which zt to get....

northend816

northend816

Joined
Aug 25, 2012
Messages
1,476
Which ZT blem would u pick out of the 0301or 0550 Gen 1???. I only have two other zts right now and both are 0350s the brown and tiger stripped and really love them. Im really just looking for something bigger, smooth opening, good grip, and just fits in hand well over all....
 
Wow thats tough. I really like my 0550 but have been giving my 0301 a little pocket time and its growing on me. I prefer the non assist on the 0550 though so would pick that if I had to pick just one ( I dont luckily).
 
0550 is where it's at! I like the availability of scales and LBS to make it yours.....
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Tough choice. The 0301 and 0550 are my two favorite ZT's (and the 0350 is 3rd). How much bigger a knife are you looking for. The 0301 is a very large knife. It is probably the most comfortable handling folder I have, but its size makes it somewhat cumbersome to carry. The 0550 is smaller than the 0301 (but still a bit larger than the 0350). It actually carries fairly comfortably (even more so than the 0350), despite its size. For that reason, it's actually my most carried ZT.

ZT0301_0550_0350_800x642.jpg
 
Yea I would have to say 0301 is the overall favorite between those two. Like others have noted though, that in no way means you won't be happy with the 0550, its just IMO the 0301 just does more and is a tank.
 
I have both. The 0550 is a nice all around edc; the 0301 is a work horse. There are times I wish I had my 301 on me, but the 550 carries easier and is far less conspicuous around sheeple. My 550 is my around town/summer edc; my 301 is my work/winter knife.
 
301 is simply one hell of a knife...and sooner or later you'll want one no matter what you buy now ;) That being said it is a big knife with a ton of heft...it actually isn't much different in lengths than a JYD2...but the deeper/thicker blade in addition to thicker/heavier frame make it feel twice the knife opened in your hand. The scale is also very grippy.

If you're buying blems, remember that Amazon is selling ZTs new and warrantied for ~$60 more than what an unwarrantied blem of the same knife costs.
 
I'd say go for a 0550 simply for the fact of it being a different style. It's a great knife I love mine. It gest the most pocket time and hard use out of all of mine. The 301 is nice too, just a little large and too obtuse of a tip for my liking.
 
northend816 said:
just looking for something bigger, smooth opening, good grip, and just fits in hand well over all....
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What about the ZT 0200? Its fits all your criteria, its bigger, its smooth as hell, has a great grip, a very contoured handle and its bigger :thumbup:. I've had a 0350 for years and its a great knife but like you, wanted something bigger. The 0200 fits the bill. You cant go wrong. Dave has some great prices on the new satin blade model. Just sayin
 
I would actually choose the 0550 if its going to be a user. The 300 is great but I dont care for recurve blades when actually using the knife. They look great but sharpening them gives me the fits. If you want a flipper though and smoothness is a criteria maybe look at the 0560? or even the new rexford looks to be interesting when it comes out.
 
Thats a hard choice, both are great. Really, you need to get both at some point.
 
I have had the 551 traded for a 0560 and then got a 0301 and I carry the 0301 every day just fits the hand so nice and I have no problem sharpening with my lansky
 
Thanks for all the feedback.....its going to be a hard choice thats for sure. i also want a 0200 badly and was playing on getting a blem from dave but he sold out. i know u has satin bladed ones but i really love the black on black look
 
cEdge said:
What about the ZT 0200? Its fits all your criteria, its bigger, its smooth as hell, has a great grip, a very contoured handle and its bigger :thumbup:. I've had a 0350 for years and its a great knife but like you, wanted something bigger. The 0200 fits the bill. You cant go wrong. Dave has some great prices on the new satin blade model. Just sayin
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Yeah, the ZT200 a much better option than most people think. One of the best knives ZT has ever made.
 
Here's the thing, if you are looking for something bigger the 0550 is only a smidge bigger than the 0350 but it is different. Most notably action (manual vs speedsafe), bladeshape and no flipper:(. The 0301 is however, a bigger badder 0350. Then there is the 0200, its bigger and its different from the 0350. Think of it as the uncle that was usually in and out of trouble.

I will say I do not own a 0550 or 0301. Here are some side by side pic's of what I do have. With all the new ZT's coming out, I'm not sure which my next would be but the 801 is pretty sweet. For now, I'm very happy with the 0350 and the 0200



 
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Well, they are very different knives.

30x series is a heavy rugged feeling handful of knife. Decent spring assist. My only beef with it is the recurved blade that makes sharpening a little more a pain in the backside. The tiger stripes are great. :D You can get scales made for it as well.

The 55x sereis is a more refined knife. Lighter flipper with a straight edged blade. I like the deep carry clip versions.

Both knives sharpen up beautifully, and mine seem to hold an edge well. But ymmv.

If I had to choose which one to buy first, given what I know now, I would go with the 301. But that's me.
 
My vote goes for the 200. Carried mine all weekend so far in back pocket of cargo shorts and almost forgot it was there. Not too shabby for a larger blade. Opens smooth, built like a tank and fits my hand perfectly. Not sure when the 550 or 350 will make it back into my pocket. May have to start carrying a knife weak side as well.
 
SPXTrader said:
550. Probably the most underrated ZT to date. Learn how to use the thumb studs...
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Do people really have a problem with the studs? Maybe I'm special, but I was able to open it perfectly right out of box.
This is the grip I use

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