Which ZT for a first ZT?

D

DC Kestrel

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Jun 3, 2017
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Although their folders are larger than I normally carry, I'm interested in picking up a Zero Tolerance. It has to be 3.5" or shorter (would prefer 3.25", but very few choices then), and I'm leaning towards an 0652 (haven't decided on regular or CF). For work reasons, I want to stay away from some of the "scary" blade designs (e.g., Persians). The design philosophy of the brand is a bit all over the place given the many collaborations they have produced, but would be interested in other recommendations for a good ZT EDC. Many thanks in advance.
 
I would highly recommend the ZT0360SKD - I think they are still available if you google for them. It's a nicely modified 350, making it snappier and imminently functional.

One idea in the 3.25" ZT realm, but not a little knife.

best

mqqn
 
Agreed, in your blade size the 450 is an ideal knife. It is plenty tough without being a huge knife like most ZTs. Even the 3.5s are typically quite large when coming from ZT.

The 400 series from Sinkevitch/ZT really impress me and show how a knife can be rock solid and very tough without being “overbuilt.”

Even the 4 inch ZT 452 is a lighter and sleeker knife than most ZT 3.5 inches. The 450, its little brother might be ideal.
 
The 0450 and 0562 are probably their most popular models in the community. Either is a great choice. I’m also very partial to the 0609.
 
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An 0450 is what everyone needs. Light, easy to carry, great flipping action...hard to go wrong with one.
 
DC Kestrel said:
Although their folders are larger than I normally carry, I'm interested in picking up a Zero Tolerance. It has to be 3.5" or shorter (would prefer 3.25", but very few choices then), and I'm leaning towards an 0652 (haven't decided on regular or CF). For work reasons, I want to stay away from some of the "scary" blade designs (e.g., Persians). The design philosophy of the brand is a bit all over the place given the many collaborations they have produced, but would be interested in other recommendations for a good ZT EDC. Many thanks in advance.
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If you’re looking for under 3.5” your best choices are the 0450 and the 0609. For right at 3.5” and a heftier package I’d recommend the 0801TI.

The 0562CF is a great knife, but it’s really a bit longer than 3.5” despite what the stats say.
 
OP here: Thanks for all the recommendations. I want to stay away from assisted opening, so looks like the 450 or 562, or maybe the 609.
 
Pick the one you like and go with it. ZTs are very high quality across the board, but they're also very dedicated to collaborations, so there's not really much design language unifying the brand or a model that I feel typifies their brand identity at this point.
 
See if you can find a ZT0801 lightly used in the for sale section. They are no longer in production but are a great ZT knife.


 
I agree with the 0450. I just got my first ZT (an 0450) in the mail this week. It’s what I wanted--plain, comparatively small and light, decent blade steel, a great flipping mechanism, all-Ti and it didn’t break my bank. Mine has a perfectly centered blade, solid lock-up, no horizontal or vertical blade play and it flips open like it’s on amphetamines. If you’re OK with a flipper, I think the 0450 is an ideal starter.
 
DC Kestrel said:
OP here: Thanks for all the recommendations. I want to stay away from assisted opening, so looks like the 450 or 562, or maybe the 609.
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I've had all three and the 0609 is the best cutting tool. It's a great slicer, just a little bit longer handle than the 0450 so a 4 fingered grip is comfortable.
Blade is almost as long as the 0562. It carries in the pocket better too.

I feel like the 0609 took the best qualities of the other knives and combined them.
 
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