line - S30V stainless, Assisted open, ambi thumb studs and flipper, alum. handles and for less than the 200 is suppose to retail for. The blade shape is a tad mall ninja but it looks like a solid knife. Maybe it just doesn't get all the attention; that doesn't mean it's the "black sheep."

besides, implying that ZT has a "black sheep" in it's lineup is a bit absurd, don't you think?

J_Curd · Oct 31, 2008

I think what Flashpoint intended is that the 0400 doesnt get the credit it deserves, which I have to agree with.

Brodie002 · Oct 31, 2008

I think the blade shape is less popular. Tanto type blades seem to be love 'em or hate 'em, with a lot of haters out there. I'm personally not a fan.

Flashpoint · Oct 31, 2008

No_b00st said:
That doesn't make sense to me. the 400 seems to be the best bargain in the ZT line - S30V stainless, Assisted open, ambi thumb studs and flipper, alum. handles and for less than the 200 is suppose to retail for. The blade shape is a tad mall ninja but it looks like a solid knife. Maybe it just doesn't get all the attention; that doesn't mean it's the "black sheep."

besides, implying that ZT has a "black sheep" in it's lineup is a bit absurd, don't you think?

Well, maybe black sheep isn't quite the best term, more like the "not as attractive little sister".

I agree with everything you said, No_bOOst, even the "mall ninja" part. It's unfortunate that any blade shape the veers too far away from the norm, or in anyway looks like a nanto get labeled "mall ninjaish".

Anyway J_Curd gets where I'm coming from.

Not to belittle the other knives in the ZT line up (there no such thing as a bad ZT), but are they really that much better? I guess there just that much more appealing to the masses. I've always been a "root for the underdog" type person. Honestly I bet it does just boil down to the blade shape, but I like it.

Flashpoint · Oct 31, 2008

Brodie002 said:
I think the blade shape is less popular. Tanto type blades seem to be love 'em or hate 'em, with a lot of haters out there. I'm personally not a fan.

Honestly I'm not fan of the tantos either, but this one is modified enough that it's somewhere between a tanto and a Wherncliff. It has the ease of penetration I've noticed with Wharncliff style blades, because of how the pressure of transferred to the tip.