Kershaw vs Zero Tolerance Emerson Designs

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Nephron44

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Hey all!

I have and love a few of the Kershaw Emerson designs and I am thinking of getting a Zero Tolerance Emerson design. I know the ZT models are significant upgrades, but are they worth the 200+ price tag? I mean, I can get a real deal Emerson cheaper. I don't baby my knives, and so far my Kershaws have performed wonderfully...better than I ever expected! In fact, the fit and finish of the Kershaw Emersons were way better than I expected! For every day and sometimes duty use, is the upgrade to ZT really worth it or is it more of a luxury? I'd love to hear what people think!

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Well, I picked up a ZT 0630 and I am completely underwhelmed. The lockup is great, and it's a substantial knife. However, it has a really weak detent, and I just don't trust it to stay closed in my pocket! And it's not like I was actively trying to shake it loose...it opened when I was simply inspecting the knife when it was closed! Too bad the real deal Emersons have titanium locks, or I would just get a real one...I don't care for titanium locks on steel blades without a lock bar insert :/
 
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I once had a 4K xl and loved the design but it was pretty heavy. If it was a zt with ti lock side id have kept it. Zts are too small for me.
 
Being the owner of a small army of Emerson knives and the new owner of a 0630, I can say for certain that you won't be disappointed with the Emerson-ZT knives. I have only one gripe, and it's with the detent. It's extremely stiff. Stiff to the point where every day since I got it, I've been taking my 0630 apart daily and hammering down the detent ball. Other than that, I love it.
 
I've owned a Kershaw CQC-6K, a ZT 0620CF and currently have a 0620 (Elmax, G-10). I really liked the CQC-6K (gave it to my niece) and really liked the 0620CF. My main gripe against the 0620Cf was that I found the CF scale to be way too slick. I have the G-10 version and it's pretty ideal for me. The CF aesthetically appealed to me more because of the satin blade.

That said, I think the more significant factor will be more about what you are prepared to put into a knife. There's little extra utility that you'll get out of a ZT Emerson that you can't get out of a Kershaw. There will be some better edge retention that will matter more for things like slicing up cardboard, but it won't matter nearly as much for last ditch self defense or on-the-job emergency needs. Sharpening will be a bit easier with the Kershaws. I've EDC'd anything from $20-$30 knives to >$1k customs. It really comes down to your own budget and what you appreciate out of a knife. The ZTs aren't going to be any more reliable than the Kershaws.

I rotate between several ZTs and am planning on getting another CQC-6K that I'll throw in the rotation.

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Here are some Kershaw/ ZT comparison shots:

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Ttran778 said:
Being the owner of a small army of Emerson knives and the new owner of a 0630, I can say for certain that you won't be disappointed with the Emerson-ZT knives. I have only one gripe, and it's with the detent. It's extremely stiff. Stiff to the point where every day since I got it, I've been taking my 0630 apart daily and hammering down the detent ball. Other than that, I love it.
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Nooooo!!! The edge of the detent hole will break and will become much smoother and easier to open. Stop hammering the detent!!!
 
I own and have carried all 3 brands that you're asking about. AFAIC, the Kershaws are among the best value for $ spent. Mine have been outstanding users. From blade centering to lockup to F&F... there's just nothing to complain about. I may have to sharpen them a little more often than the ZTs but I usually carry Emersons so I'm used to having to touch up a little more often than I would with a higher end steel that's heavily focused on edge holding. The Kershaws will do anything I want to do with a folder.

Having said that, I really like the design and workmanship of the ZT 630. Don't care so much for the 620 because of the fine tip. Heavy, but solid and well crafted. Finally... none of these are Emersons. If you want the Emerson experience, you'll have to get an Emerson to see what they're all about.
 
For anyone that has a Zero Tolerance Emerson model...how's the detent? I picked up a few Kershaw Emersons, and they all shake loose really easily even after making adjustments...not something I want with a tip up knife :/
 
My 0630 has the most unbelievable detent. It came thumb-bleeding strong but has since worn to a state where it is just right. I wont easily be able to shake it loose (most any knife can be shaken loose with enough force) and I have every confidence that it wont open in my pocket. Sublime action!
 
I have a zt0620cf and it is a perfect knife. The detent is neither too strong nor too weak. The knife is silk smooth. The cf scale is just fine - I dont need any more grippiness as the handle shape already makes sure the knife is dead secure in hand. Buy it instead of the g10 version as it has better steel and handle material and it is on sale.
 
The correct answer (my ex-wife will attest that I am always right) is to get the Emerson cqc-7 flipper. S35VN, flipper, wave, thumb disc.

Note that edge retention and status are what you gain going from Kershaw to ZT. Might as well go all the way to an Emerson.

Sent via pony express
 
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Nephron44 said:
Hey all!

I have and love a few of the Kershaw Emerson designs and I am thinking of getting a Zero Tolerance Emerson design. I know the ZT models are significant upgrades, but are they worth the 200+ price tag? I mean, I can get a real deal Emerson cheaper. I don't baby my knives, and so far my Kershaws have performed wonderfully...better than I ever expected! In fact, the fit and finish of the Kershaw Emersons were way better than I expected! For every day and sometimes duty use, is the upgrade to ZT really worth it or is it more of a luxury? I'd love to hear what people think!
Click to expand...

ZT makes excellent knives.

As with most things you get what you pay for.

That being said, I have the Kershaw-Emerson CQC-6K and it is great value for money.

Its hardly the most desirable steel around but its adequate.

First post here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-100?highlight=it+doesnt+have+to+be+expensive
 
The 630 is a beast. Probably my most "tactical" hard use knife that I own. In my pocket as I type:)
 
Having owned both ZT and Emerson (but not the ZT Emersons), I would say that ZT's materials, quality and fit and finish are much superior to Emerson. Emerson has some nice designs, but has largely stayed in the late 90s/early 00s with regard to materials. I tend to think they're coasting on their early reputation.
 
I've got all three and like all three. Quality wise I rate ZT easily #1. Any kershaw emerson I've had have all been pretty good. Emersons themselves, at least the ones I've owned have had some serious fit and finish issues. I expect a 200+ knife to have better fit and finish than a 30/40 dollar knife. That said I really like a few of the Emerson designs. I really wish ZT would do CQC-7 with V grind. I bet they'd sell like hotcakes!

Mike
 
I would take a ZT 0620 or 0630 over any Emerson made. The ZT's are much higher quality and are to me more in line with what Ernie Emerson originally intended, extremely tough, durable, high quality knives. They are every bit as well made and rugged as Strider, CRK, and Hinderer knives and I carry my ZT's in rotation with those other brands and the ZT's deliver.

The Kershaw Emerson models are cheap imports, however a good value. The Emerson Knife Co knives are overpriced for the materials and quality they offer.
 
I'm a big Emerson fan and own a few of his models. That being said, the ZT versions are very solid and well made knives. My EDC is the ZT0620 with M390. It's a great knife and it's being discontinued, so it's a bargain right now. I also own a Kershaw Emerson and I'm not a fan at all. It's too heavy, the blade was not centered and the lockbar will flex too easily when in use.
 
Yes the ZT is worth it, and as to the ZT being more expensive than a real Emerson that explanation is simple the ZT's are much better IMHO
 
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