ZT 0551 vs SnG vs XM18

mfm22

mfm22

Gold Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2010
Messages
538
Just got the ZT --It's a beast ,a beautiful one at that. :thumbup:

how does it stack up to the Strider SnG & The Hinderer XM-18

I think ZT is a great value ...how much better are the others ?

Size and weight similar?

I was wanting the others but the ZT has scratched that itch [for now] ;)
 
The ZT is a awesome knife. I love all my ZT knives. ZT best knives are collaborations with Strider or Hinderer and should tell you that the original designers knives are going to be better. The real deal knives tend to be more than the sums of their parts or designs that other companies borrow or collaborate. The Strider and Hinderer are the next level up as a semi/custom production model's. Resale value, exclusivity, and desirability also are a big reason for their increased price over the ZT. It's like this.....If you want a Strider, Hinderer, or Sebenza anything else won't be the same. A collaboration knife will give you a taste of the original designers knives.
 
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The SNG is only 4.5 oz compared to the 0551 at 5.8 oz. For EDC I prefer 4-4.5 oz. When it gets over 5 oz. I start becoming conscious of it being in my pocket. So for me the choice was between SNG and Large Sebenza (4.8 oz).

I own a ZT0200 and love it, except after carrying it all day I get the itch to carry something lighter the next day.

As far as the XM18, they are very nice but I get frustrated knowing I have to get them (usually used) on the secondary market. If I could get one for $400-450 new I would buy one over the ZT 0551, but when you are talking new vs. new it's hard to beat the value of the 0551.
 
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This all depends on who you're asking the question to. For instance, my answer to this question would be to toss the SnG right out of the mix and decide whether you need the thick, stout blade of the spanto ground XM-18 or do you want to lean more towards the slicer and all around utility blade of the ZT0551? I've never really had good experiences with any of the Striders I've ever had so Strider falls by the wayside as soon as it's compared to anything even remotely similar.
 
My vote is with my pocket book. I will own three 0551's by the time I receive them all. And at least one 0550 :) I just like them enough to make sure I'm covered for a long time.
 
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noway said:
The SNG is only 4.5 oz compared to the 0551 at 5.8 oz. For EDC I prefer 4-4.5 oz. When it gets over 5 oz. I start becoming conscious of it being in my pocket. So for me the choice was between SNG and Large Sebenza (4.8 oz).
I own a ZT0200 and love it, except after carrying it all day I get the itch to carry something lighter the next day.

As far as the XM18, they are very nice but I get frustrated knowing I have to get them (usually used) on the secondary market. If I could get one for $400-450 new I would buy one over the ZT 0551, but when you are talking new vs. new it's hard to beat the value of the 0551.
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No offense is meant, but the bold part of your post starts out like a nutnshmancy video. Can you honestly tell the difference between .5 ounces in your pocket? If you can, you must wear scales for pants.
If 5 ounces in the pocket is out of the question, my response is those people need to start eating more, maybe get to a gym. We are talking the weight of 3 American nickels = 15~grams.
 
I own two of your knives in question: the 0551 and an SNG.

To say that the 0551 has rocked my world would be an understatement.

I like my SNG, it is a unique knife in many ways and I like that aspect of it but in all honesty I can't say it is a better knife than the ZT.

When you consider that the ZT can be had for less than half the price of a new SNG. . . Well, I think I've made my point.
 
RevDevil said:
No offense is meant, but the bold part of your post starts out like a nutnshmancy video. Can you honestly tell the difference between .5 ounces in your pocket? If you can, you must wear scales for pants.
If 5 ounces in the pocket is out of the question, my response is those people need to start eating more, maybe get to a gym. We are talking the weight of 3 American nickels = 15~grams.
Click to expand...

That's what I was thinking too when I read that post....
 
RevDevil said:
No offense is meant, but the bold part of your post starts out like a nutnshmancy video. Can you honestly tell the difference between .5 ounces in your pocket? If you can, you must wear scales for pants.
If 5 ounces in the pocket is out of the question, my response is those people need to start eating more, maybe get to a gym. We are talking the weight of 3 American nickels = 15~grams.
Click to expand...

Lets do the math again:
For the ZT0551 vs. SNG:
5.8 oz.-4.5 oz.=1.3 oz.=37 grams=7-8 extra nickels. Nickels are 5 grams each.

At work, I have to carry a large key ring in my left pocket (with flashlight) and some pocket change, knife in right pocket, wallet in back right pocket and a pouch with a few tools on my belt. Even with a 4.5 oz knife in my pocket I get chafing from all this crap pulling my belt/pants down (this isn't a pretty picture in the workplace!) throughout the day since my day doesn't involve sitting at a desk for 8 hours. At work, I am walking for 8 hours/day SOLID on hard surfaces wearing safety boots/shoes. So anything to lighten the load is welcome. Otherwise I would have to wear suspenders!
I decided to draw my line in the sand at 5 oz max, which is about 2 oz more than I would really like to be carrying. If I am home inside the house the extra weight is not a factor and I occasionally sit around with an 8 oz. knife in my pocket. I admit I could certainly use a trip or two to the gym but strength is not a problem...I am 6'3" and well over 200 lb. I also have real big hands and as a result of all this, I prefer knives with long handles but light in weight. The Spyderco Military fits me in hand and it is also within my desired weight, but unfortunately I need to carry my knife deep in pocket without the clip and for this type of carry, the Military's handle is too long. I wish all knives would work for me but unfortunately with my hand size and my work situation, my list of suitable rugged production folders is very short.
 
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Great response...

No doubt there are options for ZT. make a more CC version of this or scale it down a tad .... But overall I think the 0551 is a grand slam .

I like it enough to buy variations of it --Scale/handles /stripes blade etc
 
Unless you can identify some really critical difference (to you), the price points are pretty compelling. I have an SnG I'm really pleased with, but you could buy two ZTs for the price of the SnG.
 
noway said:
Lets do the math again:
For the ZT0551 vs. SNG:
5.8 oz.-4.5 oz.=1.3 oz.=37 grams=7-8 extra nickels. Nickels are 5 grams each.

At work, I have to carry a large key ring in my left pocket (with flashlight) and some pocket change, knife in right pocket, wallet in back right pocket and a pouch with a few tools on my belt. Even with a 4.5 oz knife in my pocket I get chafing from all this crap pulling my belt/pants down (this isn't a pretty picture in the workplace!) throughout the day since my day doesn't involve sitting at a desk for 8 hours. At work, I am walking for 8 hours/day SOLID on hard surfaces wearing safety boots/shoes. So anything to lighten the load is welcome. Otherwise I would have to wear suspenders!
I decided to draw my line in the sand at 5 oz max, which is about 2 oz more than I would really like to be carrying. If I am home inside the house the extra weight is not a factor and I occasionally sit around with an 8 oz. knife in my pocket. I admit I could certainly use a trip or two to the gym but strength is not a problem...I am 6'3" and well over 200 lb. I also have real big hands and as a result of all this, I prefer knives with long handles but light in weight. The Spyderco Military fits me in hand and it is also within my desired weight, but unfortunately I need to carry my knife deep in pocket without the clip and for this type of carry, the Military's handle is too long. I wish all knives would work for me but unfortunately with my hand size and my work situation, my list of suitable rugged production folders is very short.
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Sounds like you need a better belt. :D
 
i agree with you guys, weight has never been an issue with me, but i dont like to see a bunch of excess material on my knife. i also like seeing when the knife maker makes an effort to reduce the weight, like skeletonizing the liners.

What i look for most is a compact knife that feels beefy. the closed geometry of the knife plays more of a role than weight IMHO. i dont like knives that are pocket hogs. my weight limits are different than nutnfancys. I think if your willing to carry a 5 oz knife, you just opened yourself up to a huge variety of knives. if you want a strong knife, it will take some steel to make that happen. 4 oz puts too much limitation on a consumer. it saddens me to think of all the knives people are missing out on because they think 4 oz is too much. i mean, i get REALLY sad...drool and snot bubbles sad. i fall on my knees and pound my fists in the mud sad. rip my shirt and yell until i have no breath sad...sad.

that being said, nutnfancy likes knives under 4 oz. if it weights more than 4 oz then the extra weight should be justified in his own mind. its not a bad guideline for beginners, but most of here have dozens of knives. we are not beginners anymore.
 
All do respect,...Nutnfancy's self imposed 4oz rule is for him and him alone. He is not a expert or should his opinion weigh any more than anyone else on youtube that post a review. Weight is not as important in a knife as much as balance of the design. Some guys carry around a ZT 0301 and think nothing of it.
 
I'll say one thing about those great pictures trix2004 posted of the Hinderer and Strider. That being, the close up shots of those $400 to $625 knives are no more or less flattering than the close ups of the 0551 or any other super fine production folder. As far as F&F goes anyway. Obviously, the likes of these two knives is all about how they work and not that they have jewel like finishing.

;)
 
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noway said:
Lets do the math again:
For the ZT0551 vs. SNG:
5.8 oz.-4.5 oz.=1.3 oz.=37 grams=7-8 extra nickels. Nickels are 5 grams each.

At work, I have to carry a large key ring in my left pocket (with flashlight) and some pocket change, knife in right pocket, wallet in back right pocket and a pouch with a few tools on my belt. Even with a 4.5 oz knife in my pocket I get chafing from all this crap pulling my belt/pants down (this isn't a pretty picture in the workplace!) throughout the day since my day doesn't involve sitting at a desk for 8 hours. At work, I am walking for 8 hours/day SOLID on hard surfaces wearing safety boots/shoes. So anything to lighten the load is welcome. Otherwise I would have to wear suspenders!
I decided to draw my line in the sand at 5 oz max, which is about 2 oz more than I would really like to be carrying. If I am home inside the house the extra weight is not a factor and I occasionally sit around with an 8 oz. knife in my pocket. I admit I could certainly use a trip or two to the gym but strength is not a problem...I am 6'3" and well over 200 lb. I also have real big hands and as a result of all this, I prefer knives with long handles but light in weight. The Spyderco Military fits me in hand and it is also within my desired weight, but unfortunately I need to carry my knife deep in pocket without the clip and for this type of carry, the Military's handle is too long. I wish all knives would work for me but unfortunately with my hand size and my work situation, my list of suitable rugged production folders is very short.
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Im going to have to agree with a below statement, you need a better belt. Seriously. I carry a full size Wilson Combat CQB 45 and dont even realize its there unless im running. There is no way I would be able to notice a difference between a 4.5oz knife and a 5.5oz knife in my pocket.

Might I suggest this belt:

http://www.thewilderness.com/storepinnacle/index.php?p=product&id=2309&parent=142

If its the size of the knife, and not weight, that would be one thing. Try a good belt and see if you can tell the difference.

I really like the ZT 0551 btw. Got mine last week.
 
mystro said:
All do respect,...Nutnfancy's self imposed 4oz rule is for him and him alone. He is not a expert or should his opinion weigh any more than anyone else on youtube that post a review. Weight is not as important in a knife as much as balance of the design. Some guys carry around a ZT 0301 and think nothing of it.
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I forget I am even carrying mine.
 
I'm a relatively lean guy so I'll say that not just weight, but bulk included is really noticeable for me. I can't carry the ZT 301 since it is just too bulky for me and is way too noticeable. Ended up flipping the knife in less than a week. In fact I probably wouldn't carry the XM-18 much if I had it. SnG is the heaviest knife I carry (even then on occasion, the PT now gets more pocket time)

When it comes to the 0551 compared to the other two, the difference in all honesty won't be that huge. What you're paying for are minute details, F&F (in terms of the Hinderer), design, and the fact it's a near custom knife. I would go with the SnG and Hinderer first. The SnG since I'm familiar with it and it's comfortable for me. A quick re-profiling really makes it a great user. The hinderer because it was a beautiful knife in person, with impeccable QC. You have to appreciate the tolerances in the design (if that's the sorta thing that interests you)

The 0551 however looks like a fantastic blade and I doubt you'd be disappointed with it.
 
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