Something comparable to Kershaw ZT301 folder

G

gylman

Joined
May 4, 2006
Messages
78
I just got the ZT301 Kershaw folder. Gawd I love this knife. The heft, the feel when it snaps open, the look... everthing.

I can't stop holding it. It's the new gold standard in my collection (I think previously the Spyker was the fav, maybe the the Kershaw Boa).

So, like a junkie looking for the next high, now I'm thinking, where do I go from here? Have I reached the apotheosis of my knife collecting? Am I doomed to never getting a knife as nice as this one again? IS THERE ANY HOPE AT ALL???



So, please, help a fellow traveller with a knife addiction. Can anyone suggest a worthy next knife along the same lines as the ZT301? Nothing tiny, please, and assisted openers are preferred but not essential.

Any and all suggestions appreciated, and price is not a huge factor, although I would start to get uneasy around 500$ or more.
 
SnG is no where near that size. Neither is the SMF except for length. AR is closer, but bigger and thicker. I'd say a Skirmish or a Retribution would be closer.
 
Spyderco Manix, Kershaw Spec Bump, Kershaw Offset, Kershaw JYD2, Striders, BM Skirmish etc.
 
To me all others are falling a bit short in an apples to apples comparison for a big frame lock tactical hard user folding knife.

The 301 and 302 are hefty at 8 ounces. Perhaps that is the only pit fall. Some have removed the stainless liner under the G10 to reduce weight a little.

Comparison wise though, lets look at what I feel are the top four tactical frame locks currently in 'production folders' and compare them. These are just what I think of as the top four as far as build and popularity go. You may feel otherwise but to me these are the ones that stand out in the crowd of big users competing with each other.

ZT301/302
S30V blade steel
Super patterns carved in the handle for grip texture unsurpassed IMO
.190 thick ti slab used to create the lock side
stainless steel liner under the G10 non lock side for added strength
assisted opening
Hinderer lock stabalizer
4 way clip mounting options
complete break down for cleaning due to all screw construction
striped blade pattern
designed by both the Strider guys and Ken Onion along with Kai/Kershaw
found for anywhere from $250 plus or minus used to $300 plus or minus new

Large Sebenza
S30V blade steel
options for handle scale choices
.150 thick titanium to create the lock
ambi thumb stud opening
one mounting for the pocket clip
complete break down ability
tumbled or polished finish for the blade
designed by Chris Reeve
Found typically for anywhere from $385 to $600 depending on options

Strider SnG
S30V blade steel
G10 slab side with texturing but no liner under it
Options for handle for heat color or not
.125 thick titanium used to create lock side
thumb hole opening
Hinderer Lock stabalizer
one mounting option for clip
break down design
option for striped or non striped blade
Designed by Mick Strider/Duane Dwyer
found anywhere from $300 used for a user to $400 plus or minus new

Emerson CQC12
154CM blade steel
G10 side with no underneath liner (some were made with all titanium if you can find them)
.125 thick lock side
thumb disc opening for ambi use and the Wave feature
one pocket clip mount option
break down design
black, or satin blade finish choices

Designed by Ernie Emerson
found anywhere from $269 new to $400 new

STR
 
This is great, thanks!

There are a couple I had not known of/seriously considered, but will examine again.

Leading contenders (I pretty much have all the Kershaws):

I'm not sure if I am ready for a Sebenza, although I have considered it in the past. I think that's the one I save for a rainy day when I really need something to pick me up.

The Emerson is new to me. Looks like a tank! Probably feels good, but looks are not so special. I'm not actually going into combat....:-)

The Manix has the advantage of being easy to get in Canada, and is very well proprotioned, but probably a step down from the Strider, and not really different than my Spyker. Spyderco is not my absolute fav knife maker, although I have no serious issues with them.

The Skirmish has the nicest proportions, and may be the leading contender for now. It's the most different from any of the ones I have not (other than then Sebenza of course) I do love my Benchmades. Never a bad experience.

The Retribution (1) looks huge! Maybe even too much. But good looking and relatively inexpensive. The Retribution 2 does not look as nice. I might get the Ret 1 as a bonus.

Again, my thanks. Any other suggestions I will be very grateful for.
 
gylman,

Check out the Kershaw Tyrade (it ships later this month). And also the Kershaw Ti JYD II with SG2 steel and of course the Mini-Cyclone Ti/ZDP.

You should also pick up a ZT 0200 to go along with your 0300 :)
 
gylman
I suggest that since you love your ZT301 so much you definitely love the Skirmish 630,they are equally large folders.And although I had a chance to look at the 301,I couldn't get over the fact that kershaw doesn't offer it with a plain satin s30v blade besides that I would of bought one.

Since,you mention Canada I feel that you should know that I came across an ebay seller from Quebec selling the 630 for $169 which is a very reasonable price
 
Canadian seller offering Skirmish?? Can you point me in the right direction... I had a quick look and could not find it.

Thanks.
G


p.s. and of course, as Kershaw has been my main squeeze for a year or more, I am anxiously waiting the release of the Tyrade.
 
STR, I think the sng has a thicker lock than that. -Not sure though.
Another knife worth a look is the mission mpf-1. It's avalible in a2 or a titanium blade. Tanto or clip point. Tip down only. They seem to sell from around $300 (used or possibly on ebay) to a bit over $400. Worth a look.
 
Siggyhk said:
STR, I think the sng has a thicker lock than that. -Not sure though.
Another knife worth a look is the mission mpf-1. It's avalible in a2 or a titanium blade. Tanto or clip point. Tip down only. They seem to sell from around $300 (used or possibly on ebay) to a bit over $400. Worth a look.
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Nope up until recently I had two SnGs of my own. Thats what they measure. Those numbers posted above are either from my own digital caliper measurements of my own knives or straight from someone in the know at the manufacturer for the original stock thickness on the ZT301 since the finishing and texuring of the handle scale make it difficult to get an exact measurment of the middle thickness. Thomas Welk wrote me and told me that it started out .190 thick stock which is massively thick stuff BTW.

STR
 
Yeah I believe the bigger Strider folders get up there in stock thickness like .150 or more for the AR and SMF.

I'll tell ya another one to watch that will certainly outshine or at the least in every way equal a lot of these others already available (I am basing this on past examinations) and thats the not yet released Titanium frame locking SG2 blade steel JunkYardDogII Kershaw is just preparing to offer.

This thing will fit in and easily replace any of the above knives even though Tim doesn't want to consider it a tactical design. In my opinion it will probably end up being one of the better folders all around for both quality, fit and finish, edge holding and most of all bang for the buck spent.

STR
 
gylman said:
The Manix has the advantage of being easy to get in Canada, and is very well proprotioned, but probably a step down from the Strider, and not really different than my Spyker. Spyderco is not my absolute fav knife maker, although I have no serious issues with them.
Click to expand...

Don't underestimate the Manix like I did. I just picked one up recently and it's been in my pocket til today. (Picked up some new knives that I wanted to play with so I had to pry the Manix out of my pocket in the name of testing. Currently I'm carrying a ZPD Mini Cyclone that I already reprofiled so I can see what's so special about ZPD in general.) It's a big knife but has a full height flat grind which makes it a better cutter than the saber ground knives you're also comparing. I also find myself trying to close framelocks by pressing the bar on the backs now that I'm used to the Manix.:o

I also picked up a 301 this weekend but would compare it to the Kershaw Offset and the BM full size Skirmish after holding it.:thumbup:

later,

oil
 
razorburn said:
I couldn't get over the fact that kershaw doesn't offer it with a plain satin s30v blade besides that I would of bought one.
Click to expand...
razorburn, fyi there is an extra fine bead blast S30V version (black G-10 front scale) in a plain edge available. S30V is not the best steel for a satin or polished finish.
 
EASY. Strider RC. I liked my ZT 302 so much, that I knew I had to have an RC. Bought one, and sold the 302. Never looked back.
 
OilMan said:
I also picked up a 301 this weekend but would compare it to the Kershaw Offset and the BM full size Skirmish after holding it.:thumbup:

later,

oil
Click to expand...
I have the Offset (being a Kershaw fanboy and all) and frankly have not been a huge fan of it. I hate the gimicky closing mechanism. It is not as hefty, or as smooth opening, as teh Strider.
 
I love my 301 as well. For me, the next folding knife is going to be small and delicate, possibly hollow ground. I've been thinking a small axis lock or a high-end leek (zdp/s30).

The next knife I picked up after the 301 was a Fixed blade - Howling Rat:

afj.sized.jpg
 
STR,

Great insights on these heavy duty folders. I have or have owned Sebenzas, the Ruckus, Manix, and most recently the ZT0301. I agree that ZT0301 is an extremely heavy duty knife and the build quality is exceptional. It was a real eye opener for me personally. I liked the looks, but loved handling it even more.

The only drawback I see for the ZT0301 is the blade shape. It looks great and all, but I don't see any real advantages to that much curve in a blade. It's probably one of the reasons I don't carry my Skirmish or mini-Skirmish that much. I think the Manix, Ruckus, and Sebenzas both offer a much more utilitarian blade shape which is more practical for EDC. Any opinions on this?
 
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