Need help on new knife purchase

Charr · Oct 8, 2013

I've wandered around the forums by accident for years, bbut now I wanted to ask you guys what your opinion for a good next knife would be.

I'm looking in the price range of $100-$250, though there's a little bit of flexibility in that, and I'm looking for a folding knife with preferably high wear and corrosion resistance, so probably in the stainless department. I prefer 3.5in blades, and am limited where I live to under 4in, but I like the largest blades I can carry.
I know that this is pretty vague, so to get an idea of what I'm looking for, the current considerations are a Zero Tolerance 0561 ($220), a Spyderco Domino ($200), and an Emerson CQC8 ($208). The Emerson may be put on hold for another purchase, mostly because I'm looking for more of a heavy-use folder.
Right now I own 3 benchmades (940, Griptilian, Barrage), and 2 Spydercos (Endura, Manix 2 XL). I probably dont want another Benchamde, just because that's most of what I've been buying lately.

Any feedback is welcome, and thanks guys, I know I'm a bit picky, but that's how I am with my blades

Locutus D'Borg · Oct 8, 2013

I've heard good things about the ZT 0550

mcrow · Oct 8, 2013

I'd probably go with the ZT of the ones yout listed but you might want to check out Lion Steel and DPx Gear as well.

Charr · Oct 8, 2013

I've thought about the 0550 but I just dont have enough info on S35NV honestly. Theres tons of people who are good authorities on Elmax, but not many for S35NV. Plus, for only saving $20, i get a noticeable amount less knife IMO.
Thanks for the imput though and I'll check out Lion Steel. Not a huge fan of the D2 on the DPx gear. Do they come in different steels at a similar price point?
Thanks again for the help.

1Hiker2 · Oct 8, 2013

The Zt550 is an excellent hard use folder for the money. Quality materials put together really well. I have a 560 as well, another excellent knife. I own several high priced customs and like think the Zt line is worth the money. Kershaw backs their products, something goes wrong with your folder and they will fix or replace it.

Charr · Oct 8, 2013

1Hiker2 said:
The Zt550 is an excellent hard use folder for the money. Quality materials put together really well. I have a 560 as well, another excellent knife. I own several high priced customs and like think the Zt line is worth the money. Kershaw backs their products, something goes wrong with your folder and they will fix or replace it.

That's really my main concern at this point with the ZT 0561. I'm much more concerned about the issues that have been reported very frequently with them than anything else, especially the concerns with the lock bar sticking on the blade tang. I like the 0550, and its a really close consideration, and I would say that its probably the forth knife in the choices, only because it is a bit bulkier and less comfort-oriented than the others, though I may bump it above the Domino, because that is more or less me just liking the way the knife looks, not how it'll perform.
BTW, I mostly use my blades for box cutting, occasionally I have to cut through plastic and heavier material, but usually for fairly long periods of time. My current non-work EDC is my Osborne 940, and my work knife is either my Griptilian, my Barrage, or the Manix 2 XL, depending on the rotation for that day.
I figured I should let you guys know more about the uses the blade will go through. Hotspots on the hand are a significant consideration, as I don't typically wear gloves at work. The Spyderco Southard was a consideration, but I didn't think it would live with the heavy use very well.
And thanks so much again for the input.

recruit17 · Oct 8, 2013

Emerson Combat Karambit. Those boxes won't know what hit em

Charr · Oct 9, 2013

At the moment, I'm down to either the ZT 0550 ($165) or the ZT 0561 ($220). Unfortunately, I cannot find a Bradley Alias that is not partially serrated, which is my very firm preferance, and I'm tryig to avoid D2, because it is not stainless, and I often have to leave my blades in pocket while doing heavy work, exposing it to a large amount of sweat. Because of this, I think the ZT 0550 or the 0561 are my best choices at the moment.
Between these two, at the prices I said above, which is the better choice, IYO?

cchu518 · Oct 9, 2013

Turn on your email or send me an email I found an Alias for your range btw.

This is an AG Russell Acies in your range as well its in ZDP, which is a minus to me (harder to sharpen than S30)... lol

Charr · Oct 9, 2013

cchu518 said:
Turn on your email or send me an email I found an Alias for your range btw.

This is an AG Russell Acies in your range as well its in ZDP, which is a minus to me (harder to sharpen than S30)... lol

Thanks so much for finding one. I turned on email and vCard so please send me a message.
Yeah I agree with the ZDP opinion too

cchu518 · Oct 9, 2013

Not sure if you ate still researching or are waiting for all Ti scales but there is a g10 Ti one on the bay in your price range.

dalefuller · Oct 9, 2013

For what you've described as your work cutting, I'd be reconsidering the Emerson. The kinds of use you're describing are going to dull any blade. Personally, I'd want a steel that's a bit tougher and more corrosion resistant, even if I gave up a bit in edge holding. An advantage to something like 154CM is that it's easy to resharpen, even at work. I keep a broken Sharpmaker rod and a small leather pocket strop in my desk in the warehouse. That's all my mini-15 needs to get a good working edge back after zip ties and cardboard. Emerson's handles are known to be very comfortable with or without gloves.

I've had everything else you've mentioned or that's been recommended except the Lion Steel and Domino, and the Emerson would still be my first pick out of this list. Another option would be a flat-ground folder like a Spyderco Native 5, although the knife may feel bit small if you're considering ZTs. The forum version is available in S110V. You might also look for a Manix 2 in M4 or try a Gayle Bradley in M4.

99cuts · Oct 9, 2013

Charr said:
At the moment, I'm down to either the ZT 0550 ($165) or the ZT 0561 ($220). Unfortunately, I cannot find a Bradley Alias that is not partially serrated, which is my very firm preferance, and I'm tryig to avoid D2, because it is not stainless, and I often have to leave my blades in pocket while doing heavy work, exposing it to a large amount of sweat. Because of this, I think the ZT 0550 or the 0561 are my best choices at the moment.
Between these two, at the prices I said above, which is the better choice, IYO?

I have the 0550 but not the 0561. The pivot is plenty smooth for me. The detent took 2 weeks to loosen up, but now it's my best thumb stud opening knife.

on the other hand it is a little bulky so it's not getting much pocket time. length-wise it's perfect but the 0550 is kinda stout. i didn't go for the 0561 due to the extra length.

Charr · Oct 11, 2013

dalefuller said:
For what you've described as your work cutting, I'd be reconsidering the Emerson. The kinds of use you're describing are going to dull any blade. Personally, I'd want a steel that's a bit tougher and more corrosion resistant, even if I gave up a bit in edge holding. An advantage to something like 154CM is that it's easy to resharpen, even at work. I keep a broken Sharpmaker rod and a small leather pocket strop in my desk in the warehouse. That's all my mini-15 needs to get a good working edge back after zip ties and cardboard. Emerson's handles are known to be very comfortable with or without gloves.

I've had everything else you've mentioned or that's been recommended except the Lion Steel and Domino, and the Emerson would still be my first pick out of this list. Another option would be a flat-ground folder like a Spyderco Native 5, although the knife may feel bit small if you're considering ZTs. The forum version is available in S110V. You might also look for a Manix 2 in M4 or try a Gayle Bradley in M4.

I think the issue I have with the Emerson is more to do with cost vs what you get. I know that Emersons are great knives, and you make a resounding point with the idea of easy resharpening, but if I was going to get an Emerson, it would be the standard size CQC8 (3.9"), which is almost the exact same amount of money as the 0561, with which I get better general materials, with a steel I still know how to sharpen at work (friend has a Lion Steel TS1). I love the design and versatility of Emerson knives, but I also have never had a Ti integral, and I like them a lot.
Right now, my preference has switched from the 0561, to the 0550, but I really like the ZT designs for the money. I carry a FFG Manix 2 XL (S30V) sometimes to work, and I agree, an FFG is sometimes the best choice, but if I take it I almost always take my Griptilian or another heavier blade with me too, because sometimes if I'm cutting into rougher material, I need a blade that'll handle it better, even if it won't slice as well.
I appreciate your input a lot, especially since you have had many of the same knives I'm looking into, and you ARE right, but I think for what I'm specifically looking for this time, I might want to go with the 0550, especially with the S35VN, which takes wear extremely well and seems to perform better the rougher the edge gets for a prolonged period of time.

Charr · Oct 11, 2013

99cuts said:
I have the 0550 but not the 0561. The pivot is plenty smooth for me. The detent took 2 weeks to loosen up, but now it's my best thumb stud opening knife.

on the other hand it is a little bulky so it's not getting much pocket time. length-wise it's perfect but the 0550 is kinda stout. i didn't go for the 0561 due to the extra length.

I like the 0550 design more and more as I look at it, and as I hear people talk about it. I'm not that concerned about bulk, so long as the weight is not unreasonable (which I define at about 6.5 OZ.). I always wear heavier pants, especially at work, so I'm not too concerned about stout builds, and the thickness of the 0550 seems similar to my BM Barrage, at its thicker points, though of course the Barrage is contoured, while the 0550 is not, but I like that.
I also kind of agree with the idea of the 0561 being too long, but possibly for different reasons. I feel that the 0561 is larger for really no reason, since the portion of the handle that you use to grip on the two is almost identical, as the 0561 has the flipper become a hand-guard, while the 0550 already has a built-in hand guard and a reduced racosa at the top of that guard, reducing the amount of additional handle. The blade difference that there is, really isn't that significant, and especially not for its intended use.

dalefuller · Oct 11, 2013

That's also a good choice. I've owned several 550s and have played with a couple of 560s. I prefer the feel and size of the 550. I'd look for a second gen if it were me (actually, I am looking for a used 2nd gen 550). I like the change in the lock bar cutout. S35VN gets rdiculously sharp and I've found it easier to work with than S30V. There are also some nice scale options available from a variety of makers.

Charr · Oct 11, 2013

dalefuller said:
That's also a good choice. I've owned several 550s and have played with a couple of 560s. I prefer the feel and size of the 550. I'd look for a second gen if it were me (actually, I am looking for a used 2nd gen 550). I like the change in the lock bar cutout. S35VN gets rdiculously sharp and I've found it easier to work with than S30V. There are also some nice scale options available from a variety of makers.

Yeah I was looking at a gen 2 new for $165 shipped that I found. Gotta love that deep-carry clip they added too!
I'm definitely liking S35VN the more I hear about it.

Charr · Oct 17, 2013

So I went ahead and ordered the 0550. It will arrive later today, and I plan to post my initial impressions of the knife and how I think it will work out for me in the long-run. I will say now that I paid $165 for the knife new, and it is a Gen. 2 version of the knife, and any and all value claims I may make for the knife will be based on this price and this version.
Once more, thank you everyone who posted for your input and your opinions, and thank you for helping me out with this one. I will be back for sure when I'm looking for my next knife!

Charr · Oct 22, 2013

So I've been using the new 0550 since I got it as an exclusive EDC and work knife. For work, it is excelent, for EDC, it is good, but my Barrage or 940 are better. Theknife is definitely confortable, with or without gloves, and also has a good size and heft for work, without being too heavy, though it is at the top end of the weight scale for me, and I wouldn't want a heavier knife.
I love the look, even if it isn't the best-looking knife I have. The stonewash is really nice, though I can tell ZT bead-blasts their blades before stonewash, and that's not my prefernce in the end result. My only complaint in the looks is the G10 scale, which looks alost unfinished, being peel-ply. I will probably either have a custom scale made, or get a replacement scale if/when any of the dealers get some more in stock.
I like the blade performance a lot, and havent had to even touch the blade yet to sharpen it, which is nice.
I can definitely tell, though, that I would have liked the 0561 maybe even a tiny bit more, though I'm glad I bought this one first, mostly because of the significant price gap. I will probably be buying the 0561 next, sometime around Febuary, though I get the feeling my girlfriend may cut me off before then

Overall, I would give the new knife an 9/10, and am very very pleased with it.
Thanks one more time for all of the help, and I'll see you guys again!