The amazing, tank-like Pohl Force Apha One - a contender for ZT?

I've looked at that vid a few times now. I don't think the lock failed. I think the way he was gripping the handle, he inadvertantly released the lock.

Dummies shouldn't baton with a folder anyways.
 
If the spring is not very strong, for this kind of lock, a shock can disengage the blade. But I don't think that is a very big problem, especially if you have a good grip and the thumb on lock bar. I like it.
 
If you're going to baton with a folder, you're better off releasing the lock anyway... I speak from experience. :rolleyes:
 
At first glance I much prefer the handle, lock, and flipper on my ZT302. If I'm suddenly in the need to baton through wood I'd use the RAT-5 in my glove compartment rather than any of my folding knives...:thumbup:

zt5.jpg
 
I think this shows a major design flaw. The tang/kick contact point is on a part of the blade that is very obviously going to be reduced by sharpening, over time it looks to eventually lead to a problem in the geometry of the closing cycle. This will likely result in unwanted edge contact.

pf_ao_109.jpg
 
Good eye SpoonRobot, I concur that could be a problem.:thumbup:
Still it's a cool looking knife and if it were priced right and easy to get for American's, I might get one.
 
Cool looking but another thing I notice in that picture is how thin the lock bar is at the end. I'm also not paying over $150 for a 440c folder with plastic handles.
 
OK 160 for it, 120 for ZT 200
440 c for it s30v for ZT
Zytel for it G10 for ZT

I really dont see the comparison. Oh it does come with a 20$ Taco to store it in. But I really cant see it as a contender.
 
1) Handle texture looks EXTREMELY uncomfortable to use for any extended period of time. I certainly could be wrong, but that's how it looks.

2) Zytel/440C might be a competitor for Spyderco Endura, FRN Stretch, Benchmade Pika, etc., but not for a G10-/S30V knife. Especially at the same price point.

3) It can't compete if it's not in the market. Those don't seem to be easily available in the US for purchase.
 
440c? no way will this EVER beat any of the ZT line up.
I found them on the bay going for 259 buy it now price.
 
The handle is actually pretty comfortable and allows for different grips. It can also be used with gloves - which I didn't try but it was a design brief. The textured Zytel feels ok even if indeed it's not G10. This must have had a positive effect on the price. And so does the 440C steel which in my experience worked very well. The blade geometry must have helped there. The build quality is excellent, as are several made-in-Taiwan knives these days. Its tank-like / bank vault feel is even more impressive than on my ZT200 / Big Manix, which is saying something.
About the price, well indeed potential American buyers suffer from the euro/dollar exchange ratio. It's a bit the same wallet-hurting feeling when we Europeans want to buy a American knife in a European brick & mortar store...
 
Dagon said:
The handle is actually pretty comfortable and allows for different grips. It can also be used with gloves - which I didn't try but it was a design brief. The textured Zytel feels ok even if indeed it's not G10. This must have had a positive effect on the price. And so does the 440C steel which in my experience worked very well. The blade geometry must have helped there. The build quality is excellent, as are several made-in-Taiwan knives these days. Its tank-like / bank vault feel is even more impressive than on my ZT200 / Big Manix, which is saying something.
About the price, well indeed potential American buyers suffer from the euro/dollar exchange ratio. It's a bit the same wallet-hurting feeling when we Europeans want to buy a American knife in a European brick & mortar store...
Click to expand...

I think 440C is a fine blade steel, but it tends to be used in lower-cost knives and not in the more expensive models (with the exception of art knives because it takes such a good polish). For the cost of the Pohl Force here in America, we could buy practically anything in the Benchmade, Spyderco, Kershaw or ZT line with much more expensive steels like S90V.

I think we need an international pricing agreement on knives: duty and tariffs need to be waived on all cross-border knife purchases! Now if we can only talk the UN into making that a priority! :D
 
For the cost of the Pohl Force here in America, we could buy practically anything in the Benchmade, Spyderco, Kershaw or ZT line with much more expensive steels like S90V.
Click to expand...

Indeed, even so I think it's a really interesting alternative. In Europe the price is a lot more competitive. From a popular UK webshop, I show here the pound sterling prices from the Pohl Force versus a few other popular high quality knives, as an illustration:

- Pohl Force Alpha One Tactical (incl out of production discount) 99.95
- Pohl Force Alpha Two 131.95
- ZT 200 119.95
- ZT 300 221.95
- Spyderco Endura 4 G10 137,95
- Spyderco Military / Paramilitary / Police 3 G10 151.95
- Benchmade 940 140,95
- Kershaw Boa S60V 137.95
 
"Contender to dethrone ZT" :confused:

Not while it's wearing those plastic handles and uses 440C.
 
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