Need some input on picking next knife!!

[Snowsurfer935]

There are so many options it is hard to choose!


If you asked me to pick the first knife that comes to mind, it would be the ZT0560 or 0561, and IMO it should be checked out before buying.

The highlights of this knife is both oversized thumb studs and flipper, the use of titanium alloy for the handle structure, G10 scale for grip as ti-only can be slippery, an overbuilt pivot and advanced bearing/detent system, a thicker locking bar, an unusually thick blade, and a blade steel of ELMAX in which a lot of independent testing speaks to this steel. Build purpose is really for heavier usage more so than fine cutting, although the knife is capable of both.

The materials used on it are notable for their toughness and longevity, and the lock used is designed for usage that many other knives would either not hold up to or not hold up to without developing something such as blade play. ELMAX steel is known for being tougher than most stainless steels and it gives excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.

You will probably also want a knife in a brushed, stonewashed, or tumbled finish over polished or coated blade because the latter two tend to get marked up easily and are difficult-to-impossible to fix, where as brushed, SW, or tumbled can be refinished in a 20 second DIY job with a scratch pen or SC block. Also, it sounds like you may want to look for a steel that favors toughness over edge retention which is why I think that ELMAX is an excellent choice given the abuse it can take.

I have looked into both of those and would sure like to get my hand on one, but again they are far past my price point right now.

 

[pnsxyr]

I have looked into both of those and would sure like to get my hand on one, but again they are far past my price point right now.

Check them out used or the Blem models from Kershaw Guy (Industry Partner on this forum, and great guy to deal with). Like Sebenzas, they are so well-built that they are great candidates for buying used because they hold up so well. I got my ZT0550 from him for like $135 shipped. The blems are 100% functional and generally only have minor cosmetic marks that once you use the knife, you put more marks on them anyway.

The standard Manix folders are also really awesome, and S30 is another all-around performer.

If you like the ParaMilitary, chances are you will love the blade shape, full flat grind, S30 steel, and the very comfortable handle. I think every knife owner should have at least one ParaMilitary 2 and one Kershaw Blur, and preferably multiples in the event the Great ParaMilitary Shortage of 2013 ever occurs again (those were really hard times for many).

 

[Snowsurfer935]

Check them out used or the Blem models from Kershaw Guy (Industry Partner on this forum, and great guy to deal with). Like Sebenzas, they are so well-built that they are great candidates for buying used because they hold up so well. I got my ZT0550 from him for like $135 shipped. The blems are 100% functional and generally only have minor cosmetic marks that once you use the knife, you put more marks on them anyway.

The standard Manix folders are also really awesome, and S30 is another all-around performer.

If you like the ParaMilitary, chances are you will love the blade shape, full flat grind, S30 steel, and the very comfortable handle. I think every knife owner should have at least one ParaMilitary 2 and one Kershaw Blur, and preferably multiples in the event the Great ParaMilitary Shortage of 2013 ever occurs again (those were really hard times for many).

Great info, I went and checked him out and will definitely be buying from him if I end up going for a ZT. I'm just a little hesitant with the blems because they don't come with a warranty. How's the strength of the pm2? I feel like I'd snap the tip if I did any prying or anything with it.

 

[CelticCross74]

ZT0200!!! Just got one today to add to my collection it is easily the most overbuilt ZT and one of the cheapest got mine new for 125

 

[pnsxyr]

Great info, I went and checked him out and will definitely be buying from him if I end up going for a ZT. I'm just a little hesitant with the blems because they don't come with a warranty. How's the strength of the pm2? I feel like I'd snap the tip if I did any prying or anything with it.

The PM2 can handle heavy work, but it is not in the class of something like a 0560 IMO. The 0560 pivot, detent, and locking mechanism are ridiculously beefy, the blade itself is thick, the tip is reinforced, and the ELMAX steel is superior to S30V. At least from my experience, something like the ZT0560 are as tough as one gets unless someone purchases the actual Rick Hinderer XM-18.

On the other hand, I think the PM2 tip is better for more delicate work and precision cutting that uses predominately the tip area and that the shape and FFG are fantastic for precision cutting. In addition, I like how the PM2 is very light (which ZT's are not) and find the PM2 to be one of the easiest knives to sharpen I have ever owned, so it's really a question of if one knife matches your needs more than the other as they both excel in different areas.

I have a ton of ZT and Kershaw blems. Knock on wood I've never had an issue, but the ZT frame locks are so heavily built and so simple in design that I think damaging one would take a level of abuse in which the user would have to try hard to destroy the knife. You can often find them used on this forum for really reasonable prices too.

As for prying, I wouldn't advise doing do with any knife if avoidable in any way. With that said, the ZT folders have strong tips, but still not on scale of a heavy fixed blade like a RAT 5, Becker, or SwampRat (which you could argue are better choices for abusive work on a few different fronts). Something like a small titanium pry bar on a keychain can help avoid prying usage that can damage even good folders, and also double as a self-defense weapon, and often a bottle opener.