New ZT0550!!!

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cziv said:
"There's no ETA on this knife yet." :mad:
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I know its difficult with popular new products like the 0550, but you have to understand that there are design mods that are still in the works, and then there are those pesky lead times necessary with the Vanax 35, both of which make it difficult to let everyone know when the model will be available. Wish it could be easier and sooner, but reality always tells us a different story.
 
Thomas W said:
I know its difficult with popular new products like the 0550, but you have to understand that there are design mods that are still in the works, and then there are those pesky lead times necessary with the Vanax 35, both of which make it difficult to let everyone know when the model will be available. Wish it could be easier and sooner, but reality always tells us a different story.
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Which leads me to a question, and please don't consider this a criticism of your company (or any other for that matter.) I know it is common practice in the knife industry and plenty of other industries also, but why introduce something that may not hit the streets for a year or longer. Oh sure, I understand building hype and all that. But it seems like it would be better to introduce something and then have it out immediately or at least in a couple of months max. A lot of times I get all excited by a design, and by the time it's out I've moved on to something else.:confused:
 
Which leads me to a question, and please don't consider this a criticism of your company (or any other for that matter.) I know it is common practice in the knife industry and plenty of other industries also, but why introduce something that may not hit the streets for a year or longer. Oh sure, I understand building hype and all that. But it seems like it would be better to introduce something and then have it out immediately or at least in a couple of months max.
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ESEE, then RAT came out with their Izula folder "artist rendition" not even a prototype around the 1st of the year and said it would be released in late 2010. Since then some critical changes have been made (from what I recall reading) and I don't give a hoot about it anymore.

Kershaw always delivers on the goods IMO. This knife will be very close to the prototype I'd wager. As far as news releases - all of the companies do it. They're not just collectors - they're businessmen. :)
 
Mr .44 Spl said:
Which leads me to a question, and please don't consider this a criticism of your company (or any other for that matter.) I know it is common practice in the knife industry and plenty of other industries also, but why introduce something that may not hit the streets for a year or longer. Oh sure, I understand building hype and all that. But it seems like it would be better to introduce something and then have it out immediately or at least in a couple of months max. A lot of times I get all excited by a design, and by the time it's out I've moved on to something else.:confused:
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It’s a good question, and certainly no offense is taken.

Retail business is quite interesting, as the meaningful accounts, the ones that really make a difference in ones business, can run a season or even two ahead with their purchasing. We run into buyers right now that have money available and are making purchases for next spring. The holiday season is over for them, they've already spent their open to buy monies, it’s all about 2011 now. Knowing this, manufacturers introduce new products that are designed to fit this practice. Both the retailer and manufacturer have future dates they are both trying to buy and build to. All the new knives that debut at SHOT and Blade are always intended (at least for us) for a minimum of 6 months from their unveiling. It’s unfortunate for the consumer (like in this case), but it works well for the manufacturer as it allows us time to develop and dial in a specific model. Also it never hurts booth attendance having a hot new product(s) to show off. ;)

Hope that helps with the understanding, and we appreciate the patience.

As to a piece losing its momentum…if a knife can’t hold ones attention for 3-6 months (or longer in some cases), meh, it couldn’t have been that good to start with.
 
vpsaline said:
This only makes sense if a knife with poor tolerances only contacts the g10 side and not the ti side. Im not even worried that that's the case with ZT knives.
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I asked if the stop pin made contact with the g-10 scale. From the pictures, it looks like it is making contact. I realize that ZT isn't going to put out a product that would have such an easily avoidable issue. My question was if there is contact, how would it avoid the issue of developing play on the scale. Apparently, I'm not the only one that thought it looked like the stop pin was making contact. My question was one out of curiosity, not concern of whether it was a flawed design. I don't even know what the mention of Strider was about. It's a Hinderer collab.
 
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Thomas W said:
I know its difficult with popular new products like the 0550, but you have to understand that there are design mods that are still in the works, and then there are those pesky lead times necessary with the Vanax 35, both of which make it difficult to let everyone know when the model will be available. Wish it could be easier and sooner, but reality always tells us a different story.
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I'll take one made from S30V or even some 440V, it's ok, really. I completely understand Thomas. :D :D :D
 
Interestingly enough, we have explored the possibility of a 0550 in a more readily available steel. We produce a run that pacifies until the Vanax shows up. I haven't signed off on that, but it's a possibility as I sit here writing today.
 
Interestingly enough, we have explored the possibility of a 0550 in a more readily available steel. We produce a run that pacifies until the Vanax shows up. I haven't signed off on that, but it's a possibility as I sit here writing today.
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I like Kershaw's S30V and the grinds are on par with the best that Spyderco puts out. I hope this happens if the Vanax is all that's holding you up! :)
 
Thomas W said:
Interestingly enough, we have explored the possibility of a 0550 in a more readily available steel. We produce a run that pacifies until the Vanax shows up. I haven't signed off on that, but it's a possibility as I sit here writing today.
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Oh dear sweet baby Jesus! Yes!!!!! Please!!! Make it a standard steel like S30v or 440V or something mainstream. I like the idea behind all the steels like the Vanax and the Elmax in the 0350CB. I just would like a steel I know? But, if these new steels are better and cheaper or whatever, I'll take it, but I don't want to wait! :p:p
 
Thomas W said:
Interestingly enough, we have explored the possibility of a 0550 in a more readily available steel. We produce a run that pacifies until the Vanax shows up. I haven't signed off on that, but it's a possibility as I sit here writing today.
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Is the decision guided at all by end user requests? I'm interested for sure. One thing that Kershaw does that I really love is the blade treatments. That bead blast is very nice.
 
Kaizen1 said:
. I don't even know what the mention of Strider was about. It's a Hinderer collab.
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Well guess what, ZT went the strider route and made the stop pin touch only the ti side, big surprise there, seeing as theres no liner on the g10.

The mention of strider was about: if stop pin/g10 equals blade play, its because the stop pin rests solely against the g10 and not on the ti side. I would be surprised if ZT let such a thing slip by, given their long history of robust knives and collabs/shared knowledge with strider.

btw, from a picture you couldn't even tell whether or not a strider (any knife) made contact or not on the g10 side, unless you have 10x magnification lens. In fact, many people own/handle striders and don't even know the stop pin doesn't contact the g10. How you can look at a 600x480 (low rez) picture of a prototype knife and be immediately worried/concerned about potential defects is beyond me.

Your question basically boils down to, will the 0550 be launched with blade play or not? And the answer is pretty obvious if you've owned a ZT before. Of course not, their well engineered, you can rest assured about that.
 
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Thomas W said:
So I take it you really like the idea?
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That would be a winning idea in my opinion. Any of the S##V steels would be a great option. Personally, I enjoy collecting (same model) knives that are offered in various steels. The Leek and Blur are great examples. I have a long awaited Blur in S30V on the way this week. I plan on making this knife share pocket space with my current daily user. :thumbup:

My vote would be S30V or even BG-42 if it were readily available. Although I'd love one in S60V or the elusive S90V. You want to talk about an instant grail knife, that would be one for sure.
 
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Originally Posted by shelbysguns
Oh dear sweet baby Jesus! Yes!!!!! Please!!!
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So I take it you really like the idea?
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Oh yeah. I think we love the idea. But I'm only speaking for myself and echoing the sentiments of a few others. As this thread continues, I think you'll find we'd love a mainstream steel like S30V. :thumbup:

As far as S60V or the elusive S90V - Vanax etc. my fingers or envelopes won't care which one you use. :D
 
Thomas W said:
Interestingly enough, we have explored the possibility of a 0550 in a more readily available steel. We produce a run that pacifies until the Vanax shows up. I haven't signed off on that, but it's a possibility as I sit here writing today.
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Please don't hold this knife up for an exotic steel (that's for sprints). I would would absolutely positively without a single just doubt love to have a plain ole bead blasted S30V blade for this knive.
 
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