Lovin’ Zero Tolerance!

[sharp_edge]

ZTs are awesome. Plus they are one of very few knife manufacturers that let us anodize their knives and it does not void the warranty!

That is a beautiful knife!

Regarding the KAI's warranty policy on customer anodizing ZTs, do you know if it only applies to authorized dealers like you guys?

 

[sharp_edge]

That 452cf is one of the nicest knives they have ever put out imho. The knife looks like a little tiny knife when you just see the clip hooked on the pocket.

I agree. To this date I still kick myself for not picking up a ZT 0452 G10 gold M390.

 

[evilgreg]

That 452cf is one of the nicest knives they have ever put out imho. The knife looks like a little tiny knife when you just see the clip hooked on the pocket.

I like this model so much that I've bought a handful of them. I managed to resist the urge to buy the weird looking WBW version, but then changed my mind after they were gone and grabbed one off the Exchange. I'm carrying that one today:

 

[sgt1372]

That 452cf is one of the nicest knives they have ever put out imho. The knife looks like a little tiny knife when you just see the clip hooked on the pocket.

Yes, the short deep pocket clip on the 0452 is a real fake out. Makes it look like you're carrying a tiny pocket knife until you pull it out and deploy that sword like 4" blade. LOL!

I also have a Sprint 0452G10 Rose Gold Ti M390 version that I like but is too nice to carry. May buy the DLC blade/GL glow handle version too and was also thinking about buying the CF Blue/Ti version as well, but it looks too much like the regular CF version; the only difference being the blue annodized Ti scale and people are currently asking too much for it IMO.

This pretty much illustrates where I stand w/ZTs. Already have the ones I like, sold off the ones I don't (except for a 0900 that I'm still now sure I want to keep) and there aren't any others that I want to buy unless I purchase variations of ones that I already have/like. Just hoping that ZT'll come out w/some new releases (like Spyderco has) that I actually want to buy.

 

[b00n]

Why can't ZT make a 0452 with black CF and DLC Lockside and Satin Blade. Maybe I should just get a regular 0452CF and ask Josh to DLC the lockside for me.

 

[Lapedog]

I like this model so much that I've bought a handful of them. I managed to resist the urge to buy the weird looking WBW version, but then changed my mind after they were gone and grabbed one off the Exchange. I'm carrying that one today:

When practically everyone else was going thicker and heavier and more overbuilt Sinkevitch made a longer thinner knife that was still strong.

I love the fact they went for a linerless cf scale. That sealed it for me as my favourite ZT design. There are other knives that represent high points in ZTs design and build like the 1st gen 560/561 with the skeletonized liner. I never liked the fact ZT tends to use stainless steel liners on the Ti framelocks, but atleast skeletonize it if you guys must!

The 620 I loved very much just because I am a nut for Emerson Tantos, though I wish ZT would make a more cqc7 sized Emerson. I have my 620 out right now getting a liner delete cf scale installed.

 

[brando555]

These two are my favorite. Some of the Sinkevich designs are great too, especially the 0470 and 0452CF.

 

[Gideons]

When practically everyone else was going thicker and heavier and more overbuilt Sinkevitch made a longer thinner knife that was still strong.

I love the fact they went for a linerless cf scale. That sealed it for me as my favourite ZT design. There are other knives that represent high points in ZTs design and build like the 1st gen 560/561 with the skeletonized liner. I never liked the fact ZT tends to use stainless steel liners on the Ti framelocks, but atleast skeletonize it if you guys must!

The 620 I loved very much just because I am a nut for Emerson Tantos, though I wish ZT would make a more cqc7 sized Emerson. I have my 620 out right now getting a liner delete cf scale installed.

I think a ZT/Emerson collab that is a flipper/wave combo with a framelock would be very popular.

 

[Lapedog]

I think a ZT/Emerson collab that is a flipper/wave combo with a framelock would be very popular.

Honestly I haven’t loved the Emerson flipper designs. I also don’t want them to put a design like that on bearings which they almost certainly would.

I think the best flipper/wave combo knives I know of tend to be ones that have a double sides guard that is on the tang of the blade and not the handle.

Like this. Great way to get a flipper/wave.

 

[Therom]

Do you still think that ZT's are some of the best value after the 10%-20% price increase on all models?

Is it where we shall speak of Benchmade?


More seriously most American made blades have seen a price increase recently

I don’t say ZT are cheap but I the global trend of the market I think are still good
By the way, considering I In Europe I have other problems with prices...

My problem with ZT is more on the overall orientation of their designs, just as you pointed it

IMO most of ZT designs are not forme anymore but I cannot complain on the quality of the knives

I still have some ZT - 0350m390, 0801bk, 0801bw, 0562cf, 0630orblk...- that I will sell
I still want to keep my 0393 that I got for a good price for 20cv and titanium

In their new designs the 0470 and 0640 are appealing to me ... but I am on different kind of knives nowadays

 

[Khanvoy44]

Classic models are my go to...0300, 01, 02. 0560 and 0450. Reliable tuff as a pitbull on a bone!

 

[evilgreg]

When practically everyone else was going thicker and heavier and more overbuilt Sinkevitch made a longer thinner knife that was still strong.

I love the fact they went for a linerless cf scale. That sealed it for me as my favourite ZT design. There are other knives that represent high points in ZTs design and build like the 1st gen 560/561 with the skeletonized liner. I never liked the fact ZT tends to use stainless steel liners on the Ti framelocks, but atleast skeletonize it if you guys must!

The 620 I loved very much just because I am a nut for Emerson Tantos, though I wish ZT would make a more cqc7 sized Emerson. I have my 620 out right now getting a liner delete cf scale installed.

Couldn't agree more about the 0452 series, they feel great in hand despite being quite light for a big knife. My favorite version is even lighter still, by way of going linerless CF on both sides:

I know the design is polarizing for some, but I've grown to also really love the 0850, another Sinkevich ZT with CF handles and a sub-frame lock. Feels stout and reliable in hand, but it's still nice and light. It's the smoothest knife on washers that I own, and also my favorite wave-opener.

 

[Lapedog]

Couldn't agree more about the 0452 series, they feel great in hand despite being quite light for a big knife. My favorite version is even lighter still, by way of going linerless CF on both sides:

I know the design is polarizing for some, but I've grown to also really love the 0850, another Sinkevich ZT with CF handles and a sub-frame lock. Feels stout and reliable in hand, but it's still nice and light. It's the smoothest knife on washers that I own, and also my favorite wave-opener.

I’m waiting for ZT to do something really impressive and make an integral cf handled knife with a sub framelock installed.

So in other words the whole handle is made from one piece of cf. Hopefully if they ever do it they will make a thin and light knife to take advantage of cf’s properties rather than thinking, “cf is light so lets make a bulky chunky tank knife.”

 

[yamsi12]

Been disappointed with ZT lately. Gimmicky glow in the dark scales, price increase, etc. My last 5 or so knives have been fixed blades. If ZT had anything new I like I’d have bought them, but they seem to be going the route of pocket jewelry instead of hard use knives.

 

[Icky Thump]

100%

New on the brand and completely impressed. Great value and ZT seem to be in the groove right now. I can only only speak to these, but they are dialed in, all..straight out the box..

Couldn't agree more about the 0452 series, they feel great in hand despite being quite light for a big knife. My favorite version is even lighter still, by way of going linerless CF on both sides:

I know the design is polarizing for some, but I've grown to also really love the 0850, another Sinkevich ZT with CF handles and a sub-frame lock. Feels stout and reliable in hand, but it's still nice and light. It's the smoothest knife on washers that I own, and also my favorite wave-opener.

What a beauty. Must feel like a feather in hand. Great knife

 

[BD_01]

Sorry. Fat finger. Post to follow.

 

[BD_01]

Do you still think that ZT's are some of the best value after the 10%-20% price increase on all models?

Yes, I do.

EVERYONE is raising prices. It sucks because inflation (especially knives) is outpacing my raise in income. Each of the last two years I’ve bought fewer and fewer knives because of it—across the board.

That said, ZT is American made with outstanding quality, excellent fit and finish, and exceptional QC.

Lest someone label me a fanboy, less than a third of ZT’s catalogue interests me, ever. (The 0562 series, for example—not my thing). But I still appreciate that they’re quality pieces.

Statistically, I’ve had fewer QC issues with ZT than I have with Benchmade, Spyderco (including Taichung varieties) and even (gasp) CRK. The only small issue I’ve had with any ZT is the lockbar on my 0609 is a bit strong for my taste. Otherwise they have been perfect. (Ok, most of them could be thinner behind the edge, but that’s not QC.)

We live in a world where comparable Chinese knives cost $250 (WE 704 vs ZT 0470, for instance). So yeah, while they’re expensive, they’re premium knives and I think the value is there.

Personally, I’d take a 0470 over just about any Reate, and those are $350+ (but to each his/her own).



My ZT collection is meager, but I love these guys!

 

[presz]

They're still the best value out there, even with the prices increases. The price for what you get is unbeatable in my opinion.

0609 and the 0055 are my favorites lately. I still love my 0801, 0560 and 0550 and carry them often too.

 

[KVT]

...resist the urge to buy the weird looking WBW version.

Weird, AKA freakin' awesome. My favorite version.

 

[whp]

Being a person who doesn't t like flipper only opening mechanisms, I lost interest in ZT after I had gotten the 0350 (deassisted) , the 0551, and the 0561. But I handled the new 640 in my local shop this past week, and I was very impressed. Not that I need it.!!