ZT 0630 vs. Emerson

I've owned about a half dozen Emersons, and about a half dozen Emerson collaborations. Every single collaboration has been leagues ahead of the EKI knives in terms of fit, finish, value, and materials.

I've yet to handle an Emerson that didn't have an issue with at least one of the following: Centering, lockup, and/or pivot smoothness. Most had more than one of those issues.
Conversely, every single collaboration I've owned has been flawless. My Kershaw-Emerson 4KXL is one of my favorite knives of all time. If the 0620 or 0630 were longer, I would have those as well.

Suffice to say, I don't think you want the "Emerson experience" as the collaboration experience is far superior given the concerns you have mentioned. Also, Emerson's G10 is too abrasive, to the point that it will shred your pockets. The man knows how to design an ergonomic handle, though, and every factory-fresh Emerson I've handled has been far sharper than any other factory knives I've handled.
 
There is also the hd7 which is another Emerson frame lock but its priced quite a bit higher than the zt's.

One thing I REALLY wish was Emerson's had reversible clips.. Sigh. Zt has reversible clips and forward waving rocks.
 
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...

The ZT blade is thicker? Emerson lists their blade stock as .125 and the ZT is listed as .121, but I know that stock thickness accuracy has been, at best, approximate for quite a number of knives I own, so I'm not doubting you, just curious.
 
Comeuppance said:
I've owned about a half dozen Emersons, and about a half dozen Emerson collaborations. Every single collaboration has been leagues ahead of the EKI knives in terms of fit, finish, value, and materials.

I've yet to handle an Emerson that didn't have an issue with at least one of the following: Centering, lockup, and/or pivot smoothness. Most had more than one of those issues.
Conversely, every single collaboration I've owned has been flawless. My Kershaw-Emerson 4KXL is one of my favorite knives of all time. If the 0620 or 0630 were longer, I would have those as well.

Suffice to say, I don't think you want the "Emerson experience" as the collaboration experience is far superior given the concerns you have mentioned. Also, Emerson's G10 is too abrasive, to the point that it will shred your pockets. The man knows how to design an ergonomic handle, though, and every factory-fresh Emerson I've handled has been far sharper than any other factory knives I've handled.
Click to expand...
I carried the 4kxl at work a couple weeks and it can't be waved regularly without constant adjustment of the pivot and loctite. It also rusted very easily just from handling and using in a non corrosive environment. It's also very heavy for its size. Don't get me wrong it's a nice Chinese budget folder.
 
Sosa said:
I carried the 4kxl at work a couple weeks and it can't be waved regularly without constant adjustment of the pivot and loctite. It also rusted very easily just from handling and using in a non corrosive environment. It's also very heavy for its size. Don't get me wrong it's a nice Chinese budget folder.
Click to expand...

Haven't had those issues, but mine came with a bit of lock rock. Doesn't bother me for $40, and I've definitely had more issues with Emersons that with the Kershaw collab.
 
I'd like to point out that the ZT hibderers are very nice Knives, but anyone who has had a Hinderer says it isn't the same. Some people still prefer the ZT, but you don't know until you try it. Just a comparison... I will admit ZT's are nice Knives, but I've found ebersobs to be something special, IMO. Get a ZT 630, try it, and it may lead you to trying an Emerson, and I hope it does
 
Insipid Moniker said:
Haven't had those issues, but mine came with a bit of lock rock. Doesn't bother me for $40, and I've definitely had more issues with Emersons that with the Kershaw collab.
Click to expand...
I bought mine for $20 and I was gunna sell it for ten but when I waved it open to show the guy it rubbed again so that was that.
 
Insipid Moniker said:
The ZT blade is thicker? Emerson lists their blade stock as .125 and the ZT is listed as .121, but I know that stock thickness accuracy has been, at best, approximate for quite a number of knives I own, so I'm not doubting you, just curious.
Click to expand...

Just took a quick measurement. EKI's come at 0.125" and the ZT at 0.157" (0620CF & 0630).
 
MIGUY said:
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.
Click to expand...

I agree as well. Combat Systems Fighter or Tiger blade is closest. The 8 might be a bit long but a great knife with the Horseman being the smaller version.
 
So..CryoGuy5272, which Emersons would you like to see a picture of next to a 0630 for size comparison? Already know about your interest in the Horseman and Sheepdog. What else? Combat Systems Fighter and Tiger?
 
rayster357 said:
So..CryoGuy5272, which Emersons would you like to see a picture of next to a 0630 for size comparison? Already know about your interest in the Horseman and Sheepdog. What else? Combat Systems Fighter and Tiger?
Click to expand...
Well I like the cqc-10, cqc-13, and cqc-15. I don't think size will play too much of a factor, my normal ESC lately has been a ZT 0561. If you have any that maybe I am overlooking that you think could be good candidates given the likes and dislikes I've expressed, I'd love to see those as well
 
If you're used to 0561, then the length isn't a issue. The Emerson will be a thicker handle at 0.536" (w/ pocket 0.721") which is more filling in the hand . Kind of like the difference between the normal and king sized Hershey chocolate bar:).

The 10 has what many consider to be a great utility blade like a couple of my friends. The handle on it is a hit of miss for some folks but great to me.

The 13 is a excellent bowie style blade. The tip may be a bit more delicate compared to a couple others in the Emerson line up but still quite sturdy as seen on a youtube vid of someone testing theirs. The handle shape is same as the Tiger which is my absolute favorite of all the folding knives I have owned in the 30+ years I have had a edc knife. The handle on the 13/Tiger is a prime example of Emerson Ergonomics.

The 15 is a blend of a few blades with it's own handle. Tanto tip on a recurve blade. Had one for about a week and sold it as I didn't agree with the handle shape in any way. There are folks that swear by the 15 due to it blade but I didn't feel it was all that as recurves aren't that high on my list unless done in a specific manner like the Iron Dragon (so nice). I'm not a fan of tanto design due to the transition point front the forward edge to the primary edge (sorry, can't think of the proper name)

Horseman is a good knife as it's actually quite slim in height for pocket carry. Was my only folder for a period of 2 years before I started buying folding knives again. Blade is very close in length to the 0630 but way lighter in overall weight. Much lower profile in pocket too thought the Wave works better on the 0630.

Sheepdog is a different critter all together. Ball bearing pivot. Flipper tab (requires technique vs strength like ZT's) along with the thumbdisc and wave feature. Smallest in length of the ones mentioned so far. A little chunkier in hand compared to the Horseman but inline with most other Emersons. Bowie or spearpoint blade. Probably my favorite flipper in my collection as my index finger isn't raw after playing with it during a movie:p.

I'll get some pictures up for you to see. My camera was dead when I grabbed it so it'll have to be tomorrow.
 
Another option you have it you really want to experience an Emerson but want better fit and finish is to buy Southern Grind's Bad Monkey. The carbon fiber version comes with the Emerson licensed wave feature, and though it is a liner lock, it is very well executed, Ti, and Southern Grind's fit and finish is phenomenal.

The steel (for now) is Sandvik's 14c28n run at 59-61HRC, vs the 154CM of Emerson's run at 57-59 so I think it will compare favorably, if not more so. With the smaller, waveless Spider Monkey being released recently in CPM-S35VN, it is only a matter of time when the Bad Monkey is available in that steel as well. I actually prefer a well done liner lock as A) It doesn't get cold like a Ti frame lock, and can be just as strong, and B) they tend to be lighter weight.
 
I owned a CQC-7 BTS. It was my 1st (and only) "real" knife for a while. I did beat the hell out of it and used it a ton for years, but it wasn't without some problems. I ended up selling it a few years ago.

I recently purchased a ZT 0620CF. I can say (for me personally) the ZT is much better than my Emerson was. Now, I did have an older Emerson, so maybe that had something to do with it, but I will stick with my ZT. I also much prefer Frame Locks, but liner locks aren't a deal breaker for me. The wave feature on my 0620 works way btter than my CQC7 ever did.

I'm not saying I won't own another Emerson at some point in the future, but if I was choosing just 1 of these knives to own, it would be the ZT for me.
 
Last edited:
Hey Whitty,

I also love my ZT 0630. I'm liking that orange scale on yours. Where did you find it?
 
I own 2 cqc8s a cqc13 , cqc 15, sheepdog, combat fighter, jungle commander, horseman, the zt 630, 620cf and a couple of kershaw emersons and spyderco delica wave.

The zts are prettier without a doubt. Also their waves work better as does my spyderco compared to all my emersons...go figure. I still prefer the emersons. They just feel right. The zts dont to me. They are still good knives....designed by emerson and all......but i like my emersons better. Too each their own though.
 
I like them both but my ZT gets a bit more pocket time these days.
Installed an Emerson disc and pocket clip on my 0630 for a bit more authenticity. ;)

1ZmGSdb.jpg
 
I've had a cqc7, roadhouse and a zt 0620 and honestly the wave feature is the only thing I think they have in common. The zt is has a better fit and finish and is smoother but I like my cqc7 better then all of them something about it the zt doesn't capture.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top