ZT 0801 or Reate Horizon-B or ?????????

The Burgh · Feb 12, 2015

I know I need a semi-EDC with a blade of ~3.5 - 3.7". I want a flipper, great steel, probably bearing pivot and have a budget up to $250. Extra points for aesthetic style (which, for my eye, disqualifies SpyderCo).

So far, the above two are semi-finalists in my decision, but I don't have nearly the experience or expertise of most of you on this forum.

Can you help with opinions, experiences or warnings. I'll appreciate as many reasons as you feel you can provide.

Thanks Gang!

stonproject · Feb 12, 2015

I just got a kizer ki404b1 and all i can say is that its absolutely phenominal. Ergonomics are great, flipper is glassy smooth, medium detent, and its just gorgeous.

The ti framelock locks up very tight with ZERO bladeplay out of the box. Came dead centered also. Might as well mention there is absolutely no lock stick, and it locks up at a solid 33% every single time.

Youll have a very difficult time finding a higher quality knife for the price.

Kizer is really cornering the titanium framelock market, and selling at very competitive price.

Lost Cosmonaut · Feb 12, 2015

If I was choosing between these two, the 0801 and the Horizon-B, I would go Horizon-B every time. Despite the size, the 0801 is too cramped in the handle for me and my largish hands. I've handled a regular 0801 and currently own a 0801S110V and I also have a Horizon-B. I much prefer the Horizon-B.

hookahhabib · Feb 12, 2015

easy choice: ZT for the win!

tested & proven designs + Elmax > questionable S35vn & materials

I still haven't seen enough threads or information about people actually using their Reates, Kizers, and similar higher-end Chinese made knives, so while they look nice and could actually be using well heat-treated S35VN and solid materials, IMHO these nicer Chinese made knives appear to be largely untested. Yea, there are lots of people talking about flipping action and nice fit & finish, but that is secondary (or even tertiary) to the main job of these knives and that being to CUT...

Going with the ZT you can at least know in peace that the knife will do whatever you ask of it. Yea there was that silly Elmax controversy from a couple years ago, but from what I can tell that was mostly internet hype and dog-piling, and ultimately was fixed by sharpening the knife a couple times.

Just my $.02

Rasco · Feb 12, 2015

What about maybe a 0560 or 0562...??

kniferbro · Feb 12, 2015

hookahhabib said:
easy choice: ZT for the win!

tested & proven designs + Elmax > questionable S35vn & materials

I still haven't seen enough threads or information about people actually using their Reates, Kizers, and similar higher-end Chinese made knives, so while they look nice and could actually be using well heat-treated S35VN and solid materials, IMHO these nicer Chinese made knives appear to be largely untested. Yea, there are lots of people talking about flipping action and nice fit & finish, but that is secondary (or even tertiary) to the main job of these knives and that being to CUT...

Going with the ZT you can at least know in peace that the knife will do whatever you ask of it. Yea there was that silly Elmax controversy from a couple years ago, but from what I can tell that was mostly internet hype and dog-piling, and ultimately was fixed by sharpening the knife a couple times.

Just my $.02

+1 my dude

yexactly · Feb 12, 2015

Lost Cosmonaut said:
If I was choosing between these two, the 0801 and the Horizon-B, I would go Horizon-B every time. Despite the size, the 0801 is too cramped in the handle for me and my largish hands. I've handled a regular 0801 and currently own a 0801S110V and I also have a Horizon-B. I much prefer the Horizon-B.

Agree about the handle size on the ZT0801.. Have medium size hands and it is a perfect fit for me.. If you have large or very large hands it will be too small. The knife is perfectly centered, comes scary sharp, the flipping action is fast and smooth, mine locks up at about 20%.. Aesthetics: looks great in all black but may be too threatening for some audiences if you plan on using it as an EDC.

Colorodo · Feb 12, 2015

Just bought my second ZT0801S110V love the feel and looks.

NetShocK · Feb 12, 2015

hookahhabib said:
Yea, there are lots of people talking about flipping action and nice fit & finish, but that is secondary (or even tertiary) to the main job of these knives and that being to CUT...

In that case, a $12 mora is sufficient.

GatorFlash1 · Feb 12, 2015

The Burgh said:
I know I need a semi-EDC with a blade of ~3.5 - 3.7". I want a flipper, great steel, probably bearing pivot and have a budget up to $250. Extra points for aesthetic style (which, for my eye, disqualifies SpyderCo).

So far, the above two are semi-finalists in my decision, but I don't have nearly the experience or expertise of most of you on this forum.

Can you help with opinions, experiences or warnings. I'll appreciate as many reasons as you feel you can provide.

Thanks Gang!

IMHO, you are making a huge mistake by eliminating Spyderco from your decision. They have great heat treatment of their steels and their Manix XL or Stretch II would fit your needs, as far as EDC very well, and the spyder hole opens as fast as any flipper I have seen.. I EDC a Spyderco Gayle Bradley which is very functional for my use in construction. You should check this one out.

Their Spyderco Southard flipper is a winner from the friends that own one.

At the low end you might buy and test out the Kershaw Hinderer dessigned Kershaw II.

My favorite ZT is the 801 in S110V, if you can find one in your price range. That is a good looking knife as well.

I'm still sitting on the fence as far as Kizer's knives although they sure look like a great deal on the spec sheets and price sheets.

chester22 · Feb 12, 2015

^ you mean S110V

whitty · Feb 12, 2015

hookahhabib said:
easy choice: ZT for the win!

tested & proven designs + Elmax > questionable S35vn & materials

I still haven't seen enough threads or information about people actually using their Reates, Kizers, and similar higher-end Chinese made knives, so while they look nice and could actually be using well heat-treated S35VN and solid materials, IMHO these nicer Chinese made knives appear to be largely untested. Yea, there are lots of people talking about flipping action and nice fit & finish, but that is secondary (or even tertiary) to the main job of these knives and that being to CUT...

Going with the ZT you can at least know in peace that the knife will do whatever you ask of it. Yea there was that silly Elmax controversy from a couple years ago, but from what I can tell that was mostly internet hype and dog-piling, and ultimately was fixed by sharpening the knife a couple times.

Just my $.02

+2 on this!

hookahhabib · Feb 12, 2015

NetShocK said:
In that case, a $12 mora is sufficient.

Hehehe, you're absolutely right! Although I think he's looking for a cutter that folds and is on the higher end side of things, so the venerable Mora won't work in this case

👊💥

Sosa · Feb 12, 2015

I hear opinel has a flipper in the works.

BellaBlades · Feb 12, 2015

easy choice: ZT for the win!

tested & proven designs + Elmax > questionable S35vn & materials

I still haven't seen enough threads or information about people actually using their Reates, Kizers, and similar higher-end Chinese made knives, so while they look nice and could actually be using well heat-treated S35VN and solid materials, IMHO these nicer Chinese made knives appear to be largely untested. Yea, there are lots of people talking about flipping action and nice fit & finish, but that is secondary (or even tertiary) to the main job of these knives and that being to CUT...

Going with the ZT you can at least know in peace that the knife will do whatever you ask of it. Yea there was that silly Elmax controversy from a couple years ago, but from what I can tell that was mostly internet hype and dog-piling, and ultimately was fixed by sharpening the knife a couple times.

Just my $.02

Just want to mention. I can only speak on the following and of the bunch I would get the ZT just because its USA and I love that company. There are a few pass arounds for the Reate Knives. I started them both and can say the Horizon and district have been used hard. Chopping, prying cutting, you name it. By A few dozen different people.
Good quality heat treat and durable steel.
The lock bar geometry is also better than ideal. Better than many framelocks out there. Same steel lock insert as well. They really are able to take a beating. The main down fall is the fact they are out of country and that would not be fun for warranty.
Matt

hookahhabib · Feb 12, 2015

BellaBlades said:
easy choice: ZT for the win!

tested & proven designs + Elmax > questionable S35vn & materials

I still haven't seen enough threads or information about people actually using their Reates, Kizers, and similar higher-end Chinese made knives, so while they look nice and could actually be using well heat-treated S35VN and solid materials, IMHO these nicer Chinese made knives appear to be largely untested. Yea, there are lots of people talking about flipping action and nice fit & finish, but that is secondary (or even tertiary) to the main job of these knives and that being to CUT...

Going with the ZT you can at least know in peace that the knife will do whatever you ask of it. Yea there was that silly Elmax controversy from a couple years ago, but from what I can tell that was mostly internet hype and dog-piling, and ultimately was fixed by sharpening the knife a couple times.

Just my $.02

Just want to mention. I can only speak on the following and of the bunch I would get the ZT just because its USA and I love that company. There are a few pass arounds for the Reate Knives. I started them both and can say the Horizon and district have been used hard. Chopping, prying cutting, you name it. By A few dozen different people.
Good quality heat treat and durable steel.
The lock bar geometry is also better than ideal. Better than many framelocks out there. Same steel lock insert as well. They really are able to take a beating. The main down fall is the fact they are out of country and that would not be fun for warranty.
Matt

Hey Matt, thanks for that information! I'll have to check out those pass around threads...glad to know that they can take a beating!

Respect to you, sir
:cheers:

-Habib