So there's a ton of big ZTs out (or on their way)... when do we get little ones?

dishcore · Jul 28, 2013

NeilB said:
While I'm thinking about it, I think both Kershaw and ZT are missing a bet by not seriously competing in the gent's folder category. Yeah, yeah, Leek. I have a Leek and I love it, but it's not what I'm talking about. Maybe there has to be another brand that can successfully compete there.

Well said. I have a CB Leek and that's been my Kershaw go-to for gent's carry, but I do crave a bit more.

I think they're getting closer with the 0801, 0600 and even 0770CF, but these are a tad large for gent's folders (IMO). If there were a 3" folder with all the Ti / 3D machined / super steel goodness, along with some "elegant" design (that could still stand up to whatever we throw at it), I think that would be a winner. And i'd buy 1,000. (okay, 2)

NeilB · Jul 28, 2013

dishcore said:
Well said. I have a CB Leek and that's been my Kershaw go-to for gent's carry, but I do crave a bit more.

I think they're getting closer with the 0801, 0600 and even 0770CF, but these are a tad large for gent's folders (IMO). If there were a 3" folder with all the Ti / 3D machined / super steel goodness, along with some "elegant" design (that could still stand up to whatever we throw at it), I think that would be a winner. And i'd buy 1,000. (okay, 2)

2 is pretty close to a thousand. Closer than the one I would buy.

Seriously, I've been looking for what we might call a 'gent's super knife'. I've got a Spyderco (heresy, I know) Centofante memory on the way. I want to check it out. I'd love to get a Gold Class Benchmade 530 Pardue. I think Benchmade figured this out. That is one sexy knife. Jewels, dude. Jewels in the thumbstud. Nothing says 'gent's super knife' like jewels in the thumbstud.

The Mini A-100, which I really like (except for certain distrubing details), might be pimped out pretty nicely. I'll have to give that some thought. THE NEXT TIME THE KNIFE IS MADE....<grumble>

dishcore · Jul 28, 2013

NeilB said:
2 is pretty close to a thousand. Closer than the one I would buy.

Seriously, I've been looking for what we might call a 'gent's super knife'. I've got a Spyderco (heresy, I know) Centofante memory on the way. I want to check it out.

Heck, I've got a Spyderco Caly 3 Damascus/Carbon Fiber Sprint that ive been keeping around for my "gents super knife". For my wedding, or my funeral or something classy like that. Gotta have a little heresy to keep things lively.

NeilB · Jul 28, 2013

dishcore said:
Heck, I've got a Spyderco Caly 3 Damascus/Carbon Fiber Sprint that ive been keeping around for my "gents super knife". For my wedding, or my funeral or something classy like that. Gotta have a little heresy to keep things lively.

An excellent point. I've been focusing on my Leek Damascus, or maybe the Wild Turkey Damascus to get me through a funeral/wedding. I'd say a bit about my girlfriend's birthday present, but it's not her birthday yet, and no peeking!

That said, I've looked at the Caly 3 Damascus and I have to say, that's one nice looking piece. I was tempted. Highly tempted. But, I'm a Kershaw guy, through and through!

Still. I'd throw myself under the bus for a gold class Benchmark 530 Pardue. Since I can't seem to get a 0777, that is. It's not that my loyalty is questionable, but I can be bought. I'm just sayin'. Composite blade, please.

Adian · Jul 28, 2013

I would like to see a ZT along the lines of the LMT Praetorian. Not as big as my 0301, but still with the thick spine and heavy duty.

But I won't ever spend their asking price for D2 steel

Halfneck · Jul 28, 2013

My ZT dream knife would be sort of a ZT 780 II.

- Same size, same blade shape, same thick liners, similar handle shape.

Changes

- Blade steel 14C28N
- No blade coating, stonewash finish
- Round the pommel, and get rid of the cut-outs. Profile similar to the pommel of a Bullet-end Jackknife.
- Keep the black color of the liners, but also offer Khaki/Tan or Ranger Green G10 scales. The Khaki/Tan G10 works great if you have to wear Khakis on a daily basis.

I'd handled the prototype at BLADE and was really looking forward to the 780. Then when it hit it was hard to get, and all kinds of issues were popping up. I think the design deserves a 2nd chance. By switching to 14C28N from S30C it would even lower cost. Getting rid of the pommel cut-outs should also make machining the scales easier.

DedRok · Jul 28, 2013

Halfneck said:
My ZT dream knife would be sort of a ZT 780 II.

- Same size, same blade shape, same thick liners, similar handle shape.

Changes

- Blade steel 14C28N
- No blade coating, stonewash finish
- Round the pommel, and get rid of the cut-outs. Profile similar to the pommel of a Bullet-end Jackknife.
- Keep the black color of the liners, but also offer Khaki/Tan or Ranger Green G10 scales. The Khaki/Tan G10 works great if you have to wear Khakis on a daily basis.

I'd handled the prototype at BLADE and was really looking forward to the 780. Then when it hit it was hard to get, and all kinds of issues were popping up. I think the design deserves a 2nd chance. By switching to 14C28N from S30C it would even lower cost. Getting rid of the pommel cut-outs should also make machining the scales easier.

I agree about making a ZT 780 2, however I don't particularly agree on what needs to be changed. All it needs is a stronger detent in my opinion... It could almost kick the Paramilitary 2 out of my pocket if the flipping action was a little better with a stronger detent.

It's too bad the 780 was discontinued, cause fundementally its a great knife and could be legendary... It's a Kershaw Skyline bulked up!

RamZar · Jul 28, 2013

Halfneck said:
My ZT dream knife would be sort of a ZT 780 II.

- Same size, same blade shape, same thick liners, similar handle shape.

Changes

- Blade steel 14C28N
- No blade coating, stonewash finish
- Round the pommel, and get rid of the cut-outs. Profile similar to the pommel of a Bullet-end Jackknife.
- Keep the black color of the liners, but also offer Khaki/Tan or Ranger Green G10 scales. The Khaki/Tan G10 works great if you have to wear Khakis on a daily basis.

I'd handled the prototype at BLADE and was really looking forward to the 780. Then when it hit it was hard to get, and all kinds of issues were popping up. I think the design deserves a 2nd chance. By switching to 14C28N from S30C it would even lower cost. Getting rid of the pommel cut-outs should also make machining the scales easier.

DedRok said:
I agree about making a ZT 780 2, however I don't particularly agree on what needs to be changed. All it needs is a stronger detent in my opinion... It could almost kick the Paramilitary 2 out of my pocket if the flipping action was a little better with a stronger detent.

It's too bad the 780 was discontinued, cause fundementally its a great knife and could be legendary... It's a Kershaw Skyline bulked up!

I would've liked my ZT 0780 more if the flipper action had a much stronger detent. Mine only flips pointing down or horizontal. Also, without the skull crusher at the bottom of the handle it has the potential of being much narrower and thus fit in the pocket better.