Updated w/ PICs: Cant decide..... Emerson Rangemaster Sheepdog OR ZT0909 Les George?

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showtime240

Joined
Dec 20, 2015
Messages
90
Hi all,

Long time lurker, first time post.


I have been debating on these 2 knifes as they seem to be similar to an untrained beginner knife enthusiast.
Now that the ZT0909 is available, time to make a decision as I have a BladeHQ credit burning a hole in my pocket.

They are similar in size design etc etc

I love ZTs as I have the ZT562Cf, and ZT450..... but have read excellent things about Emerson and like the different options of opening this particular knife.

Is there any notable difference in quality? or should I just go solely on looks?
 
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In my experience ZT builds a higher quality and much stronger folder. Why not get a ZT 620 or 630 and have the best of both worlds?
 
Hey showtime, I have/had lots of Emersons and a few ZT's... generally, both are great outfits, you can go either way. I personally like Emersons better--while I do not have the rangemaster, I've heard/ read very good things about them. Currently, I also have the ZT 0900 Les George, and like it very much (just wish it was bigger). The new ZT/Les George is bigger, but I still prefer Emerson. You'll likely end up getting both... and others too. Pick the one you like best and enjoy it--they both seem to be winners. For what it's worth, I edc an Emerson Super CQC-7 and I am absolutely satisfied with it.
 
What about the detent on the Emerson flippers? The zts weren't as strong as they are now. Never handled an Emerson flipper.
 
Go zt for sure, no comparing build quality.
 
I agree with above. Look into the ZT 0620 or 0630 since you already like the ZT's. The rangemaster sheepdog is my current fave edc. The detent is good and the bearings let her flip out real smooth. It does not fire like a rocket like you are used to with the ZT flippers, just something to keep in mind if you go with the Emerson.
 
I'm also currently EDC'ing a Sheepdog. I have the Bowie version. This knife is extremely well made and flips open very smooth, literally effortlessly. I also have several ZT and am looking closely at the ZT909. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with either of these. Since you already have ZT knives, perhaps it's time to try something new - an Emerson.
 
showtime240 said:
Hi all,

Long time lurker, first time post.


I have been debating on these 2 knifes as they seem to be similar to an untrained beginner knife enthusiast.
Now that the ZT0909 is available, time to make a decision as I have a BladeHQ credit burning a hole in my pocket.

They are similar in size design etc etc

I love ZTs as I have the ZT562Cf, and ZT450..... but have read excellent things about Emerson and like the different options of opening this particular knife.

Is there any notable difference in quality? or should I just go solely on looks?
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I have the Sheepdog, and love it. It has the wave hook that opens quickly out of the pocket. The new ZT Les George doesn't do this. Also, I like the profile of the Emerson and the chisel grind.
 
shinyedges said:
Go zt for sure, no comparing build quality.
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Don't know if I agree with that. Build quality on my Emersons are fantastic (Vindicator and Sheepdog). Especially as Emerson is going with the tide of flippers and ball bearings they are putting together great pieces.
 
i own both. of those two and keep in mind i'm an emerson fan. own more than a dozen plus.....i'd pick the 0909. that's me though.
 
Man, you guys were suppose to make the decision easier :)
Still up in the air.

Thanks so much for the input.

MIght just have to get both......
 
showtime240 said:
Man, you guys were suppose to make the decision easier :)
Still up in the air.

Thanks so much for the input.

MIght just have to get both......
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It goes that way a lot around here... getting both is kind of an inside joke, that's not much of a joke, as it is reality. ;)
 
Well fortunately you don't have to agree, you're welcome to whatever opinion you like. I had an iron dragon and really really tried to give Emerson a go. The zt's I have are built with tighter tolerances and better materials, pretty hard to argue with that.

Like what ever you want, hope it serves you well.
Yo Mama said:
Don't know if I agree with that. Build quality on my Emersons are fantastic (Vindicator and Sheepdog). Especially as Emerson is going with the tide of flippers and ball bearings they are putting together great pieces.
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shinyedges said:
Well fortunately you don't have to agree, you're welcome to whatever opinion you like. I had an iron dragon and really really tried to give Emerson a go. The zt's I have are built with tighter tolerances and better materials, pretty hard to argue with that.

Like what ever you want, hope it serves you well.
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The better materials I hear often and can't argue, but I've always rationalized that I like Emerson's designs better.

The tolerances I'm just unsure, but I've never owned a ZT to compare. The Emersons I have always locked up like a vault.

Just wondering what it was about the Iron Dragon you didn't like?
 
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I've owned 5 or 6 zt's, several for almost 2 years, never had an issue with a framelock. Many people don't like vinninull YouTube testing but the zt 0550 scored a 96% out of a hundred.


Emerson linerlocks aren't what I would call dead reliable under all conditions either honestly. Truthfully I use a fixed when I'm worried about lock strength.. So meh.


Pick up a zt like 0620cf and give it a try, it is a heavier than most Emerson's but its far from a Becker bk2 lol


If you don't like it, sell it for just about what you paid.

The iron dragon had some plus and minuses for me, I really liked the blade shape and overall design as well as the bearings made it smooth as glass.

Also centering was off no matter what I did.. Not a huge deal but a minor issue, I would overlook it but combined with the other things I mention was a deal breaker in the end.

Lock up was minus, it was good while the pivot was tight(very tight) but I like a little more fluid movement and the lock bar went to far over too quickly for me at my desired pivot tightness.

Also I'm a forward waver so I like putting my pocket clip on the opposite side and the iron dragon was unable to forward wave.

Hope that helps.
Yo Mama said:
The better materials I hear often and can't argue, but I've always rationalized that I like Emerson's designs better.

The tolerances I'm just unsure, but I've never owned a ZT to compare. I do know that frame locks especially the ZT variety are a bit spotty as well.
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shinyedges said:
I've owned 5 or 6 zt's, several for almost 2 years, never had an issue with a framelock. Many people don't like vinninull YouTube testing but the zt 0550 scored a 96% out of a hundred.


Emerson linerlocks aren't what I would call dead reliable under all conditions either honestly. Truthfully I use a fixed when I'm worried about lock strength.. So meh.


Pick up a zt like 0620cf and give it a try, it is a heavier than most Emerson's but its far from a Becker bk2 lol


If you don't like it, sell it for just about what you paid.
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Sorry, I was editing while you were writing, I added a question about the iron dragon

That 0620 always looked sweet to me, but I didn't want to try the Elmax, just bottom of my steel want list, but now it looks like they have in cts-204p?
 
I got the m390 version and sharpened it into a drop point so it now has a belly, I've cut cans and pried with it without issue, been in my pocket for damn near a year and half I think.
Yo Mama said:
Sorry, I was editing while you were writing, I added a question about the iron dragon

That 0620 always looked sweet to me, but I didn't want to try the Elmax, just bottom of my steel want list, but now it looks like they have in cts-204p?
Click to expand...
 
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