Kershaw vs. ZT

A

Adamar

Joined
Dec 9, 2008
Messages
231
Does anyone know if the US made Kershaw's and ZT's are made in the same factory?

Also, it seems that generally the ZT knives are a step up from the Kershaw knives in both materials and strength. Are the ZT knives also a step up in fit, finish and quality?

I have 3 Kershaw's (Blur, Whirlwind and Scallion) and I am considering getting either a ZT 301 (or 302), or the new AG Russell knife made by Kershaw. I am wondering if these knives are essentially Kershaw's with just better materials or are they Kershaw's with better materials and better fit and finish?
 
I have a few Kershaws that are a good match for the ZT line in materials and fit & finish.
ZT does tend to be heavier duty. :D
 
The ZTs that have came out so far do seem to be of a little higher quality on AVERAGE. However that is a very broad statement comparing how many knives are in the kershaw lineup and how many knives are in the ZT lineup. Also the Kershaw lineup accounts for oversees made knives as well as US made. The ZT lineup is of better materials than the Kershaw knives that you currently own and much more heavy duty. I mean the ZTs that I own or have handled (300,200,500) are built like they were designed to be the knife you would want if the world started ending and everything went to utter chaos. These things are mammoths!! And to be honest after owning those I believe that they are a little to big and have too thick of blades for ME right now. However if I were shipped off to afghanistan I may very well choose the ZT 200 as my folder. All of that being said I have also seen many Kershaws that were atleast as good as ZTs in the materials and fit and finish department. And actually from my experience higher end Kershaws seem to have better fit and finish then high end ZTs. Thats my .02...
 
I've owned a few Kershaw knives (Leek, OD-1, something else I forgot) and they compare well with the ZT301 I own. The biggest difference is that the ZT is more expensive because it is huge and uses more expensive materials. You get very high quality stuff from Kershaw even if it's under $40.
 
I would say my Kershaw's have better fit and finish then my 1 ZT 0301 the jimping on the ZT is crooked and kinda crapy
 
Kershaw and ZT's are both made at the same factory, by the same workers, if that says anything.
 
I have both a ZT 301 and 0200 and several higher end Kershaws. In general I feel the G-10 Tyrade is close to ZT quality and the Spec Bump is definitely there in quality. My JYD series knives are also very close in quality. I really like the sculpted G-10 handles in the ZT line, the G-10 is also a little thicker giving a more substantial feel. :thumbup:
 
boatsman said:
I have both a ZT 301 and 0200 and several higher end Kershaws. In general I feel the G-10 Tyrade is close to ZT quality and the Spec Bump is definitely there in quality. My JYD series knives are also very close in quality. I really like the sculpted G-10 handles in the ZT line, the G-10 is also a little thicker giving a more substantial feel. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

I'll second the sculpted G-10. One of my favorite features of the ZT line.

Tom
 
Even with the stud lock the Spec Bump feels like one of the missing ZT's to me. Just look at the steel used, the tungsten coating, the machined black G10. The Kershaw Offset almost as well.

The guy complaining about the jimping may have gotten a lemon. I've owned and looked at a few 300 series and their jimping is as nicely executed as any production I have seen but my brothers 0350 for instance has the sloppiest jimping I have seen on any Kershaw or ZT.

It is not the norm by a long shot and if it was me I would send it in if any of my ZT's or Kershaw's were not satisfactory, especially ratty jimping. Their warrantee is great and you might as well use it on an expensive production especially but I would send in a $40 knife as well after the high quality I have come to expect and enjoy with any Kershaw I have purchased.

I can't wait to get my hands on the new ZT's. :)
 
None of the Kershaws really caught my eye. The Zero Tolerance 350 caught my eye. Great folder for carry when wearing jeans.
 
I would say, that all things being equal, ZT and Kershaw knives have very similar fit and finish. This makes sense when you consider that they're made in the same factory with the same general techniques. What usually isn't the same is the design and materials.

The 0301 has a better build than any comparable Kershaw SpeedSafe knife. This isn't just because of the thick blade and handle stock. The screws holding the handle together are bigger and stronger, the handles are comfortably sculpted (the Kershae SpecBump and Offset do this too), the pivot is much bigger, and the improved washer system allows clearance for the torsion bar and helps to eliminate any blade play.

If you compare the 0350 with the Kershaw line, the story is a little different. In terms of materials and construction, the 0350 is almost identical to the G10 Tyrade. The only thing that makes one a ZT and the other a Kershaw is the resemblance to other knives. These knives blur the line between Zero Tolerance and Kershaw.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top