Pre-SHOT Show New ZT and Kershaw

The fixed blade being offered in only a green handle kind of sucks… Why not the usual green, black, & tan options?
 
I'm pretty impressed with Kershaw this year as far as these drops go. The fixed blade looks pretty awesome, I used to have the bayonet they were talking about and that thing was AMAZING! I never hard used it, as it wasn't too much of an outdoor knife, but just as an engineering marvel it was very cool. I like everything about this new fixed blade, except I wish the top guard were a bit shorter. The clear cerakote on the 3v is a cool feature you don't see. The OTF is pretty badass. I really like the handle, but the blade looks a little too much like "the standard Kershaw" (In my mind). The Launch 15 is definitely in my top few favorite Launch designs, that things pretty cool. I just emailed Blade HQ telling them that their site says the fixed blade is made in china and that's going to mess with people's heads and reduce sales, hopefully they'll get that typo fixed asap. The rest... I don't know.. I might be way off base with this because I haven't bought a chinese made Kershaw in a decade. Their old chinese made knives didn't do it for me at all. I used to be a Kershaw dealer and looked over many examples of every model and non of the china models tickled my fancy. Even on the couple that I liked the design of, I just couldn't get over the fact that they were made in china and a big step down in fit n finish and overall quality (In my opinion). However this was before chinese knife manufacturers started really making some good quality gear. So for all I know they could be up to Civivi level or so, but I kind of doubt it. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong in this. However, all in all I'm happy that Kershaw and ZT made a decent little come back this time around in my eyes.
 
I will absolutely be getting a Livewire (or 2 or 3). I've been wanting an OTF again for a while, but refuse to get a Microtech and none of the OTFs from other brands intrigue me. The blade looks very close to the Launch 11 which has been my main EDC for a while now because I like the size and blade so much.
 
Insipid Moniker said:
My big exception is the Launch 15, which I'm really, really liking, in specs, looks and pricing.
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Alright, after having time to watch the knifecenter video with DCA, I'm coming around on the top 3 and a few of the crossbar lock knives. The pics don't really do these knives a lot of justice. I actually think the fixed blade looks more utility than combat, the otf has less of that natrix goofy blade shape that dominated kershaw for the last 5 years, and the launch looks like a real winner. I may hold off and hope for more colors with that one!.
 
Yo Mama said:
Paging Doug Ritter on this one

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craytab said:
Alright, after having time to watch the knifecenter video with DCA, I'm coming around on the top 3 and a few of the crossbar lock knives. The pics don't really do these knives a lot of justice. I actually think the fixed blade looks more utility than combat, the otf has less of that natrix goofy blade shape that dominated kershaw for the last 5 years, and the launch looks like a real winner. I may hold off and hope for more colors with that one!.
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Looks like they got the name right
 
jeepin said:
I’m not seeing what you are seeing.
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Give me a little bit but later I'll try to screenshot from the video it looks a lot different in 3-D than 2D. The blade shape is dead on to the Rritter RSK to me.
 
Very impressed and glad to see some innovative designs this year. The big fixed blade from ZT, an OTF and a new Launch in Magnacut! Awesome. And if it’s a sign of things to come I would bet anything that magnacut will make it’s way to the ZT lineup in some form or another this year, whether it’s a new model, or sprints of popular models (0562, 0452, 0393 etc).
That’s what I’m hoping for at least. But for now I’m contemplating getting that 0006, since I don’t have any nice fixed blades….And yes, the Hinderer Ranch Bowie is only $25 more…BUT, once they are all gone this time around we might not see them again for years.
Edit: as much as I Love my Hinderer knives (all 8), I never get my hopes up too much for a really sharp or even edge. ZT gets the sharpening done 💯x better.
 
The only difference in the blade for this Heist is the material and goofy swedge. The shape is dead on with the Ritter.
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As far as the rest goes it's a hard pass for me. I haven't been a kershaw fan in a long time. Last one I bought was a Leek and gave that away quicker than the edge on that thing dulled. The only line of KAI I like is ZT and until they start going back to the roots with the overbuilt tanks that made them awesome I'll pass on them too. I have the only 2 I will ever need or want. The 350 and the 562. The rest it all just seems they are trying way too hard to innovate.
 
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