Zero Tolerance slicer?

[RemyKaze]

ZT is a brand that I've never really owned or carried for a long length of time. Some of the 2015 models have caught my eye, like the 0808. From those who own them, which ZT is the best for slicing and finer cutting? I carry knives like Enduras, Delicas, mini Grips, et cetera. The Paramilitary II is the thickest(at the base of the blade) folder I own. I don't really own any frame locks and am trying to sell myself on one.

 

[DREW78]

I've had really great luck with my 0562. It isn't a small knife but it's blade shape and grind are pretty handy. I sliced up an apple and tomato a few days ago with mine with out any issues. Sure there are far better knives for food prep, but edc's are usually the jack of all trades and master of none. I also just got the 0452cf and it seems to be a good blade that slices well. She's a big blade though! The 0770 is a liner lock but has thin blade stock for a ZT.just read another thread this morning and the 0350's blade is thinner than the PM2 at the ricasso i believe. I'm a big fan of the PM2 but tend to favor my zt's these days. Best of luck!

 

[miltmaldo]

The best ZT slicer that I own is the 0770 and it's not a great slicer like the delica or the caly 3.5 . The other ZT knives that I own are more choppers than slicer the 0550 ( my favorite ZT ) chops apples half way through .

 

[Sonnydaze]

from user miltmaldo:
"The best ZT slicer that I own is the 0770 and it's not a great slicer like the delica or the caly 3.5 . The other ZT knives that I own are more choppers than slicer the 0550 ( my favorite ZT ) chops apples half way through."

I have listed a few of my favorites also, and the Caly 3.5 in either ZDP or VG-10 seems to get great press from most folks.
Note that the ZT 0770 has recently been released (close to it?) in M4. M4 is an exc steel; holds its edge for a very long time.
Also, the Spyderco Stretch (not listed) is almost(is now?) available. In ZDP and G-10 scales, this is a winner.
You could also consider the Benchmade 710 in D2...a 0.115" thick 4" blade that is born to slice in the kitchen.

Spyderco Sage 2 0.118" S30V
Spyderco Caly 3, 3.5 0.118" SuperBlue
Spyderco Caly 3, 3.5 0.113" ZDP-189
ZT 0770 CF 0.120" Elmax, M390, CPM-M4

 

[NJBillK]

I was thinking a 770 with either m390 or primarily m4, as sonny has stated.
I have an m4 770 due in on monday, I will let you know what I think.
I currently use a large 21 seb, dpx heat in sleipnir, and multiple knives in O1 and a vg-10 endura. Comparison will be based upon those for initial slicing capability in meat (food prep) and cardboard.

 

[RemyKaze]

I've read that the 566 has the thinnest grind thus far, followed by the 0770. I was hoping some of the newer models would be thinner, considering the more refined aesthetics (in my opinion). They seem to be more gentlemanly.

I work in the plastics industry, and I'm constantly cutting through dense plastic. Thick blades just don't work as well. Also, I love my Spydercos, but the ones I own that cut the best, aren't really of the one handed "open, cut, close, pocket" variety.

I'm probably just looking for a reason to pick up something different that still falls within my usage needs. Thought about a William Henry many times over, but wanted an E series with no blade coating.

 

[rpn]

+1 for the 0770, although the 0452 is pretty slicey too.

 

[NJBillK]

Dupe.

 

[NJBillK]

I've read that the 566 has the thinnest grind thus far, followed by the 0770. I was hoping some of the newer models would be thinner, considering the more refined aesthetics (in my opinion). They seem to be more gentlemanly.

I work in the plastics industry, and I'm constantly cutting through dense plastic. Thick blades just don't work as well. Also, I love my Spydercos, but the ones I own that cut the best, aren't really of the one handed "open, cut, close, pocket" variety.

I'm probably just looking for a reason to pick up something different that still falls within my usage needs. Thought about a William Henry many times over, but wanted an E series with no blade coating.

Spyderco Gayle Bradley (m4) or a 770 in m4 for plastics. The m390 will work too since you shouldn't need the added impact resistance of the m4, also it will add a stainless quality to the knife.
but m4 is sexy with a patina gained through use.

+1 for the 0770, although the 0452 is pretty slicey too.

452 is slicey being a trailing point, but it is on the short side and has to fit the hands, if it is a bit short it might get uncomfortable quick.

 

[Inazone]

I haven't ever used my ZTs for slicing that I can recall, but I own a few that were previously mentioned (0770, 0566, 0450) and while any of them would be reasonably functional for slicing, none would be ideal. I'm not a Spyderco fan personally, so I can't make that comparison, but the Kershaw Injection is at or near the top of the list for me as far as "slice-friendly" folders go.

 

[WK ONE]

My 0900 is not the greatest for slicing, due to the thickness of the blade, and probably my own sharpening noobness. I use my Boker Gamma for fine work, and carry both.

 

[kniferbro]

0450 has the thinnest blade stock I believe.

 

[RamZar]

ZT 0450 with a blade thickness of 0.12" and blade length of 3.25". Narrow & slim profile plus weighs under 3 ounces. Street price of $160 for a full titanium stonewashed FrameLock and bearings flipper.

 

[RemyKaze]

0450 has the thinnest blade stock I believe.

ZT 0450 with a blade thickness of 0.12" and blade length of 3.25". Narrow & slim profile plus weighs under 3 ounces. Street price of $160 for a full titanium stonewashed FrameLock and bearings flipper.

Dude. Thank you both. My eye was so drawn to the 0808 that I didn't notice the 0450. Thought maybe it was just an all titanium version of the 0454, same size and all. I guess ZT is responding to folks like me who like to cut things with the least resistance. Kinda wish these had scales for more purchase/grip, but I definitely feel I'm gonna pick one of these up.

 

[RamZar]

Dude. Thank you both. My eye was so drawn to the 0808 that I didn't notice the 0450. Thought maybe it was just an all titanium version of the 0454, same size and all. I guess ZT is responding to folks like me who like to cut things with the least resistance. Kinda wish these had scales for more purchase/grip, but I definitely feel I'm gonna pick one of these up.

I actually prefer 0808 over 0450 but it has some subjective "issues". It's noticeably heavier, backspacer makes it tail heavy and no jimping on the spine (Rexford design element). The blade shape and utility on the 0808 are divine.

Regardless, I'd try to handle both.

 

[RemyKaze]

I actually prefer 0808 over 0450 but it has some subjective "issues". It's noticeably heavier, backspacer makes it tail heavy and no jimping on the spine (Rexford design element). The blade shape and utility on the 0808 are divine.

Regardless, I'd try to handle both.

Maybe a local store picked them up. I never relish buying knives only to find out that we're "incompatible", then having to return them.

 

[RamZar]

Maybe a local store picked them up. I never relish buying knives only to find out that we're "incompatible", then having to return them.

The comparative picture of 0808 & 0450 below (3rd & 4th from the top) may help a little.

 

[NJBillK]

Dude. Thank you both. My eye was so drawn to the 0808 that I didn't notice the 0450. Thought maybe it was just an all titanium version of the 0454, same size and all. I guess ZT is responding to folks like me who like to cut things with the least resistance. Kinda wish these had scales for more purchase/grip, but I definitely feel I'm gonna pick one of these up.

The 770 also has a .12 blade thickness, according to Sonnys post:

Spyderco Sage 2 0.118" S30V
Spyderco Caly 3, 3.5 0.118" SuperBlue
Spyderco Caly 3, 3.5 0.113" ZDP-189
ZT 0770 CF 0.120" Elmax, M390, CPM-M4

I am only pushing the 770 due to m4 and m390 hold an edge longeran s35vn. At least that is what I noticed with my sebenza (s35vn, admittedly on the softer side) benchmade 710-1401 (m390). Also,390 has been said to be a "stainless version of m4", how true that is, I am not sure yet. But I liked my m390, and s35vn is nice, but it requires daily stropping with my usage vs double walled cardboard, and packing/shipping materials.

 

[RemyKaze]

The comparative picture of 0808 & 0450 below (3rd & 4th from the top) may help a little.

I like the 808 aesthetics more, but when you're cutting dense or hot plastic, a pocket tank just won't work. Materials like that tend to fight the wedge of the blade pretty hard, so the beefier the knife, the more impossible it becomes to make the cut. I'll probably end up with both down the road, however I seem to leave the thick blades at home a lot. I even carry a Vic Huntsman in case I need a truly thin blade.

 

[RamZar]

I like the 808 aesthetics more, but when you're cutting dense or hot plastic, a pocket tank just won't work. Materials like that tend to fight the wedge of the blade pretty hard, so the beefier the knife, the more impossible it becomes to make the cut. I'll probably end up with both down the road, however I seem to leave the thick blades at home a lot. I even carry a Vic Huntsman in case I need a truly thin blade.

I have a Spyderco ManBug H-1 on my keychain for such eventualities. Big fan of extreme slicers like Vic, Opinel and Chaparral.

I'm really digging the ZT 0808 due to the blade shape but need to replace the heavy aesthetically-pleasing backspacer with some light standoffs. Another subjective possible sore point about the 0808 is the low-profile flipper tab.

Additionally, ZT 0452CF is also a great slicer with its 4.1" blade, 4.1 ounces and very slim profile.