Zero Tolerance might be the best thing to ever happen to knives.

[Marius1976]

So the ZT301 is jewelry?

I can understand that sentiment with a William Henry, or another nice gentleman folder. But the ZT301 is a cutting tool, in the same way a Strider or a Sebenza is one. They are meant to be used.

Which blade is better to cut?

 

[kooter55]

Assisted or non-assisted?

Non assisted, the hook catches the seam of the pocket as you draw the knife pulling open the blade. Cool feature but not for me.

 

[McVeyMac]

ZT clearly has a niche, but I have been dissapointed with the QC and performance being all over the map. If you get a good, you have a good one. But many don't as can be seen on all of the threads here. If I can personally handle it, I'm in. Else I will pass.

 

[KnottyEagle]

I almost hate to pick nits, but that's the Kershaw arm innovating and then KAI incorporating the innovations into their designs. That's one of the reasons I always seem to prefer Kershaw knives to ZTs. Much more innovative design and many more risks taken at that level. I get that taking those risks on high dollar folders with a niche market is a lot riskier, but I'm sad to see how little seems to make the transition from Kershaw to ZT.

Umm, there's been a transition since ZT was started. The 0300 series is and has always been a SpeedSafe knife. The 0350 was also given a couple variations with a composite blade.

 

[Stays Sharp]

A) the first part of your comment makes no sense because I wasn't claiming it as an innovation at all.

B) zt does the same thing with offering standard designs in different steels so I don't get the hate.

1) Well let me help you catch on. Your response was obviously aimed at BugoutBill because he claimed that ZT lacks in actual innovation hence your defensive tone pointing out the 0560 being the first that everyone else followed, stretching that far to show them as industry leaders in that realm being the ultimate fan that you are.

2) Totally, CPM Blur is a personal favorite of mine. Damascus Skyline being another to name a few... And even with their strong 2014 lineup, chances are there will be a few surprises from them. Like I said, nothing wrong with a limited run in a high end steel and upgraded scales even down to just color...In response to YOU saying that sort of thing doesn't cut it anymore FOR YOU at least.

 

[chester22]

ZT clearly has a niche, but I have been dissapointed with the QC and performance being all over the map. If you get a good, you have a good one. But many don't as can be seen on all of the threads here. If I can personally handle it, I'm in. Else I will pass.

Many is debatable.. it's just that everyone that gets a bad one makes a thread, and most are user error/ preference, not manufacture error.. not many make a thread when they get a good one.. I bet if you saw the #s of knives made vs "bad ones" it's very very small.

 

[TheModernNeanderthal]

Many is debatable.. it's just that everyone that gets a bad one makes a thread, and most are user error/ preference, not manufacture error.. not many make a thread when they get a good one.. I bet if you saw the #s of knives made vs "bad ones" it's very very small.

+1


You only see the ripples on the surface of the pond, not the amount of water in it.

 

[Stays Sharp]

Innovations? Composite blade and SpeedSafe. 'Nuff said.

Good call, personally neither of these really do it for me (I like manual, and plane jane blades) which is probably why they didn't come to mind but these are quite popular and they execute them well. I'll be picking up the sweet ZT0454 hopefully, and wouldn't mind a version of it in something like pure M390 or even coated M4. Anyways let me repost my thoughts from earlier on this thread in case people think I'm being too critical...

ZT is pure awesome to me. Their knives are so well built with original designs, the people running the company are doing a good job of executing their plan of making the brand the high end arm of the company. I know there's a huge market who love off shore made Kershaws but they aren't for me, mainly because of the steel that hold them back and since they don't use Kershaw for knives like the Volt3600, I'm all ZT at this point in time.

With that being said, I'm not sure about claiming it as the most innovative company. Perhaps that is confused with putting a big number of original, cool knives but for one they are frame/liner lock heavy. Love the lock, but call it a spade. What are they innovating? They are breaking new ground in what production knives can be but in terms of materials, lock, etc., it seems that their focus is more on perfecting what is already out there.

 

[goodeyesniper]

I like zt as a company. I don't like their knives though.

also spyderco was setting the bar higher before zt even existed. but they were doing it in a less trendy and aesthetic oriented way. zt seems to speak slightly more to those who want functional pocket jewelry/knife cred, whereas spyderco appeals more to all out utility. with exceptions of course.

so, yes I believe the knife world is richer because of them, and they do come at a great price to value ratio, just not quite the ratio of spyderco. that said, they offer it in a different style, do if that's the style you're after, it's a no brainer.

 

[Stays Sharp]

I like zt as a company. I don't like their knives though.

also spyderco was setting the bar higher before zt even existed. but they were doing it in a less trendy and aesthetic oriented way. zt seems to speak slightly more to those who want functional pocket jewelry/knife cred, whereas spyderco appeals more to all out utility. with exceptions of course.

so, yes I believe the knife world is richer because of them, and they do come at a great price to value ratio, just not quite the ratio of spyderco. that said, they offer it in a different style, do if that's the style you're after, it's a no brainer.

Shhh! ZT just unloaded the goods, everyone's at a high point. This is a praise thread, the Mr. Potatohead will come after you.

 

[instructed2]

Nasty spats like those in this thread are why we can't have nice things. (Kershaw/ZT Subforum)

 

[Bugout Bill]

You will smile but I bought this knife and admired every mm of it. I liked the way it opens, titanium, Strider collaboration and so on, But when it came to cut meat, vegetables and so on, I used a different knife. The blade form and design is the reason. ZT is not a jewelry, its just a tactical knife.

And what is a tactical knife meant to do?

 

[chester22]

Pocket Jewelry? That made me LOL hard... Maybe people that buy them use them as that for collection reasons..but they're still meant to be used and can be.. I've used my 0777, my CBCF and many other LE ZT knives.

 

[Bugout Bill]

Pocket Jewelry? That made me LOL hard... Maybe people that buy them use them as that for collection reasons..but they're still meant to be used and can be.. I've used my 0777, my CBCF and many other LE ZT knives.

What have you used them for? Also, is this the norm?

(I mean nothing accusatory here)

 

[chester22]

What have you used them for? Also, is this the norm?

(I mean nothing accusatory here)

I EDC my ZT0560CBCF, open boxes, cut wires, carve wood, cut food etc etc.

 

[Bugout Bill]

I EDC my ZT0560CBCF, open boxes, cut wires, carve wood, cut food etc etc.

Nice. The CBCF is a nice knife, nicer than the regular one in my opinion. None of the golfball machining on the lock side. How has the S110V held up?

 

[salmonkiller]

All i know is I most likely will be purchasing at least one ZT in 2014.I don't know if it will be the greatest thing since sliced bread?I have had good luck and happy times with my ZT purchases and that's all that matters....Kai has always been one of my top 3 production knife companys.I started out years a go with Kershaw and seem to focus on the ZT line the past few years.The 0600 that's in my hand now is a stunning example of what ZT puts out if you are willing to pony up the cash.I feel ZT is going in a positive direction and has offered products I have enjoyed.Time will tell if any the 2014 models float my boat and hopefully it will be a fulfilling ride finding out........

 

[Bugout Bill]

The only ones that I am really liking are the 0620 and the 0180. Very nice looking knives.

 

[Wolf1524]

I believe they are quality knives but the dont appeal to my eyes... Too bulky knives... I think I am still Spydercos and Benchmades whore...

 

[chester22]

Nice. The CBCF is a nice knife, nicer than the regular one in my opinion. None of the golfball machining on the lock side. How has the S110V held up?

Very very well. Still sharp and still looking good. I'll get some pics up in the morning.