Zero Tolerance 0550 or Spyderco Sage 2?

B

BrolyJr

Joined
Nov 7, 2012
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I love both of these knives but I just can't decide which one to get because I only have the budget to get one. I live in the city so I wont need to do any heavy duties tasks but I just love the look of the ZT 0550 kind of like a cheaper Hinderer.
 
I have a ZT 0550 and love it. Never handled a Sage 2 but the blade length is a little short for me. The 0550 is just an all around kick butt knife though, if you don't mind it's heft.
 
Is there a way that you could handle both?

My opinion: both are fine knives. We can argue the differences in blade steel, materials, design, etc. all day long. But in the end, the one that feels best to *you* wins out.
 
I have both and go to my Sage 2 almost every time. I love the ergos, weight, and how slender it is. I bought the ZT first back when I thought I was more of a beefy knife kind of guy, once I got the Sage 2 the 0550 never really saw any pocket time. The 0550 is incredibly smooth! I wish the Sage 2 was nearly as smooth, but it makes up for it in size and ergos. 0550 is just to heavy and beefy for me. IMHO. To each his own

as mentioned above, I recommend handling both first. They are different animals.
 
My vote goes to the 0550, but then again I don't have any experience with the Sage 2


In your situation I'd probably go with the Spyderco, Those come with more attention to detail from the factory and they
are very capable knives I hear.

Apples to oranges, both knives are different but you'd be happy with either one I think.
 
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Zt is bold and well built it won't let you down no matter what you put it through. I don't know much about spyderco so can't really comment about them
 
I have both, and they are both great, albeit very different knives. For urban every-day cutting tasks, either should be more than adequate. The Sage2 has an elegance to it. It's thin and carries comfortably and discretely in pocket. The 0550 is a larger, beefy folder, but it actually carries pretty comfortably and discretely in pocket. After wearing in a bit, the 0550 is one of the smoothest manual opening knife I have. The 0550 fills the hand a bit better, so if you find yourself having to do a lot of cutting, that helps to alleviate some fatigue.

Between the two, I find myself carrying the 0550 more.

ZT0550_Sage2_800x372.jpg


ZT0550_Sage2_closed_800x412.jpg
 
For a non-flipper, I really dig the 0550. I want a Sage 2 but I can't get past the blade to handle ratio (the problem I have with most Spydercos). The 0550 is quite the beefy tank while the Sage 2 is anything but. Buy what you like. One day I'll pick up the Sage but for now I'll stick with my ZT's
 
In a city environment, the Sage 2 is probably a better choice, but the 0550 is a beast of a knife. It carries well in the pocket for being a beefier knife and once it breaks in It's really smooth to deploy.
 
I do have both. I love both.

If you were on the farm, or worked in construction or as an electrician, I'd say get the 550. It is superb for rough stuff...
Since you're in the city, and might want a knife that will slice better for casual use, the Sage 2 is the OBVIOUS choice.

Sal Glesser, CEO of Spyderco, did a video where he demonstrates a knife in the kitchen...slicing a small carrot.
A common butter knife (no sharp edge) slices right through the carrot.
The second knife, a razor-sharp hunting knife with a much thicker blade, only goes through the carrot with a lot of hand pressure to help.

The Sage2 has a blade thickness of 0.118" with a reduced blade thickness of 0.024" just behind the blade edge.
The 0550 has a blade thickness of 0.157" with a blade thickness of 0.030" just behind the blade edge.
I used my dial micrometer to measure; the effective slicing capability of each knife is very much as expected.

My opinion.
 
cEdge said:
For a non-flipper, I really dig the 0550. I want a Sage 2 but I can't get past the blade to handle ratio (the problem I have with most Spydercos). The 0550 is quite the beefy tank while the Sage 2 is anything but. Buy what you like. One day I'll pick up the Sage but for now I'll stick with my ZT's
Click to expand...

Way too many people spaz about "blade to handle ratios". I regularly carry traditional slipjoints with sub 3" blades with no ill effects. A 3" blade is more than sufficient for EDC.
 
Fanglekai said:
Way too many people spaz about "blade to handle ratios". I regularly carry traditional slipjoints with sub 3" blades with no ill effects. A 3" blade is more than sufficient for EDC.
Click to expand...

The Sage series is intended to be right at three inches to adhere to most knife laws. It is very compact knife as is, I don't know what the problem is. It's ergos are amazing.

As far as answering the OP, these are very different knives but I'd go with the 0550 if I had to pick one. I prefer bigger knives and the 0550 is one my favorite that ZT makes. Sage2 is the Chris Reeve homage and it makes a great EDC blade.
 
I have no experience with the Sage 2 so I can't comment on t.

I edc my gen 2 0550 and I have no problem with its size. I don't know it's even there. It carries that well. As far as cutting ability, sure it isn't a slicing demon, but I have used it to cut tomato slices for sandwiches with ease. If it's sharp, and you maintain that edge, you can do most anything with it. Love the knife. You wont be disappointed if you go the 0550 route.
 
I have a sage 2 and other ZT's but not a 550. At work (construction/plumbing) I like the beefier blades and handles. Off work I like to carry the sage. I usually wear board shorts or basketball shorts around the house and the sage sits flat in my pocket vs flopping against my leg with a bigger heavier knife. It's also the most lefty friendly RH made framelock I've ever used.
 
I do not care much for the Sage2. It's my least favorite of the Sage Series. I sold mine soon after I bought it. It is very plain. But it is much lighter and smaller than the 0550 which some people prefer.

The 0550 is a great deal thicker and sturdier. It feels more substantial in your hand and in your pocket as well. I would def choose the 0550. Fantastic knife. Just a bit heavy IMO.

Both are well made. Just different. Just go with your gut. Or flip a coin.
 
twid said:
I have a sage 2 and other ZT's but not a 550. At work (construction/plumbing) I like the beefier blades and handles. Off work I like to carry the sage. I usually wear board shorts or basketball shorts around the house and the sage sits flat in my pocket vs flopping against my leg with a bigger heavier knife. It's also the most lefty friendly RH made framelock I've ever used.
Click to expand...

It is very lefty friendly indeed.
 
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