So, What ZT Next?

M

MrFoo

Joined
Dec 18, 2004
Messages
110
It's been quite a while since I was last here. I got a ZT0200 a year ago August from KershawGuy. I've used it for all sorts of stuff, including cutting a steel shed frame free from overgrowth grass so I could move it, though mostly box-ninja and trimming labels in a data center. I've found that it does most things well, but sometimes I need finer work, that it seems too big for. So a finer tip may be in order.

I'm trying to spend $150 or less, which basically takes the 560 out of the running, but perhaps I can save more if there is a compelling reason. I am interested in the 0700 (especially the prices I have been seeing), but I kind of see ZT for more exotic steel (by my standards). I have a number of 14C28N blades from Kershaw and like their performance, but would like something else.

For a cheaper knife, I am planning on one of those fixed blade Skylines that I've seen. Not sure how much EDC it will get, since it is fixed, though.

So, what ZT next? Should I look at a finding a new (maybe 1st gen) 550, save for / convince myself (wife...) that a 560 is right (hooray flipper and ELMAX) or wait for next year's offerings?

Thanks all.
 
I'm happy with my 0200, 560, and de-assisted 0400. Getting rid of the rest, 350 handle feels too small, 300 is the right length but too "tall"? No comparison to the ergos of the 0200 and 0400. The 560 is just in a whole different dimension of smoothness, above any other production folder out there that I've handled, and there are very few worthwhile that I haven't.
 
First gen 550 is currently the greatest value in ZT IMO - You can't go wrong with either but to put it in perspective I wouldn't be able to pick between my 560 and 550.
 
If you want a strong but fine tip, then the 0700 is a great choice. It's not 14C28N, it's S30V, which is still one of the best steels you'll get in a ZT. The 0200 is 154CM, so you're not exactly going to a cheaper steel. The 0550's S35VN performs about the same as S30V, and I can't tell the difference until I sharpen it. I find the S35VN harder to sharpen.

If you want something inexpensive to beat on for work, the sure the 0700 and 0550 are the two best options by my submission.
 
I also edc an 0200.
Long ago I found I needed to carry at least two different sized knives at all times.

Right now with the 0200 I carry a smaller 3 blade traditional of some sort.
That way I have 4 blades of different sizes to choose from for the right job.

I've handled and used an 0560 that a friend owns. While it is an excellent knife I like my 0200 better.
It just feels like it belongs in my hand. The 0560 tip is not that much finer than an 0200 anyway.


Or are you just needing some excuse to buy another ZT?:D

You don't ever have to make up an excuse to buy another ZT.
Sometimes there is just an overwhelming NEED to get another.
Making that actually happen is another, much longer, more entailed scheme of a story.
 
Sounds to me like a zt 0780 (If you can find one that is!) would be a great choice for you. Given your price point, if one popped up you should be able to get it for that.
 
Another ZT would be preferred. Thanks for the suggestions so far. Looks like the list would be 550,780,700. The trick would be to have all three someday. By price, it looks like 700-780-550 from low to high.

So what would be a snap up price on the 550? Should I expect its price to stay where I am seeing in the 150-200 range or see if I can get lower? I support I can just cruise the For Sale forum and email KG. I also look at the unnamed auction place as well as the sponsor sites here.
 
Give Dave an email (Kershawguy.com) Last I seen,he had a great price on the older 0550's. Hell I got one! He also had the 0700's too!
 
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