List of ZTs that Don't Have Lock Failure Issues

Status
Not open for further replies.
Seems to be hit or miss with them, although being a lefty it doesn't concern me ;my index finger wraps around the lockbar when im holding it; my 452ti fails easily with a light hit but my 909 ,609,0200,and 220 hold firm.
 
Mo2 said:
Unfortunately zt are very cocky and don't think this is an issue at all since knives are flying off the shelves. People either don't know or don't care. And the few it affects are like mice squeaks in the night.
Click to expand...

What is the ratio of poor examples to proper?

I have no idea, but perhaps it is such a small number that it is more cost effective to repair the few that have issues under warranty, rather than revamp their production methods. Quality and reputation are highly important, yet so is the bottom line.
 
Mo2 said:
Unfortunately zt are very cocky and don't think this is an issue at all since knives are flying off the shelves. People either don't know or don't care. And the few it affects are like mice squeaks in the night.
Click to expand...
It's not a problem for those who just buy them as pocket jewelry.
 
I'm new here, I know, but to say zt knives are pocket jewelry, huh? My 0566 and 0900, and an 0630 I got rid of, were %100 reliable. No problems whatsoever. All 3 have been used extensively in the field and kitchen. The 0900 and 0566 have both field dressed deer, which can be a tough task for a folder, the way I field dress game, with no problems. I'm looking forward to purchasing an 0562cf and putting it through the paces as well.
 
Huntnow said:
I'm new here, I know, but to say zt knives are pocket jewelry, huh? My 0566 and 0900, and an 0630 I got rid of, were %100 reliable. No problems whatsoever. All 3 have been used extensively in the field and kitchen. The 0900 and 0566 have both field dressed deer, which can be a tough task for a folder, the way I field dress game, with no problems. I'm looking forward to purchasing an 0562cf and putting it through the paces as well.
Click to expand...
He didn't say they were pocket jewelry, he said...
jstn said:
It's not a problem for those who just buy them as pocket jewelry.
Click to expand...
In any case. Alot of people do buy them as pocket jewelry and fidgeting etc. Plenty of people buy them and use them too.

However I implore you to try some knives with optimal geometry for the kitchen and skinning animals. You will probably find them more efficient in those tasks. But there's nothing wrong otherwise. I used my zt's for the longest time then realized geometry is key for making tasks better.
 
Mo2 said:
He didn't say they were pocket jewelry, he said...

In any case. Alot of people do buy them as pocket jewelry and fidgeting etc. Plenty of people buy them and use them too.

However I implore you to try some knives with optimal geometry for the kitchen and skinning animals. You will probably find them more efficient in those tasks. But there's nothing wrong otherwise. I used my zt's for the longest time then realized geometry is key for making tasks better.
Click to expand...
You are correct about what jstn said. Perhaps I misinterpreted his meaning. My point though, remains. I have put a few zt folders through enough real world use that I look forward to purchasing another. I am not a ZT absolutist, I find they are fantastic value for the money. If I have lock issues, or any other issues, in the future that might change.
 
Mo2 said:
He didn't say they were pocket jewelry, he said...

In any case. Alot of people do buy them as pocket jewelry and fidgeting etc. Plenty of people buy them and use them too.

However I implore you to try some knives with optimal geometry for the kitchen and skinning animals. You will probably find them more efficient in those tasks. But there's nothing wrong otherwise. I used my zt's for the longest time then realized geometry is key for making tasks better.
Click to expand...
I forgot to mention one thing, I didn't specify skinning game. You could probably skin a whitetail with any old steak knife. Field dressing a deer though, can require a very strong blade. I was never very good at geometry though.
 
Mo2 said:
He didn't say they were pocket jewelry, he said...

In any case. Alot of people do buy them as pocket jewelry and fidgeting etc. Plenty of people buy them and use them too.

However I implore you to try some knives with optimal geometry for the kitchen and skinning animals. You will probably find them more efficient in those tasks. But there's nothing wrong otherwise. I used my zt's for the longest time then realized geometry is key for making tasks better.
Click to expand...
Very true. Anymore the only folders I buy are Spyderco, and the occasional Cold Steel. ZT's thick blades do nothing for me, and the lock issues were the nail in the coffin for the time being. My point being, a lot of people who buy ZTs don't really use them. They carry them to show off, take pics for their Instagram, and fidget with them, but they don't worry about performance or lock failure. I believe that is why ZT has shifted more towards artsy aesthetics with a lot of smooth carbon fiber and titanium as opposed to their original lineup. Not for me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mo2
jstn said:
My point being, a lot of people who buy ZTs don't really use them. They carry them to show off, take pics for their Instagram, and fidget with them, but they don't worry about performance or lock failure.
Click to expand...

You know this how? I bet more people use their ZT than don't. I even bet that these lock failures are a grain of sand on a beach of ZTs and that most folks are satisfied, including me. Every company will let lemons sneak out their door, but that doesn't mean the company is incapable.
 
91bravo said:
You know this how? I bet more people use their ZT than don't. I even bet that these lock failures are a grain of sand on a beach of ZTs and that most folks are satisfied, including me. Every company will let lemons sneak out their door, but that doesn't mean the company is incapable.
Click to expand...
Sure, maybe more use them than don't. But my point still stands. I suspect a lot of people just carry them, make videos, take pics, and appreciate the "buttery smooth" actions. That's fine. I'm sure there are some ultra-tactical secret combat operatives that use them too, and then a lot of regular guys who use them. But ZT doesn't inlay smooth, marbled carbon fiber for functionality, so I have to suspect that aesthetics trump functionality for many.
 
91bravo said:
You know this how? I bet more people use their ZT than don't. I even bet that these lock failures are a grain of sand on a beach of ZTs and that most folks are satisfied, including me. Every company will let lemons sneak out their door, but that doesn't mean the company is incapable.
Click to expand...


I would hardly call a spine whack test a "failure" or "lemon" anyway. What kind of use does this simulate?

In any cutting or stabbing task if you have a firm grasp on the knife you will be exerting pressure on the lockbar inwards. I don't ever loosely grasp a folding knife away from the lock bar and tap the spine against anything.
 
jstn said:
Sure, maybe more use them than don't. But my point still stands. I suspect a lot of people just carry them, make videos, take pics, and appreciate the "buttery smooth" actions. That's fine. I'm sure there are some ultra-tactical secret combat operatives that use them too, and then a lot of regular guys who use them. But ZT doesn't inlay smooth, marbled carbon fiber for functionality, so I have to suspect that aesthetics trump functionality for many.
Click to expand...

I think they have definitely gone more this route in the last 2 years especially. Notice that they have dropped the “a real beast” etc marketing and now it’s “go bold” (it technically should be “go boldly” but w/e).

They’re all solidly made but definitely some of the newer models like the 0450/60 are not of the same category of durability than their older models line the 0300.
 
Mo2 said:
However I implore you to try some knives with optimal geometry for the kitchen and skinning animals. You will probably find them more efficient in those tasks. But there's nothing wrong otherwise. I used my zt's for the longest time then realized geometry is key for making tasks better.
Click to expand...
I buy knives with optimal geometry for the kitchen. They are called kitchen knives. My pocket knife needs to handle tasks outside of the kitchen. If skinning game is a need, a dedicated fix blade is a vastly better choice than any folder.

91bravo said:
You know this how? I bet more people use their ZT than don't. I even bet that these lock failures are a grain of sand on a beach of ZTs and that most folks are satisfied, including me. Every company will let lemons sneak out their door, but that doesn't mean the company is incapable.
Click to expand...
Exactly. I never quite get the "people who buy brand X don't use their knives". Maybe that is the impression given off other places but around here most of the quality members here use their knives aside for obvious collectors. And yes, this whole lock issue is a drop in the zt bucket. Clearly most people don't have lock issues with zt here.
 
craytab said:
I buy knives with optimal geometry for the kitchen. They are called kitchen knives. My pocket knife needs to handle tasks outside of the kitchen. If skinning game is a need, a dedicated fix blade is a vastly better choice than any folder.


Exactly. I never quite get the "people who buy brand X don't use their knives". Maybe that is the impression given off other places but around here most of the quality members here use their knives aside for obvious collectors. And yes, this whole lock issue is a drop in the zt bucket. Clearly most people don't have lock issues with zt here.
Click to expand...

They're are literally dozens is members here reporting problems within lockups. And this problem extends through every model.

You are just trying to justify your collection.
 
Horizon7 said:
They're are literally dozens is members here reporting problems within lockups. And this problem extends through every model.

You are just trying to justify your collection.
Click to expand...
Justify my collection? Please. I don't collect knives to look at. I use them. I've had a lot of zts and used them as knives. Only have a few now. Not one has failed.

Most knives reported here in this thread and across the forum since I've been here have had no issues. Show me the dozens and I'll show you that is a tiny fraction of zts out there.

And guess what, when a thread is started on a brand some people have an obvious bias against or that can be controversial, there might just be a bit of over reporting. Add in all the morons on Instagram and YouTube who abuse their knives. Who knows what people do. Not long ago we had a guy here baton with his zt and snap off the tip. He then complained about lock failure.

The people I know on here that I trust because of their long time quality contribution I believe when they say they have had issues. All manufacturers let things slip by. The fact is that the vast majority of zts are just fine. This isn't an epidemic.
 
I would imagine if your holding the knife tight while working with it and the spine did hit something hard, the pressure of your hand around the knife and lockbar would prevent it from unlocking. Not sure how important this spine wack test really is.Anyone this concerned should get a tri ad lock or a Demko ad15 ...
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top