Need an honest, experienced comparison: Strider vs. ZT 0300

Eric H

Eric H

Joined
Jul 15, 1999
Messages
541
I've recently picked up a few decent knives, the best of which is a user (cosmetically worn only) ZT 0300.

This, along with an Emerson CQC-12 framelock that I once had and sold off, is the highest quality folding knife that I've had the privilege of owning--and handling (meaning that I've never even seen a Strider in person.)

For some reason, I'm now wondering if it would be worth it to sell off the 0300 (and the other couple good knives I own) to try to pick up a decent, used ~$300 Strider SMF or SnG.

Can someone explain the differences between the two knives (the ZT and a Strider)? I'm not talking about size, weight, handle shape or even materials.

I guess I just want to know if the Strider feels like a knife that costs twice that of the ZT.

(I'm not looking for anyone to bash either brand--I just want to hear an honest comparison.)

Thanks!
 
Eric H said:
I've recently picked up a few decent knives, the best of which is a user (cosmetically worn only) ZT 0300.

This, along with an Emerson CQC-12 framelock that I once had and sold off, is the highest quality folding knife that I've had the privilege of owning--and handling (meaning that I've never even seen a Strider in person.)

For some reason, I'm now wondering if it would be worth it to sell off the 0300 (and the other couple good knives I own) to try to pick up a decent, used ~$300 Strider SMF or SnG.

Can someone explain the differences between the two knives (the ZT and a Strider)? I'm not talking about size, weight, handle shape or even materials.

I guess I just want to know if the Strider feels like a knife that costs twice that of the ZT.

(I'm not looking for anyone to bash either brand--I just want to hear an honest comparison.)
The one Strider that I handled for a week was a Pimped AR that was a passaround. It was a VERY stout knife but it didn't scream quality. It was just a nice very strong knife. That said I would like to get a SMF one day but will probably have to go used because they are so expensive.

Thanks!
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The one Strider that I handled for a week was a Pimped AR that was a passaround. It was a VERY stout knife but it didn't scream quality. It was just a nice very strong knife. That said I would like to get a SMF one day but will probably have to go used because they are so expensive.
 
I have had the ZT302 and the Strider Sng, both tiger striped and coyote tan. I sold the ZT and kept the Strider. Why? I don't know, the Strider has folks who stand behind there product, no questions asked. Best warranty in the business period. Battle tested, loved by Special Ops folks, who really really use a knife to the edge of extreme. There is just an aura about the Strider knives. Using my head and being rational the ZT is really just as good if not better, warranty aside. Users of Striders are rabid in their allegiance to the brand, and I am as well. Fewer made, harder to obtain, retain their value even when used. Just my thoughts. Others I am sure will disagree. In the end, get what YOU like, and the heck with everyone else, enjoy and use your knife.
 
jeffzerot said:
I have had the ZT302 and the Strider Sng, both tiger striped and coyote tan. I sold the ZT and kept the Strider. Why? I don't know, the Strider has folks who stand behind there product, no questions asked. Best warranty in the business period. Battle tested, loved by Special Ops folks, who really really use a knife to the edge of extreme. There is just an aura about the Strider knives. Using my head and being rational the ZT is really just as good if not better, warranty aside. Users of Striders are rabid in their allegiance to the brand, and I am as well. Fewer made, harder to obtain, retain their value even when used. Just my thoughts. Others I am sure will disagree. In the end, get what YOU like, and the heck with everyone else, enjoy and use your knife.
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Best way to put it.
 
I also like to see an honest and really really experienced comparison for Strider vs. ZT 0300

Thanks, Vassili.
 
I agree with Vassili.
ZT stands behind their products 110%--IMO they have the best warranty in the business. True, I've not handled a strider, nor experienced their warranty, but if your ZT breaks, they'll give you a new one, no questions asked. (maybe strider does the same)
 
knivesandguns said:
I agree with Vassili.
ZT stands behind their products 110%--IMO they have the best warranty in the business. True, I've not handled a strider, nor experienced their warranty, but if your ZT breaks, they'll give you a new one, no questions asked. (maybe strider does the same)
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I could be wrong, but I think abuse is not covered by ZT. Strider has the anyway you break it abuse or not we will fix it for the cost of shipping.

I have had both and sold the three 300s I had and now highly favor DGG or CC SNGs. They carry SO much better. The wide blade on the 300 was a little much for me. Both are great knives and either one will get the job done.

You might like to look at the take down review of a 300 I did about 5 months ago. Tons of pix in there :cool:

Does the SNG feel like it is worth two or three 300s? To me not really, but add the "you break in anyway, we fix it" thingy and how easy a CC or DGG carries VS the heavy wide 300 and I think the SNG is worth it. You will sooner or later, NOT like lugging all that weight around. Then the new search for another "lighter" tough guy knife will be on again... The SNG will come up again. If you can.... Sit all weekend refreshing the exchange...save your change if you have to....Dig around the floor or you truck/car....... You can score a nice user SNG for not much more than a new TAD gear only 300. If you don't like it they trade fast ;)
 
They are different animals . I have owned a ZT , and currently own several Striders . The ZT is superb , I offed it for two reasons : 1) I dont care for assisted openers, 2) It was larger than I like for EDC and weighs almost 8 ozs . I like the grip ergos better on the SNG and SMF , I truly love the choil ( think finger insurance ) . I prefer the flat ground blade on the Striders , I devoutly believe in KISS , so I would rather not mess with assisted openers . I dont like flippers much , and the ZT 300 thumb studs are non functional

I think I would have been happier with the ZT 200 . If I couldn't afford , or couldn't obtain a Strider , I would probably pack a ZT 200 .

In an abuse to destruction scenario , I would believe they would be pretty comparable . Both offer great warranties . It comes down to personal preference .

Hope these ramblings help ,

Chris
 
I have both the SNG and 301. They are different animals. The 301 is bigger and harder to cary EDC. Its quality is good though. The blade is thinner than the SNG. It doesnt have a choil which limits the different holds you can employ. The 301 is assisted and the SNG is not. Having both I have to say that the SNG is better for EDC, is more versatile and is probably stronger. I still like the 301 and if you dont want to drop $400 on an SNG then the 300 or 301 is a good choice if the size is not too much.
 
So far this is all personal preferences not really based on hard use. Where is all this really really Battle situations where Strider cut through tank armor and kill thousands of bad guys twice each?

"I have ZT and sell it because it is bigger"? Are we talking about intercontinental ballistic Strider knives really really Spec Ops tools? They are better because they are tiny and lightweight and better accessories on the jeans?

Well I handle Strider and never buy it - do not see reason to pay twice for same knife from same materials, with less features only because all this legends and not even legends but hints of legends, because I never actually see any examples of heavy use of this knives on the Battlefield of Spec Ops etc... For battle field I hope Spec Ops have better weapons then pocket knives - even those knives has this attractive military look.

Warranty does not really bother me - so far I never break any knife to use this warranty, and it should not be an issue for unbreakable knife.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
:eek: :D

nozh2002 said:
So far this is all personal preferences not really based on hard use. Where is all this really really Battle situations where Strider cut through tank armor and kill thousands of bad guys twice each?

"I have ZT and sell it because it is bigger"? Are we talking about intercontinental ballistic Strider knives really really Spec Ops tools? They are better because they are tiny and lightweight and better accessories on the jeans?

Well I handle Strider and never buy it - do not see reason to pay twice for same knife from same materials, with less features only because all this legends and not even legends but hints of legends, because I never actually see any examples of heavy use of this knives on the Battlefield of Spec Ops etc... For battle field I hope Spec Ops have better weapons then pocket knives - even those knives has this attractive military look.

Warranty does not really bother me - so far I never break any knife to use this warranty, and it should not be an issue for unbreakable knife.

Thanks, Vassili.
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well I had ZT and sold it… still have my SMF ))
ZT is superb, I just like Strider better (handle shape fits me bettre and its lighter)
 
Thanks for the opinions--I really appreciate them.

I think, for now, I've decided to hang on to the 0300. It's an amazing (quality) knife. It's hard for me to imagine a knife (that's meant to be used) that can feel 'better' made.

As I said in the first post, the weight truly doesn't bother me--I routinely pack a full sized 1911 or Hi-Power (with extra 15 round mag) comfortably. The 8 oz. knife is barely noticable.

Also, the other two knives I mentioned can be substituted at any time--an Emerson Super CQC-7 (which I'm debating trading off due to my love/hate relationship with tanto blades) and a Benchmade mini spearpoint Striker (which is perfect for those times when I can only carry a small blade.)

Not to disparage Strider (I'm sure I'll end up owning one at some point), but for now I think I just need to keep hype from influencing my choice.
 
Good choice, a few people have modded the ZT to fit their needs, some have had a regrind, some put in a choil, flamed the Ti etc.

I like the look of Striders... just can't see spending that much on a knife when there's other manufacturers that appear to me to be great for my needs.

I think Spark had a long thread going on about Strider too--kinda scared me away from them....
 
nozh2002 said:
So far this is all personal preferences not really based on hard use. Where is all this really really Battle situations where Strider cut through tank armor and kill thousands of bad guys twice each?

"I have ZT and sell it because it is bigger"? Are we talking about intercontinental ballistic Strider knives really really Spec Ops tools? They are better because they are tiny and lightweight and better accessories on the jeans?

Well I handle Strider and never buy it - do not see reason to pay twice for same knife from same materials, with less features only because all this legends and not even legends but hints of legends, because I never actually see any examples of heavy use of this knives on the Battlefield of Spec Ops etc... For battle field I hope Spec Ops have better weapons then pocket knives - even those knives has this attractive military look.

Warranty does not really bother me - so far I never break any knife to use this warranty, and it should not be an issue for unbreakable knife.

Thanks, Vassili.
Click to expand...
+1!

Great post Vassili!!

Some people need to find the most ridiculous excuses, in order to justify spending twice the money on a product made of the exact same materials, of equal quality-- if not worse and designed by the same people! LOL
 
Outdoors Fanatic said:
+1!

Great post Vassili!!

Some people need to find the most ridiculous excuses, in order to justify spending twice the money on a product made of the exact same materials, of equal quality-- if not worse and designed by the same people! LOL
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I don't own either, but I can say that there are definitely differences between the two. I would never own the zt300 because it weighs half a pound, the blade has a recurve, and it has AO (i know you can remove this). It doesn't really matter how much cheaper it is than the SNG, I'm still not buying it.
 
mongomondo said:
I don't own either, but I can say that there are definitely differences between the two. I would never own the zt300 because it weighs half a pound, the blade has a recurve, and it has AO (i know you can remove this). It doesn't really matter how much cheaper it is than the SNG, I'm still not buying it.
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So you would pay twice the price to get something made with the same materials and same quality, only because it weights less and has a different blade shape? If the ZT was built without the Speed Safe, with less weight and in a smaller size, it would cost even less... Let's just be honest and agree that most Strider enthusiasts are only paying a premium, because there is a certain man behind the company with great marking skills who created an Urban Myth.
 
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I have a couple AR's that I absolutely love and I do carry them as they come up in my rotation. What I have never understood is why some people want to question other people over what they paid for their knives, or what knife they bought!:confused: It's not like I'm using their money to buy the product. I like what I buy or I wouldn't buy them. I like the design & build of the AR so much that I have two of them. There are a lot of knives mentioned in posts that I don't think much of, but I never question the person about the price or the knife bought, why? because I have no vested interest in the knife.

People are going to buy what they want, be it a Strider, or something else. That's just the way it is. Don't get so worked up over it, unless they are using YOUR money to buy it.
 
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