My First ZT And My Impressions

[RamZar]

From my research the 0350 seemed like ZT's "Griptilian", the perfect entry level knife to the brand.

Congrats on a fine choice.

ZT has made a killing with the 0350 series with over 20 models. I actually like it with or without the assisted opening. I even made my own model: ZDP-189 blade of the 0350ZDPCKTST (always handy to have serrations), steel liner of the 0360 with the carbide glass breaker and the aluminum scales of the 0350GRN.

 

[Fred Sanford]

I have most of the high-quality Taiwan-made Spydercos and only one of them cost me $200+ and that was the Southard and it's well worth the price.

I guess I shouldn't say 200+ but there are just too many close to $200. The Tuff, The Southard, the Chaparral, the new Firefly, are all above $200. A good many of the rest are close to $200.

I don't want to derail this thread so I'm going to stop.

 

[Fred Sanford]

Congrats on a fine choice.

ZT has made a killing with the 0350 series with over 20 models. I actually like it with or without the assisted opening. I even made my own model: ZDP-189 blade of the 0350ZDPCKTST (always handy to have serrations), steel liner of the 0360 with the carbide glass breaker and the aluminum scales on the 0350GRN.

Dang, that looks awesome. I like the aluminum scales on that one.

I plan on de-assisting whichever one I get.

 

[B.F.U]

Congrats on a fine choice.

ZT has made a killing with the 0350 series with over 20 models. I actually like it with or without the assisted opening. I even made my own model: ZDP-189 blade of the 0350ZDPCKTST (always handy to have serrations), steel liner of the 0360 with the carbide glass breaker and the aluminum scales of the 0350GRN.

I think the serrations on the 03xx's and 0200's are brilliant. They nullify the recurve sharpening problem while the recurve gives more length to the serrations and makes them bite. If I get a ZT (I REALLY want to find a ZT I like) it will be a serrated 0350 or 0200.

 

[goodeyesniper]

OP said the handle is a little thick and uncomfortable for him... sounds like a spyderco would have been a better choice unless your only concern is in telling people you have an overbuilt folder?

you won't find much better thin ergonomics than on something like a pm2. and especially if one of the first things you notice us the thicker handle not suiting your hands. IMO after handling a needlessly overbuilt folder, you will slip something like a pm2 in your pocket for a few weeks and fall in love with just how much better and more efficient it is at any task besides prying up manhole covers.

 

[northend816]

Congrats on the 0350TS it was also my very first ZT for the same reason. I think you will end up with many more in ur collection. After my first one it was the only thing I would buy for a year and I now have 12 with 3 on preorder in that year. I hope it makes a ZT fan boy out of you as some would say....the haters who are mad ZT is doing so well.

 

[adamg01]

OP said the handle is a little thick and uncomfortable for him... sounds like a spyderco would have been a better choice unless your only concern is in telling people you have an overbuilt folder?

you won't find much better thin ergonomics than on something like a pm2. and especially if one of the first things you notice us the thicker handle not suiting your hands. IMO after handling a needlessly overbuilt folder, you will slip something like a pm2 in your pocket for a few weeks and fall in love with just how much better and more efficient it is at any task besides prying up manhole covers.

I am still going to get a PM2, I love my Delica. The 0350 is a little big but not to the point that I don't want to use it. When you go from carrying a Griptilian and Delica to a Zt, it takes some adjustment.

 

[mrdabble]

Congrats on ZT! I recently received my first, a 0550, and i am absolutely impressed. Oozed with quality I read up there^^, what a great way to describe how it felt.

If its feeling big for your hands, the spyderco Endura 4 has a slimmer handle, but still packs a punch IMO. also avaliable with the wave feature, I find that one to be a winner as well, mayhap fit your needs.

 

[stabman]

I guess I shouldn't say 200+ but there are just too many close to $200. The Tuff, The Southard, the Chaparral, the new Firefly, are all above $200.

The Tuff is worth it.
I showed it to a guy a work last night and he could see why it costs what it does...and this is a guy who thought his $10 knife was pricey.
Titanium, 3V...what's not to like?

 

[bladeboss]

This thread needs more pictures!
ZT kicks you-know-what.
I know it's not a 350, but it's still a ZT.
I use mine for cutting sheetrock, too. ZT's are made to not hold back.

 

[Stays Sharp]

Most of the Taiwan models (and new 2013 and 2014 models) are made in Taiwan but have pricetags of $200 +. That's a big no thanks for me. I'll keep my money in the States for that price.

If youre gonna use that reasoning to avoid Spyderco, is ZT the answer to that? American built with copious use of foreign steel and OWNED by a Japanese company. Your money is not staying in the States, at least not all of it, same with most production knife companies. Spyderco makes knives in the US also and is founded right here. Point is, For around $200, both Spyderco and ZT offer great products regardless of the other stuff.

 

[adamg01]

This thread needs more pictures!
ZT kicks you-know-what.
I use mine for cutting sheetrock, too. Its made to not hold back.

That's a sexy pic.

 

[blame it on god]

Pictars!

 

[adamg01]

Pictars!

What model is the one near the middle with the "puter" looking handle?

 

[blame it on god]

Top to bottom.

350
700
801
560

That's what I was saying earlier. The 700's handle looks so wrong, but feels so right. lol!

 

[csisland]

My brother has a zt 350 that I carried and played around with and I thought it was way too heavy for my liking, plus not a good pocket carry imo.

 

[2ac]

Really like my 360SKD..

 

[adamg01]

Man, I dig that 801 but I need to get me a PM2. I also wish I hadn't seen those Kizer knives, they are tempting as well.

 

[Comeuppance]

Man, I dig that 801 but I need to get me a PM2. I also wish I hadn't seen those Kizer knives, they are tempting as well.

Kizer is a very new kid on the block - promising so far, but, I would stay with an established company that has a warranty department in the US for now. Kizer could crumble at any minute - then what do you do with your knife when it develops an issue?

Kizer makes very attractive knives with good materials and at a good price point, but always look at the company before you buy the knife. I'll be watching Kizer carefully for a while before I get anything - ZT is a known quality brand that makes very similar knives in form and function, and in a similar price range.

 

[adamg01]

Kizer is a very new kid on the block - promising so far, but, I would stay with an established company that has a warranty department in the US for now. Kizer could crumble at any minute - then what do you do with your knife when it develops an issue?

Kizer makes very attractive knives with good materials and at a good price point, but always look at the company before you buy the knife. I'll be watching Kizer carefully for a while before I get anything - ZT is a known quality brand that makes very similar knives in form and function, and in a similar price range.

Those are some valid points. I want to try an Emerson, most likely a Horseman. I also just done a little more research on Kizer, I'll pass.