Looking to replace me Emersons. Strider? ZT?

nattyboh

nattyboh

Joined
Sep 22, 2010
Messages
78
What's up guys,
So I'm looking to finally start my distancing from Emerson knives. I love the wave feature, but starting to wonder if its needed. I use my knives hard and daily, what I've noticed is that the Emerson doesn't hold a sharp edge long. I used a wicked edge system, and honestly getting that chisel grind right is a PITA IMO.

I want something a bit bigger like a strider or ZT. The size isn't a deciding factor, just something I keep in mind.

I do not have any knife stores near me, so I can't go and hold different ones. That's why I'm here hoping to use your guys experiences etc.

So basically I'm opened to suggestions.

I'd like it to be somewhat bigger, USA made, and some kind of assist... Or at least be smooth in its operation. Emerson's is all I've owned, so I don't know any different.

Thanks guys.
 
For me and this is just my opinion. ZT and strider are both great choices but if I had to go with one I would go with ZT. For 2 reasons. First is that ZT's warranty is second to none. And the second is that I really dig that the new ZT's have steel lockbar inserts now. Not a knock against strider. I love their knives. But they are pricy. To me ZT is a better value. That being said if I can ever find a strider ar I'm jumping on that thing!
 
Absolutely Strider. I moved on from Emerson's to Strider and I couldn't be happier. They are miles above Emerson in every category
 
The ZT0620 may be a good choice for you when it comes out. Framelock, wave, V-Grind, M390 steel...
 
I don't know what hard use is for you, but I would suspect that CPM-M4 can deal with it. I'd suggest looking at a Gayle Bradley. BM does some nice M4, but I'm not sure what's available in it. If the M4 Contegos are still around, that'd be something to check out as well. Steels like ZDP189 and M390 hold an edge really well, I'm just not sure how tough they are compared to M4. Another one you might look at is ZT's 550 in S35V. That steel seems to be a good mixture of edge holding and toughness.

Still... M4 would be my choice in a folder for hard use & edge holding. With even minimal care, there shouldn't be any corrosion issues. I use an M4 FB daily and it lives in its leather sheath. No issues so far after some months of this.
 
I hate chisel grinds. I've never owned an Emerson, but I own/have owned ZT's and Strider's.

The Strider SnG is a great knife, performed well, but it was more knife than I need, so I sold it. Plus I needed the money.
ZT0350TS was a decent knife, I'm just not a fan of AO or of deassisting knives. Sold it.
Have a ZT0801, love it, great knife.

Spyderco Gayle Bradley has been an absolutely amazing knife. I've had it almost a year and have not had to sharpen it. That CPM-M4 is amazing stuff.

LionSteel/DPX/Dendra make some nice large folders, also look at Brous Blades like the T4 flipper.
 
Strider. The Strider HT is fantastic!
You will come back to Emerson and you will own both Strider and Emerson.
The Emerson "chisel edge" must be understood to be fully appreciated.
rolf
 
Tooo many options lol. I have knife center near me, but I don't know how they deal with public walking in... I don't even know what they have there in hand
 
K.O.D. said:
Spyderco Gayle Bradley has been an absolutely amazing knife. I've had it almost a year and have not had to sharpen it. That CPM-M4 is amazing stuff.

LionSteel/DPX/Dendra make some nice large folders, also look at Brous Blades like the T4 flipper.
Click to expand...

Agree with what others are saying about CPM-M4. Have had the Contego for 3 or more months and use it regularly and haven't had to sharpen it. Also would say look at Lionsteel's knives. Had a SR2a and have a DPX Hest. The HEST is great,absolute zero blade play, holds an edge forever,slicey for a beefy knife,great grip, and very strong. The SR2A was the same and onlty reason got rid of it was because didn't like the slickness of the aluminum grip. Otherwise complete keeper.
 
Another vote for something in CPM-M4. Have had my Benchmade 760 for a few months now and it's still kickin. You might look at the Contego from BM or the Gayle Bradley from Spyderco.
 
If you want to go Strider then just pick the one that you like. You won't be disappointed with the heat treat. Strider has a superb warranty so you can abuse it to your hearts content. When I carry my Strider, I don't even need to have a beater knife. ZT is a great option if money is a limiting factor.
 
Lycosa said:
The Emerson "chisel edge" must be understood to be fully appreciated.
Click to expand...

That's very true. Honestly I don't know why people find it so hard to sharpen. I think the chisel edge is great, it stays sharper longer than other knives I've used in the same tasks. Maybe it's just me
 
I vote for ZT. Great knives and great warranty. I would also vote for the ZT0550 because it can take some heavy use. You'll be impressed after this video :D

[video=youtube;AW0TVkcBFkw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW0TVkcBFkw[/video]
 
Really like this guy's video's. Here's one on The Adamas.

[video=youtube;LWz_JLXgIL0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWz_JLXgIL0[/video]
 
Silvanus said:
That's very true. Honestly I don't know why people find it so hard to sharpen. I think the chisel edge is great, it stays sharper longer than other knives I've used in the same tasks. Maybe it's just me
Click to expand...

Its hard to get it right on the Wicked Edge
 
Guys,
Within the ZT line up, which is better. Or better yet what is the pro and con of the ELMAX and the sv35vn steels?
 
Elmax should have better corrosion resistance and require more work to sharpen. Edge retention will be very similar.
 
Alright, so basically ELMAX has more corrosion resistance? Sharpening I dont really worry about, as I wouldnt be doing it all the time.
 
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