Preferring a Kershaw over a ZT...am I crazy?

sticktodrum

sticktodrum

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Apr 16, 2012
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I used to use either my 0550 or my 0560 at work. A ten cent idea of what I do is primarily IT work for an accounting firm, as well as some studio hand stuff in a recording studio. The latter had become more seasonal, but it's still there and the winter months have plenty of that work. Anyway, the cutting ranges from duct tape, carpet (sometimes), wires, various straps, cardboard of all kinds, and then just regular run-of-the-mill "EDC" whatevers.

When I got the Kershaw Knockout, I really dug it. It was slim, very strong, and the broad blade made it very robust despite it's relative size and weight. It's like my 0550, but much much thinner. It held up just fine, and only needed a bit of a touch up here and there. I found myself using it more than my ZTs. I tried carrying my 0303 as well, but that ended up being "the weekender", which worked well for when we'd go apple picking and harvesting in upstate NY. The wife loves doing it, and I like taking a bit of the vines and branches so the fruit stays good a bit longer. Other than that, it wasn't getting much pocket time.

Now, the CF154 Blur has my pocket, totally kicking the Knockout out of rotation. Actually, I don't really have much of a rotation anymore. The rest of the stuff in the drawer went back into their boxes and into the closet. I've become so enamored with the Blur that I just don't need anything else. It's slim, slick, and fits into my pocket perfectly. The CPM-154 steel is fabulous. Get crazy sharp, stays sharp for a pretty good while, and responds very very well to a strop, all with with a 34 degree incl. edge. It was pretty easy to reprofile as well. Coupled with my Leatherman, I just have no desire to carry a ZT (or anything else). It works for everything.

I realized that a large thing for me is seeing the "Kershaw" name etched (or lasered) into the handle, or into the blade. The name just speaks to me more than ZT... Anyone else experience this? Or am I nutsola?
 
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Im the same way, i found that the 0700 was a bit slow and bulky, even compared to my JYD2. I have actually dropped down to either my JYD2 or blur tanto or random leek, which is probably my favorite, slim, tough and stays sharp a long time. Im actually having a hard time carrying things that arent razor blades, which means switching to s30 or d2 at the minimum. SO ur not crazy, im right there with u
 
I know ZTs are excellent knives, but I just can't see the need for one after getting the S30V Blur. It's really more knife than I need, so a ZT would really be over the top for me.

I'm content just to admire them from afar and am completely satisfied with all of my Kershaws.
 
chester22 said:
So the CF blur showed up?
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Nope. The one that disappeared would've been #2. I got one from Dave, that's the one I tapped for the lefty clip, and have been using. I ordered a second, it disappeared, that's the one I was upset about. Right after, I ordered another along with an S30V Blur, which I got just fine. So...that's the convoluted order of things. I've got two (#1 & 3), one is gone. I'll pick up another one soon, since I still want three. :-)
 
I really don't prefer one over the other, although I think I carry my JYD2 or 550 the most out of my KAI knives as of late. Years ago, I used to carry my Blurs and Spec Bump a lot, then they got ousted by the 0400. I've gotten rid of all my Blurs, but have kept my ZTs. I'm in the process of gettkng rid of my other Kershaws I don't use anymore and just got rid of my Lahar.
 
Most Kershaws are much better cutters than the high edge angle and thick ZTs.

I have been thinning all of my ZTs down to around 26-28 degrees. And then putting a very small 40 degree bevel on them. They still won't slice like a FFG Spyderco but they are a lot closer than they were.

Thin your edges down and fall back in love.:D
 
What would be crazy about carrying no more knife than you need. We all know you are crazy but that line of thinking makes you less so. ;=)

I understand why a person with large hands needs a bigger knife but the concept of packing around a larger chunk of steel because it is such a cool expensive knife eludes me. It is like driving a 4X4 pickup in Florida.

Don't get me wrong I love my ZT knives and take the 0560 on my outings where I might need a hefty knife. But as I have stated many times before in my EDC knife I prefer something that is less than 4" folded which yields less than a 3" blade.
 
I work in cycles unintentionally. I'll carry big bulky strong knives one month and i'll get tired of the drawbacks of weight and size and then i'll go small and light weight, but then I get tired of the cutting performance draw backs. After that i'll go mid range size and blah blah blah... its always changing. :)

Right now im on a Victorinox carrying craze. Super small, but effective.
 
I have 2 ZT's but 75% of the time a RAM is in my pocket. The ZT's mainly see yard work(hard work).
And they shine at that. :thumbup:
 
I prefer to carry tanks and overbuilt folders all the time, unless I'm dressed up. Hence the 550, Ti re-handled CQC-10, Horton Tac-4, Ti Militaries over the G10 ones, you get the idea.
 
I feel you but no, just no. I like to carry my kershaws on off days, during the work week its a ZT. The ZT is the best EDC you can get, you never have to worry about not having enough knife. Its nice to carry something slim like a jyd or skyline, and still have some room in you pocket but. If I had to choose one or the other I'm choosing ZT, so yes you are crazy.
 
It's all about what your operation is. I Duracoated a Leek in a "digital khaki" for the sole purpose of having a thin, light, sharp knife to wear with business casual attire. It doesn't jump out of my pocket to the eyes of coworkers and doesn't weigh down my pants. While off I can get away with something heavier like an 0700.... The fact that you HAVE a knife makes you not wrong in my eyes... But then again I have like 5 posts... What do I know?
 
whateatsrabbits said:
I feel you but no, just no...you never have to worry about not having enough knife.
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Now that I think about it, I haven't yet said to myself "Hmmm, I'm worried because I need extra knife." Yeah, no. Just no.

I retract my initial question, I feel much better now. :D
 
ZT knives are super well constructed, but they are very heavy and bulky. I would much rather carry a Knockout or a Piston around the house or for chores than some of those 8 oz. ZT folders. The new Hinderer designs are a bit under 6 oz. which makes more sense in my mind. I also prefer knives with roughly 3" blades for EDC, and ZT really offers nothing in that size.
 
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