- Joined
- Oct 27, 2005
- Messages
- 177
Not long ago I started a thread about the ZT 0452CF, more broadly about the ease of deployment of flippers vs blade-mounted stud deployment generally. The ZT 0452CF caught my interest and shortly thereafter I found and purchased one at the Exchange from a fellow member[ thanks Blake!] I thought this thread would be a good follow up where that thread left off, sharing some impressions through the lens of a 'first flipper' and the ZT 0452CF specifically.
First, the aesthetics of the ZT 0452CF are unimpeachable and particularly gratifying at the price point. Some have found the ZT 0452CF handle too thin or narrow for larger hands, I have large mitts myself but did not find that to be the case, rather I found the grip/ frame comfortable and robust enough to anchor such a large blade[ 4"]. The blade of my example came shaving sharp and the blade shoulders seemed to my eye perfectly aligned. Though I myself am partial to G10 as a handle material this felt reasonably secure in the hand.
I found the action and deployment couldn't be smoother or more positive. I originally questioned my own comfort level in deploying such a flipper under less than ideal situations[ cold, rain etc]. I now see that the flipper is no less certain than any other folding knife mechanism in terms of deployment, and this is example is crisp and solid. An interesting design feature- it requires a kind of specific grip in order to properly release the blade and flip the knife open.
I discovered this by trial and error, at first thinking the knife had a lock-bar flaw. It does not. The knife seems to require your finger position in the channel on the reverse side of the grip. An incorrect grip will [ in my limited experience with the knife] result in it appearing 'locked' closed, like the lock-bar had failed.
I seem to remember reading about this design feature somewhere on-line but I can't recall where. Again and to be clear, the ZT 0452CF lives up to it's hype in my view both asthetically and as a tool. For such a big folder it carries very stealthily in the pocket. The overall finish is equally well done and the fit of the package is likewise excellent.
But I believe the ZT 0452CF requires a 'correct' grip in order for it to be deployed 100% of the time.I'd be very interested to hear from other owners of the ZT 0452CF to see if your experience mirrors my own in terms of grip.
By the way, I'd considered replacing the smallish pocket clip with a larger version I found on-line. Before placing the order I thought to check to see how difficult it would be to remove the pocket clip screws- I'm glad I did! After several committed attempts I couldn't budge those clip screws a white. Anyone else have a problem removing the pocket clip ?
The pics below are from the original listing, I'll post others shortly.
First, the aesthetics of the ZT 0452CF are unimpeachable and particularly gratifying at the price point. Some have found the ZT 0452CF handle too thin or narrow for larger hands, I have large mitts myself but did not find that to be the case, rather I found the grip/ frame comfortable and robust enough to anchor such a large blade[ 4"]. The blade of my example came shaving sharp and the blade shoulders seemed to my eye perfectly aligned. Though I myself am partial to G10 as a handle material this felt reasonably secure in the hand.
I found the action and deployment couldn't be smoother or more positive. I originally questioned my own comfort level in deploying such a flipper under less than ideal situations[ cold, rain etc]. I now see that the flipper is no less certain than any other folding knife mechanism in terms of deployment, and this is example is crisp and solid. An interesting design feature- it requires a kind of specific grip in order to properly release the blade and flip the knife open.
I discovered this by trial and error, at first thinking the knife had a lock-bar flaw. It does not. The knife seems to require your finger position in the channel on the reverse side of the grip. An incorrect grip will [ in my limited experience with the knife] result in it appearing 'locked' closed, like the lock-bar had failed.
I seem to remember reading about this design feature somewhere on-line but I can't recall where. Again and to be clear, the ZT 0452CF lives up to it's hype in my view both asthetically and as a tool. For such a big folder it carries very stealthily in the pocket. The overall finish is equally well done and the fit of the package is likewise excellent.
But I believe the ZT 0452CF requires a 'correct' grip in order for it to be deployed 100% of the time.I'd be very interested to hear from other owners of the ZT 0452CF to see if your experience mirrors my own in terms of grip.
By the way, I'd considered replacing the smallish pocket clip with a larger version I found on-line. Before placing the order I thought to check to see how difficult it would be to remove the pocket clip screws- I'm glad I did! After several committed attempts I couldn't budge those clip screws a white. Anyone else have a problem removing the pocket clip ?
The pics below are from the original listing, I'll post others shortly.
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