Zero Tolerance and Strider

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legion681

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Aug 4, 2010
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424
Ok, so I got my first ZT, a 0551, and I must say I am very impressed with it.

I never owned a Strider so I can't say anything about them. I saw tons of reviews and from what I heard, it seems like a SMT would be my dream folder.

Can anyone who has experience with both tell me if it's really worth spending two times or more for a Strider rather than a ZT? Any input would be appreciated, thanks.
 
I own both - and this debate has really grown long in the tooth.

The ZT line is a great line of knives - you get a LOT of bang for your buck.

I currently own the ZT 0200 and 0500, and am on the list for the next round of 0551. I owned and sold my 0301 - but only because it wasn't getting any real pocket time.

I owned and sold my SnG - it was a little too small for me.

I currenty own a SmF - and I like it. With Strider - it seems like you either like them or hate them - there doesn't seem to be too many people in the middle. Some complain about Striders fit and finish - but both of the ones I have owned have been solid knives with no issues.

My SmF has gunner grips and a digicam blade - so I have to say it is more like "man jewelry" than a beater - but I do use it and it performs well for me.

If you are just getting into Striders - I suggest you peruse the Exchange and try to get one used or trade for one so you get the feel. They are not for everyone - the ergos and the double choil are different than a lot of mainstream knives.

If you are just starting out collecting knives - it might make more sense to put that Strider money towards 2 or 3 production folders.

If you have been collecting for a while and have a decent collection - a used Strider might be a good move.

If you pull the trigger on one let us know what you think once you get it and use it.
 
I am a big ZT fan and owner. I wondered the same thing. The 0300 was my gateway drug into Striders. I can say without a doubt, Strider is worth the difference in money. There is something about the way it feels in your hand and the sound of it's lock up is unmistakable. What really makes Strider stand out from ZT is how light Strider knives are. They are the solidest feeling knife but weight a fraction of what you think they should weigh. It's amazing.
Striderstamp.jpg
 
I've owned two different SMF's and three ZT0300 series knives. Out of the box, the SMF's were very gritty, which seems to be common. One of them had inconsistent lock-up issues. Strider's customer service ranged from rude to non-existent, which also seems to be common. As a result, I still have the ZT's.

The only area in which the Striders excelled was weight. The ZT's are heavy, but they will do everything the Striders will do and carry the same warranty with a company that's built on its CS reputation...at a fraction of the cost.
 
Worthy of note - most new "lego" Striders (the ones with the full G10 and Ti, not the gunner grip or concealed carry) take awhile to break in before they are not gritty. It takes some openng / closing before the two surfaces become "mated".

Once broken in - they are smooth.

My new Gunner Grip SmF - smooth out of the box.
 
SpookyDriver said:
The only area in which the Striders excelled was weight. The ZT's are heavy, but they will do everything the Striders will do and carry the same warranty with a company that's built on its CS reputation...at a fraction of the cost.
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I agree.

I have a PT and an SNG and was looking for an SMF...until I got my 0551. Now spending almost 2x on a knife that couldn't possibly be 2x as good seems ludicrous to me.
 
Again - value is perception.

For a lot of people - owning a Breitling makes no sense when a Timex will perform the same function at a lot less price.

That same crowd will also feel that driving to work in a Lamborghini makes no sense when a Toyota will suffice.

If you are on a tight budget and are using rent money to buy knives - then there are a LOT of alternatives to a Strider that will keep you in the good graces of your landlord.

If you are a knife nut like me and have a little discretionary fund, and want to have the experience - then it may be worth it to you.
 
Toyz said:
Again - value is perception.
For a lot of people - owning a Breitling makes no sense when a Timex will perform the same function at a lot less price.
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Well, the difference for me is that my Breitlings worked perfectly right out of the box and my dealer kisses my ass when I call. :)
 
SpookyDriver said:
Well, the difference for me is that my Breitlings worked perfectly right out of the box and my dealer kisses my ass when I call. :)
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The primary difference is that Timex makes watches and Breitling doesn't. They just buy their movements from ETA/Swatch and stuff them into a case. Other than that, Timex now uses quartz movements, which are extremely cheap to manufacture and some Breitlings use automatic ETA movements, which are substantially more expensive and complex. But they're essentially for watch nerds--it'd be like the appeal of traditional damascus to 440C for many of us. In the real world 440C performs pretty decently, especially in humid climates, but for an appreciation of design and engineering, damascus is much more impressive. But, at any rate, ETA movements are still the "Timex" of automatics--used by companies that can't make watches (which is most Swiss companies).

At any rate, I'd stick with the ZT. My evidence is mostly anecdotal, but it seems that the overwhelming consensus is that the QC is much more consistent on the ZTs. And, if I'm to speak frankly, and personally here, I think Ken Onion does better design work than Strider.

And then there's the cost, of course. I got a used ZT0302 used here for $150 and it makes for a great beater. How hard are you going to use a $500 Strider?
 
Artfully Martial said:
I didn't, but I was just glad to enjoy a moment on the watch enthusiast soap box.
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In that case, here's some Breitling / ZT goodness. I'm primarily an Omega guy, but Breitlings and the 300 series go together pretty well. Both are a lot bigger and heavier than they need to be, but that's part of the charm. :)

bzt1.jpg
 
This is logical. I've handled an SMF recently because I think I want one but don't own one yet, if ever. I can't imagine the SMF's being worth twice what my beloved 0551's cost. I have two 0551's now and a third on the way and each I have now are really outstanding $200 knives in every sense.



Gator33324 said:
I agree.

I have a PT and an SNG and was looking for an SMF...until I got my 0551. Now spending almost 2x on a knife that couldn't possibly be 2x as good seems ludicrous to me.
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Lol I suppose I'll have to take a photo of my 0302 with my Citizen or something now.

The PO is a beautiful watch. My roommate has about 20 of them. And they're half in house, so Omega did contribute somewhat to the movement.

I'm looking forward to the new in-house 8500 series PO coming out next year.
 
To the OP's original question: It really all depends on personal preference. I own a PT and an SnG and have owned a ZT0302, I have to say that the Striders are not necessarily twice the knife that ZT's are, but in my opinion they are worth the money. Is an SMF a $500 knife? Only you can answer that question.
 
draftpick said:
Umm. the ZT 0551 is not a Strider. It's a ZT/Hinderer
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Did you see in my original post anything where I say that the ZT0551 is a Strider?
I said it's my first and only ZT I own and therefore I can only compare that to a Strider. Captain obvious needing more reading comprehension lessons, I see...:jerkit:
 
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