ZT 0808 or alternatives?

S

Scott321

Joined
Jul 20, 2016
Messages
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I was considering picking up a ZT 0808. I was hoping some people might have experience with this knife, be able to answer some questions, and possibly give me alternatives. I have some questions on the ZT 0808 further down.

What I'm looking for:

Thicker width handle knife (close to 0.6")
Thin profile knife (1" - 1 1/8" blade spine to bottom of handle when closed) to slip in back pocket on the side of my wallet
Folder with minimal or no risk of opening in the pocket when sliding my wallet in and out next to it.
Blade length 3" - 3.5"
Secure pocket clip (for riding on my motorcycle - cruiser style; back pocket; won't easily slip out)
Non-rubberized handles
Frame lock
Handle close to a 940 in length
Overall handle girth, somewhere between a BM Mini Bone Collector and full size Griptilian
Open to different steels
Weight under 4.5 oz
Something with metal on the butt (i.e. full liners or Ti)
Price in the $200 range

ZT 0808 questions:
1. Do the BB's ride directly on the titanium?
2. Is reassembly a pain to get the scales lined up right?
3. Are there any hot spots for harder cuts using the hammer grip?
4. Is there any risk of the flipper tab opening the knife in my back pocket if it is riding next to my wallet?
5. Could anyone post pics of it next to a BM Mini BC or mini Barrage and also a BM 94x?

I'm considering a Spyderco Southard as an alternative, but since I have a few Spyderco's and BM's I thought I should try a ZT. I also only have a couple frame locks, and wanted to add a couple more... although I may just say "f" it, and get a liner lock Millie to throw in my phone holster (I have the KW CF/Ti frame lock version).

Thanks for any info or suggestions.
 
I am not sure about the bearings riding directly on the titanium. I have only handled this knife but the few versions I have seen were all very nice.

The detent was stong on the ones I saw which mean the blade should remain closes. Especially if it is wedged in your back pocket with the wallet on one side and the edge of your pocket on the other. That alone should hold it closes, no room to open.

The Southard would also be an excellent decision. You would be very happy with either I imagine.
 
After owning one I can try and answer a few,
1. Not a pain to get the scales lined up
2. Mild hot spot where the frame lock connects with the blade tang.
3. Detent is good and flipper is small it won't open in your pocket but its not the best flipper.
 
Yes, the bearings ride on the Ti, they're housed in a blue plastic cage and won't fly apart when you take it apart. It's a good knife if you like a heavier handle knife. It feels good in the hand. I would think, as with most any knife, hot spots can happen with hard use or an unconventional grip
 
IMG_20170705_034711.jpg


A little unbalanced in its standard form but very balanced without the solid backspacer.

Easy to reassemble and disassemble as it has a good balance on both sides front to back so all parts sort of fall in place when tightened up.

It's another good, clean simple design that cuts well. I like it just as much as any high end like a Sebenza. This one is one of my top 10s.
 
I had an 808 apart. Bearings rode on Ti and (at least mine) were the smaller metal caged KVT. It flipped very nicely. Assembly for all ZTs IME has been a piece of cake. Blade shape wasn't for me.
 
Thank you all for your replies. I'm still on the fence with this, as there are a few other knives I want to pick up. However, due to it's specs and my most recent EDC configurations, this has suddenly shot up near the top of my "next to pick up" list.
 
nU3ihSW.jpg


Check it exploded. Nice simple design. Pivot and 2 frame points for the backspacer or standoffs. More than enough to make it rigid. I agree that it does indeed shoot out using the flipper; has never failed me. Crisp and smooth.

It was the ZT knife that drew me to ZT. You won't be disappointed.
 
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