ZT 0804CF

AF

AF

Joined
Jan 14, 2000
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I've never handled one of these and now that I see them on sale I'm curious.
I have one question for those who have carried one. Does the lockbar cutout tend to grab your jeans pocket when drawing or inserting?
I've experienced this with other frame locks and it's a deal breaker for me.
 
I've owned an 804cf for a while, and I've never had an issue with the lockbar cutout in any way, shape, or form. The only issues I've experienced related to carry and withdrawing from my pockets are the standard sculpted clip complaints.

If you are considering an 804cf, just be well aware of the size of the knife (large) and its propensity to freak out non-knife people. Like most ZT's it has great fit and finish, and you'll get what you pay for. Just be aware that it isn't an ideal EDC blade for most people based on the larger dimensions.

I love mine (plus it has sentimental value as a gift) but I'd be lying if I told you it replaced any knife in my EDC rotation.
 
I have had this problem with a few knives but not at all with the ZT0804CF. Curious which knife or knives were causing the issue?
 
Thanks for the input!
I was going to list some knives I've had this issue with but I didn't want to unfairly tarnish a knife because I was remembering incorrectly. I know that a few have passed through my hands that got rejected for that reason.
One I'm sure about was the Spyderco Southard. It didn't snag so much as it grated on my pocket. If a lockbar cutout adds any friction to the pocket draw/insertion then I don't want it.
That's part of the reason I don't like deep carry clips. Oftentimes, the clip screws are proud of the scales and the pocket lip gets caught on the screws. But that's much less of a concern than a sharply radiused lockbar cutout that sits beneath the clip.
I like to watch the GPKnives and BladeHQ vids for insight. Sometimes they show an action shot of pocketing and you can hear or see any issues.
 
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I absolutely love the looks of the 0804CF and really wish it wasn't such a large knife. Too big for my EDC preference.
 
Not a knock on ZT, but I haven't been able to hold onto a single one over the years. I like the company and some of their designs but after buying one there's always something that bothers me.
Part of the problem was discovering Reate which also competes in the crowded market of ti framelocks on bearings. While overpriced and not perfect either, they are better quality IMO.
 
The 804CF is (was) my favorite ZT, I was sad to see it discontinued. The good thing though is I picked up two more since the price dropped, at the current price it is well worth it. I've never had any issues with the lock bar grabbing the pockets when deploying or putting away.
 
I've only had mine for a couple weeks, but no issues with grabbing so far. As others have already stated, it is a pretty big knife and I don't carry it that often for that reason. I knew that going in and didn't purchase it to be an EDC. The knife itself is very well built and smooth as can be. The only (very minor) complaint is the cutout in the carbon fiber where the pocket clip would go for a lefty.
 
I find most machined clips to be problematic. It took some fine tuning, but I'm much happier now with the 0560BW clip on this bad boy. It's one of my favorite carries lately. Very surprised to see this disco'd so soon, and willing to bet it will be sought after in the future.

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I'm glad I grabbed one.
Only issues I have are the lock bar access could use just a little cutout on the presentation side.
I may or may not cut a relief like I did on my Gayle Bradley 1 because it's not a big issue but I do like fidgeting occasionally and it would make closing just a bit simpler.
And speaking of closing, a little caution and positioning need to be observed due to its geometry. I've had the blade drop on my thumb knuckle a couple of times.
Great knife though with an exceptional steel.
 
If the stock clip is too tight, one possible solution is sanding/polishing the contact point of the clip.
I did that on the Viper Kyomi and it solved the problem. I used a Dremel.
 
I think I'll hang on until black friday and see what the deals look like.
 
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The dealers with them priced at a bit over 200 are mostly out. Still a lot out there at 280. I know of one dealer has them in stock at 215.
 
I love "almost" everything about my 0804CF. However, I only carried mine for a week or two. Only because another blade came along that fit my basic day to day needs a bit better.

In my collection, this model looks like a show piece. For the clip milled pocket in carbon fiber, I simply glued in a price of black leather (actually very thin lambskin). Since adding it, no one that I've shown it to have asked about that spot. I have never been able to bring myself to sell any knives that I didn't have multiples of. So the 804 just looks like my centerpiece in my 14 ZT display.

I love the design, overall looks, finish, blade and handle shape , etc. Very comfortable in my hands. So, the only thing I dislike is the thumb contact point on the lock. It has multiple bevel/facet spots. Makes it look nice, but seem to converge at the point I press my thumb to unlock and close. It's not sharp, but very narrow at the pressure point. Using the knife like a normal person would most likely not even be noticed. But.....I'm a fidgeted/flipper/flicker. With a bit-o OCD, I'm constantly flipping whatever knife I have on me that day. After a few/dozen/hundred/thousand flips, this model can make my thumb feel a bit bruised.

But the 804 does still find its way into my pocket occasionally. Any time I want an amazing looking larger pocket knife.

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It's sure a great knife. Just a couple of minor things. The wording in white color on the blade, the pivot screw, and the pocket clip is a poor choice. A color close to black would be great. That would be a truly all black knife. And yes - the pocket to host the clip on the cf scale looks bad.
 
I just got a zt 804cf and the carbon fiber feels slick and smoother than what it looks like online. I never seen or felt one in person but I was expecting it to feel like the zt 452 carbon fiber. How does your carbon fiber feel?
 
Dastardly_Ghoul said:
I just got a zt 804cf and the carbon fiber feels slick and smoother than what it looks like online. I never seen or felt one in person but I was expecting it to feel like the zt 452 carbon fiber. How does your carbon fiber feel?
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u got pictures? I can't find where I put mine ATM but iirc its the same.
 
I agree that the CF is different on the 0804cf compared to the 0452cf/0562cf. Mine has a little more raised weave texture and is a little shinier, but I would not call it slicker. The 0452cf/0562cf has smoother but more matte finish.
 
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