ZT 0550 or Emerson Mini Commander

B

bradytx

Joined
Jul 9, 2013
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Hey everyone I'm debating between the ZT 0550 or the Emerson Mini Commander. This will be an EDC.

What would you guys do in this decision? PS: I already have a Paramilitary 2 haha.

As of right now I'm leaning towards the Emerson after watching the Ernest Emerson interview with NutnFancy. From what I've heard ZT has the edge on fit and finish and attention to detail.
 
Only you can make it hat decision. Both are good knives. The problem is, with Emersons being so unique, and you being interested in them, if you dont get one now, you will definitely get one in the future. So plan ahead.
 
Two completely different knives. What does EDC mean to you? If F n F is important to you as well as carrying a brick in your pocket, go for the ZT. A Mini Commander will be lighter and slimmer for sure.
I own Emersons from 2006 to 2013 as well as several ZTs and have no issues with fit n finish from either brand although I would give an edge to ZT.
Your best bet is to figure out what you are primarily going to be using the knife for and what you expect from it, then decide.



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ZT's seem to come and fade, at least to me, so if I were you i'd get the 550.

Then buy the Mini Commander at a later time.
 
There's a chance the 0550 may be disco'd for 2014(It's under review), so........Keep that in mind.
 
I've owned both and dont have the mini Commander anymore. For edc I just couldnt get used to the chisel grind. I own two ZT550's and out of my ZT blades it is by far my favorite right now. You can find the gen one versions and even the gen two versions for some really great prices. It is going to be thicker than the Emerson but I dont have a problem at all with large knives and to me it carries just fine. Plus to me the ergos are great and the Ti lock side being smooth doesnt shred pockets.

There are several Emerson designs that I really like and the mini Commander was one of them. I did really like how it felt in hand and I am wanting to give another one a shot but if I do I will probably send it off and have a traditional v edge.
 
Weight is important to me when I'm the one that's carrying it. I'd go with the Emerson. I've bought Emersons for the last two years and have never had an issue with F&F or performance. I also really liked my 3 ZT 550s, but I just never got used to their bulk.

BTW, the Commander series is V-ground with a single edge bevel. I don't think you'll have much of a learning curve for sharpening it if you can sharpen a normal double-beveled blade.
 
I have a gen 2 550 blem and although its a little heavy I find myself carrying most of the time. I don't have any Emersons.
 
ZT definitely better value, but you will feel more attached to an Emerson somehow :confused:
 
No experience with any Emersons, but the ZT 550 is far and away my favourite knife (kicking my Para2 out of my pocket). I like it so much I bought one for each hand. ;)

ZT550s.jpg
 
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I went with the Emerson Mini Commander Plain/Satin. I'm going to hold off on the ZT's until the 0566 comes out. The 0566 looks very nice!
 
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Good choice man! My brother has a Mini Commander, I've carried it few times, its definitely a great knife. Also a good idea to wait on that 0566. I dig my 0550 but that 0566 is gonna be just right i think.
 
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