Spyderco similar to a ZT?

Andrew Colglazier

Andrew Colglazier

Joined
Sep 14, 2006
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I currently carry a ZT MUDD for work purposes, and it gets used pretty hard. Its pivot works exactly the same as it did the day I took it out of its box. The handle is large and grippy, the blade is easy to deploy and the lockup is solid. In short, I like this knife.

But, I like Spyderco products too. I prefer their bladeshapes, generally.

What large Spyderco model currently available would be most similar to my ZT?

Thanks!

Andy
 
Millie is a fine choice, but it's not the tank most ZT's are. The lock is still rated hard use (100+lbs per inch of blade), but the blade isn't nearly as thick. If I had a choice of which I would pry with, I'd go with the ZT.

I would suggest a Chinook 3 or Manix 2 (or original Manix if you can find it). The Chinook has a thick S30V blade and a MBC rated back lock. The Manix 2 is significantly lower in price with the CBBL (also MBC rated) with a 3.5mm 154CM blade.

If you're looking for the ultimate large folder in a classically modern design, I'd go with the Military. If you're looking for the closest Spyderco tank I'd go with either the Chinook 3 or Manix 2, blade shapes depending on your preference.
 
I'd say the Chinook 1,2 or 3 and the Manix would fill the boots of a ZT better than the Millie.
IMO the Chinook 1 and the Manix are the tankiest knives Spyderco made but those are getting a bit like chickens lips now.
 
I also have the MUDD, great knife! Recently recieved the Manix ll and my first thought was,this is a close fit two the ZT line. It's a real user,not a safe queen :D
 
The choices mentioned so far are all good. The most "tank like" and what appeared to be (I only got to play with the prototype for a time, not test it) the most robust Spyderco folder I have seen will be the upcoming Ed Schempp designed Tuff. The Tuff is a titanium handled framelock with a very beefy lock and very beefy blade. It was named Tuff for a reason. It will probably be quite some time before it comes out, but I am sure it will be worth picking up when it is available.
 
KaliGman said:
The choices mentioned so far are all good. The most "tank like" and what appeared to be (I only got to play with the prototype for a time, not test it) the most robust Spyderco folder I have seen will be the upcoming Ed Schempp designed Tuff. The Tuff is a titanium handled framelock with a very beefy lock and very beefy blade. It was named Tuff for a reason. It will probably be quite some time before it comes out, but I am sure it will be worth picking up when it is available.
Click to expand...

:eek: You've heard about this? Wouldn't happen to have any pictures would you? :D
 
Josh K said:
:eek: You've heard about this? Wouldn't happen to have any pictures would you? :D
Click to expand...

I was able to handle the Tuff and about 70 or so other prototypes or upcoming models when I visited Spyderco in early June. Kristi was gracious enough to free up some time to show me around, and Sal was gracious enough to free up a huge chunk of his day and show me all the items he had taken to the Blade Show, as well as showing off some of the Spyderco production and test equipment. No photos were taken, and I only mention the details of the Tuff because I was told that I could discuss it a bit. Spydie secrets are Spydie secrets after all, and, if I happen to know or find out something that is not general knowledge in the knife community, I keep my mouth shut about it. Sal is a very nice man, and some individuals have abused the access to information that he has allowed them. Trust is always a two way street, and honor is something that you have trouble polishing once it has been tarnished. Besides--Kristi has quite a bit of dirt on me--and she could easily get more with a simple phone call to my wife:p.

Josh, I'm also sure that you would have been just as honorable if our roles in this one were reversed, and I know I sure would have asked for photos if you had them :D. All I can really tell you is I think you are going to want one of these bad boys.
 
KaliGman said:
I was able to handle the Tuff and about 70 or so other prototypes or upcoming models when I visited Spyderco in early June. Kristi was gracious enough to free up some time to show me around, and Sal was gracious enough to free up a huge chunk of his day and show me all the items he had taken to the Blade Show, as well as showing off some of the Spyderco production and test equipment. No photos were taken, and I only mention the details of the Tuff because I was told that I could discuss it a bit. Spydie secrets are Spydie secrets after all, and, if I happen to know or find out something that is not general knowledge in the knife community, I keep my mouth shut about it. Sal is a very nice man, and some individuals have abused the access to information that he has allowed them. Trust is always a two way street, and honor is something that you have trouble polishing once it has been tarnished. Besides--Kristi has quite a bit of dirt on me--and she could easily get more with a simple phone call to my wife:p.

Josh, I'm also sure that you would have been just as honorable if our roles in this one were reversed, and I know I sure would have asked for photos if you had them :D. All I can really tell you is I think you are going to want one of these bad boys.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I understand. :)

There was some talk about this around the same time people were asking about the RIL Military.

I think I'm on preorder for 5 or so Spyderco models that showed up in the supplemental, I'm probably going to want this one on that list too. :thumbup:
 
Well, the Tuff sounds good, but I will hazard to guess (based on what has been said about materials) that it will be more pricey than my ZT was, perhaps.

I would love to pick up one of the original Manix's, but as stated, they have become hard to find and pricey to boot.

I don't think the Millie would hold up to the use I would put it to. My MUDD does get used to pry on occasion, it gets dropped fairly often, there's no telling what it might be exposed to.

What about the Rock Lobster? How does it compare sizewise to the MUDD?

Thanks for everybody's input, I do appreciate it!

Andy
 
Andrew Colglazier said:
Well, the Tuff sounds good, but I will hazard to guess (based on what has been said about materials) that it will be more pricey than my ZT was, perhaps.

I would love to pick up one of the original Manix's, but as stated, they have become hard to find and pricey to boot.

I don't think the Millie would hold up to the use I would put it to. My MUDD does get used to pry on occasion, it gets dropped fairly often, there's no telling what it might be exposed to.

What about the Rock Lobster? How does it compare sizewise to the MUDD?

Thanks for everybody's input, I do appreciate it!

Andy
Click to expand...

Try the Manix 2, I wouldn't be scared doing some moderate prying with that thing.

Also I forgot, look at the Captian. :thumbup:
 
KaliGman said:
I was able to handle the Tuff and about 70 or so other prototypes or upcoming models when I visited Spyderco in early June. Kristi was gracious enough to free up some time to show me around, and Sal was gracious enough to free up a huge chunk of his day and show me all the items he had taken to the Blade Show, as well as showing off some of the Spyderco production and test equipment. No photos were taken, and I only mention the details of the Tuff because I was told that I could discuss it a bit. Spydie secrets are Spydie secrets after all, and, if I happen to know or find out something that is not general knowledge in the knife community, I keep my mouth shut about it. Sal is a very nice man, and some individuals have abused the access to information that he has allowed them. Trust is always a two way street, and honor is something that you have trouble polishing once it has been tarnished. Besides--Kristi has quite a bit of dirt on me--and she could easily get more with a simple phone call to my wife:p.

Josh, I'm also sure that you would have been just as honorable if our roles in this one were reversed, and I know I sure would have asked for photos if you had them :D. All I can really tell you is I think you are going to want one of these bad boys.
Click to expand...

I seem to remember Ed saying that he wanted to use 3v for the blade steel too, I wonder if that will eventuate.
 
I was checking out reviews here of the ZT knives and saw a comparison shot. I hope the photographer doesnt mind.

zt20503hp3.jpg


The ZT0200 makes the C95 Manix look kinda puny.
 
Manix 2 is probably the knife most similar to the Mudd in the spyderco lineup. Even the locks operate in a similar fashion.

But even if that weren't the case it would still be my recommendation. It embodies the best of Spyderco, IMO. Huge thumbhole, smooooth action, leaf blade, great ergo's and choil, grippy G-10, great value... and Golden, CO, USA, Earth made with US steel!
 
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