The more I study ZT folders....

Artfully Martial

Artfully Martial

Joined
Jun 8, 2005
Messages
4,761
....the more I like the Spec Bump. Don't get me wrong, I think the ZT folders are awesome and am constantly tempted to buy one. But when I look at the side by side to a Spec Bump, I just can't find a good reason to pay the extra 30-170 dollars.

ker_specbump_s30v.jpg


The Spec Bump cost 120 dollars, versus the ZT2/4's 150 and the ZT0300's 300.

But the ZT2 and 4 actually have one grade of steel less (at least, clearly true in the prices of the steel if fuzzier in performance). The ZT4 isn't in G10. They all share coated blades and similar size.

But the Spec Bump is slimmer and weighs less too.

The ZT models are awesome alternatives to the Bump lineup, but ultimately, I think an objective look at their performance will vindicate the Spec Bump over the new knives. Of course, if you just really like how they look, then it's probably worth the price increase.
 
I doubt the fit and finish of the the Spec Bump is up with the ZT's from what all the reviews have said about them. Also the liner lock ZT's have really thick steel liners that help ease people's minds about the lock strength. Then there is that lock. I'm in Alaska and dont use anything with a spring to lock a knife. 60 below plus small springs is usually a predictable outcome. I dont think the ZT400 needs to be in G-10 and like the trak tek inserts myself. Still, the Spec Bump is alot of knife for the money. If you are comfortable with the lock then I dont see why it wouldt do just as well for you at a better price. I'm still trying to decide between a 200 and 300 ZT myself, tough one.
 
Don't forget a portion of the ZT profits go to a disabled veteran fund.
 
Yeah, I have a speed bump and it is pretty nice. The Spec bump is like the Speed bump only with a better handle and a few other upgrades, so I am sure it is a great knife.
 
A valid defense in the quality control area, but I've handled a lot of spec bumps and they've all been great (as are any high end Kershaws, as best I'm aware). That said, I haven't played with the ZTs in person to compare. There don't seem to be many tricky techniques in them though, so I don't see where they would get a chance to really show off f&f.

An excellent point on the disabled veterans fund, which I hadn't even considered.

As per springs, I know what you mean, so my little criticism actually offers nothing in the form of refutation, but locking liners are springs too. Of course, knowing that you mean they're more reliable in terribly cold whether, I know this doesn't make a difference.

I do find it interesting that someone's arguing that the liner lock has greater strength/reliability than the stud lock--I'm not at all saying you're wrong (I'm a long term proponent of liner locks), but it's very rare to hear that opinion.

Nonetheless, these seem like great alternatives to the Spec Bump, but I'm going to continue to debate that the Spec Bump, objectively, is the somewhat better choice for the average knife buyer.
 
Artfully Martial said:
Nonetheless, these seem like great alternatives to the Spec Bump, but I'm going to continue to debate that the Spec Bump, objectively, is the somewhat better choice for the average knife buyer.
Click to expand...


You are probably right, I asked my friend at work (non knife knut) which he prefered, he said the ZT till i told him how much each cost, then he changed to the Spec Bump :)

Edit : would anyone mind explaining how the stud lock works on the spec bump? that is what interests me the most about it.
 
The stud lock is surprisingly simple. Take a look at that spec bump photo in the first example.

The stud lock is literally a thumbstud (although you don't open the knife that way). The spring pushes the thumbstud down the blade. When the knife is opened, the stud glides up the little hill at the very top of the handle of the knife. This pushes the spring back and allows it to make it to the other side of the hill. It's difficult to see, but the faces of the stud are angled, and rest parallel to the other side of the hill. Now, because of the abrupt change in incline, the stud lock can no longer get over to the other side again on its own. The user has to push the stud up (against the spring) so that it can clear the hill. Once clear of the hill you can close the blade.

The advantages of the stud lock are that it's fairly easy to close one handed (made a little more difficult by the fact that all stud lock knives are AOs, but the AO on my mini mojo broke, which also has a stud lock, and it's very easy to close one handed minus AO). Also, the entire mechanism is exposed, which makes visual checking very easy, so you'll detect rust or spring failure a lot more easily. Also, the blow through design makes it hard for stuff to get trapped in the lock and very easy to clean. Also, the stud lock is fully ambidextrous.

It might weaken the blade a little, and it doesn't have spring redundancy (unlike the axis lock counterparts). Some find it terribly irrating, although I'm fine with it. It should be roughly as strong as an axis lock of similar construction (they're actually functionally identical, it's just that the axis bar is on the blade instead of the handle, although a lot of folks disagree with me here).
 
Yeah its not springs in general its the thickness I worry about. I like the axis lock to but will not carry it in the winter here in AK. Also the liners on the zt200 are no joke from STR and the people on the pass arounds views. I'm still undecided on the 200 or 300. I dont own alot of assisted openers and that wont change anytime soon. Still the 300 has my intrest and I can't seem to shake it. I really hated the look of the Ti bump. I may be a minority, but it looked to kitch for me. I know the texture was great for an all metal handle but I wish they had made them in powder coat black or something. Thats just a personal prefference though and obviously of the Ti bumps would be the best for cold weather lock strength. They should pay strider to use the barbwire finish on the balde and handle of a Ti Bump. I'd buy that in a second flat.
 
I personally love the Ti Bumps, but I'd debate that the zt0300 would be better for winter weather if only for the G10 on one side. The did make a few Ti Bumps in gray non anodized titanium(their origin is debated). One of our members, nygian I think it is, was selling one awhile back. I love the colors though.
 
Referring back to the original post, I'm going to stick to my Spec Bump too. I recently handled the ZT301...and what a disappointment (Trust me, it kills me to say this). It's a great collaboration between Strider and Onion, but it's not a knife I'd buy. The blade looks kinda "stubby" which I think wouldnt offer as many cutting options as the SB. Also the blade is huge so the Speed Safe was pretty slow. Finally, the overall fit and finish was just not "spot-on" for the $300. Unfortunately, there were some serious issues with the 301 I was handling, so Im hoping the others out there were much better. However, the handle was comfortable and grippy and the lock up was solid and well made. In general, the ZT301 could provide a very servicable and reliable blade, however, when comparing the Spec Bump and the price difference...hands down the SB wins for me.
 
In general, the ZT301 could provide a very servicable and reliable blade, however, when comparing the Spec Bump and the price difference...hands down the SB wins for me.
Click to expand...

Good thinking. Not everyone needs a tank to drive to the supermarket. It's easy to lose sight of general utility when offered The Power. :)

If I got a ZT, I'd go for the 200 over the 300, not even worrying about the price so much, but the 200 is more gracile.
 
Artfully Martial said:
....the more I like the Spec Bump. Don't get me wrong, I think the ZT folders are awesome and am constantly tempted to buy one. But when I look at the side by side to a Spec Bump, I just can't find a good reason to pay the extra 30-170 dollars.

The Spec Bump cost 120 dollars, versus the ZT2/4's 150 and the ZT0300's 300

But the ZT2 and 4 actually have one grade of steel less (at least, clearly true in the prices of the steel if fuzzier in performance). The ZT4 isn't in G10. They all share coated blades and similar size.

But the Spec Bump is slimmer and weighs less too.

The ZT models are awesome alternatives to the Bump lineup, but ultimately, I think an objective look at their performance will vindicate the Spec Bump over the new knives. Of course, if you just really like how they look, then it's probably worth the price increase.
Click to expand...

I agree with you AM! I used to think the Spec Bump was big, but after doing the ZT passaround with the 0200, the Spec Bump is much more comfortable for EDC. However, if I were in LE or the military, I would rather have the ZT 0200 than the Spec Bump for Tactical use. MAN oh MAN the ZT 0200 is a tank! Outstanding quality!

ZT0200Review004.jpg



Check out my initial review of the ZT here. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4178189#post4178189
 
Finally, the overall fit and finish was just not "spot-on" for the $300. Unfortunately, there were some serious issues with the 301 I was handling
Click to expand...
Psi, I would like to hear more details about your above statement.
 
Psiops, thats the first negative review I've heard of the 301 outside its blade shape or size. I was aware that the AO isn't the fastest but everyone else has said the FnF was great. I may just have to get the 200. I wish I could handpick one, but my chances of finding one to handle in Alaska are slim. Everyone seems to like the 200 unless they think it's to large for edc. I never minded a large EDC and I wont get in trouble for it, so thats not a problem. Anyone have experience with the studlock at sub 40 below temperatures (degrees F)?
 
Hey Thomas,

No problems. The particular model I was looking at, and unfortunately the only one at the shop, had some of the finish around the tang just below the edge rubbed off. I should add that this area did not make any contact with the lock. Also, the grinding was uneven on the blade...which was confirmed by the sales associate. Finally(and maybe a minor point), the blade was sharp, but I was not as sharp as I would have expected coming right out of the box. It killed me to see all of this considering I drove a considerable distance for the knife. Plus, heck, I love Kershaws, so trust me, it was a shock considering you guys consistently produce quality knives. Now, to be fair, this particular knife may not be a reprentative "sample" of the overall quality of the 301's, though a part of me says that a $300 knife should never have passed QC with these flaws, thus the potential for others with similar issues. The other issues are more subjective...really an issue of taste. But in reference to the original post, what I experienced with the 301 did not justify me spending almost $200 bucks more over the Spec Bump, with or without the issues of the particular 301 I was looking at.

Overall, and I think it's worth restating, it's a solid knife. Despite the flaws I found on that particular 301, it was a real tank and I couldn't help think that it could perform reliably. It felt solid in the hand, and very well balanced. Furthermore, the lock up was solid and well made. I hope that gives you more clarity from my original post, Thomas.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top