What are your ZT wishes for the Blade Show 2014?

I think the whole thin / small angle might not quite gel with the philosophy of ZT. They tend to go for knives that are more robust.

Best I can see is an overbuilt utility folder, like a modified Techno or 755MPR. Maybe a G&G Hawk design. Something more utilitarian blade-wise than the aforementioned knives, made of of something with exceptional wear resistance.
 
Wallaby7747 said:
I see an astonishing amount of requests for a Wharnnie Thomas....I think that is the natural progression for the Hinderer line ;)
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I see that as well. There is also a few sales guys here that are asking. We don't currently have anything planned with this set-up, but maybe we better take a second look.
 
I know this is Kershaw and not ZT, but since we have Thomas' attention. A burnished copper colored Blur with LSCF inserts in CTS-XHP? Please.
 
eschwebach said:
I know this is Kershaw and not ZT, but since we have Thomas' attention. A burnished copper colored Blur with LSCF inserts in CTS-XHP? Please.
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Sounds like it would look a lot like the 0801CF.

Not that I would object. I'd be down for a plain edge tanto version of that with a heavy stonewash, while we're daydreaming.
 
Yes, I guess it does... Oh well, I still want it. I would also go for another blue Blur.

Comeuppance said:
Sounds like it would look a lot like the 0801CF.

Not that I would object. I'd be down for a plain edge tanto version of that with a heavy stonewash, while we're daydreaming.
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Oh, lord! Just when I think I'm out....they drag me back in! :)

Let's see. I really liked the thick spined 3" blade. Non-assisted flipper. Essentially, a Strider SnG, but with a thicker spine, something comparable to the SMF. Call it .190 and I'm happy.

Let me explain. I carry two knives at a minimum (depending on how you count, my daily load out is five, but basically two). I like to have a small, watch pocket friendly "pocket scalpel" that looks nice. Today, I've got a Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Nishijin in ZDP-189. Yes, I like pretty and I like boutique steels and I like wicked sharp. I have a few knives that fit in this category: a Ladybug, Cryo, Ripple 2, Benchmade 530, Strider PT, CRK Mnandi, and one or two traditionals. Yeah, I know this isn't ZT's traditional stomping ground. Still, if you guys could crank out something worthy, I'd buy it in a flash.

My other knife--the backpocket knife, if you will--is a heavy duty, hard use folder of about 3.5", give or take. I rotate a bunch of knives through this slot because they are cool and fun, not because I actually need that kind of knife. Nevertheless, I can afford my hobby, so I enjoy it. I like the Strider SMF, the ZT 0300 (blackwash is awesome), the ZT0561 (weak detent usually pisses me off eventually and I shove it down deep in the pile), the ZT0550, the ZT0801 (WHERE IS MY CF!?), ZT0777 M390 (most awesome knife evar!), Boker Kwaiken, and sometimes I even rotate in the Endura in ZDP-189, but it's a bit long for my tastes. Note, I don't carry the ZT0600, again because it's too long for me. Nice knife, though. Same same Strider AR.

So, Thomas, what I would personally like to see are some at either end of the spectrum. Forgive me. But, I do want that sharpened prybar of a knife for my backpocket, and a slim, small, elegant pocket scalpel for my watch pocket.

But, wait! There's more!

Aesthetics: I love, Love, LOVE the bronzed hardware. Maybe this is a phase, I dunno. But, I have a pimped Boker Kwaiken with bronzed hardware and I love that thing! Even in AUS 8! Blackwash is also amazingly cool! Maybe a blackwashed blade on bronzed hardware.... Carbon fiber is always nice.

Locks: Liner locks and frame locks are my preference. I like being able to check the wear state and lock state at a glance. I'm not a Bear Gryllis person, so I'm never going to torque the handle so hard that it's going to unlock the blade. That said, it's entirely possible that I may pry the crap out of something, hence my desire for a fat spine. Nor am I left handed, the mark of Satan's own, I believe. :)

Grind: As time goes by, I find I lean more towards a full flat grind for decent cutting performance. The saber grinds kill me on some chores. Like cutting a melon with the dreaded and puisant 0550--mostly, I just pried the darned thing open. It was embarrassing.

Blade form: A Wharnecliff is fine with me. Recurves are annoying to sharpen, as you know, unless you're going with a full-on hawkbill. I think a ZT hawkbill would be interesting, depending on how you guys decided to do it. Very, very niche, I know.

Again, Thomas, it's lovely to read your contributions. As someone from outside of your industry, I find the glimpses you provide to be invaluable. If you ever need help with something to do with airplanes, don't hesitate to ask. ;)
 
Hopefully some of the requests for just under 3" blades will come to fruition one day. Generally speaking, that's my one true wish from ZT.
 
RamZar said:
Hopefully some of the requests for just under 3" blades will come to fruition one day. Generally speaking, that's my one true wish from ZT.
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Count me in. A licensed variant of the 3.0" XM-18 with a slicer grind, a CF scale, and an M390 blade is a no-brainer AFAIC. Given ZT's ability to create high-quality production knives, it might even give the vaunted Small Sebenza a run for its money.
 
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bld522 said:
Count me in. A licensed variant of the 3.0" XM-18 with a slicer grind, a CF scale, and an M390 blade is a no-brainer AFAIC. Given ZT's ability to create high-quality production knives, it might even give the vaunted Small Sebenza a run for its money.
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Agreed. Obviously, the 3" XM-18 and Small Sebenza 21 are a great testament that you can have a great tough little folder and make actual money!

The problem with the XM-18 variation is that with ZT's superior KVT technology it'll make the XM-18 flipper action look even paler by comparison!
 
Comeuppance said:
the philosophy of ZT. They tend to go for knives that are more robust.

Best I can see is an overbuilt utility folder, like a modified Techno or 755MPR. something with exceptional wear resistance.
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I cut down your post to the things I wanted...hope that's okay.
When I look up "robust" I get these synonyms, such as: (thanks to Google)
Strong, vigorous, sturdy, tough, powerful, solid, muscular, sinewy, etc.
My "preferred" list, all with much thinner grips...in the 0.450-0.490" range...include the Zaan, large Sebbies, Strider SMF, Spyderco TUFF and Military. They sit nice in my pocket; they're not heavy. They fit my needs very well.

When I "extend" the ROBUST list, I also add these...:strapping, brawny, burly, husky, heavily built, beefy, hunky (informal). This is the list that ZT ascribes to. ZT likes thick grips, which are likely the best for their intended design for military, LEO's and emergency services...particularly those wearing gloves... I know that when I want a really super-duty knife, I could pick up my Benchmade 0275 Adamas (0.720" grip-width) and fight the dragons.

I love my NIB ZT 0550, but I do NOT ever intend to carry it. I've sold off my 350's, 360, 0551, 056x series.

So, I think that it's not merely a matter of sturdiness, as many of these blades are somewhat similar in spine-thickness, but rather in the intended clientele's dress apparel and preferences.
...and ZT fills that bill.
 
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bld522 said:
Count me in. A licensed variant of the 3.0" XM-18 with a slicer grind, a CF scale, and an M390 blade is a no-brainer AFAIC. Given ZT's ability to create high-quality production knives, it might even give the vaunted Small Sebenza a run for its money.
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But in a 5/32" max blade thickness. No more linebacker shoulders on my blades please!
 
0566 with titanium scale, either machined, or contoured like the 0562. CF on the other side. I know ZT was trying to keep the price point down, but a lighter premium version would be great.

The 0566 is perfect size for me. The 0562 will be too big. Also, the 0566 can carry tip down.
 
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