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Noob With a Versus Thread.

A

adamg01

Joined
Dec 8, 2013
Messages
909
I am relatively new to quality knives and it is a serious addiction. I have lurked for awhile and I love how helpful people are on here, it is a pleasant change from the gun forums I frequent. I do have an Esee4, Delica4, BM Grip, and a couple of Mora's. I am looking to add another quality folder.

I have a B-Day coming and as it stands right now, the Emerson Horseman is the one I really want. After getting my Delica4, I loved it so much that I was sure my next folder would be a PM2 and it still could be. These are the two I am leaning towards but that ZT0350 looks excellent as well.

Could I have a little direction from people who have owned these? It will just be a pocket knife primarily or a possible last resort in case my CCW malfunctions.
 
I've only handled the Para 2, but own a ZT 0350. I much prefer the 0350, but I have a soft spot for tougher knives.
 
The 0350 is a very nice knife, it is solid and comfortable to use.
I got mine for under a hundred shipped from Keshawguy, it is a blem but I cannot tell why it was marked so.
This is a work knife so having the XXXX on the blade does not bother me a bit.

The PM2 is a great knife also but the 0350 is a better knife for the money IMO.
 
I prefer the ZT560 over the 350. I have a PM2 also & it's a great blade also. I've never owned an Emerson but I'm intrigued by the Horseman as well.

If I were you, already owning a good Spyderco, I'd either get a Horseman or a ZT560.
 
I apologize to the OP for talking about the wrong knife. Read it wrong, sorry.
 
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Personally, I'm not a big fan of Emerson's chisel grind. That's my only knock on the horseman. Also, the wave opening is pretty fun and always puts a smile on my face. If you like the horseman check out the Commander. The recurve makes it a nice slicer. I really like my PM2. I'm no fanboy either I much prefer a US made kershaw or ZT, but the PM2 is a really great production knife. It will do absolutely anything you want it to. Happy birthday (coming up)
 
I own a ton of spydies, and they are some of the best edc knives ever. As far as the spidie hole effecting blade strength I used a Manix 2 to cut off the front bumper of a Honda Civic. I responded to an accident call and the vehicle wasn't driveable because the bumper was hanging. The guy was trying to rip it off to save the towtruck from coming. Didn't think it would work, but I carved through the bumper and wheel well with absolutely no problem.

I really like the emerson designs (own more than a few of their spyderco collaborations) and ZT has some seriously interesting blades, but I haven't carried either brand as edc.

If you are looking for a bavkup to CCW, I would carry a knife with the wave feature for the really quick deployment of the blade. If your gun goes dry and you are in the midst of an adrenaline rush, your fine motorskills are going to suffer. You want that blade to deploy quick.
 
I did not intend to put down Spydies, I am actually thinking that I need to own one. Looking at either Military or PM2. Manic 2 looks interesting as well. I have to think that they would not have the following that they do if these were not very good knives. It is just a thing with me and that hole.
 
I'm surprised the Horseman didn't get anymore love but it seems 95% of the feedback I've found on the PM2 is praise.
 
Sorry if it sounded defensive, I eally just wanted to brag about cutting off the bumper of a car with a folding knife. It was pretty badass.

One of the guys at work carries an emerson and I guess they have some weird chisel grinds for their blades, I know that can be a dealbreaker for some people. The ZT knives are supposed to be tanks, but their big claim to fame is having Ken Onion on board, so they are basically Kershaw in their KO days.

I carry spyderco mostly because of how light they are, and because moat of their knives won't make you look like a mall ninja when you whip it out in public.
 
Obviously, that bumper was not from a 67 GTO. If it was, my Manic 2 would be in the mail now. Its all good.
 
I'm quite fond of Emerson's design, but I'm not a fan of the execution. I feel that the price on his knives should be reflected in better steel, more careful fit and finish. I don't like his chisel grinds or chisel edges either (the only Emerson in my rotation, besides kerambits, was reground). Which is way I'm eagerly awaiting the ZT/Emerson colaboration.

Both the PM2 and the 0350 have better steel (s30v or better in some limited editions), very good fit and finish and are cheaper than the Horseman. I own both and carry them often. The PM2 is a great slicer, quite lightweight and the handle works well with my large hands. The 0350 is a little tank of a folder, it's broader and heavier than the PM2, the blade has a stout tip and the AO is fun. Some people find the handle on the 0350 a bit short.

Since you already own a Spyderco, I'd say go with the 0350 just to try another brand.
 
I recently picked up a black washed 350 and it was my first zt. I've always loved the design of the knife, but am partial to a smaller knife in the pocket for edc. That said, once I got it in my hand I understood why they are called overbuilt. Id go with the zt just to get a feel of them if you don't mind a solid heavy knife and don't own one. I've got the bug now and really want the 777 cf coming out.
 
McVeyMac said:
I do have a ZT 0561. There are a plethora of threads here on the 056XX knives. Common problem is detent so strong that the thumb stud deployment is difficult. My example did not work at all with the thumb stud when I first got it. Over time it broke in, and I can deploy with the thumb stud along with a little help from my wrist. The thumb stud, I believe, is designed to be primarily a blade stop, that can double as a thumb stud. The forces that I have to apply to the thumb stud on the 0561 are different than if I am opening a dedicated thumb stud knife. All of this being said, the 0561 is a dedicated flipper the way that I look at it.
Click to expand...

The "thumb studs" on the 056x series manual flippers are really blade stops (stop pins) as you mentioned. As a matter of fact, ZT reiterates this point on the new 0562 flippers. Check out minute 1:18 in the video below where Jim McNair of KAI talks about this:

[video=youtube_share;WYzXqV78sVU]http://youtu.be/WYzXqV78sVU[/video]
 
adamg01 said:
... that ZT0350 looks excellent as well.
Click to expand...

There have been 20 different types of the 0350 and they're tough little knives. There's one right now with M390 steel exclusively through KnifeWorks (0350M390). There are also two with aluminum handles (0350BRN & 0350GRN). You can even get them with stonewashed blades (0350SW) and orange G-10 handles (0350OR). Don't forget the Tiger Stripe blades either with or without serrations(0350TS & 0350TSST).
 
RamZar said:
There have been 20 different types of the 0350 and they're tough little knives. There's one right now with M390 steel exclusively through KnifeWorks (0350M390). There are also two with aluminum handles (0350BRN & 0350GRN). You can even get them with stonewashed blades (0350SW) and orange G-10 handles (0350OR). Don't forget the Tiger Stripe blades either with or without serrations(0350TS & 0350TSST).
Click to expand...

I would like one with the tiger stripes and non assisted opening. Is that combo possible?
 
adamg01 said:
I would like one with the tiger stripes and non assisted opening. Is that combo possible?
Click to expand...

You can easily deassist it by removing the torsion bar. All 0350 knives come with assisted opening from the factory.
 
adamg01 said:
I would like one with the tiger stripes and non assisted opening. Is that combo possible?
Click to expand...

Tiger stripe yes, but they don't come non assisted. No matter though as the Speed Safe is easily removed and they make great manual folders.

Another vote for the Horseman or PM 2. If you go Horseman try and make sure that it's a 2013 model. They redesigned the wave so it is much more effective now.
 
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