Picking Out A ZT

All of the ZT folders I've handled have been phenomenal! Get the blade you like best and you won't be disappointed.
 
Why isn't every post recommending the 0801? What is wrong with you people!?

Get the 0801 and proceed to set the world on fire.
 
I have a 0350, 0400, 0550, and a 0200. I think that the 0200 is an excellent value. It's a damn-lotta knife for the money. If I know I'm going to be doing some heavy duty dirty work, the 0200 will be in my pocket.
 
RamZar said:
Main criteria are how much you want to spend, used/new, blem/unblem, etc.
Click to expand...

To an extent, I'm willing to spend for a knife if the steel and F&F are top quality. I don't ever see myself being a custom knife guy spending $500 on a blade. I would probably set my top spending limit at $200, give or take a few bills if need be.

I have never bought knives used because my main channels of purchase are major retail or local cutlery shoppes. I'm not against it and as long as the blem isn't affecting the performance, I wouldn't care.

The main issue I'm having is not being able to feel the ZT knives before I buy like I have done in the past. There's only one cutlery shoppe nearby and they don't carry ZT or Kershaw for some reason. I know what I want the knife to feel like in hand, I just need to find it.
 
I have a ZT200 and I have put it through hell. It is a darn solid knife for pretty much any task. It chops, it prys, it digs and makes julienne fries. :p

My only complaint has been using it in mud, the liner lock likes to jam in the locked position and can make it a pain to close.
 
Have to agree with Stick the 0801 is a monster.....Got mine yesterday and havent put it down. It has kicked out 0560 from my pocket and i never thought anything could do that.
 
Bugout Bill said:
I have a ZT200 and I have put it through hell. It is a darn solid knife for pretty much any task. It chops, it prys, it digs and makes julienne fries. :p

My only complaint has been using it in mud, the liner lock likes to jam in the locked position and can make it a pain to close.
Click to expand...

I hear you on that one. I was working on a pipeline out in the middle of nowhere and that happened to me. Good thing there was a puddle of water close by that I could slosh it around in.
 
I've been through my share of ZT's and ALL of them are built like tanks. You won't go wrong in that department. The 0200 was a bit big to me (but that may be your thing) and it was rough on the pockets so I sold it. The 0550 (before I lost it at work) was one of my favorite knives in my collection. That knife had ALL of the characteristics of a knife costing much much more than ZT sells it for. I have a few $500+ knives and I'd put that 0550 up against any of them; it's just that good. Like someone else said, Kershawguy is your go to guy to buy either one.
I did reviews on the 0200 and the 0550 (as well as some other ZT's) at the link in my sig.
0200 Review HERE
0550 Review HERE
JP
 
I'm probably going to draw some fire from this but I have to ask it for my own curiousity. What would make me choose to buy from kershawguy over another site, given that his prices are much higher on at least one knife recommended? Is it to support a fellow knife lover and forum member? No disrespect meant, I'm just curious as I've never bought from a lone person before, just stores.
 
Send him an email for a price list. Super customer service and even better shipping.

Im not sure I can recommend one ZT over another. The 0560 and 0550 are great edc's as is the 0350 in a smaller size. The 0200 is what I carry when conditions call for a beast of a knife. Even though the 0560 and the 0200 are the same size, the 0560 is a better edc due to weight. Although if that is a non-issue get the 0200, its the smoothest flipper I own
 
I don't see what's plain about the 0801. Especially when some said the contrast of the black hardware was too much... I think it's fairly elegant and as tough as a 0560 if not tougher.

As for Kershawguy, you should indeed email him for a price on an item. His published prices are often higher than what he'll really sell for. It's not just about supporting a dealer who supports BF and is a great asset to the Kai enthusiast community, but when it comes to dealer service he's up there as one of the best. I've never had an issue he wouldn't resolve, and I prefer peace of mind when buying a relatively pricey item. That's all. :)

Anyway, I stress the 0801 because for its size and price, I really don't think there's much that feels as tough and practical. The blade shape is so useful, and the built is very robust. It batons decently as well. :D
 
sticktodrum said:
I don't see what's plain about the 0801. Especially when some said the contrast of the black hardware was too much... I think it's fairly elegant and as tough as a 0560 if not tougher.

As for Kershawguy, you should indeed email him for a price on an item. His published prices are often higher than what he'll really sell for. It's not just about supporting a dealer who supports BF and is a great asset to the Kai enthusiast community, but when it comes to dealer service he's up there as one of the best. I've never had an issue he wouldn't resolve, and I prefer peace of mind when buying a relatively pricey item. That's all. :)

Anyway, I stress the 0801 because for its size and price, I really don't think there's much that feels as tough and practical. The blade shape is so useful, and the built is very robust. It batons decently as well. :D
Click to expand...

For me the lack of color (screws don't count) makes it look kind of plain.

Which is why I'm so hot and bothered for the CF :D
 
sticktodrum said:
I don't see what's plain about the 0801. Especially when some said the contrast of the black hardware was too much... I think it's fairly elegant and as tough as a 0560 if not tougher.
Anyway, I stress the 0801 because for its size and price, I really don't think there's much that feels as tough and practical. The blade shape is so useful, and the built is very robust. It batons decently as well. :D
Click to expand...
I can't speak for the toughness of the 2 (0801/0560) but of the two I would chose the 0560/561 because I work in hot and humid climates sweaty hands and the 0801 don't mix. 0560 no problem and yes I do own an 0801 and think it's a fine knife, well made knife and all that. It just is not as practical.
 
I've had the 0200, 350, 550 and 560. Now I am down to the 0200 and two 550s (with a third on the way). The 0200 is great, looks cool and badass, but for me the 550 is just about the perfect knife. Tough, big enough for serious cutting but with clean solid lines and great ergos.

ZT550s.jpg
 
My recommendation would hands down be the 0801.

I know it's a little more money, but IMO its well worth it.

I have a 0350 and a 0801, and gave my 0550 that I previously had to my brother.

But in all actuality any choice from ZT is a good choice, you really can't go wrong with any of them.

Go check out some YouTube vids on the 801, trust me you'll love it :)
 
At first view of pictures, I wasn't sure about the 0801 or the 0560. After viewing some reviews on YouTube and seeing the knives in motion, I am probably going to end up with one of them. The 0200 seems like it would be one I wouldn't carry due to the physical size of it being too big to be discreet at work. I buy knives to use them, not to have them sit in my drawer. That being said, the texture on the 0801's handle makes me wonder if that would be a hotspot after extended use. I'm sure the edges aren't sharp and pointy but will they be uncomfortable to grasp for long periods of time?
 
Well I'm not going to offer advice, I'll just tell you about the last few days. (this would be the condensed version) I decided last month when i saw the 0801 I should have one, I think it's gorgeous, so this was the week. BUT I've never bought a knife in that $ range, big decision right. I have a bunch of knives, nothing like the folks on this board, mostly hunting, a couple G&G hawks and assorted EDC's. So I decided to go to kershawguys site and get the 801, then I started looking around there. I don't have a ZT but I know about them thru reviews etc. First I thought wow this 0550 is amazing, then I saw the 0550 Black Limited edition and said hmmm maybe. Then back to the 801. (I think this is called the kid in the candy store syndrome). After almost hitting the add to cart button on the 0550 I saw it, the 0560. I knew that would have to be my first ZT. I loved the look, the size (I don't have anything that big), the Elmax, etc. If I had the extra money I would have got the Limited Carbon Fiber version. So I think I'll be very happy when it arrives and maybe get the others down the road....

**Just want to add Kershawguy (Dave) is the place to go, Service, Price, Free Shipping, he replies to emails fast, great Sales, competitive pricing etc.. The experience will always be good with him. Glad I found him thru Bladeforums!

.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top