Mini Cyclone ZDP & ZT 301/302

Tyrkon Lawson

Tyrkon Lawson

Joined
Oct 31, 2003
Messages
8,583
Hi guys. This is my first post in this forum as I am usually with the HOGS in the Busse forum. Anyway, I am on the hunt for a beefy Ti frame lock folder. The ones that have caught my eyes so far are the Mini Cyclone Ti ZDP and the ZT 300's. I have always been a fixed blade user as folder failure scares me. But as I have begun to look back into the folder scene I see how far the locking systems have evolved. Frame locks are the ones that I feel most secure with.

So I am primarily looking for a beefy frame lock that I would EDC in the urban setting. It will be used for every day chores like cutting plastic ties, rope, etc... I does not really need to be able to pry and chop as that is what my fixed blades are for. Are these two really close in strength, size, etc...? The ZT 300s are about an extra $100 for me so I am not sure if I need to spend the extra $$$ if the Cyclone does all I need.

Also, it appears that they both have a "flipper" to aide in easy opening. Does this also act as a type of guard to prevent the hand from slipping forward? It also looks like it would keep the blade from closing, or at least help prevent it.

All advice welcomed. Thanks guys.
 
I haven't handled those two models, but there are some others I'd advise looking at if you haven't considered them.

If you're alright with liner locks (Which is a lock Kershaw does very well IMO) check out the Junkyard Dawg 2 and Ener-g 2. They're both beefy, G10 folders with blades that are robust but still cut well. Each uses a flipper, though the Ener-g has a different one than most folders. These are two of the most comfortable knives that have come out in the past year that I've gotten to handle.

Another nice knife that is the lock you want, a beefy framelock, is the Kershaw Groove. It's real comfortable as well and the G10 overlays are very grippy.

One last knife I want to mention, the Spec Bump. 3D shaped G10 handles, assisted opening, very well done recurve blade shape and excellent ergonomics. It has a unique lock called a stud lock, which has been 100% secure and reliable for me in the two Bumps I've owned.

Each of these run around 50 or 60$, except for the Spec Bump which is a little over 100$ (Speed Bump is about 60 though).

I haven't used the ZDP Mini Cyclone, but I did find the regular Mini Cyclone just a hair too small for my grip. I could get all four fingers on but the butt of the handle felt about 1/4 to 1/2 inch too short to get a real solid grip on.

The ZT folders look great. I've been looking at the 0200 for months myself.
 
Check out the Ti Junkyard Dog II SG2, that is one heavy duty knife.

I have the regular Junkyard Dog II and it's a tank, so I barely even imagine how beefy the Ti JYD II SG2 will be!

I don't have any personal experience with any of the Zero Tolerance knives, but I would imagine that you'd be hard pressed to find a more heavy duty folder just about anywhere. Those things are built for heavy duty work!
 
Welcome to the Kershaw forum!

I don't have the Mini Cyclone, but I do have the ZT 301. The 301 is a fairly large knife, it has a thick blade for a folder and a beefy build. In light of your affinity for Busse, I think you would be pretty comfortable with it. You did mention that you wanted to use it as an EDC in an urban setting, I think it will definitely raise a few eyebrows in use. If it'll be your only EDC (I've been carrying mine along with a Random Leek), you may find the blade a bit large and wide to get into small spaces. So far the 301 and the Leek have been a good EDC pair.

Thread with some quick 301 feedback.

Size wise, the TI-ZDP Mini Cyclone will probably be a better bet for solo EDC use. Most comments I have seen about it are glowing. There are numerous threads about it scattered in the different forums.

Mini-Cyclone Ti-ZDP thread.

The flippers do help keep your hand of the blade.

Either way both are great knives. Depending on how comfortable you are using large knives in front of other people, the Mini-Cyclone might be the more practical bet.

Sooner or later someone will be along to tell you to get both. To tell the truth, if Thomas will stop distracting me with amazing new knives, I plan on picking up the Ti-ZDP Mini-Cyclone eventually (hope there are still some left).

I'll also second the recommendation to take a look at the Ti Junkyard Dog II SG2.
Also, the Lahar might be another one to check out.
 
I have a TI/ZDP mini cyclone, and it is a great knife. Very secure lock up. I would not hesitate to use it hard.
 
Another vote for the Mini Ti/ZDP...haven't had the chance to handle a ZT 300 series yet.
 
DO get the Mini Cyclone ZDP & Ti!! Now mind you, I only buy custom knives. The Mini Cyclone w/ ZDP & Ti ROCKS!!
 
I've carried BOTH... the ZT0301 is an impressive knife. Too impessive, and a bit too much. ESPECIALLY if you have fixed blades. I really can't imagine ever needing more in an EDC than the TiZDP mini. I've owned many customs including semi like the Sebenza. The Mini ZDP at abotu $150 is BY FAR the best value imaginable for a general use folder. I just can't say enough about it. Plus how it feels in the hand, the versatility of switching the assist on and off???? wow!
 
Guys, thanks so much for the feedback. I think I am going to try out the Mini Cyclone Ti ZDP first. My fixed blades handle most of my hard work so I really do not need a folder to try to replace them. But I DO want a folder that is sturdy and has a secure lock up and grip. Both knives look awesome but I think I will go with the advise on using the mini as an EDC.

Thanks again bro. I'll post pics and a review when it arrives.
 
I have one of the plain-jane, run-of-the-mill Mini-Cyclones, (as well as a pair of the full-sized Cyclone), and I have to say...Get a Mini-Cyclone (and/or the full-sized version)...Do it now. These Cylones are amazing!.:thumbup:.:thumbup:.
 
I JUST ABOUT STOPPED CARRYING MY MORE EXPENSIVE FOLDERS(NOT MENTIONING NAMES)EVER SINCE I GOT THE MINI ZDP CYCLONE ALSO REGROUND THINNER BY TOM KREIN! AMAZING CUTTER!:thumbup:
 
Thanks guys. I just scored a Mini Cyclone Ti ZDP from a fellow forumite.. It should be here before the weekend. I cant' wait.

Note: Would the "speed assist" make it illegal where knives like switch blades, gravity knives, etc... are illegal? I live in So. Cal. I can carry any size folder but I guess I better find out if the "speed assist" effects the legality of the mini. :confused:
 
to my knowledge speed assist is legal in so cal. I carry an assisted blur sometime with no trouble yet.
 
A law enforcement buddy of mine confirmed that it is indeed legal at this time in CA. :)

It shipped today so now: THE WAIT!
 
I also have both, I had the Ti ZDP Cyclone reground by Tom Krein after seeing Gary's

It cuts like a laser

If you need to field dress a knat the Ti/ZDP Cyclone is the way to go, If you need to field dress an APC the 301/302 is the way to go.

The fit and finish on mine were perfect, great lockup sharp. At first the cyclone opened a little slow turns out one of the handle screws was over torqued thus squeezing the mechanism too hard. Now it fires ultrafast the 301 is fast also and that heavy blade hase some inertia. Reminds me of the larger Microtechs opening Socom elites and the Amphibian

Bottom line

GET BOTH
 
Alright guys... I just got my Mini Cyclone in today from a fellow forumite today.

First off it is waaaaaaaaaaaay smaller than I expected. But in a very good way. I am very much a novice when it comes to folders so I am not used to average size, minis, etc. . When I say smaller I mean compact. This is going to be a sweet EDC blade because of that. Small and light but very solid, if that makes sense. The ergonomics of the handle are outstanding IMHO. I just fit all four fingers on the handle. The flipper and handle make for a very nice front guard. The thumb ramp is perfect. I really like the blade shape (drop point?) as well. It is razor sharp. The "speed assist" snaps the blade out in a blink. And, my favorite part, it has a beefy frame lock.

I have to put this baby to some use before I can honestly review it. But my first impression is, "You guys were spot on"!

Thanks for all the feed back guys. :)

P.S. I'll post some pics when I find my camera. ;)
 
Put it thru it's paces. It will perform as described. You won't be disappointed! There is one slight drawback I could envision: if you were to ever dull the blade (using it to cut copper pipe, trim stainless steel, etc.), the ZDP plays hell with a Sharpmaker - have some good stones available. Enjoy!
 
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