TTKZ or KZ II

T

Tony Nguyen

Gold Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2010
Messages
512
I was just wondering if anyone has an opinion on which one would be a better purchase for a user.

Pics would be appreciated. Experiences with both would also be appreciated.

Thanks,

Tony
 
You would probably get a more informative responce in the BUSSE forum. But since the KZII was the result of the test team feedback, it would be the upgraded version with the user defined features.
 
I dont have experience with using them, yet, but I most certainly like the balance of the LE more. Here is a pic of them next to a few others
IMG_3345.jpg
 
Here is a review I did a while back ....

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=757077

Here is another good thread ....

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=770208

and here is another ....

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=756267&highlight=lvc

In the last linked thread scroll down to the pic's of the handles side by side .... you can see from this pic why I find the TTKZ grips have less scope for movement as there is a long high ridge at the front which gives a stop to hand movement and makes that style of grip have a central "locked in " ability as there is also a corresponding raised stop at the rear ....

After say an hour of hard chopping these play a large part in making the knife feel safe .... and for me safe counts for a lot .... :thumbup:

For me I would rather sort out thinning the edge on the TTKZ than having to do the job I did on the KZII sorting out the raised rear pommel and still finding that I need to remove the grips and grind my own grips similar to the ones on the TTKZ to have a "locked in" ability to hold the knife.

The edge and geometry on the KZII though is a lot nearer "ideal" as a factory grind ....
 
If you are not prepared to reprofile the edge grind on the TTKZ, or have the Shop do it for you, then the KZII is probably a better choice for a functional user.
 
I don't have a TT version, but do have a (hand-shaped Micarta) KZ2, and would recommend it.
 
Ive had both and I like the KZ2 more. The TTKZ is a prettier blade, but I just love the feel, balance, and overall shape of the KZ2!
 
Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that my opinion only comes from a USER point of view and I am giving my honest opinion on what works for me instead of anyone getting their feelings hurt over the content. That said, here goes.

I have held but not used the KZ2. After holding it next to the TTKZ and having already used the TTKZ, I have no desire to use the KZ2 at all. IMHO the TTKZ handles are about the best non res-c design for any chopper yet (hopefully it will make it on some more designs soon!) while the KZ2 handles seem a little like the result of too much armchair feedback on traditional design vs functional new difference as they look cool but just don't feel right. Now if the TT handles were matched to the thinner KZ2 blade, THAT would be the one I recommend, but since that doesn't yet exist I am very happy with the TTKZ as it is, or at least as mine is. The top serrations really aren't necessary, but they look great and lighten the blade a bit while not really affecting overall functionality. It does require a bit more caution though. Included are some pics of the sweet open spine sheath Dave hooked me up with on my last trip to AZ.
30iche9.jpg

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ff9sae.jpg



The TTKZ has usurped the NMFBM as THE big chopper/splitter for me.
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Comparison shot of CS TTKZ, NMFBM, CS BWMLE, CGFBM and Basic 11
ej7iq8.jpg
 
Great pics Buddy. And even better post.

Will some one please trade me out of my KZ II so I can have a KZ TT again ;)
 
I like the handle and balance on my KZII.

I have never chopped with the TT version though. I find that the rear handle drop like on the fusion handles makes them feel a bit less secure in my hand when chopping.

More so once my grip starts to get tired.

I like big chopper knife with some handle flare up and down on the end. Like a comp chopper knife, or a Lamey, etc has more flare at the rear end!

The extra handle length and the flared tang at the back of the knife moves the balance point back and makes snap cutting easier. More importantly, for me, it makes checking a swing easier.

I use a lanyard on my big choppers, but I would still not like to have one fly out of my hand.

Obligatory photos
IMG_3347.jpg


IMG_3325.jpg


IMG_3337.jpg


IMG_3336.jpg
 
The thing with lanyards is ...... do they help you keep control of a knife and prevent an injury ..... or do they work the other way round and keep a knife that would have dropped out of your hand and away from you near your body and thereby increase the liklihood of the knife injuring you ?

For me the answer lies in looking to indigenous tribes who live in the jungle and seeing how they use a machete or a parang ..... none of these people use a lanyard .... and they use their knives enough to know why. If you are going to drop a knife .... drop it .... it is much safer to do this than have a free hanging pendulum action take the knife into your leg or worse if the knife drops on the back swing your head.

Under water use of a diving knife is an exception to using a lanyard and they work well there because they prevent loss of the blade which could not be retreived and all use is cutting or prying and not chopping ....
 
Bigfattyt said:
I like big chopper knife with some handle flare up and down on the end.
Click to expand...

I have come to appreciate some extra junk on the butt too. It really gives you something to grip onto when it gets a little tough to hold on. :D
 
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