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

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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Problem with SR-1 is that it's slick. I haven't own a real SR-1, but I have owned a SR-1A and the TiSpine. Fantastic knives, but they are slippery. That's my main issue with them.

I love SnG the best because Strider does their heat treat right and their warranty is quite fantastic. The ergos on Striders is like no other, they're so unique. If you want an extremely tough knife then go with a Strider. I did some abuse to my SnG that I wouldn't dare do to other knives I own. The lock up is honestly the best that I've ever seen in a frame lock. It's better than any CRK that I've owned or Hinderer. It's darn close to a fixed blade.

The ZT is awesome, but from what I've heard the S110V is ran a little softer than it should because of the sake of the bonding between the two metals. One thing about the ZT0560 is that it's rather big. SnG is better for EDC. The limited availablity of S110V can be an issue for the sake of warranty. My limited experience with Kershaw warranty has been a nice one.
 
Strider by a long shot.

S30V or CPM154 would be much more better choice as a hard use blade than S110V.
 
Hairlesstwinkie said:
Problem with SR-1 is that it's slick. I haven't own a real SR-1, but I have owned a SR-1A and the TiSpine. Fantastic knives, but they are slippery. That's my main issue with them.

I love SnG the best because Strider does their heat treat right and their warranty is quite fantastic. The ergos on Striders is like no other, they're so unique. If you want an extremely tough knife then go with a Strider. I did some abuse to my SnG that I wouldn't dare do to other knives I own. The lock up is honestly the best that I've ever seen in a frame lock. It's better than any CRK that I've owned or Hinderer. It's darn close to a fixed blade.

The ZT is awesome, but from what I've heard the S110V is ran a little softer than it should because of the sake of the bonding between the two metals. One thing about the ZT0560 is that it's rather big. SnG is better for EDC. The limited availablity of S110V can be an issue for the sake of warranty. My limited experience with Kershaw warranty has been a nice one.
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Did you ever have problems with the sr-1a?
 
When the choice is strider or anything, I always recommend the anything. Even easier here because the 0560 CBCF is a sweet knife that should meet your requirements.
 
SMF has a much more usable grip than the LionSteel, I don't think you'd have trouble with either holding up to hard use but the Ti on the LionSteel has very poor side grip.

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Knife-geek said:
Did you ever have problems with the sr-1a?
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I had an SR-1 Ti. Never had any issues other than the fact that everything about the knife seemed overly tight. It wasn't really a pivot adjustment issue either, because I definitely tried that. Although the blade deployed smoothly I was never able to flick it out, both because of the extremely strong detent and the fact that pivot adjustment yielded almost no change. Additionally, the lock bar took an above average effort to disengage. Granted, all of the those aspects added to the solid feel of the knife but the slick handle (as Hairlesstwinkie pointed out) definitely detracted from the usability. I'll also say again, the secondary lock mechanism seems gimmicky to me (but it does function as a lockbar stop, so I suppose it serves a purpose in that respect).

I'll also say that Hairlesstwinkie is spot on with regards to the ergos of Striders. While the blade choil shortens the cutting edge it really expands on the possible ways to grip the knife and that is one aspect I find particularly enjoyable about Striders.
 
I have an SR-1A as well. Nice knife, but has virtually no grip when wet. Mine the lockbar is very easy to disengage, and the blade flies out. However, that could be because A)Its well broken in B) I have large, strong hands and its easier for me to work it or C) a combo of both. Its too bad the SR-1 doesn't have grip inserts like the Kershaw Blur.

One thing to note, not sure it really makes a difference being titanium and all, but the lockbar on the SR-1 is a bit thinner than the SNG/SMF's lockbar.

I use my SR-1A for mostly indoor tasks, food prep, opening mail/packages, breaking down boxes etc, as living in Chicago the solid metal handle gets slippery and cold very quickly. For heavier duty, outdoor tasks I prefer a knife with G10, FRN etc.
 
I think it's the one piece handle on the SR-1 causes the extremely tight blade. No you can't open it very fast at all. I can open it one handed but it's very slow compared to other knives. The plus side is it shouldn't ever develop side to side play.
 
"However, that could be because..." "...I have large, strong hands and its easier for me to work it..." Ah yes, I forgot to mention I have weak little baby sized hands. :p

In all seriousness, I think my SR-1 Ti may have needed some attention from LionSteel, but I sold it and the buyer was more than happy with it so I never resolved the issue.
 
Knife-geek said:
Did you ever have problems with the sr-1a?
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It was a gorgeous knife, if it wasn't so slick I would have kept it. It literally slipped out of my hand the first day that I got it that's when I realized that I can't keep it. The machining doesn't really help and the contouring almost made it worse. My hands get sweaty pretty easily, so it just made things worse. The D2 on it is a good choice, but I'm not fan of the thick grind and obtuse belly. I didn't do extensive amount of using because I was afraid of it slipping.

If my TiSpine wasn't a gift, I would have gotten rid of it too. It has almost slipped out of my hands a few times especially when I'm outside working on stuff and my hands get wet. I almost dropped it in the lake that I was fishing in because it's so slick. It was a last minute fishing trip at my grandparent's lake and I forgot to change knives.
 
I'm just not sure about the strider, I've heard insanely good reviews but &
$550 for a knife is a lot of money but if everyone agrees it's the best choice between a ZT, a lion steel and a strider Ill go with it. And my hands aren't huge so should I get the sng? And it's the gunner grip uncomfortable? And is 154cpm or s30v better on a strider?
 
Knife-geek said:
I'm just not sure about the strider, I've heard insanely good reviews but &
$550 for a knife is a lot of money but if everyone agrees it's the best choice between a ZT, a lion steel and a strider Ill go with it. And my hands aren't huge so should I get the sng? And it's the gunner grip uncomfortable? And is 154cpm or s30v better on a strider?
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I like the SMF and your hands are surely bigger than mine, I have no problem with it, because the handle I find is very well designed. I choose CPM154.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/989181-Strider-in-CPM-154-or-S30V
 
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Knife-geek said:
a strider Ill go with it. And my hands aren't huge so should I get the sng? And it's the gunner grip uncomfortable? And is 154cpm or s30v better on a strider?
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The Strider, in my opinion. I've had many Striders and perhaps ten ZT's. Both are good brands. The 0560CBCF is a "composite" or "layered" blade...and I know I don't have the right word, but you get the idea. Due to the copper brazing of the various steels which make up this blade, the S110V is not able to be heat-treated to the approximate 63 HRT that would be optimal. But it's still a good blade at 59 or so HRT; it will cut well; it will hold an edge well.
I've had two 0560's, three 0550's, two 0561's, a bunch of 0350's and have two 0360's coming in the mail.
Both companies are great and have good customer service and warranty.
Strider is more expensive. Striders come in three grip patterns and many colors of G-10. Striders are available in MANY blade-steels.
All of these steels are good; some are carbon; many are stainless. Some will rust easier than others.
Some are tougher; some will hold an edge a lot longer but are more brittle. You'll have to do some homework.
You can get the grip-lengths and other specifications from various web-sites like Monkey-Edge, BladeHQ and Knife Art. Figure out what length grip fits your hand. Compare those figures with some of your own folders that you like and that fit you.
Figure out what blade-length and thickness you are likely to NEED, given that SMF's are 0.190" thick, Sng's are 0.160", 0560CBCF's are 0.160" thick.
Just about all of these knives are seen often on the Exchange is as-new condition. I would not rush to pay retail unless you want NEW, NEW, NEW with a return privilege. Each to their own.
Strider Gunner grips MAY hurt your hands without gloves on; it will also very likely tear your pockets off your pants when used with the pocket-clip, so be forewarned. Gunner grips are great for cops who wear gloves and need secure grip. The more common Strider grip is the LEGO...a good compromise in grippiness. Concealed carry grip (i.e. SMOOTH) is also available in some models.
 
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I think I'll go with the zt0301 because I love the looks and the weight won't bother me and I like AO knives. I hope it holds up as well as people say it does. Plus it's half the price, but I'm sure I'll end up with a lion steel and a strider at some point.
 
Well, that was quick and easy. AS long as you can handle the weight...about 8.8 ounces, you're good. The other knives are around six or so. But your choice is a TANK and you won't be able to hurt it...even if you try.
Have fun. stay safe.
 
Personally, I'd take a standard ZT0560 over the 0301s any day. 0301s have always seemed extremely clunky and overly heavy. I haven't used a ZT0301 extensively but it's the kind of knife that lacks the finesse for real every day use.

I still think you should really consider a Strider, the extra cash would be well spent.
 
MaxFactor said:
Personally, I'd take a standard ZT0560 over the 0301s any day. 0301s have always seemed extremely clunky and overly heavy. I haven't used a ZT0301 extensively but it's the kind of knife that lacks the finesse for real every day use.

I still think you should really consider a Strider, the extra cash would be well spent.
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Id get the 0560 or 0561 as well. Flipper works better. And it is bigger than you would think. The 0300 is like carrying a bigmac in your pocket.
 
coldsteelrocks said:
Id get the 0560 or 0561 as well. Flipper works better. And it is bigger than you would think. The 0300 is like carrying a bigmac in your pocket.
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<--Reaches in pocket, finds no big mac, cries.

I like the 0300, but it is beastly. I'd take a Strider over any of the ZT's.
 
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