Your Thoughts On SpeedSafe ?

Wolverine666

Wolverine666

Joined
Dec 7, 2009
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How does everyone feel about the SpeedSafe System on ZT's ?

Do you like better than assisted opening systems from other manufacturers ?

Do you prefer a "manual" folder ZT over the SpeedSafe ?
 
One word (or sound if you will) says it all.............THWACK! Love it. Never tried anybody elses system so I can't help you there.
 
I have ZT0350 and it works well. A little slower deployment on the big long blades with the long moment arms but those little Kershaws, Leeks, Chives, and Scallions just fly out.

Also have the ZT0200, 550, 560 and a 301. They are all manual flippers and they are the best flippers I own. Based on my experience I think that flippers work better for the larger blades, and assisted works better (faster) with the smaller blades. Although, I do have some great flippers that are smaller - Chill and Skyline for example.
 
I prefer manual over assisted any day! A good bearing system, or phosphor bronze washers make for smoother deployment. My spring assisted knives generally cost less and feel like lower quality knives. With the exception of a few, I do like the assisted leek. Looking forward to seeing how smooth my ZT 0801 flipper will be!
 
It works, and its fun. The only theoretical downside may be the slightly increased complexity, but it doesn't seem to have any issues. Thwack on.
 
I don't like Speedsafe personally. I usually de-assist my speedsafe knives. I do like it better than the AO on the SOG Twitch. I don't think it is very safe. Opening is great, but I don't like the resistance when closing. I have swiped my thumb across the blade when opening and closing. I appreciate that most knives have a detente so you can take the torsion bar out. I think there is a reason the higher-end knives are not assisted, it is a bit of a gimmick imo.
 
For the most part, I don't like AO knives. And with the advent of thrust bearing systems, AO has become all but unnecessary. On the other hand, I can't imagine a Leek without SpeedSafe. It's just part of what makes a Leek a Leek.
 
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bld522 said:
For the most part, I don't like AO knives. And with the advent of thrust bearing systems, AO has become all but unnecessary. On the other hand, I can't imagine a Leek without Speedsafe. It's just part of what makes a Leek a Leek.
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Seconded. I don't really like it on my shallot, but love it on my leeks.
 
Of all of the assisted opening types I've used, Speedsafe is the only one I like. I really hate the Axis lock automatics and assisted knives. I like the lock, but the assist and auto just seem goofy after carrying a Blur for years. This may just be preference but the Kershaw to me feels like a far better design.

For most of my knives when tolerances allow everything to be tight and still open I've found that I far prefer manual openings. I like it on the Blur and Leek though. They just don't seem proper without it. The ZT 0300 is better with it removed and I think some of it is in my head as the 0300 seems like it should fit with the Tilt and 055x and 056x. It opens smooth without bearings just like the 0551 I have. I've never carried my 0550s but I imagine they are the same.
 
Not usually a fan but I like it on my Piston. I would like the Piston better without it but no detent hole on the piston
 
Some years ago,when first started out collecting knives , 70% of which are Kershaws / ZT, I loved assisted openers, and yeah Speedsafe is probably the best of them.

As a more mature knife collector, I now prefer non-assisted knives. There's no real advantage in terms of day to day use, and there's potential for trouble from the assisted opening function.
 
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