ZT 0560CBCF or strider SMf with tiger stripe blade and black gunner grip?

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Knife-geek

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Nov 21, 2013
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I've been told that striders are great knives with amazing warranties which I believe to be a great thing and I think the price they're asking is worth it just for the warranty. I've heard different things about zt's warranty and I'd like to know what they're real warranty is. The ZT also seems to be a very strong knife and is made of the same materials except for the scales that are carbon fiber instead of g-10. I'm wondering which would hold up the best. The s110v blade on the ZT really caught my attention because not too many knives use that as blade material and it's very impressive steel. But I've never owned a knife with a 154cpm blade. After doing a little research I'm under the impression that s110v is probably a lot better though. But I'm looking for a overbuilt knife that can take some hefty abuse. I've heard that zero tolerance is more high quality than strider and that strider is more high quality that ZT. Unfortunately I've never owned either so I don't really have any information except what people have told me. So if appreciate some help/advice on what to buy so I don't make a bad decision. I guess it's not just that one specific ZT. I would also consider a 0301 but it doesn't have A s110v blade. I've also been wondering about the DPx HEST and Lionsteel sr-1 TI. I've read a few reviews on the sr-1 and have been told the strider is stronger which is hard to believe due to the monolithic TI handle but I don't know. I never really hear anything about them but they seem like a high quality overbuilt knife. I'd like to know more if anyone is willing to tell me anything.
 
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You are better off going with your gut the first time.
Ive owned both. I prefer the ZT to the strider. But they are both worth the money. I also got the 0561 like new for 170$ so. I can really beat that.
You really need to get both to see what you like better.
You tube is your best friend to decide in this case.

If strider SMF all the way.
 
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Go Strider if you want an overbuilt knife. I have a few zt's a 0550, 0560, 0301 and I like all of them but I got a Strider sng and there's just something about that knife. All if my zt's are solid knives but the strider seems even more solid. Also remember if your really gonna use the knife if you break that zt your gonna have problems getting it repaired cuz it's a limited edition. And you are probably gonna have a hard time finding that zt. Anyway hope that helped a little. All those knives are great you can't really make a bad choice.
 
I too prefer the Strider.
 
+1 on the SMF!!! I do wish I would have gotten the SMF. but I still love my SNG it's going nowhere.
 
So what's the warranty on the zt's? I've heard about the "break in anyway and we'll fix it" warranty that strider has but I've also heard the zt has a " break in anyway and we'll replace it" warranty which I'm not sure about.
 
Both are top notch. But as I said in my earlier post. If you buy a limited edition and break it you will have a problem. I remember when Thomas was on here before and he said they usually don't have a stock of parts for limited editions. I.e. Blades and scales. Let's say you break the blade on the zt you want you would always be able to get an elmax blade cuz it's production on the 0560. If you break the blade on the LE s110v you might be out of luck. Just food for thought. I could be wrong so maybe a call to zero tolerance might give answers you need.
 
ZT will replace any broken blade for $30 unless it failed because of a manufacturer's error. So, if you buy it brand new but it has a crack in it (for whatever reason??) then they'll replace it for free but if you're using your knife as a car jack and break it, you can still replace it for a very reasonable (in my eyes) price. ZT will always replace screws, pocket clips, pivot screws, and washers. Other damage is, as I understand it, on a case by case basis. I've heard that they've fixed locks that fail and even bad heat treats. However, there is a limit to what they'll fix. They won't cover damage caused by abuse or modifying the knife. Their warranty is good and their staff is helpful, but the warranty isn't a catch-all.
 
I have the zt 560 and the strider sng. Both are overbuilt but I believe the the strider will be more durable. I believe the zt 550 is more comparable to the sng and for me is a better carrying size. If you re looking for a strong knife that is a good size for edc and work and has a great steel for the money, look at the zt 350 with m 390 steel . It s a dealer exclusive at KW. I like that knife . I de assisted it.
 
I'm not looking for a cheaper knife, well I don't know what's considered cheap for a knife but I'm looking for 600$ or under.
 
I have a 3 Zt's and there all well built knives. I prefer Striders though. My Sng is a favorite. I really like the design. I also prefer a blade opening as a method of deployment. User friendly blade and easy to sharpen. The finger choil on the blade is very useful for controlled tasks and a feature I wish more knife makers offered. Excellent folders.
 
Strider. Hands down. CC SMF with a CPM154 blade if you can find one.

Recently sold my CC and DGG SMFs to fund another purchase and I really regret it. With a properly adjusted pivot and screws, the blade action is smooth with no play and a seriously solid lock-up. Oh, and they're extremely lightweight compared to say, a ZT 0300 or an SR-1, without sacrificing strength.

On the other hand, I don't regret selling my ZT 0560 or LionSteel SR-1 Ti. Never really warmed up to the ZT to be honest. I've also handled a ZT 0300 and wasn't all that impressed, just seemed really heavy and clunky. I also dislike the assisted opening of the 0300s.

The SR-1 was a solid knife but I wasn't really a fan of the blade shape and the secondary lock system seemed a bit gimmicky to me. Pretty much all I have to say about that one. Although, I do plan on eventually picking up a LionSteel TiSpine.
 
My SMF has the best fitted and tightest lock of any frame-lock I own. It's the newer lock type. It was a bit sticky at first, but a bit of pencil lead had it right in no time. I also like that I can open it smoothly, with my thumb without having to flick it hard, if I choose.
 
I've owned both and I like both. Both have top notch warranties- Strider has the "you break it we fix it" warranty which needs no explanation, but ZT is really great too. They stand behind their products and the re-blade for $30 (if I remember correctly) is a great program. I actually called KAI right after I got my 560cbcf and asked if they'd be able to replace the blade if I broke it even though that program doesn't apply to special editions. They said they'd be happy to put an elmax blade in for me if it comes up, so I have little doubt that they stand behind their products.

If your choice is exclusively between the 560cbcf and a SNG, take the SNG. The s110v on the 560 is really very good, but it won't be the same effect as a higher RC s110v. I honestly preferred the feel and use of my SNG to the 560cbcf. If you are willing to consider other knives in the same area, I think the SMF is probably better than both if you have large(ish) hands. Also the zt300 series really is amazing. I EDC a Hinderer XM-18 and for me, there really is no going back. That being said, I never miss an opportunity to play with one of the zt300s and I'll probably end up with one just to fondle and enjoy when urge strikes me.
 
I don't get why no one likes the sr-1. I'd think it'd be the sturdiest of the 3 due to the full titanium frame and .18" thick blade. I could never imagine a gram stronger than one milled out of one piece of titanium.
 
Knife-geek said:
I don't get why no one likes the sr-1. I'd think it'd be the sturdiest of the 3 due to the full titanium frame and .18" thick blade. I could never imagine a gram stronger than one milled out of one piece of titanium.
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I don't think it's a matter of no one like them (people certainly do), and it could be the sturdiest of the bunch for all I know. The deal with ZT and Strider in this situation is they have earned a significant reputation of being incredibly durable and have excellent warranties. There are certainly other knife makers out there who create folders of similar durability, but who may not have reached the same level of reputation.
 
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