Noob With a Versus Thread.

[mromeo23]

I would suggest you go with the ZT for two reasons.

The first is simple...ZTs are awesome rock solid quality knives. I haven't owned the 350, but I have owned a couple other models and they were outstanding. Def a step above all the other popular brands (Just my opinion of course).

The second reason id suggest the ZT for you is because based on the fact you are new to knives and with what you already own, the ZT is something new and different. This is what I did the first year of my collecting...I bought and traded for as many different brands, sizes, steels, styles etc... This allowed me to try out different things and learn about what I liked and didn't like in knives, what suited My needs, and just learn about knives in general. Now I know exactly what to look for in all future knife purchases and trades.

So just my .02. Good luck

 

[adamg01]

I would suggest you go with the ZT for two reasons.

The first is simple...ZTs are awesome rock solid quality knives. I haven't owned the 350, but I have owned a couple other models and they were outstanding. Def a step above all the other popular brands (Just my opinion of course).

The second reason id suggest the ZT for you is because based on the fact you are new to knives and with what you already own, the ZT is something new and different. This is what I did the first year of my collecting...I bought and traded for as many different brands, sizes, steels, styles etc... This allowed me to try out different things and learn about what I liked and didn't like in knives, what suited My needs, and just learn about knives in general. Now I know exactly what to look for in all future knife purchases and trades.

So just my .02. Good luck

Thanks for all of this excellent input guys. This is my first thread and I already love this forum, it is so much more helpful than the gun forums I frequent.

I might hold off on the PM2, like stated above I am new to quality makers so I think I will either go with the Horseman or 0350 since I don't own an example from either maker. I am really digging the tiger striped 0350, I knew as soon as I started lurking here that ZT's have an awesome reputation.

As for the Emerson, the fact that it has inferior steel compared to the ZT doesn't bother me because I love 154cm on my Grip. I put an amazing edge on the Grip with my first attempt at sharpening a knife, this really impressed me. I am sure for my needs it will be more than adequate. Keep all of the info coming guys.

 

[McVeyMac]

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:

I apologize to the op for discussing the wrong knife. I had read that the thumb stud on the 056X was designed as a blade stop, not a thumb stud. This set my mind at ease as my example did not work well as a thumb stud. Last week I made mention of this in a 0560 thread, and several people disagreed with this. Jim McNair never comes out to say the previous 056X knives were intended not to be thumb studs, just that the 0562 was blade stop only by design. As I stated, my example works great as a flipper.

 

[dalefuller]

I have a 350, a bunch of Paras in both versions, and a mini-CQC15. Never had a Horseman. Here's my take. Obviously, I love Paras since I have 6 of them between the two models. I carry a P2 about half the time. The rest of my carry time is divided between a ZT 566, a BM 525, and the mini-15, depending on where I'm going, what I'm wearing, what I'll be doing, etc.

At work in the warehouse, I like to carry my 566. It's a great all around work knife, very solid, fast & easy to open & close (mine is assisted and I like it that way), and the Elmax gets very sharp very easily and hasn't chipped or rolled with my uses yet.

Around town on weekends, at church, out to dinner, etc. the Paras get most of the carry because of their light weight and multiple carry options. Paras and Militarys are great IWB carries because of the tip down config and light weight. They are also very tough knives and can take a lot more punishment than some folks think they can.

My 350 is mostly a drawer queen because of the weight and bulk. It's a very wide knife and doesn't carry all that well in my pocket. But it is double tough. Mine's as solid as the day I got it over a year ago and it has been carried and used. Since I got my 566, though, the 350 has "been on holiday".

The mini-15? That's the one knife I grab when I want to carry something that'll do whatever I want to do wherever I want to do it. It's my "I don't want to worry about it" knife. It is utterly reliable no matter what. I've stripped paint with it, cut caulking to repair a front porch, used it in the warehouse, used it for animal chores, trimmed bushes, bounced off a couple of unseen nails with the edge... you get the picture. It's still as solid as the day I got it from the seller. The blade is centered and always has been, the liner lock has never moved one millimeter from where it started, and the edge is easier than my double bevel knives to maintain. The only reason I don't carry it more is that it isn't real comfortable down in my pocket. That's just a personal thing. Another person might think it's a perfect carry.

You're going to have to decide which way you want to go. Just decide what you like about the knives you currently have. If you like light weight and high performance, I'd go with the Para 2 next. It's a knife that everyone who appreciates outstanding folders should try. The ZT and the Emerson will have their own attractive features, but the Para is probably the most widely liked of the three models and possibly the most versatile.

 

[adamg01]

I really want the ZT but a couple of things have me concerned. The weight and bulk in the pocked is the big one. I am also worried about the girth of the grip for someone with medium to small hands.

 

[cross1178]

I really want the ZT but a couple of things have me concerned. The weight and bulk in the pocked is the big one. I am also worried about the girth of the grip for someone with medium to small hands.

I have small to medium hands. I usually wear medium size gloves and it fits my hands very nicely. As for the pocket, it really depends on my pants pockets as to whether I notice it there or not. I have a few pairs that just have smaller openings in the pockets which makes it noticeable when reaching in my pocket to get something and might notice it rubbing my knuckles. If your pants fit loose and have larger pockets, id say you won't notice it at all. If that's not the case, the spydie will be less noticeable. That said, I feel like I can cut the hood off a pickup truck when I'm carrying my 0350.

 

[adamg01]

Thanks for all the direction. I have a ZT 0350 ts on order for $126 delivered and I also ordered an Izula II to knock one more off my hit list. I really enjoy this forum.