Military vs ZT

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basspro

Joined
Jun 16, 2007
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I am an admitted fan of Spyderco. I haven't owned a ZT since WAAAY back in the day when Kershaw first released them. For some reason I am being drawn to a large knife. I'm a big guy so large framed blades don't worry me. Been eyeing the ZT0909 and the Spyderco Military. I don't beat the crap out of my stuff- but I'd like to have a large folder to EDC & have for emergencies. I know the ZT is heavier, but am I missing something if I stick with the Spydiehole vs flipper? I can get either for roughly the same price ($160-$180). I don't have the luxury of buying both. If forced to choose right this second, I would go with the Military since I tend to be brand loyal. Thoughts or opinions to either support or change my mind?
 
If I wanted a cutting tool, I would go with the Military, as it should slice better and carry easier. On the other hand, If I wanted a tool suitable for non-intended usage (opposite of "right tool for the job", can't think of anything better) or a "toy" to flip, I would get the 0909.

Edit : Nothing wrong with wanting a "toy" to flip, I have another ZT for this purpose myself :D
 
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Every once in a while, going out of your comfort zone isn't necessarily a bad thing. It will either prove you need to stick with what you know or it will open up new options.
Why not try a ZT ????
 
I recently bought a ZT 0909 and I love it ... its been in my pocket nearly everyday since ... I like that its a manual flipper not assisted but still flies out when deployed ... is very smooth and extremly comfortable in hand.

I liked it so much I actually just receieved a second one Saturday.

I like the Millie myself but between the 2 for me it would be the ZT 0909 everytime. It cuts very well better then most seem to think just because it's a larger knife that its too thick to be a slicer ... but this one between the blade shape and ergos ... slices rather well.
 
Can't say about the zt as I've never warmed up to them.

I own 2 millies currently and I do not collect knives so 2 of anything says a lot for what I think of them. I think the m4 millie is the best pocket knife I've ever owned. If you're as brand loyal as you say, you'll get one eventually.
 
You can't go wrong with either. I've been on a big ZT kick as of late since a local sporting goods shop carries them as their premium line. I will say that of the half a dozen I own, the 909 is my favorite. I have one in my pocket as I type. It is heavy, but it's a great slicer too. Actually, it may have the thinnest edge of all my ZTs.

Spydies are fantastic. I have half a dozen of them as well. I would feel well served with one. However, I have never owned a Military. The 909 really is one of those sleeper knives that doesn't get a ton of press yet everyone who tries one out seems smitten.
 
People say ZT does not cut (well) probably never tried a ZT, esp when the subject of discussion is ZT0909.

To the OP - between ZT0909 and Spyderco Military, it really boils down to personal preference, because both are excellent folders. The ZT is heavier, more sturdy, and with a liner lock, while the spydie is lighter, with a more delicate tip, and with a liner lock (Millies with frame lock are more expensive than zt0909).
 
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I am looking forward to trying my first Spydeco. Never had one, but looking forward to getting a couple. I like slicey.
 
Good stuff guys- thanks. The ZT model numbers are a pain in the a** when you try to research. Naming them is so much easier! I'll keep doing the research on the 909. Is there another ZT that's even larger/longer? I have really long hands which is why the Millie fits so well.
 
Yes - ZT 0920 and 0200 both have a handle > 5.1". ZT 0560/1 handle is close to 5". I believe all these handles are longer than 0909, but good luck finding 0560/1 and 0200. 0920 retails at $240 which is over your budget.
 
basspro said:
Good stuff guys- thanks. The ZT model numbers are a pain in the a** when you try to research. Naming them is so much easier! I'll keep doing the research on the 909. Is there another ZT that's even larger/longer? I have really long hands which is why the Millie fits so well.
Click to expand...

ZT0452, you can even get it still in M390 in the Smokey Mountains
 
Zero tolerance is my favourite brand beside hinderer. I would strongly recommend most ZT models. I find flippers are better especially for hard use the flipper on ZT act as large finger choil/guard so you won't EVER slip forward. Also, all folding knives have the possibilities that the lock could fail... The flipper is large enough on most ZT's (including the 0909) that if the lock did fail the flipper would hit your finger and not the blade. These safety features also provided by flipper is why the flipper is my favourite deployment method.
 
Yes the 560/1 is a bit longer but more expensive ... Im not sure any of the others are longer maybe the 0452 but its a thinner blade and handle it doesnt fill my hand like the 0909. The 0562 has a decent size fills my hand but something about the 0909 that really just feels good to me.
 
own both love both. very different knives but both very good. buy the one you want, that is the only correct answer.
 
OP....the 0909 is worthy of a shot. It is an awesome knife. I've been carrying mine for months now, and it is problem free. It flips hard, and fast, but its also loud. When you flip it, it sounds like the slide on a semi auto pistol going home. It gets peoples attention. Lockup is rock solid, with no blade play in any direction. There are also 2 generations of these. 1st gen has machined cutouts in the scales, and 2nd gen has rounded off edges on the scales. I have both, and the rounded 2nd gen are a little more comfortable in hand. The 0909 also runs on bearings. Steel liners with steel bearings will last a long time. Blow it out once in a while, and your good. It's a badass knife, and I recommend it. :thumbsup:
 
Just pulled the specs on both the Millie & 909. The Millie closed is 5.5" & the 909 is 4.75". Overall length is Millie 9.5" & the 909 is 8.5". As mentioned, my hands are really long (easily palm a basketball). The grip on the Millie would seems to provide the size I need. That said- the 909 keeps calling!
 
I can palm a basket ball and where XL gloves snuggly but the 0909 is plenty of knife to hold onto ... and the form feels very good in hand ... I can work with it for extended periods without hot spots or hand fatigue ... I don't think you'd find it to small.

There arent many knives with exception of some fixed blades that give you alot more to hold.

Both knives are really quaility you can't go wrong. But I think you may really like the 0909 I know it surprised me. And if not you can alwayss sell it here and not lose much and then get the Millie if you decide that's what you need.
 
I have Spyderco and zt knives. Sometimes it's good to have a different type of knife to fill a different role. Zt is usually a little thicker behind the edge but that can be a good thing depending upon type of material being cut. Spyderco knives are great especially when cutting deep items like an apple. You may not see much difference when doing shallow cuts like fabric.
 
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