New 2015 ZT lineup

Accelerator said:
For example, look at Benchmade, how many models do they have coming out with M390?
Click to expand...

Shot 2015 Blade Steels for Benchmades (HK and fixies excluded),

s90v-1
m390- 1
s30v- 3
154cm- 4

So looks like ONE new Benchmade model has M390 and the vast majority have steels 'inferior' to S35VN...
 
They are beautiful knives, especially the 808. However there seems to be 0550/0560 shaped hole in their lineup. I for one like ZT knives BECAUSE of the overbuilt, too heavy, pocket hoggish, stronger than a folder needs to be qualities. Still love ZT, just hope they don't trade in all their "overbuilt" models for sub 3oz, 3.25" blade gentlemans folders. That being said, the Kershaw 1776 is sick! Almost blurring the lines between the Kershaw and ZT models. Even cooler that they gave it that number. I WILL be getting one of these, aluminum black wash. Hope it can be de assisted.
 
From my understanding the big advantages to S35VN is how easy it is to grind/sharpen/polish, and it's supposed to be easy to heat treat consistently. Those are all win's for the manufacturer when it comes to profit margin, quality control, and increased production. It seems to me like S35VN is a good choice if they are looking to keep profits high and get larger numbers to market and maybe even at a faster pace (A guy can dream!).

Elmax should be a superior steel both in toughness and edge holding, but in normal use I usually can't tell them apart if I'm not paying attention. To me Elmax is a bit more work to sharpen but it will take a finer edge, it stays "scary" sharp longer than S35VN, but S35VN holds a working edge longer and is easier to touch up. That however is just my experience from a pretty limited sample size of each.

When you consider the 0452CF is made from "lesser" steel than Elmax and it's still only $25 less MSRP than the 0562CF/0620CF with M390 that's kind of a downer. I'd happily pay $25 more for M390, but I don't consider S35VN steel to be a downside either, especially for a working knife.

It simply might be ZT listening to it's customers, lots of posts about Elmax and it's heat treat, lots have complained about wanting more knives and getting them to market faster. S35VN could be in response to that.
 
ToddM said:
When you consider the 0452CF is made from "lesser" steel than Elmax and it's still only $25 less MSRP than the 0562CF/0620CF with M390 that's kind of a downer. I'd happily pay $25 more for M390, but I don't consider S35VN steel to be a downside either, especially for a working knife.
Click to expand...

Agreed. 0452CF begs to have M390 for an extra $25+.

However, I'm guessing it's all getting back to steel availability in sufficient quantities that demand can be met. Nobody wants a repeat of the 0562CF and 0620CF. ZT could've sold hundreds if not thousands more if the supply was there. I'm hoping that with the strategic move to S35VN demand for these five new ZT folders can be met and they can be brought to market sooner.

Perhaps we'll see iterations of 0562 & 0620 in S35VN and 0562CF & 0620CF in 204P.
 
Was there some reason ZT couldn't already have switched blade steel and not lost hundreds if not thousands of 0562CF and 0620CF sales? Or is it more likely that they lose hundreds if not thousands of sales because they keep overextending themselves and biting off more than they can chew?
 
Last edited:
Living on the leading edge can result in lacerations.

I'm surprised there was no announcement for a 0630CF in CF and say 204P.

I know ZT replaced the M390 of the 0392 with 204P.
 
RamZar said:
Living on the leading edge can result in lacerations . . .
Click to expand...
And lost customers if you keep promising to do something and failing to deliver. After all, what sense does it make for ZT to introduce new models for this year when they can't meet the demand for last year's models? I wonder if they're familiar with the notion of burning the candle on both ends.

A story about a boy who cried wolf once too often comes to mind . . .
 
Trade shows in general are designed to promote upcoming products and promotions. In most industries they go to these shows and place orders for anywhere from 1-6 months in the future. Which is why you need a pass to get into SHOT show and it's not open to the public at large. It's only thanks to the internet that we have immediate coverage of new and Upcoming products; which create immediate demand for such products.
 
bld522 said:
Was there some reason ZT couldn't already have switched blade steel and not lost hundreds if not thousands of 0562CF and 0620CF sales? Or is it more likely that they lose hundreds if not thousands of sales because they keep overextending themselves and biting off more than they can chew?
Click to expand...

Could you imagine the gnashing of teeth that would happen on the forums if they changed steels in the 0562CF and 0620CF in order to get more out the door? I mean, seriously. Let's be realistic here.
 
Lost Cosmonaut said:
Could you imagine the gnashing of teeth that would happen on the forums if they changed steels in the 0562CF and 0620CF in order to get more out the door? I mean, seriously. Let's be realistic here.
Click to expand...

Switching from M390 to 204P shouldn't cause a "commotion" since they're really the "same" steel. They already did that on the 0392. Perhaps they can even call it 0562CF204P and 0620CF204P.
 
RamZar said:
Switching from M390 to 204P shouldn't cause a "commotion" since they're really the "same" steel. They already did that on the 0392. Perhaps they can even call it 0562CF204P and 0620CF204P.
Click to expand...

Still, you just know it would mean a ton of canceled orders and tons of people all over the forums proclaiming that they will never buy a ZT again because of their bait and switch. Let's not forget the fact that M390 has to be better because 390 is a higher number than 204. Search your feelings, you know it to be true. ;)
 
Lost Cosmonaut said:
Still, you just know it would mean a ton of canceled orders and tons of people all over the forums proclaiming that they will never buy a ZT again because of their bait and switch. Let's not forget the fact that M390 has to be better because 390 is a higher number than 204. Search your feelings, you know it to be true. ;)
Click to expand...

Tons of people all over the forums is a very small albeit vocal minority of knife buyers.

ZT has switched steels before to complete runs like with the 0888MAX in Maxamet run of 250 splitting it into 125 of 0888MAX and 125 of 0888M390. They weathered the storm.
 
I'm not blown away as of yet by the designs but I do like how they're moving back to S35VN. Far better chip resistance than Elmax
 
Lol at everyone who is so certain that 204p is available in the quantities ZT would need for a fill production knife and not just a limited edition...
 
I hate to say it, but this year's new productions for ZT are just not jumping out at me. A multi purpose pen would be nice to add to my edc, but the 0562 jumped out at me last year and I couldn't wait to get my hands on one. The 808 is appealing, but its not something that is screaming "BUY ME NOW".

Pity auto's are illegal here because out of everything Kai is offering the Kershaw Launch 1 looks to be at the top of the list. It has me seriously considering an Olive / Black Knockout because of the similarities. Altho, if I were to find a Launch 1 while venturing south of the boarder, I'd bring it home ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top