So what do YOU think about ZT Knives?

C

cpmsteel

Joined
Dec 6, 2011
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211
Hey guys and gals. I have only avoided buying ZT knives because they don't have an axis lock. Now I know that may not be rational, but I got stitches from a what I thought was a solid lock on a MT Socom over a decade ago. So how are the ZT locks? I could make both my Socoms fail by tapping them on my palm. And to think I hated the axis lock when it first came out. Lol. Please respond if your so inclined.
 
The frame locks on Kershaw/ZT knives are seriously strong. I would trust them with some serious abuse. The only ZT I have is the 350, which is a liner lock, but it is still very strong.
 
I don't think you will have any problem with ZT's and their lock ups!
This is my ZT0350 and even their liner lock models are SUPER tight lock ups!

347zmoh.jpg


I have never had the frame locking 300's or other models but I am sure they have great lock ups as well!
They really are some great quality knives for the price!


-Dylan
 
My 0300 is impeccable and no matter how hard I smack it on the spine it is solid. There are some videos of lock fail, so I tested mine and it held up perfect. So does my CS recon 1 tri-ad lock and so does my SOG Vulcan Axis lock.
 
I like them, a lot. Very well made, very good fit and finish, and very good value for the money.
 
I have two, both have very tight strong lock up, there's a destruction test on youtube of the 200, 300 and fixed blade, while he does get the locks to fail eventually, they are pounded on for about half an hour, like sticking them in wood and trying to hit them closed with a bat.
IMG_2351.jpg
 
I didn't want to get my zt 0350 at first because it didnt have an axis lock. I had lost my Benchmade barrage 580 and was hacked.....but loved the axis lock. I went to Smokey Mountain Knife Works with the intent on replacing it. Went in for a benchmade and they didn't have much of anything, So I looked around, ended up at the ZT ans spyderco counter. Narrowed it down to a military (I think) and the ZT. I went with the ZT because it felt freaking bomb proof. I don't regret getting a ZT after using the axis lock. There are time I miss the Axis lock, but I have no worries about the lock failing on the ZT.
 
PG5768 said:
I like them, a lot. Very well made, very good fit and finish, and very good value for the money.
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Sme here. I really don't need an Axis lock, it's a good thing that we will never see one on a ZT. As far as locks are concerned, any folding knife should be treated like a slipjoint. No excuse to throw safety and common sense out the window when it comes to any lock.
 
I've never tested it, but the lock on my 0350 feels super solid. Unless you're specifically trying to abuse it I doubt very much you get the lock to fail.
 
I want a ZT also. Was deciding between the 0560 and a CRK...I want a bomb proof knife currently so reading around forums I haven't heard anyone ever complain about a ZT of any kind with any lock problems. I am sure like anything or any company there are QC issues, but to me Kershaw seems to fix things without any questions, unless the obvious? Correct me if wrong. How is your 0560 michaelm466? Cannot wait to get one!
 
RevDevil said:
Sme here. I really don't need an Axis lock, it's a good thing that we will never see one on a ZT. As far as locks are concerned, any folding knife should be treated like a slipjoint. No excuse to throw safety and common sense out the window when it comes to any lock.
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Just like the brakes on your truck. You can always slam a lower gear. If we let that "treat it like a slip joint mentality". Run freely in the knife making community, then why should we pay for ANY lock. Even your front doors?
 
Aidansdaddy17 said:
I want a ZT also. Was deciding between the 0560 and a CRK...I want a bomb proof knife currently so reading around forums I haven't heard anyone ever complain about a ZT of any kind with any lock problems. I am sure like anything or any company there are QC issues, but to me Kershaw seems to fix things without any questions, unless the obvious? Correct me if wrong. How is your 0560 michaelm466? Cannot wait to get one!
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A bit stiff at first, but after a couple days of breaking in (didn't open and close it for hours or anything just normal EDC use) very smooth, super solid, it's really a great folder, the most expensive I've bought to date, but definitely worth it, I'd buy a second in a heartbeat if they did a sprint run in a different steel, although I may buy a tiger striped one anyway when they come out.
 
If it's only the lock that you're concerned about, I wouldn't worry about it. They're seriously tough knives. There's a video of a guy abusing a ZT, prying apart boards nailed together, with nothing happening to the knife. I learned that they're not really my cup of tea (although the newest offerings sure look close), but even a diehard Benchmade fan should be able to appreciate the quality, I'd think.
 
The ZT line has my respect and admiration for their ruggedness and customer support. I don't own them because my needs and tastes run to lighter, thinner folders. Those here who do own them seem to generally be very satisfied with them. That means a lot to me.
 
cpmsteel said:
Just like the brakes on your truck. You can always slam a lower gear. If we let that "treat it like a slip joint mentality". Run freely in the knife making community, then why should we pay for ANY lock. Even your front doors?
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I like both manufacturers, but my preference is towards ZT. Benchmade makes some really cool knives too, I own a few. As far as the mentality is concerned, to each their own. I really do value my fingers. I really do use a fixed blade for "dirty" work where it has to get done. I understand what you're getting at.
 
I have 5 ZT's. I have a 560 with some issues that's going back for some work, a 200 that is solid as a brick, a 300 that developed lock rock and blade play, a 301 blem, and a 350. Out of the 5 the two with the best lock up are the liner locks, the 200 and 350. I had to send the 560 back for some issues, and now I have to send it back again for additional issues it came home with. The 300 came back from customer service with a new titanium scale, sharpened and solid lock up at about 45%. It's rock solid now. For how long I don't know. Will I buy another 300 series? Probably not. The jury is still out for me on the 560. It's been at ZT longer than it's been in my hands, and it's gonna be longer still cause it's going back to them in the morning. Out of all my ZT's I use my 200 the most. It's so rock solid, and easy to clean. For my purposes it serves me well. The 350 typically rides with me to work or around town.
 
I've had a 0301 for about a year, and it is my most solid, and tank like folder. It is very confidence inspiring. It is like a folding fixed blade. When the 0551's became available, I picked up a couple, and have not been dissapointed. Another over built, extremely well designed folder with very solid lock up. Recently, I acquired an 0560, and while it is still fairly new, I can't stop carrying this knife. It may be the best balance of the bunch in weight, strength, and function. The three are very close in usage for me though. They are all extreme winners.
 
I think that most of their designs dont appeal to me. Too many recurves, assisted openers, liner locks, and coated blades. I also dont like anything that kershaw makes either.

But their new Hinderer designs are really nice. I have an 0550 with a battleship gray frag scale, and now I have my eye on an 0561.

The quality on my 0550 is amazing, and Ive only heard good things about their customer service. Plus they are all made in the USA.
 
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