ZT 0350 or 0200 next?

EZ Bake

EZ Bake

Joined
Mar 5, 2009
Messages
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I've got a 0301, but I was looking at a liner-lock ZT and the 0200 looks pretty nice. I notice that the 0350 is also in a similar price-range, but doesn't come with 3D machined scales.

Now, I don't have a lot of experience with 154CM steel, but I've got plenty of S30V blades. How does ZT's 154CM do as far as edge retention? I know ZT heat-treats/tempers their S30V to a pretty perfect edge retention - but I also know that S30V is pretty bad for loosing its razor edge and going to "working edge" pretty quickly - is ZT's 154CM like that?

Is the S30V worth giving up 3D machined Scales and some blade-length? Assisted isn't that important to me (I don't dislike it, but it doesn't tip the scales any towards the 0350 for me).

Anyone have both and have an opinion on which they like better?
 
EZ Bake said:
I've got a 0301, but I was looking at a liner-lock ZT and the 0200 looks pretty nice. I notice that the 0350 is also in a similar price-range, but doesn't come with 3D machined scales.

Now, I don't have a lot of experience with 154CM steel, but I've got plenty of S30V blades. How does ZT's 154CM do as far as edge retention? I know ZT heat-treats/tempers their S30V to a pretty perfect edge retention - but I also know that S30V is pretty bad for loosing its razor edge and going to "working edge" pretty quickly - is ZT's 154CM like that?

Is the S30V worth giving up 3D machined Scales and some blade-length? Assisted isn't that important to me (I don't dislike it, but it doesn't tip the scales any towards the 0350 for me).

Anyone have both and have an opinion on which they like better?
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Just my $.02 but if your already looking at the ZT0200, don't even compare it to a 0350- apples and oranges. The 0200 is a beast of a knife with a big blade and enough handle (for larger hands like mine). The market is FLOODED with 3.25" blade folders. I'd suggest to grab the 0200 and if you want a 3.5" blade folder get a new ZT0551 while they're still available. ;)

Check this thread out for size comparisons to the ZT knives http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/822794-ZT-0200-VS-0300-series
 
I have both and if i had to pick one it would be the zt 200(though I like the 350 and carry it a lot)..Its super smooth and is a whole lot of knife for the money..I like 154cm..
 
IMO the 0200 is the ZT that everybody should get first, it is ZT at it's finest, it is the ZT entry gate , from there you will need them all.

Dave
 
dont have the 0200. but if you already have a 301 i would get a 350. do you want two half-pound folders? :D

ZT0350CB2blade.jpg
 
kershawguy said:
IMO the 0200 is the ZT that everybody should get first, it is ZT at it's finest, it is the ZT entry gate , from there you will need them all.

Dave
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yep, mine went
1st: zt200
2nd: zt350
3rd: zt303
4th: zt551
and I cant stop..getting ready to sign up on Dave's zt561 pre-order list...
 
Kentucky said:
yep, mine went
1st: zt200
2nd: zt350
3rd: zt303
4th: zt551
and I cant stop..getting ready to sign up on Dave's zt561 pre-order list...
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We got something in common, My ZT collection is following yours :D

Got the 0200 last December, and just got the 350 about a month and a half ago.

I really want one of the 300's if I can talk the wife into it, and the 561, and the 777, and the....:D
 
For your question, I recommend the Zt350. It's thinner, lighter, and easier to EDC. S30v steel is just awesome and great to have a knife you don't really have to worry about dulling through every day use.

You can always go with a Zt551 also.

I went this route:
1st: Zt302
2nd: Zt 200st
3rd: Zt 350
4th: Zt150
5th: Zt 121

The Zt 200st is huge. It's a big folder that I EDC when I wear thicker shorts or jeans so it doesn't sag my pocket. If you get the ZT 200, you have to get the ZT 0100 fix blade. They're designed to be together. The handles on the ZT200 and the ZT 100 are the same so you can transition seamlessly to either knife when the ZT200 is carried in its pocket on the ZT100 sheath.

I'm looking for the best ZT100 price. It seems amazon has the best so far.
 
I much prefer the 0200. The 0350 is okay for what it is, I'm just not a big fan of AO or small blades. The 0200 on the other hand, this is what ZT is all about.
 
I'd go with the ZT200 myself as others have stated it truely is one beastly knife also if you like recurves the ZT200 will be right up your alley all in all the ZT200 is one heck of a knife for the money.
 
the 0200 is amazing. it is long, comfy, holds an edge reasonably well, is pretty, and is just massively overbuilt. I have chopped small trees down with it. it is not a slicer, but it is a survivor.
 
I sold my 0350 because the handle was too short for my hand. It was a very well built knife though. I just recently ordered a 0200 and based on what people say, i have very high expectations.
 
Prolly going to pick up a ZT 0200. I have prettly wide hands. The 0301 didn't quite fit, I always drew it & used it with a lanyard for my little pinky and that was nice. I'm thinking I can get a full grip on the 0200 - but I"ll sure miss the SpeedSafe - my 0301 was fassssst! :D
 
I miss the speedsafe on my zt302, but the zt200 has such a smooth action that you could prolly deploy it faster than a zt with a speedsafe.
 
Bishop2Queen's6 said:
I miss the speedsafe on my zt302, but the zt200 has such a smooth action that you could prolly deploy it faster than a zt with a speedsafe.
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Can you start it with the thumbstud then wrist flick it? That would be fast the way you're describing it.
 
cziv said:
Can you start it with the thumbstud then wrist flick it? That would be fast the way you're describing it.
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I use the flipper on the 200, and IMO it opens comparably as fast as a speedsafe. You don't have to flick your wrist, but it probably gives it a little bit more speed..
 
ono724 said:
I use the flipper on the 200, and IMO it opens comparably as fast as a speedsafe. You don't have to flick your wrist, but it probably gives it a little bit more speed..
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I feel pretty dumb right now. :confused: I just watched a video of the zt 0200 and it's a flippper alright. I never knew that! I'm sure rolling your wrist over would really launch that blade open hard & fast. :eek: Oh yeah! ;)
 
I know this is a long time later, but I've got a 0200 coming (found a used one locally and couldn't resist). I'm on Kershaw Guy's pre-order list for the 0561... Yet I still feel the need to pick up a 0350 (I do enjoy the ~3" folders).

I guess these darn things are as addicting as any other high-quality knives - I just really enjoy a high-quality flipper though and I'm finding that ZT is hard to beat in production quality.

Appreciate the input.
 
EZ Bake said:
I know this is a long time later, but I've got a 0200 coming (found a used one locally and couldn't resist). I'm on Kershaw Guy's pre-order list for the 0561... Yet I still feel the need to pick up a 0350 (I do enjoy the ~3" folders).

I guess these darn things are as addicting as any other high-quality knives - I just really enjoy a high-quality flipper though and I'm finding that ZT is hard to beat in production quality.

Appreciate the input.
Click to expand...

Post back with some pics and your impressions? I never did buy the 0200 I was blabbering about. Some other knives got in the way.
 
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