ZT 0630 vs. Emerson

CryoGuy5272

CryoGuy5272

Joined
Jan 2, 2015
Messages
891
I know that I like ZT. Every one I have handled has been awesome in function as well as fit and finish. My question is, is a ZT 0630 close enough to an Emerson to get the Emerson experience?

Through some intense research I have gathered that Emerson is not the smoothest nor best machined knives on the market. Also I am not a huge liner lock fan. Not that I don't think they are capable I just prefer a framelock I also would rather be getting a higher grade of steel for the money. So logically the ZT0630 takes care of these issues. Is there something special I am kissing about Emerson or is the ZT the better bet?
 
The handle on the ZT is not as grippy because it does not have the coarser G10 used by Emerson, but I like my 0630. I like my Emerson's too, but to me the ergos on the ZT are in line with the Emersons. Both are great.
 
dogrunner said:
The handle on the ZT is not as grippy because it does not have the coarser G10 used by Emerson, but I like my 0630. I like my Emerson's too, but to me the ergos on the ZT are in line with the Emersons. Both are great.
Click to expand...
Am I really missing anything if I choose to just go with a ZT? I am a Spyderco guy generally, but ZT has snick its way into my pocket lately. I just don't know I can let another one in lol
 
I own a pile of Emerson's (50+ at one point) along with the ZT colabs. Sold the 0620 and the other 2 that I have (0620CF and 0630) will probably go too. Please keep in mind I'm a ZT fan and own/use the LE's I have so here's my 2 cents.

My negatives against the ZT's that I have are the slick handle, heavier platform/handle and the tall/thicker blade. Found that the blade thickness isn't for me as the grind is so tall, the tip broke on my 0260CF the first few minutes of getting/using it. Harder to push the blade through stiff materials. The detent was super strong initially but ended up being too soft after they broke in and they became easily wrist flickable. Pro's would be the wave feature....that's it for ME.

What I do love about the Emerson's is the softer steel which is easy to sharpen and doesn't chip. The G10 on both sides are nice secure grip regardless of handle shape for the most part. The overall build is lighter for a comparable sized ZT framelock. Easy to take apart as it's intended to be user serviceable. The screws are the same as what can be found at a hardware store though not the exact same as Emerson makes their screws in house. Warranty is great a faster than ZT and you will most likely be helped by Emerson's daughter, Rachel. Most common complaints about the Emerson's is the fact that they need to be broken (pivot and possible sticky lock). Kind of like the pair of shoes you loved to death and was sad to let go due to wear/use.

All and all, my use/experience so far.:)

Best,
Ray
 
I don't have the Emerson experience Ray ^ does, but I would say you'd be missing something. If you prefer frame locks , try one of the newer options, an iron dragon or HD 7. if you don't like it, someone will surely buy it off you, possibly even Ray! He liked to accumulate them lol. But there is something about emersons. If you get one, take the time to break it in and USE IT. More than any other knife I've had, they are built to be USED EVERY DAY.
 
rayster357 said:
I own a pile of Emerson's (50+ at one point) along with the ZT colabs. Sold the 0620 and the other 2 that I have (0620CF and 0630) will probably go too. Please keep in mind I'm a ZT fan and own/use the LE's I have so here's my 2 cents.

My negatives against the ZT's that I have are the slick handle, heavier platform/handle and the tall/thicker blade. Found that the blade thickness isn't for me as the grind is so tall, the tip broke on my 0260CF the first few minutes of getting/using it. Harder to push the blade through stiff materials. The detent was super strong initially but ended up being too soft after they broke in and they became easily wrist flickable. Pro's would be the wave feature....that's it for ME.

What I do love about the Emerson's is the softer steel which is easy to sharpen and doesn't chip. The G10 on both sides are nice secure grip regardless of handle shape for the most part. The overall build is lighter for a comparable sized ZT framelock. Easy to take apart as it's intended to be user serviceable. The screws are the same as what can be found at a hardware store though not the exact same as Emerson makes their screws in house. Warranty is great a faster than ZT and you will most likely be helped by Emerson's daughter, Rachel. Most common complaints about the Emerson's is the fact that they need to be broken (pivot and possible sticky lock). Kind of like the pair of shoes you loved to death and was sad to let go due to wear/use.

All and all, my use/experience so far.:)

Best,
Ray
Click to expand...
Thanks for the detailed reply. Definitely things to consider.
 
I have held my fair share of Emerson's but never personally owned and carried one, so I can not give much of a cross comparison. I can however say that the ZT0630 is one of my favorite knives I have ever owned. I like and believe in this knife so much that I let a number of our good local customers borrow mine to see how great it is. A lot of them hated it at first but after carrying it for a few days, they all bought one! Probably the best marketing piece I have done on a local level! I wish I could tell you more on a comparison level but all I can say is you will not regret the ZT0630!

https://flic.kr/p/xu2pmd https://www.flickr.com/photos/57703464@N02/
 
MIGUY said:
I don't have the Emerson experience Ray ^ does, but I would say you'd be missing something. If you prefer frame locks , try one of the newer options, an iron dragon or HD 7. if you don't like it, someone will surely buy it off you, possibly even Ray! He liked to accumulate them lol. But there is something about emersons. If you get one, take the time to break it in and USE IT. More than any other knife I've had, they are built to be USED EVERY DAY.
Click to expand...
Would the Zt at least get me familiar enough with Emerson design and features, while still giving me the "I like this brand" fuzzies? Another thing I have noticed and forgot to mention is the use of chisel grinds as opposed to v grinds. Are these harder to maintain or use?
 
The zt blades are too short. 3.6" is a deal breaker for me. 4" and up.
 
^ that could be a selling point, for many

The ZT may do that, bit if you're asking this, course curious about Emerson's, and there is still a difference.

Chisel vs v grinds... Chisel are easier to maintain IMO, easier to sharpen, especially Emerson steel... Using... Chisel gribd are different, neither good nor bad IMO. You simply need to use them differently, which I can't explain, you'll just learn...
 
Red apples to green apples...similar but different. Some people like green more, some like red more. Buy a 0630 AND a CQC-8, use them, and then determine which you prefer.

I prefer the 0630 due to the steel and framelock.
 
Buy what you like man. I had a 0620 and didn't care for the handle in hand. I have also had Emerson's I didn't like in hand. Don't have a huge preference on frame lock or liner lock for me, they both work.

In my experience there isn't much difference in edge holding with s35vn over 154cm. But the 154cm is a ton quicker to sharpen. Now it the 0630 comes out with a cts 204p model, well I think I will need that.
 
CryoGuy5272 said:
Would the Zt at least get me familiar enough with Emerson design and features, while still giving me the "I like this brand" fuzzies? Another thing I have noticed and forgot to mention is the use of chisel grinds as opposed to v grinds. Are these harder to maintain or use?
Click to expand...

My answer is Yes! You will get a idea of how the Wave feature functions as a opening device but also a excellent thumb ramp. Ergo's too as a few Emerson designs have similar features.

Grinds.. if you're referring to the edge grind, chisel is easier IMO. Sharpen the logo side, strop/debur from the other. Chisel blades are a whole other thing. ..not for me.
 
One problem wrong with "buying what you like"... he's asking because he doesn't know if he likes Emerson's...
 
MIGUY said:
One problem wrong with "buying what you like"... he's asking because he doesn't know if he likes Emerson's...
Click to expand...

True, however he already mentioned he is not big on liner locks. Plus has the fit/finish problems in mind from the start.
 
I have the 630 the 620cf and an Emerson iron dragon.

I don't think you can go wrong with either, although I'm not a fan of liner locks. All the knives I just mentioned are frame locks as that's my preferred lock.

I say pick up the zt give it a go, then try out an Emerson when you get more $ and go from there.

The zt's are heavier but not so much it is a negative IMO, the thinness of the iron dragon is a plus for me but I much prefer the lock up of the zt over the Emerson.

Sigh.. I probably wasn't much help but just to be clear my vote is pick up the zt then try the Emerson and sell the one you don't like as much as the other.

Oh and whitty sells aftermarket handles for the zt's which rock..
 
MIGUY said:
One problem wrong with "buying what you like"... he's asking because he doesn't know if he likes Emerson's...
Click to expand...
Is the cqc 8 the closest to the ZT's? Some of the ones I am interested in is the Horseman and Sheepdog. A lot are no go's for me because of them being tantos or recurved. Any models I am missing, that I should be looking into and researching?
blades&wrenches said:
Red apples to green apples...similar but different. Some people like green more, some like red more. Buy a 0630 AND a CQC-8, use them, and then determine which you prefer.

I prefer the 0630 due to the steel and framelock.
Click to expand...
 
CryoGuy5272 said:
Is the cqc 8 the closest to the ZT's? Some of the ones I am interested in is the Horseman and Sheepdog. A lot are no go's for me because of them being tantos or recurved. Any models I am missing, that I should be looking into and researching?
Click to expand...

I mentioned CQC-8 BC it's blade shape what the 0630 blade was based on. Any of your above mentioned will give you the Emerson experience.
 
CryoGuy5272 said:
Is the cqc 8 the closest to the ZT's? Some of the ones I am interested in is the Horseman and Sheepdog. A lot are no go's for me because of them being tantos or recurved. Any models I am missing, that I should be looking into and researching?
Click to expand...

Technically I think the combat systems fighter and the tiger are a bit closer to the ZT 630, as their blade is a bit taller, the 8 is shorter height wise, from the edge up, than the 630. But the 8 is a great Emerson to start with, a great blade shape and handle IMO. But an Emerson will give you the Emerson experience, regardless of the blade shape. But, it sounds like the 8 will give you the best change on liking them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top