New ZT0550!!!

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Dorito Monk said:
I would also be pretty disappointed if ZT does what spyderco seems to have done with the Manix 2 - When I was looking at the Manix 2, the XHP 'sprint run' cost double or more of what the production model cost from the retailers I was looking at.
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A few "what if" thoughts. If Thomas signs off on this knife with S30V, I'm sure Rick would have something to say about it. Its their collaboration, and he might not want it released without the Vanax. Got to consider that. And if this happened, I would expect the knife with Vanax to cost a bit more. Double the cost? Not sure as I don't know what kind of deal Thomas gets on S30V and Vanax.

If there are two 0550's, I'd buy both, regardless of the price. :thumbup:
 
i got to say I want one bad , and any one of the top steels will work for me .

the faster the better
 
Dorito Monk said:
I would also be pretty disappointed if ZT does what spyderco seems to have done with the Manix 2 - When I was looking at the Manix 2, the XHP 'sprint run' cost double or more of what the production model cost from the retailers I was looking at.
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I'm picky about the steel in my knives. I don't want to have to resharpen a knife everytime I open mail or strip the insulation off a cable. That to me is indicative of a tool that is meant for show rather than functionality - frankly it's also a waste of my time. But, to each his own. Not everyone can afford the same knives, that is understood. that is why there is so much variety at different price points.

I'm with SPXTrader on this. I too would buy both knives no matter the cost (within reasonable limits).

You think that what Spyderco does with the sprint runs is a disappointment? That is the exact opposite of the intention. Sal is attempting to put various steels out there for people to try without actually causing you to go into debt over it. For what you get in the Spyderco sprint runs, it's value for the money you spend. Look at the mule team project. Get a CPM-M4 fixed blade knife (albeit minus handles and sheath) for about $75. Can you really find that anywhere else? I doubt it.
 
Not to be a spoilsport, but part of the problem with using a more readily available steel is going to be the ability of KAI to recoup the development and collaboration costs incurred in the introduction of the new product. Even with as great a product as Kershaw produces, is the market really demanding another Ti frame-lock with S30V steel? A brand new design with a hot new blade steel can command a premium in the market, and that will help cover all those investment dollars. Regardless of the quality of the design and manufacturing, can the same be said of a knife with more common spec's? Maybe, but it's more of a gamble.

For myself, the knife looks exciting regardless of the blade steel. I think it would be cool to use CPM-154CM, S35VN, or even BG42 with the hardness jacked up to 60 or above, but that's just me.:D
 
DallasSTB said:
Not to be a spoilsport, but part of the problem with using a more readily available steel is going to be the ability of KAI to recoup the development and collaboration costs incurred in the introduction of the new product. Even with as great a product as Kershaw produces, is the market really demanding another Ti frame-lock with S30V steel? A brand new design with a hot new blade steel can command a premium in the market, and that will help cover all those investment dollars. Regardless of the quality of the design and manufacturing, can the same be said of a knife with more common spec's? Maybe, but it's more of a gamble.

For myself, the knife looks exciting regardless of the blade steel. I think it would be cool to use CPM-154CM, S35VN, or even BG42 with the hardness jacked up to 60 or above, but that's just me.:D
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They introduce new products all the time.. :confused:

I don't see how changing the steel used by this particular knife would really change anything? It's not like they couldn't save the steel that was initially slated for use on this knife, and use it on some other knife that they have in the skunkworks down the road? Especially another model that they are quietly working on with Mr. Hinderer..
 
You make a really good point Dallas. I honestly do not think that the market is demanding another Ti framelock at all. However, that really does not stop people from snapping up a utilitarian knife. Especially one that involves Hinderer and ZT. If there is a good product out there, people will definitely buy it. Collectability plays a large roll in this. There are new knife enthusiasts on this board and USN, etc all the time. Maybe someone cannot afford a Strider or a Hinderer X-18, this fills the niche nicely. Variety is the name of the collecting game.

My only observation is that if you have this long awaited collaboration from a top shelf production company (KAI) and arguably one of the most innovative designers around (R. Hinderer), a good steel is a necessity. Doing anything less would be similar to having a Corvette with a 4 cylinder engine, or a Harley with training wheels.

I'm not sure how exotic S30V is anymore. It's been around a long time and it's been proven by many companies.
 
for me, i would only consider this new ZT in the Vanax 35; that would make it different and unique...if it becomes a commodity/value knife, i won't bother; i'd continue to target an xm-18...
 
RevDevil said:
You think that what Spyderco does with the sprint runs is a disappointment? That is the exact opposite of the intention. Sal is attempting to put various steels out there for people to try without actually causing you to go into debt over it. For what you get in the Spyderco sprint runs, it's value for the money you spend. Look at the mule team project. Get a CPM-M4 fixed blade knife (albeit minus handles and sheath) for about $75. Can you really find that anywhere else? I doubt it.
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"Someone's said something negative about Spyderco?! UNLEASH THE FANBOYS!" :rolleyes:

Eb your flow. I'm sure the mule team is fantastic and a pillar of civilization and everything, but that's really not an issue for me. What I had a problem with was looking for a Manix-2 at a favourite retailer of mine and seeing the price for the production model set at just under $80 while the sprint run version (exact same mechanism, same materials except for the blade steel, same place of production and QC standards) going for $170. At that price range I could have bought a Millie, a Gayle Bradley, a ZT MUDD, or a variety of high-end Benchmades with money to spare - 90$ price difference for slightly better steel? No, thank you. Not when the regular production has the same great lock, the same build quality, and is just as useful for less than half the cost.

Sprint runs in general are a great idea, I never said anything to the contrary, but in this particular case, that kind of price difference for such a minor improvement seems pretty ridiculous.

Hence I was worried about ZT changing the steel to something less exotic, and whether, in that case, they would elect to charge heaps more than the $250 MSRP mentioned earlier for the suggested sprint run version of this fine-looking knife with the Vanax-35 blade. All theoretical concerns, in any case. Like I said, I'm not too picky about steels, so changing it to s30v isn't a big deal. But like you said -why not do the whole shebang? New collaboration, new design, new steel.

RevDevil said:
if you have this long awaited collaboration from a top shelf production company (KAI) and arguably one of the most innovative designers around (R. Hinderer), a good steel is a necessity. Doing anything less would be similar to having a Corvette with a 4 cylinder engine, or a Harley with training wheels.
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Wow, you are a hoot.
Fanboy? Funny how when someone questions your comment, you immediately resort to the "fanboy" commentary. I'm hurt... You've been around long enough and read enough posts to know that when liners are drilled out, different grinds and steels are used it drives up costs, regardless of the company making it. Eb your own flow, you don't own the discussion.
If your "favorite" retailer is selling knives that you feel are over priced, you can vote with your dollars, find another retailer with more reasonable prices. You call me a fanboy, yet you stick with a retailer that overcharges in your opinion? Oi Vey!
 
Dorito Monk said:
"Someone's said something negative about Spyderco?! UNLEASH THE FANBOYS!" :rolleyes:

Eb your flow. I'm sure the mule team is fantastic and a pillar of civilization and everything, but that's really not an issue for me. What I had a problem with was looking for a Manix-2 at a favourite retailer of mine and seeing the price for the production model set at just under $80 while the sprint run version (exact same mechanism, same materials except for the blade steel, same place of production and QC standards) going for $170. At that price range I could have bought a Millie, a Gayle Bradley, a ZT MUDD, or a variety of high-end Benchmades with money to spare - 90$ price difference for slightly better steel? No, thank you. Not when the regular production has the same great lock, the same build quality, and is just as useful for less than half the cost.

Sprint runs in general are a great idea, I never said anything to the contrary, but in this particular case, that kind of price difference for such a minor improvement seems pretty ridiculous.

Hence I was worried about ZT changing the steel to something less exotic, and whether, in that case, they would elect to charge heaps more than the $250 MSRP mentioned earlier for the suggested sprint run version of this fine-looking knife with the Vanax-35 blade. All theoretical concerns, in any case. Like I said, I'm not too picky about steels, so changing it to s30v isn't a big deal. But like you said -why not do the whole shebang? New collaboration, new design, new steel.
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I would say your store is price gouging. The Carpenter steel and S30V Manix 2 both went for under $130 at most of the online vendors. I believe it is Spyderco's business model to 'make' a even percentage across the board with all their knives. They make X% on a standard Delica and they also make X% on a S90V Manix 2. Sounds fair to me so you are paying for the materials and labor to make a knife and any outrageous price hike is done by the retailer. I think it is kind of funny that people have never seen, held, and until very recently heard of Vanax35 before, and now they are saying they won't buy the knife if it doesn't have it? If it is a high quality steel who cares. Hasn't it been said it is going to be a production piece? So the people who snatch them up and put them in the safe to try and make a bunch of money are hopefully going to be out of luck.

I have been very impressed with the Sleipner powder technology tool steel in my Lionsteel SR-1 (they shot for 60-61 HRC) and I have quite a few of the higher end steels. It seems to be very wear resistant and also gets very sharp and doesn't seem like oxidation is an issue. I hope more companies give it a try.
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
I think it is kind of funny that people have never seen, held, and until very recently heard of Vanax35 before, and now they are saying they won't buy the knife if it doesn't have it?
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Wait, who said that? :confused:

As for this store or that store price gouging, I'm afraid those were just about the best prices I could find from Canadian retailers. You guys should have seen the place charging $200 for the Manix 2 XHP and $380 for a Gayle Bradley...no joke. :barf: Needless to say, if you take a look, knives are MUCH cheaper in the States. It sucks, but that's generally the situation. :grumpy:

And RevDevil, you've certainly been around long enough to have a thicker skin than that - no need to go getting your panties in such a wad ;). Nevertheless, I'm really and truly sorry if I hurt your feelings with my 'fanboy' comment or with my skepticism about the price rift between sprint and production Manix 2 models. It wasn't my intention to upset you so.
 
I think the ZT folks hit a home run with this collaboration and I hope to see more projects like this. I know it's important for a company to stick to a trademark element with their products but that doesn't mean all their products. There is something quite beautiful in the notion of a Zero Tolerance sporting some Rick Hinderer design points and actually employing what appears to be some good, solid manual action on a framelock. If this knife locks up like the 030X series knives do, along with this blade profile and overall design specs, and yes, that means the current depicted size too, I'll be the first in line for one!
 
Dorito Monk said:
Wait, who said that? :confused:

As for this store or that store price gouging, I'm afraid those were just about the best prices I could find from Canadian retailers. You guys should have seen the place charging $200 for the Manix 2 XHP and $380 for a Gayle Bradley...no joke. :barf: Needless to say, if you take a look, knives are MUCH cheaper in the States. It sucks, but that's generally the situation. :grumpy:

And RevDevil, you've certainly been around long enough to have a thicker skin than that - no need to go getting your panties in such a wad ;). Nevertheless, I'm really and truly sorry if I hurt your feelings with my 'fanboy' comment or with my skepticism about the price rift between sprint and production Manix 2 models. It wasn't my intention to upset you so.
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I didn't mean that you said that, I read something that alluded to it in another post. When you quote someone and are rambling it sometimes sounds like everything that is written is referring to the quoted person when not the case. Anyways...$380 for a full production knife like the Gayle Bradley? That is ridiculous! I think I would take my chance with customs.
 
Settle down folks. Dang, ya'll are worse than me sometimes. ;)

Thomas, I do like the idea of having different steels available for this one.
Vanax, S30V, S110V :) all sound good.
Think we might see some Digi-Camo? :thumbup:
 
I wouldn't mind digicamo G10, or blade coating? I do prefer a non-coated blade though! I just want to see it clipped to my pocket! :cool::cool:
 
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