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

[archieblue]

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.

The SnG stand out to me because of what it IS. If I could buy the EXACT same knife for half the price, made by Kershaw, I would. But there are ideas, and a design that is just better IMO. In no particular order:

-The GREAT finger choil which makes a smaller handle quite larger/more versatile when unfolded
-the integral backspacer
-the hole opener
-the lightness
-the WARRANTY
-the blade shape
-the heat treat
-the super boss jimping
-the fact that Mick and/or Duane made that knife in a 4 man shop

Sure it is expensive, but for what you pay, you get a knife for as long as Strider exists no matter what. Because it can always be tweaked and fixed I really consider that you get 2-3 knives in one purchase. Kershaw probably gets 20-30 knives a week in for repair.. Strider probably gets one knife a week in for repair.

 

[Lenny_Goofoff]

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?

mmm... yes
besides, i didn pay full price (hint: check Exchange often)

...there is a certain man behind the company with great marking skills who created an Urban Myth

i dont care who is Mick (or who he wasnt)
I buy design/ergos i like, not "myth"

ZT is great knife, nonetheless, definitely on par with original Striders

 

[J32A2]

I had a CB SMF and I have 3 ZT 300's. The Strider just did not fit my paw well! Awesome knife, just the egro's did not work for me.

 

[steveg30]

I just bought a new ZT 0300 I really like it . I also have the 0400 but its hard to sharpen. Most of the time I just carry a benchmade 913bk. I would love to have a strider some day . Been eyeing a bradley alias 1.

 

[SPXTrader]

I'll just address the warranty issue, and let the discussion go on its merry way.

Kershaw warranties their ZT line UNCONDITIONALLY. Break it, get a new one. No questions asked.

 

[trimcut123]

Shut up...

sebbie

 

[batosai117]

+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

*opens can of worms and pulls up soap box*

Well now, paying more money for the same materials is a problem with you? I guess it is safe to assume that you prefer gas station knives since they are "made of the exact same materials." Everybody has their preference, and pointing that out isn't going to get you a high five here, a place where a majority of us spend a lifetime buying knives that the general public would not even think of. For the average joe, a $30.00 buck knife is all they want/need/know. But to US, knives are a passion, a lifestyle, and even a means of support, and to laugh at that is just childish.

I've owned a benchmade mini-skirmish, made of titanium handles and an S30V blade, I liked it, but it wasn't a sebenza. I got my sebenza, I'm content, and it has better ergonomics and a blade shape that I favor. They both have the same materials, but one is a quarter of the price and just not my cup of tea. The sebenza comes with the warranty, the great fit and finish, and a better blade shape IMHO.

The same applies to cars, all have 4 wheels and move, but some are "better" than others and the price reflects that, even if they materials are generally the same things.

To the OP, the ZT301 is a great knife, but it's up to you to handle a "real" Strider to see if it's worth it to you. I had always wondered if the whole Sebenza thing was just a hype until I held one for myself, love at first sight (in my hand). Sell those knives off and get one if you really want it. Striders and other high end knives will always re-sell for just below what you paid for them, and trade value is even better if you don't like it.

*steps off soap box*

 

[So-Lo]

I'll just address the warranty issue, and let the discussion go on its merry way.

Kershaw warranties their ZT line UNCONDITIONALLY. Break it, get a new one. No questions asked.

That is good to know

For me it is a pretty big deal in a "hard use" knife. I really can not see a 300 breaking unless you were just trying to break it. A la, smashing it through a truck frame.

 

[stabman]

I guess it is safe to assume that you prefer gas station knives since they are "made of the exact same materials."

No they aren't.
No name steel and toxic plastic is not the same as comparing 2 knives which DO use the same materials(G-10, titanium, and S30V steel).
Personally, I think the Strider knives are good, but about $100 overpriced.
I like my Emerson Comrade better than a Strider though, so I'm happy.

 

[BOBO]

You should most likely compare the 0300 to a Strider RC (recurve folder) for a better side-by-side. Here's my 2 cents, I'm issued the SMF and have carried one for a long time, but my complaint is that you can't put the pocket clip anywhere else on the knife. One location only: right side tip up. The other thing is that if you try to use the lanyard hole, the blade will just cut it in half. A lanyard is something I use a lot, but is most likely not a big deal to anyone else. Everything else is spot on. But when the 0300 came out it addressed my above complaints except it has a recurve blade and a thick tip profile, neither are my preference. So I promptly put serrations in the recurve and have been using it every since. The 0300 goes with me as a back up or a loaner knife. It is currently riding in the pocket of a teammate who lost his folder before getting here. I think that for the money, you can't go wrong with the 0300, material and fit are top notch. And if they ever produced a 0300 without the recurve and AO action, I would carry it just for the simple reason that it is a hell of a knife for $200. And I recommend it to guys who are looking for a high end knife but can't afford the Strider. So thats it. Buy both, can't go wrong. But know that the 0300 is a hell of a knife, in my opinion. Bill

 

[mongomondo]

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.

Weight and blade shape are important to me. If it's heavier than I like I won't carry it. if it has a bladeshape that I find difficult to sharpen I won't carry it. If ZT made a smaller version of the 300 without recurve then I would buy it.

 

[nozh2002]

*opens can of worms and pulls up soap box*

Well now, paying more money for the same materials is a problem with you? I guess it is safe to assume that you prefer gas station knives since they are "made of the exact same materials." Everybody has their preference, and pointing that out isn't going to get you a high five here, a place where a majority of us spend a lifetime buying knives that the general public would not even think of. For the average joe, a $30.00 buck knife is all they want/need/know. But to US, knives are a passion, a lifestyle, and even a means of support, and to laugh at that is just childish.

I've owned a benchmade mini-skirmish, made of titanium handles and an S30V blade, I liked it, but it wasn't a sebenza. I got my sebenza, I'm content, and it has better ergonomics and a blade shape that I favor. They both have the same materials, but one is a quarter of the price and just not my cup of tea. The sebenza comes with the warranty, the great fit and finish, and a better blade shape IMHO.

The same applies to cars, all have 4 wheels and move, but some are "better" than others and the price reflects that, even if they materials are generally the same things.

To the OP, the ZT301 is a great knife, but it's up to you to handle a "real" Strider to see if it's worth it to you. I had always wondered if the whole Sebenza thing was just a hype until I held one for myself, love at first sight (in my hand). Sell those knives off and get one if you really want it. Striders and other high end knives will always re-sell for just below what you paid for them, and trade value is even better if you don't like it.

*steps off soap box*

Show me gas station knife with CPM S30V lade, half titanium, half G10 3D handle, assisted lock, designed by most well payed custom maker.

So same materials, better quality, more features and nobody trying to sell me this as an SpecOps weapon tested on the Battlefield and all this other really really true man attribute.

Thanks, Vassili.

 

[nozh2002]

You should most likely compare the 0300 to a Strider RC (recurve folder) for a better side-by-side. Here's my 2 cents, I'm issued the SMF and have carried one for a long time, but my complaint is that you can't put the pocket clip anywhere else on the knife. One location only: right side tip up. The other thing is that if you try to use the lanyard hole, the blade will just cut it in half. A lanyard is something I use a lot, but is most likely not a big deal to anyone else. Everything else is spot on. But when the 0300 came out it addressed my above complaints except it has a recurve blade and a thick tip profile, neither are my preference. So I promptly put serrations in the recurve and have been using it every since. The 0300 goes with me as a back up or a loaner knife. It is currently riding in the pocket of a teammate who lost his folder before getting here. I think that for the money, you can't go wrong with the 0300, material and fit are top notch. And if they ever produced a 0300 without the recurve and AO action, I would carry it just for the simple reason that it is a hell of a knife for $200. And I recommend it to guys who are looking for a high end knife but can't afford the Strider. So thats it. Buy both, can't go wrong. But know that the 0300 is a hell of a knife, in my opinion. Bill

How do you use pocket knife? Is it really really weapon or most use is well - pocket knife use?

Thanks,, Vassili.

BTW, I reprofile my ZT302 and put choil on it.

 

[batosai117]

Show me gas station knife with CPM S30V lade, half titanium, half G10 3D handle, assisted lock, designed by most well payed custom maker.

So same materials, better quality, more features and nobody trying to sell me this as an SpecOps weapon tested on the Battlefield and all this other really really true man attribute.

Thanks, Vassili.

Don't get your panties in a bunch, I make my point in my second paragraph and my third statement. The "gas station knife" was intended as a slight remark against outdoor fanatic's reply of "why pay more," when it is perfectly clear why. That type of phrase doesn't have any business in a place where quality is understood and a money value is accepted for the quality of craftsmanship put into it.

Of course the ZT line is going to be cheaper, kershaw can mass produce the stuff at the push of a button. Strider has to go in his little sweat shop and pound out a bunch of excellent blades. It's a semi-custom from what I understand, a lot more hands on work goes into a real Strider as opposed to a ZT.

 

[thomasvsgodzilla]

How do you use pocket knife? Is it really really weapon or most use is well - pocket knife use?

Thanks,, Vassili.

BTW, I reprofile my ZT302 and put choil on it.

:thumbup: nice job vassili! looks good.
peace.
tvg.

 

[stolas223]

Strider has Interests in ZT. They own part of it. thats why the design is so similar. it's obvious. Scientifically they are similar. same frame lock and materials. Will probably do equal in a destruction test. I have both. Got rid of all ZTs except the Boot dagger. I want more of them. But thats OT. and I am a RABID FROTHING Strider Disciple. I love the way they carry and feel. so I put Science aside. It is really personal Preferance. I love SMFs so much that I would spend any spare money I had to have every type and color and finish. ZTs are some of the best of the best productions ever made. Strider are small batch semi custom. hands on production, no questions asked warranty. Thats where the Extra money goes. Plus every piece is manufactured in the USA. By American craftsman. ZT says Made In USA. but that can mean a lot of things. all I can really say is it's a personal choice. some people like Levi's Some Wrangler. Still the same Denim. If you really are having trouble deciding. email me and I will send you an SMF for one week to carry, Just don't mess it up/abuse it. Then you'll see why they are loved so much.

 

[stolas223]

NICE WORK ON THAT ZT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Beatiful Edge and choil. A+Awesome!!!

 

[stolas223]

XPStrader, What model Kershaw do you have pictured there. I am very fimiliar with all the ZTs. What is that. It's Beautiful. and ZDP-189? Sweet.

 

[stolas223]

Posted by BOBO-

You should most likely compare the 0300 to a Strider RC (recurve folder) for a better side-by-side. Here's my 2 cents, I'm issued the SMF and have carried one for a long time, but my complaint is that you can't put the pocket clip anywhere else on the knife. One location only: right side tip up. The other thing is that if you try to use the lanyard hole, the blade will just cut it in half. A lanyard is something I use a lot, but is most likely not a big deal to anyone else. Everything else is spot on. But when the 0300 came out it addressed my above complaints except it has a recurve blade and a thick tip profile, neither are my preference. So I promptly put serrations in the recurve and have been using it every since. The 0300 goes with me as a back up or a loaner knife. It is currently riding in the pocket of a teammate who lost his folder before getting here. I think that for the money, you can't go wrong with the 0300, material and fit are top notch. And if they ever produced a 0300 without the recurve and AO action, I would carry it just for the simple reason that it is a hell of a knife for $200. And I recommend it to guys who are looking for a high end knife but can't afford the Strider. So thats it. Buy both, can't go wrong. But know that the 0300 is a hell of a knife, in my opinion. Bill
Reply With Quote

Put your lanyard on Through the G10 hole only. Or the Ti. But for me the G10 Hole is better. I have Box/Helix skull lanyards through all my SMF/SNGs no cutting of the lanyard EVER!!!! Same on PTs, if you have a Hole. Sometimes you have to make one.
ZT is a Hell of a knife, especially for the Price. But it is all up to the individual. I personally feel SMFs are almost unbreakable, and Best lock-up. But still light and fast. But My favorite thing is the double choil and the way it feels in multiple grips. Like I said and everyone else. It is a very personal decision. everyone likes different things. It's like that with everything. and especially with things that we have Passion for.
And Comparing side by side an RC to ZT is a way better comparison then to an SMF. SMF is a lot different feeling and carrying.

 

[nozh2002]

Don't get your panties in a bunch, I make my point in my second paragraph and my third statement. The "gas station knife" was intended as a slight remark against outdoor fanatic's reply of "why pay more," when it is perfectly clear why. That type of phrase doesn't have any business in a place where quality is understood and a money value is accepted for the quality of craftsmanship put into it.

Of course the ZT line is going to be cheaper, kershaw can mass produce the stuff at the push of a button. Strider has to go in his little sweat shop and pound out a bunch of excellent blades. It's a semi-custom from what I understand, a lot more hands on work goes into a real Strider as opposed to a ZT.

Change you tone if you want to continue discussion. I am sorry if you feel you position weak and get personal for this reason, but this is suppose to be intellectual discussion so behave yourself.

The way those knives produced same in Kershaw and in Strider, I will not be surprised if Kershaw made less ZT300 knives then Strider, I remember having shortage for first year. There is not difference between those two knives, but hype and price. So do not feel bad if you overpay for overhyped knife, this should not be a reason to start this kind of aggression.

I see similar emouthion among all owners of overpriced knives - they are just too high IMHO when they desperately tries to convince themselfs at the first place that this really really super knife does actually worse that really really high price. Without actually any arguments based on real use.

Thanks, Vassili.