Looking for a new EDC knife

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daan77

Joined
May 21, 2012
Messages
23
Hello All,

I just sold mij Spyderco PM2 and am looking for another EDC knife.
The PM2 served me well all the time i had it but i just wanna try something different.
I am living in the Netherlands so i have to pay a little more because of the added tax and shipping costs.


My choices are between the following knives (prices are included tax and shipping) ;

* Spyderco sage 2 $ 160
* ZT 0560 $ 210
* ZT 0801 $ 210
* ZT 0550 with custom CF scales $ 230

If you had to pick one knife for EDC, which one would you pick ?
I'm really struggling here...
Also i did read several bad messages about the Elmax steel not performing that well.
That's why i added the ZT 0550 to the list because of it's S35V steel, but because i hate the standard scales these will be customs from CF.
Also ik like the size of the ZT 0550 and ZT 0801 over the larger ZT 0560 (to large ?).
The Sage II is a knife i am always looking at because of the simplicity and the smaller size fits better in the pocket...but am always looking further because of the leaf shape blade, not sure if i like that.
The ZT 0801 has great reviews and i like the titanium a lot, also it flippers really good if i read the stories.
The ZT 0560 is a big knife (too big maybe) but looks like a wonderful piece of equipment.
 
I'm a huge fan of the ZT 0560/1. It's my favorite knife to play with, as the flipping action is unbelievably smooth and it fits my hand perfectly (medium/large hands). It's also surprisingly light and easy to carry for its size, though it is a bit bulky in terms of the actual pocket space it takes up. I've had the edge roll on me a bit but it's easy to strop out, and it certainly has better edge retention (in my experience) than S30V or any of the softer econo-steels. I've not had experience with any of the others you listed but the Sage 2 is gorgeous, and I've only had good experiences with ZTs so I don't think you can go wrong there.
 
I really like the 0550 it's hefty but still very compact as is the 0801 the question is how important is a flipper to you?
 
Edc? Sage 2. You will not regret it. You're getting mid tech quality for production money. If your cutting tasks are a little harder, I'd consider the ZTs, but the spyderco should do 99% of what you ask of it.
 
I'm not sure what your EDC and use preferences are. The ZT's are all significantly larger than the Sage 2. The 0560 is the largest, and the 0550 and 0801 are about the same size. The PM2 and 0550 are similar in size, but the 0550 has a slightly longer cutting edge (by maybe 0.4"). I have a 0560, 0550, and Sage 2, but I haven't handled an 0801 yet. In hand, the 0550 the most comfortable for me among those three. In pocket, the Sage 2 is the most comfortable.

Here are some pics I've taken before that include some of the models you mentioned.

0550 and 0560:
ZT0550_0560_open_800x370.jpg


0550 and Sage2:
ZT0550_Sage2_800x372.jpg


PM2 and 0550:
PM2_0550_Blur_Shallot_0350_Delica_open_800x553.jpg
 
Have you thought about branching out to other brands? The only ZT I've owned was a 350 and it was to bulky and heavy for EDC. If you want a longer blade that carries well I would recomend the Benchmade 710 or Spyderco Caly 3.5 (you can find it with carbon fiber handles and zdp189 steel).
 
Choices, there are to many nice knives out there ;-)
Thanks for all your feedback and pictures, really helpfull.
Just saw some reviews of the ZT 0770CF.
Looks also very nice and more pocket friendly, like the carbon fiber also and the weight.
 
I personally like the Sage 2 way more than the Para 2. Out of your original options, definitely the sage 2.

If I were you, I would give the ZT770CF a shot.
 
Out of the three if the knife is truely for EDC "Everyday Carry", go with the Sage. The 560 is a little large for EDC. I have a 550 (551 actually) and its a little chunky and not a great slicer. I like the knife but only carry for certain things, its my "Tank knife". The Sage is the best every day knife of the three.

I do love the ZTs but if your intent is to carry it everyday and use it for everyday task, go with the Sage. But I think you may find, you had the better EDC and got rid of it.
 
i rarely carry my ZT 0550. too bulky. prefer skyline. small, slime and a nice slicer. been eyeing Doug Ritter MK1.
 
I wanted to add that that 801 may be close in size to the 550, but I have both and some how the 801 feels much slimmer in the pocket. I would consider the 801, its a great knife. I have the 801CF and love it, it is very comfortable in hand and a lot nicer in the pocket than the 550.
 
I agree with the Sage II, really like the simple design.
In the past i actually had the Sage I, and liked it but i don't know it just didn't gave me the feel "this is my knife" .
And i like the blade shape of the ZT knives better somehow.
I thinks the new ZT 0770 CF is a little inbetween with his weight and size with the Sage II and the ZT 0550.
Also with the Spyderco Para-2 i did not got that "this is it" feeling.
And i just like to change a knife from time to time but can't afford to buy a few, also i am not a collector.
 
You didn't mention it, but you might want to look at the Benchmade Volli. It's close to the PM in size and weight, but carries a bit slimmer. Very nice blade profile, an AXIS lock, and S30V for the steel. The A/O works very well on mine. It make a very capable EDC cutter that's easy to carry.

If you do decide to try an Elmax bade, I've had nothing but good results with the ones I've had from ZT. I wouldn't worry too much about the reports of problems with Elmax.
 
what about the ZT 566 ? did you look at that one a little more compact than the 560, that could also be an options.

the more I think about it, I am recommending the 801. The Sage is the most practical ECD but its a little boring (at least to me), the 801 is, in my opinion a more interesting knife an would make a great EDC.
 
The 0770CF (which it seems you are already looking at) and the 0566 are also good choices. The 0566 and Sage2 are about the same size, but the 0566 actually carries a bit more comfortably in my opinion. It also feels far more robust in hand than the Sage2. The 0770CF is just all-around awesome. It's even thinner than the 0566 and lighter than the Sage2. As one member pointed out in another thread, the blade for the 0770CF give the illusion that it is bigger than the handle. Between the 0566, 0770CF, and Sage2, I'd pick the 0770CF.

0566 and Sage2 open - Blade on the 0566 is about 3/4" longer. Handle on the Sage2 is a bit longer due to the finger choil.
ZT0566_Sage2_800x368.jpg


0566 and Sage2 closed - 0566 is about a quarter inch longer, and Sage2 is a quarter inch wider. The added width is just slightly more obstructive in pocket than the added length, IMO.
ZT0566_Sage2_closed_800x381.jpg


0566 and Sage2 thickness - 0566 is thicker by just a fraction of a millimeter.
ZT0566_Sage2_thickness_800x446.jpg


0566, 0770, and PM2 for comparison:
ZT0566_0770_PM2_open_800x434.jpg

ZT0566_0770_PM2_closed_800x532.jpg


0770 and 0770CF for comparison
ZT0770CF_0770_front_800x333.jpg
 
I really like the 560/1 I edc one every day since I have had it I also have large hands so I don't feel its very large but if it is too big then the 801 is also superb
 
I can't speak intelligently about all of the ZT choices, but I just got a ZT 0770CF and I really like this knife. It is already in my pocket and being used. One of my favorites for an EDC is the Spyderco Delica and the ZT is just a tad larger with a 3.25" blade. It carries about the same as the Delica.
 
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