Hey friends Well I've only really ever had fixed blades (generally Becker blades) but I'm really considering a ZT folder. Problem is I don't know where to start. What I can tell you though is 1. I'm in Australia so no auto knives 2. Would prefer a satin or silver blade finish (no black coatings) 3. Not a large folder, but not small either. 4. Uses - unboxings but not cutting cardboard, mainly tape and other general purpose duties. 5. Price - up to $200US I'm really enjoying the look of the ZT knives, and would love to edc one. Can you guys recommend one that may suit my needs and is known as a well build reliable edc ZT? Thanks in advance guys.
If you buy used on the forum you have more options. Check out the zt 804cf, they pop up for 200 or less some times. What blade length are you wanting?
For the purposes you mentioned, I'd look at the 0770CF (if you are ok with assisted opening). It's a ridiculously light and great EDC knife. You might also look at the 04XX series. There are many other good options, but these two would be a good place to start.
Im not sure what size blade you're looking for ? And not sure if they consider an assist open an auto there some jurisdiction here do. But the 0562 is a good slicer decent size but not heavy and its a manual flipper... the 0566 is basically its little brother just a bit smaller comes assisted but is easy to deassist and makes a great manual flipper. I just bought a ZT 0909 ... and it is fast becoming a favorite for outdoor activities ... its a heavier manual flipper smooth with a bit different blade shape designed by Les George ... its comfortable to use for long periods and surprisingly a good slicer for the heavy blade. All come in satin or stonewashed finish and with S35VN on the 0909 and either S35VN or Elmax on the others. If you're looking for a mid size I would look at the 0566 I carry it as my EDC most the time have 4 in various builds its big enough to fill my hand has a big enough blade for anything I need to do and carries well. Added a pic of the 0909 ... the 0562 ... and the 0566 its its in blackwash but comes in satin also.
I might just suggest a ZT 350 stonewashed. Heavier then the others? Yep. Sleek design like some of the others? Nope. Worthy of the phrase."That's not a knife...this is a knife!". You betcha. Plus at $140 for the 350SW you can get an Ontario Rat 1 in D2 as a backup. The 770CF is my 2nd choice.
Check out the 0808...or, for just a little more more, the 0456. Both are small knives (3.25" blade) with handles that actually work in my hand. Other than those, the discontinued 0550 is one of my favorite ZTs (even if the stock scale is ugly) I never bothered with the 0566 or 0562 because I have an 0560. The 0450 is too small...and the 0452 is too long. If you can handle blackwash, the 0095 is a nice option; but I'm guessing that it's close enough to black to rule it out. 0095, 0801bw, 0456
I would say to hold out for a 770cfM4. Slim carry, carbon fiber slabs, and an M4 blade. If you don't want that, look at the 562cf, 452, or 460.
I would agree, but he said no black blade...and the 0770cfm4 is DLC coated. If you aren't set on ZT, and you're willing to consider a 3.25" blade, check out the Southern Grind Spider Monkey. It's the first knife that size that I've really clicked with in a long time. Here's my thread on it: http://www.bladeforums.com/threads/...-my-new-southern-grind-spider-monkey.1495157/ (The copper version is sold out; but the CF version is nice, too)
I wasn't a fan of the black either, so I fixed mine. I let mine soak in some hydrogen peroxide for about 1.5-2 hours and hit it with some 2k grit sandpaper for an impromptu blackwash. Sorry for the huge pic...
