What to buy??

nod

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Jan 18, 2018
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103
Hi Group,
I am new here and looking for some opinions. A little information, I have one assisted Benchmade, three automatic Benchmades, and a Kershaw flipper. I like the flipper as there is no safe. As I understand it, automatics are legal to own in Florida but one must have a CCW to carry them. I had a chance to handle a ZT 0220 in a store and that knife is sweet. It screamed open when flipped. I have also been considering a ZT 0452CF as I like the idea of the longer blade. Wish I could check one out in person. I am old and walk daily and carry a knife mainly to get a dog off me if necessary. I will use the Kershaw for that and use the new ZT for EDC. What ZT of the two would you consider?
Thank you
 
Welcome. Both the 0220 and 0452 are good choices. I don't own the 0220 but heard plenty of good things about it, if you have big hands the 0452 might be a tad slender in the hand (I have one, I like it, but that's how it feels to me, doesn't fill the hand) alternatives are the ever popular 0562 in it's various forms or maybe a 0801Ti which I like quite a lot.
 
The 220 is far more of a massive knife compared to the 452CF. The 452CF is longer, thinner and has less overall width than the 220. It is still plenty overbuilt and ready for anything you want to throw at it. Like a couple above me I would also suggest the 562CF or 801Ti. Regardless it is a ZT so it will be a great knife for you!
 
I have the 0220. Awesome flipper for sure! It is a bit of a pocket brick though. I personally don't mind that, but some do.
 
I am old and walk daily and carry a knife mainly to get a dog off me if necessary. What ZT of the two would you consider?
Thank you

I've had lots of ZT's...maybe 20-30, and the only one I've kept is the ZT 0770CF in M390...a limited edition. The grip is 4.25" long and almost too short for me, but I love the assisted flipping action of this knife. Generally, I prefer a closed length of 4.5" or a bit longer. It's a beautiful design.
I do not carry any knife for defensive work, and a dog would do more damage to me than it would suffer from me. If I did depend on a knife for dog attacks, I would carry a rather long (5" or more) fixed blade.
I do (always) carry a concealed weapon in case I have a problem to solve.
 
I've had the 0770 and presently have the 0562 CF and the 0452 CF and I have to say that if you want a tactical blade that does not feel like you are carrying a brick go for the 0452. the fact that it is slender and longer than the 0562 is an an asset in a knife that you carry for protection. I tend too pair up knives because I normally carry 3. small fixed in the waistband 1 EDC and 1 tactical. An example would be my Bradford G3 fixed, the 0562 as EDC and the 0452 as tactical. they are both beautiful knives. you can't go wrong with either.
 
I'll agree with the recommendation of alternatives for warding off dogs.

As far as ZT knives - my 2 favorites are discontinued. As far as current models, i probably like the 0095 the best. (The 0456 is arguably better looking, but it's shorter than I like... and the 0095 opens more easily). Of the two you mentioned, I'd lean toward the 0452...but that is just for the sake of discussion, as I've handled both & bought neither.
 
If you just want a cool knife get which ever knife makes you happy but if you want to keep dogs off you get spray and/or a walking stick

After carrying mail for 18 1/2 years I can say pepper spray isn't the best solution. Some dogs don't care you spray them. The only given is your going to get misted in your face and get some on your hand. It got to the point I didn't bother with it. I have given some thought to a smaller stick but I walk with a purpose and it would be a hindrance.

I do not carry any knife for defensive work, and a dog would do more damage to me than it would suffer from me. If I did depend on a knife for dog attacks, I would carry a rather long (5" or more) fixed blade.
I do (always) carry a concealed weapon in case I have a problem to solve.

In my original I was going to mention as a last resort I will start carrying my Glock 42. I thought that might be politically incorrect for this forum so I left it out.

I am not going to engage a dog until it bites me. I have walked thru several incidents just ignoring the dog (dogs) and kept going. The Post Office went to great lengths to train us not to get bite. Just planning for the worse case.

Thank you to all the response. I need another knife like I need another hole in the head. I like knives, guns, and other stuff. Generally speaking, if my wife doesn't know why I need another one, I like it :D.

Thank you!!
 
OP - get ZT 0452cf. It is lighter, slimmer, and longer than 0220. It sounds exactly what you need/want.
 
I was unfortunately forced to shoot a stray pitbull a few months ago (it was in the process of killing my cat in my front yard). Through-and-through the chest with a 9mm, 124 grain +P Speer Gold Dot (same ammo our local police use). Didn't even phase it for a good 20 seconds. Bear repellent is what you seek. You are going to have to wrestle a dog and cut it's throat to accomplish anything with a knife.
 
Issues of dog defence aside, you have an excellent eye for knives. ;)

I consider the 0220 and 0452 as two of ZT's best knives, alongside the 0801. :cool:
 
Thanks for the responses. I pulled the trigger at BladeHq for the 0220 aka pocket brick :). Perhaps if I could have checked out the 0452CF I might have ran with it but the 0220 just opens so nice. Johann G. I think the bear spray might be the answer. I will be checking into it. I appreciate you all helping a newbie out!
 
Thanks for the responses. I pulled the trigger at BladeHq for the 0220 aka pocket brick :). Perhaps if I could have checked out the 0452CF I might have ran with it but the 0220 just opens so nice. Johann G. I think the bear spray might be the answer. I will be checking into it. I appreciate you all helping a newbie out!


Congrats on pulling the trigger on the 220! You will not be disappointed. It is a beast of a knife!

https://flic.kr/p/Kg3Btw https://www.flickr.com/photos/57703464@N02/
 
My knife showed up in the mail yesterday. That was pretty fast service from BladeHq and the USPS. After sitting around flipping it the size really set in. I see a 0452 (or something very similar) in my future. The 0220 is a beast and I love it. At least knives are cheaper than new guns so my wife doesn't say much. Interesting enough she hasn't even asked how much I paid for the 0220. I hope that trend keeps up :).
 
My knife showed up in the mail yesterday. That was pretty fast service from BladeHq and the USPS. After sitting around flipping it the size really set in. I see a 0452 (or something very similar) in my future. The 0220 is a beast and I love it. At least knives are cheaper than new guns so my wife doesn't say much. Interesting enough she hasn't even asked how much I paid for the 0220. I hope that trend keeps up :).
The 0452CF is in a different league than the 0220. one is a big pocket knife and the other is As Nick Shabazz calls it Murderey. I have the 0452 CF and you actually feel that you have a knife that can protect you. The blade is longer and thinner which makes it a better stabbing weapon than the 0220 and the extra inch makes a big difference. Their is another knife that I would suggest that is my goto when I feel I need something tough for the occasion is the Steel Will Apostate, they are discontinued but they are still readily available and they are less expensive than the 0452CF. If your looking for protection with a gentleman's knife style get the 0452CF, if your looking for something that looks more purposeful then get the Apostate. You'll have enough to take your wife out for dinner or do what I did and get both.
 
The 0452CF is a modern stiletto. Like a steak knife that Rambo would use :D . I got the 0452CFBLKBLU (or whatever the full name was) and I like it enough to consider getting a non dlc coated version I can actually use without worrying about scratching up the DLC on the sprint run. The 0220 should serve you well and with the stonewash you can use it worry free.
 
Digging up an old post but wanted to follow up. After carrying the 0220 and experiencing it, I bought the 0452CF. Big difference! I thought the info might help some other newbie. The plus side is I have two ZTs now and like them both. As a side note I just got a ProTech just to check one out. It is a very nice knife but I will stick with the 0452CF for carry.
 
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