Looking for my first frame lock! Zt Or kershaw?

B

blade junkie

Joined
Feb 5, 2010
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Hey guys. Kinda of new to the blade world. I have a few kershaws ( blur, scallion, zing, leek and a few others )and I love them all! 2012 is starting off good so far. Im in the process of being hired by my local pd, just graduated from school and now it's time for me to buy myself a gift lol! I'm looking for a frame lock that will be my primary EDC on and off the job. I'm love the zt 0301 and the zt 0550 / zt 0561. Not a hugh fan of speedsafe knives but id rock it in the 0301. They are kinda of out of my price range but I might just save up if it is worth it. Any other frame locks you guys can suggest that might be in the 100-125 $ range? The only thing it must have is a good frame lock. Ive done my research and will mostly be buying from the kershawguy. I heard nothing but great things. Thanks for the help guys!
 
I love my ZT0550, so naturally I'm going to tell you it's worth it. The Shallot is also a very nice knife with a framelock that's much less expensive, but it is Speedsafe. If you want to save a little money you could always get one of Kershawguy's blems. He gets the best blem knives! You don't get a factory warranty, and usually there's some very minor cosmetic problem, but they're cheaper and you don't have to feel bad about using the hell out of them.
 
The knives you mention are quite a bit out of your price range. The 0301 blems are $175 if I recall and an 0550 can be had for $200. I don't yet own an 0550 but have an 0551 but since it's limited production I don't EDC it. I'm carrying an 0300 today (and have an 0301). Both are great knives. Both lock up nice and tight. The flipper can hit the web of my hand on the 0300 if I use the thumbstud but the Speedsafe works well. Some people also prefer the 05x blades since they can be sharpened easier than the recurve blades. I'm excited for the 0560 because for my uses I think it will be perfect as it's slightly larger than the 0550 and has a flipper. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them but you'll have to push your budget and/or wait a bit depending on your choice. Maybe pick up an 0350 for now and wait for an 0560, which will also give you some time to save and then you'll have TWO great knives.
 
blade junkie said:
Any other frame locks you guys can suggest that might be in the 100-125 $ range? The only thing it must have is a good frame lock. Ive done my research and will mostly be buying from the kershawguy. I heard nothing but great things. Thanks for the help guys!
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Great choice of knife and great choice of dealer!:thumbup:

Check out the ZT350 and ZT200 Both are in your price range and both are brilliant knives.
The 350 is a really nice slim edc blade and the 200 in a nice chunky, built like a tank, edc folder.

Good luck with your choice and post pics when you receive your new blade!:)

Steven
 
For a very reasonable price ~$50/60 you can get the Storm 2. Solid frame lock, not a speedsafe and fairly large 3.5" blade. I was given one for Christmas and I really love it. Check it out you never know.
 
Dave (Kershawguy) has a Groove 1730 Blem for $30.00 on his site. If I didn't already have one, I'd snatch
it up in a heart beat. It's a great solid frame lock that flips open like buddah.

Hell, for 30 bucks you could have a great knife until you save up/decide to get a ZT. :thumbup:
 
I'll chime-in with anyone recommending a 350. I've had mine for two weeks and I love it. For around a hundred bucks many equal it but I don't think beat it.

2012-01-03095632.jpg
 
The 0350 is not a liner but, IMO, one of the best, thickest liner locks available. ZT does liner locks really well. I have two 0350's and love them both. Great choice for a toughasnails but slightly smaller edc.
 
I wouldn't get too hung up on the frame lock vs. liner lock debate. The ZT liner locks are pretty beefy and lock up is as solid as the frame locks. The 0350 and 0200 are excellent choices and within the price range you need. Or just save up a little more and get the blem 0300,0301 or 0550
 
thaks guys. i just saw a video about the kershaw cryo>! whats the deal with that knife. when are they available ?!?!? its seems perfect
 
Kershaw OD-1 is a pretty nice framelock made in USA if you're looking for a lower priced lightweight knife. But they were disco'd so grab them while you still can!
 
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