Really Hard Decision ZT 0200 vs. Manix 2XL

pbcg

pbcg

Joined
Oct 20, 2009
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1,955
Ok, here's my dilemma. I've been wanting a Zero Tolerance ZT 0200 for a very long time. I finally saved enough to buy one. The fly in the ointment is after taking a really good look at the Spyderco Manix 2XL I think I want that one equally as well.

They match up very closely as far as my intended purpose. Both are strong well built folders, good steel and dependable lock. Plus, both companies are top notch. All thing's being equal I can't decide which is better then the other or what I'd prefer hence my dilemma.

On the chance that one or more of the good folks here happen to have both would you be willing to share your opinion and make a recommendation?

Thanks in advance for any input. This is really the fist time I couldn't choose between two knives as I usually know right away which I like the most but I really am torn and unfortunately can only afford to buy one.

Which would you choose?

Thanks.
 
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Just some food for thought...

zt2002.jpg
 
She really is a beauty isn't she? Another part of why it's so hard to decide.
 
I prefer the Manix.

None of the Ken Onion designed ZT's really speak to me very well.
I do like the Hinderer designs though.
As far as how they operate, I've held and used both, and I'd say the grip on the manix is slightly more comfortable for my hand.
IMHO.
 
I have both and like both of them a lot. There are some obvious big differences between them that might help you choose. The ZT is a flipper and has the DLC coated blade and has 154cm blade steel, its also a liner lock, it is a good bit thicker and in my opinion doesn't disappear in the pocket like the Spydie. The Manix 2 XL has the S30v steel and the cage ball lock and is a better slicer than the ZT and carries better I think. That being said both knives are great and have their place in my EDC rotation. Its kind of funny but the ZT 200 was the first ZT knife that I bought and the Manix 2 XL was the first Spydie that I bought. If I had to choose just one, I think I would go with the ZT.
 
singularity35 said:
It might make your decision easier if you were able to handle both.
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I agree. Unfortunately because of where I live I can almost never handle a knife before I buy it. I have a Spyderco Resilience and it is I "Think" similar to the Manix in terms of size. I also have BM Adamas which is closer to the ZT but I'm sure the handles are thicker. As far as comparing the steels I call it almost equal. Thinner S30V compared to thicker 154CM. I like them both.

I really do appreciate all the input here guys.
 
I have both as well and also really like both also. The ZT 200 has the thicker blade and bigger pivot, but the Manix 2 XL has the stronger lock, the Manix 2 XL is lighter and slimmer to carry width wise in pocket. Both have (for me anyway) excellent ergonomics. I prefer and carry more often the Manix 2 XL, I like the FFG the slices better and the easier to sharpen blade (no recurve) its also less noticeable in pocket due to the thinness in handle and lighter weight. The M2XL is in my top three current folders right now along with the ZT 560 and BM 810.

IMG_2353.jpg
 
Thank you. And for what its worth you posted that pic before I think when I asked for a comparison of the ZT to the Adamas trying to get a better idea of the ZT in terms of size or I saw it either way when I was looking around. It was this pic in fact that started my consideration of the Manix 2 XL. I've stared at it many, many times since and part of why I have a dilemma now LOL.

Again, I really do appreciate the input.

Thanks again!
 
Decision Made. Pulled the trigger on the Manix 2XL.

I want to thank you all for taking the time to give your input!
 
pbcg said:
Decision Made. Pulled the trigger on the Manix 2XL.

I want to thank you all for taking the time to give your input!
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I think you will really enjoy it! I have had both, and personally prefer the XL Manix.

IMG_20121014_134617.jpg
 
Like I said thanks again. Seems every time I think I'm "All set" some new blade just has to "Pull me back in" lol. The Contego was supposed to be my last blade for a while...

Now that I will have the Manix 2XL I'll still be wondering about the ZT 0200. Guess I will start filling up the change jar again!

Thanks again all.
 
I have the ZT200 and the original full-size Manix. While they are both pretty robust and similar in size, I have to say that I prefer the ergos of the ZT200 as it just fills the hand better. That said though, and as someone above had mentioned, it makes for a pretty bulky item in the pocket. As to which one I would subject to harder use over the other, I would pick the ZT over the Manix, and I feel that the better grip and overbuilt construction just makes you want to use it for almost any knife task. The Manix does cut better though, and while I don't mind recurves and have several means of sharpening them, I can see how it can make for a few points in the 'cons' column, to reflect a broader concensus against having a recurve-bladed EDC. In the end, I think you will be happy with your choice, and you'll end up with both anyway :)
 
i like both the manix 3 xl has better steel but the 0200 is built for harder use the only dowside is the recurver which is hard to shapen
 
pbcg said:
Seems every time I think I'm "All set" some new blade just has to "Pull me back in" lol. The Contego was supposed to be my last blade for a while...
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That's the challenge of this hobby.

I thought I was in good shape but then I find more that I want to buy, and strangely enough I have interest in 4 out of the 5 in michael's photo.
 
bdmicarta said:
That's the challenge of this hobby.

I thought I was in good shape but then I find more that I want to buy, and strangely enough I have interest in 4 out of the 5 in michael's photo.
Click to expand...

That photo is dangerous. What ever you do, Do Not save it and look at it regularity. Or stare at it too long....

You have been warned!................
 
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I keep looking at a ZT 0301 tiger stripe. It's a real cool knife, and good looking.

Then I handle my Spyderco Manix 2 XL. The two knives are really very similar.

I stil want the ZT0301, but the Manix already fills that niche. Decisions, decisions...........
 
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