Southern Grind Bad Monkey Tanto or ZT 0200?

KLJTech

KLJTech

Joined
Aug 26, 2005
Messages
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I know one knife has nothing to do with the other but I'm trying to decide which folder I should buy next and both of these have been on my radar. Which would you prefer and why?

I have a new ZT 0301 on the way (ordered yesterday), I own the 0560, 0550 Gen II, 0300 and 0121 fixed blade. I like carbon fiber and don't have that many Tanto blades...then again, I've never even held the 0200...seems like a lot of knife for the money. Does the ZT 0200 flip well once its had a chance to break in?

Any feedback would be appreciated.
 
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I'm biased with two things: 1. Never heard of southern grind bad monkey tanto and 2. after looking at it, I've never been a fan of Tanto

But I've have a ZT 0200 and it's a thick worker knife. Fits the hand well be it small or large (me small, boyfriend large) and it made me feel like I want to beat it up whenever I have the chance for the hell of it. Right now it's sitting in my wilderness Bin ready for any emergencies. It opens very smoothly since I got it. I plan on getting a stone washed one.
 
Southern Grind for sure. Never liked the 0200, the BM on the other hand is one of the best knives I've ever owned- although I do prefer the drop point. It's big, lightweight, good looking and waved. Plus, the amount of work done by hand essentially makes it a midtech. It has what some would call a lesser steel but it has done everything I've asked it to, it's easy to sharpen and takes a crazy edge. Plus it sounds like you have more than enough ZT, try something off the beaten path.
 
The Southern Grind looks like a cool knife to me, but I have never owned or even held one so I can't comment on that one.

As for the 0200 it is an awesome knife! Mine wasn't really stiff when I got it and after a day of use it smoothed out even more. Now, it is incredibly smooth, and still no blade play of any kind.

Mine flips easily with no wrist action, but I am not really a flipper guy so I mainly enjoy opening it with the thumb studs.

Like a fine wine you got to savor that action!
 
I would get the 0200. I have limited experience with the bad monkey, I've handled them twice. I think they're nice knives with the only real downside I found being the steel (14c28n), is not a bad steel but for the price and in completion with 154-CM I think it is a downside. personally I find the short clip a little odd, but you could just substitute a Emerson/BenchMade clip.

I suppose I'm a little biased...I love the 0200 haha. Here's a review and a short vid showing the action. :)

Review: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1079332-My-long-term-review-of-the-Zero-Tolerence-0200

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&persist_app=1&v=HOb03tEQpT0

Kirby
 
My 0200 flipped open so fast I had to think about it to remember it wasn't assisted. Big, tough, monster blade, but elegant in its own way. Very ergonomic, great edge, I like recurves!

Just checked out the Southern Grind. I remember now I'd seen the website before. I LIKE their knives, but I do prefer the drop point, even though I do like tantos.

You know what the ZTs are like, try the Southern Grind! :)
And thanks for reminding me, I should get one already.
 
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I do love me a recurve blade and I'm very glad to hear that the 0200 flips well...the thumbs studs would have been fine with me but flipping well is a bonus.

Then again, I've never tried anything from Southern Grind and I'm lacking a bit in Tanto styled folders. Southern Grind was featured in an article in Blade magazine a couple months ago...the Mad Monkey looks interesting. I'm not really concerned about the blade steel, I've heard that it preforms well. Decisions...decisions.
 
KLJTech said:
I do love me a recurve blade and I'm very glad to hear that the 0200 flips well...the thumbs studs would have been fine with me but flipping well is a bonus.

Then again, I've never tried anything from Southern Grind and I'm lacking a bit in Tanto styled folders. Southern Grind was featured in an article in Blade magazine a couple months ago...the Mad Monkey looks interesting. I'm not really concerned about the blade steel, I've heard that it preforms well. Decisions...decisions.
Click to expand...

This article?
005-5.jpg
 
What month/issue is that? I was trying to recall which issue it was in...I've got them stacked a foot high and was trying to go back and re-read it. Thanks.
Is that the tool kit as well?
 
KLJTech said:
What month/issue is that? I was trying to recall which issue it was in...I've got them stacked a foot high and was trying to go back and re-read it. Thanks.
Is that the tool kit as well?
Click to expand...

Hm, I'm not sure what issue it was. I'll look and see if I can dig it up but no promises, I've moved since I took that. Yes, that is the tool kit. Oddly enough the knife doesn't come in a box but the tool kit does.
 
Bigfatts said:
Hm, I'm not sure what issue it was. I'll look and see if I can dig it up but no promises, I've moved since I took that. Yes, that is the tool kit. Oddly enough the knife doesn't come in a box but the tool kit does.
Click to expand...

Don't worry about then, I'll find it, just saw it a week or two ago. Thanks.
 
I think when you look at the amount of value in the knives, for the price the 0200 would be very hard to beat and likely my choice. Also kershaw and zt have exceptional customer service.
 
Okay, so my plan changed a little and I ended up buying two knives that weren't even on my radar. On a whim, I bought a new 0600 (found one in stock last week) and a 0301 just because I saw a new one priced well below what I'm use to seeing them sell for and I LOVE my 0300.

SO, I ended up going buying the ZT 0200KW with the beautiful stonewash blade. Maybe this is the norm but I found this knife for $119 earlier this week and after playing around with it most of today I've gotta say that this is, without a doubt, the nicest knife I've ever bought for just over $100. It's ridiculously nice for that price...this is a Ken Onion design correct? I LOVE the handle, the way your hand simply locks into place...its wonderful. Highly recommended!

I'll still order me a Bad Monkey but I'll probably wait a while and let my wallet heal...my Busse TGLB arrived last week along with its sheath and it dawned on me just how much I've spent in the past couple months and "for me" its a lot of money...to others a drop in the bucket.

If you don't already own a ZT0200, go out and grab ya one, you won't be disappointed! As much as I love my 0300 and 0301 this knife is in the same league and for $119!...are you kidding me?

Thanks for ALL of your feedback, it was greatly appreciated!
 
Just realized that it says "Ken Onion Design" right on the BLADE!...sorry about the stupid question.

Without even seeking them out (as in I must own as many ZT's as possible) I now have 7 ZT's! Then again, I love Ken Onion designs, recurve blades and folders that are built like tanks and I care very little how much my folder weighs. I'm still a huge fan of Spyderco and a couple other manufacturers yet KAI/ZT has it dialed in. They're simply making incredible knives for the price...actually, incredible period.

Kudos to KAI/ZT!
 
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Good choice. I love my 0301 but I love my 0200 even more and only half the money!
 
To be perfectly honest, I wasn't aware that the 0200 was offered with a stonewashed blade which just happens to be one of my favorites. The knife was a "tad" stiff right out of the box (for the flipper/not for the thumb stud) but I can clearly see those big ole' bronze washers so I'm assuming that I'll continue to loosen up (has zero blade play) as its already started to flip open easier than when I first started using it earlier today.

Great knife.
 
Lemme know if you want it waved...

[video=youtube;klj1cYb6N50]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klj1cYb6N50[/video]
 
The 0200 is an awesome choice. While i normally reserve it for the woods or what not, I gotta take mine to the office tomorrow...yeah, its way overkill
 
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