Sheepdog Spear Point vs ZT 0630

MementoMori99 · May 10, 2015

I have read all the threads on BF pertaining to either the Sheepdog or ZT 0630. Unfortunately, I am still no closer to deciding which of the two to buy. Why should I choose one over the other? I would greatly appreciate any input from owners of either model. Thanks in advance.

dr_fosg8 · May 10, 2015

I have not handled the 0630 but did have the 0620 for a while. They share the same handle as far as I could tell. I didn't care for the ergos of the 0620, had bad hot spots with the clip. Also very heavy.

I have the sheepdog also and find the grip on it much more accomodating. I don't see any difference in edge retention between ZTs s35vn and EKIs 154cm. So unless your sold on ZT or prefer framelock over linerlock I would go with the sheepdog.

arceface1 · May 11, 2015

You get more bang for your buck in my opinion with the Rangemaster. Three different opening methods, caged bearings, awesome ergos and great EDC size.

Akapennypincher · May 11, 2015

My personal take on ZT Knives is they are too pretty to be used, I kind of view em as safe queens. My Emersons get used, at days end get put on top of the dresser with wallet, keys, change holder, and the other stuff I put in my clean jean for another day away from home.

rayster357 · May 11, 2015

I think this is more personal preference. I Like the sheepdog more than the 0630. I think the 0630 is a better slicer due to the blade grind geometry as it behaves like a slicer but the thicker blade stock can wedge more easily when forcing the blade through thick/hard materials. Sheepdog is a more comfortable handle to me. Sheepdog is also lighter. The 0630 will probably have next to no break-in needed as the Sheepdog will need to have it's lockbar broken in so it doesn't have a sticky lock. Both are different enough. The Emerson will be easier to sharpen compared to the steel used on the 0630.

Akapennypincher, there are a few folks that use their ZT's and that includes the limited edition knives too. I'm one of those folks and do not believe in safe queens. Kind of like why buy a fancy gun and not shoot it a few thousand times, right? I might not put the rarer models through the same routine for work but I end up having to clean them and touch up the edge.

RevDevil · May 12, 2015

I've used ZT knives extensively, nothing "too pretty to use them" going on at all. Different strokes, for different folks. Hard to form and take seriously an opinion without first hand knowledge.

Peroni1973 · May 12, 2015

RevDevil said:
I've used ZT knives extensively, nothing "too pretty to use them" going on at all. Different strokes, for different folks. Hard to form and take seriously an opinion without first hand knowledge.

I'll agree with that - I am using my 0630 a lot right now. I like that it sits right between my mini's and my regular sized knives.

Don't get me wrong I love my Emersons and they arguably feel more 'tool-like', but for my primary folder the critical factor is the wave feature and I appreciate the variety...

Ben

kerberosWXIV · May 22, 2015

The price should be a consideration here too, I think. I've both ZT620CF and ZT630 for a while now, and I really like the 630, the blade just screams of classic Emerson, plus you can get the 630 for around USD160-170 brand new online (eBay etc.). The Emerson is gonna be a lot more expensive. 630 weigh about 6.36oz, carried it all the time without much discomfort. Plus ZT blades feature arguably superior materials and fit & finish...

ebidis · May 23, 2015

The sheepdog is a flipper with a caged ball bearing pivot, the 0630 is not a flipper and is on bronz washers. I don't have either knife, but I do have a 0620cf, and a few Emersons. IMO you can't go wrong with either.