ZT 0850 Appreciation Thread

[powerslave]

Seriously? No love at all for this knife?

Well it's one of ugliest knives they ever produced so no no love for this

 

[ccoast36]

Well it's one of ugliest knives they ever produced so no no love for this

It is a work of art as well as being smoother than any Sebenza I have ever owned.

 

[Mick_1KRR]

It is a work of art as well as being smoother than any Sebenza I have ever owned. Fact.

You realise there are so many more important elements to a good knife other than smoothness right? The knife community (or at least the teenage boys and new collectors) are on this "action" or "smoothness" craze, probably why we see so many manufacturers obsessing over the ball bearing race, it's all just to gain an edge in knife sales and stay up to date with trends in the community. You can't deny that ZT go a little over-board on the "built like a tank" and "hard use" when in fact their knives have gone so far towards pocket jewelry it's just not what they are any more. These days they make custom looking knives that are affordable to guys who like pocket jewelry. In regards to the Sebenza smoothness comparison you keep mentioning, the Sebenza is the sum of it's parts and not just about smoothness. It's simplicity, build and tolerances are true to it's philosophy, It was built to be stripped down, maintained and re-assembled countless times. It actually takes a lot of great engineering to make a knife able to withstand hundreds of effortless breakdowns and rebuilds without compromising screw heads, threads and general wear and tear. Try doing that with other knives and see how many years they last without developing play, wear and tear on fasteners and all sorts. I like some of ZT's designs, they had some great ones in the 550 and some older models. But these days? nah, not into gimmicky overly organic alien looking knives, especially not ones that look like they have revolver chamber thumb studs etc. it's just a little tacky in my opinion. Actually, it's a lot tacky. I would be embarrassed to use that knife for anything in front of anyone just for the blade shape alone. Of course, that comment is my opinion.

 

[ccoast36]

You realise there are so many more important elements to a good knife other than smoothness right? The knife community (or at least the teenage boys and new collectors) are on this "action" or "smoothness" craze, probably why we see so many manufacturers obsessing over the ball bearing race, it's all just to gain an edge in knife sales and stay up to date with trends in the community. You can't deny that ZT go a little over-board on the "built like a tank" and "hard use" when in fact their knives have gone so far towards pocket jewelry it's just not what they are any more. These days they make custom looking knives that are affordable to guys who like pocket jewelry. In regards to the Sebenza smoothness comparison you keep mentioning, the Sebenza is the sum of it's parts, it's simplicity, build and tolerances are true to it's philosophy. It was built to be stripped down, maintained and re-assembled. It actually takes a lot of great engineering to make a knife able to withstand hundreds of effortless breakdowns and rebuilds without compromising screw heads, threads and general wear and tear. Try doing that with other knives and see how many years they last without developing play, wear and tear on fasteners and all sorts. I like some of ZT's designs, they had some great ones in the 550 and some older models. But these days? nah, not into gimmicky overly organic alien looking knives, especially not ones that look like they have revolver chamber thumb studs etc. it's just a little tacky in my opinion. Actually, it's a lot tacky. I would be embarrassed to use that knife for anything in front of anyone just for the blade shape alone. Of course, that comment is my opinion.

I've been into knives and guns a long time. I find the knife to be sleek and at least trying to do something new. You have to admit that Sebenzas are a bit behind on materials used for the money and that the fit and finish is lacking as of late. It is not easy to get a knife on washers to open as well as a knife on bearings or a spring assist. As far as the tolerances of crk, that whole line is getting old. The materials don't justify the price and deep down every Sebenza owner knows it. As far as being embarrassed to pull this beauty out in public, far from it. I'm pretty secure in myself to not care what anyone thinks of my edc. In fact, everyone who has seen this knife has been enthralled by it. But if you wanna compare apples to apples, the ZT 0920 puts the Sebenza to shame as a pure titanium edc.

 

[ccoast36]

You realise there are so many more important elements to a good knife other than smoothness right? The knife community (or at least the teenage boys and new collectors) are on this "action" or "smoothness" craze, probably why we see so many manufacturers obsessing over the ball bearing race, it's all just to gain an edge in knife sales and stay up to date with trends in the community. You can't deny that ZT go a little over-board on the "built like a tank" and "hard use" when in fact their knives have gone so far towards pocket jewelry it's just not what they are any more. These days they make custom looking knives that are affordable to guys who like pocket jewelry. In regards to the Sebenza smoothness comparison you keep mentioning, the Sebenza is the sum of it's parts and not just about smoothness. It's simplicity, build and tolerances are true to it's philosophy, It was built to be stripped down, maintained and re-assembled countless times. It actually takes a lot of great engineering to make a knife able to withstand hundreds of effortless breakdowns and rebuilds without compromising screw heads, threads and general wear and tear. Try doing that with other knives and see how many years they last without developing play, wear and tear on fasteners and all sorts. I like some of ZT's designs, they had some great ones in the 550 and some older models. But these days? nah, not into gimmicky overly organic alien looking knives, especially not ones that look like they have revolver chamber thumb studs etc. it's just a little tacky in my opinion. Actually, it's a lot tacky. I would be embarrassed to use that knife for anything in front of anyone just for the blade shape alone. Of course, that comment is my opinion.

Actually, the blade shape is very useful when really trying for finer cuts, etc. An opinion without experience is just plain ignorance. I have owned many CRK knives so I can give an opinion based on actual experience when comparing the two knives. Can you?

 

[Mick_1KRR]

I've been into knives and guns a long time. I find the knife to be sleek and at least trying to do something new. You have to admit that Sebenzas are a bit behind on materials used for the money and that the fit and finish is lacking as of late. It is not easy to get a knife on washers to open as well as a knife on bearings or a spring assist. As far as the tolerances of crk, that whole line is getting old. The materials don't justify the price and deep down every Sebenza owner knows it. As far as being embarrassed to pull this beauty out in public, far from it. I'm pretty secure in myself to not care what anyone thinks of my edc. In fact, everyone who has seen this knife has been enthralled by it. But if you wanna compare apples to apples, the ZT 0920 puts the Sebenza to shame as a pure titanium edc.

You sound quite new to knives as far as your opinions go, if i'm being honest. Sebenzas don't have the ultimate blade steel or materials, it's not about that, but it works, and has done for a very long time. As for tolerances, it's not just the tolerances that make the fitment so good, it's the design. The fact that there are precisely machined sleeve spacers that go over the male pins to create the stability and fit. It's far superior in terms of build integrity than just screwing 2 screws into a threaded bit of stand off, no matter how chunky they are to appear "overbuilt". My favorite part of this hobby is pulling the knives apart and examining every little spec of the build, you could say i have OCD in that department, but i enjoy it, and have formed my opinions based on witnessing first hand how things last over time. Anyways, i don't want to turn this into a Sebenza vs ZT thing. The 0920 doesn't put anything to shame since that's just opinion, it's clearly not pocket friendly, it has bearings which will eat tracks into the titanium handles the more you tighten down the pivot over the years since there is no steel face between the Ti and steel bearings, it's a fancy loud design that uses premium steel and is probably fun to play with.

 

[Mick_1KRR]

Actually, the blade shape is very useful when really trying for finer cuts, etc. An opinion without experience is just plain ignorance. I have owned many CRK knives so I can give an opinion based on actual experience when comparing the two knives. Can you?

I've been in this game such a long time my friend, and i've used blade shapes just like the one you're referring to for years, they're great for cutting, i didn't say the blade wasn't good at cutting, you just plucked that one out of thin air it seems. Every single thing i say is based on experience, not just looks or taste. But i will say i think the design is unattractive, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, you're allowed to like the styling if you like, free world

 

[powerslave]

It is a work of art as well as being smoother than any Sebenza I have ever owned.

Well it has M390 equivalent steel on a blade funky custom pivot and thumb-stud and carbon with blue epoxy in it so it's super awesome, got it.
Smoothness is so important because of what exactly? Is it that only thing that you are doing with your knives is opening and closing them?

 

[HappyDaddy]

I don't care for the looks of this knife. The styling cues are silly, IMO. Because those opinions are entirely subjective, it would be foolish and obnoxious to try to convince someone who likes the looks of the knife that they're "wrong." It's one thing to criticize the quality or performance of a knife (or anything else). It's another thing to take issue with someone's aesthetic sensibilities. That's idiotic.

 

[Lord_Balkan]

I don't care for the looks of this knife. The styling cues are silly, IMO. Because those opinions are entirely subjective, it would be foolish and obnoxious to try to convince someone who likes the looks of the knife that they're "wrong." It's one thing to criticize the quality or performance of a knife (or anything else). It's another thing to take issue with someone's aesthetic sensibilities. That's idiotic.

This is how I feel. I dislike the design cues of the hardware specifically. I like the handle shape and blade shape, and honestly everything but the revolver barrel themes. I dislike it so much that it stops me from picking this up. If there is replacement hardware for it I would definitely pick this up though.

 

[Mike51772]

I'm really considering picking up this knife. I'm looking to get a new folder....non-flipper, high-end stainless steel, 3.5-4inch blade.

My only hesitation is blade shape. I generally prefer drop point or clip point....or a modified version of one of those. For those of you on this thread that have the knife, how is the functionality of the blade shape??

 

[BD_01]

This is how I feel. I dislike the design cues of the hardware specifically. I like the handle shape and blade shape, and honestly everything but the revolver barrel themes. I dislike it so much that it stops me from picking this up. If there is replacement hardware for it I would definitely pick this up though.

I had the chance to fondle one yesterday. In person, the hardware is MUCH more subdued than expected--surprisingly so. My biggest question was the unusual blade aesthetic, but that too seemed less dramatic in person.

Folks who are finding both likes and dislikes with this knife might want to handle one before final judgement. If nothing else, BRAVO to ZT for continuing to bring something innovative/unique/different to their production line. There's still the 0562, 0909, and others in their catalogue for those who favor the more "traditional" ZT shtick.

As for me...still stuffing change into the ol' piggy bank. Hopefully by month's end I'll have one!

 

[Scurvy092]

It's a gem of a knife and the best regular production ZT ever in my mind.

It's a spec monster thanks to the sub frame lock. Lots of usable blade length in great shape with a solid comfortable handle while not feeling like a brick. Balance is excellent, the clip is perfect and the action is great.

The looks are subjective but I've like the way it looks since way back when SiDiS/Rexford debuted the custom.

 

[ccoast36]

I had the chance to fondle one yesterday. In person, the hardware is MUCH more subdued than expected--surprisingly so. My biggest question was the unusual blade aesthetic, but that too seemed less dramatic in person.

Folks who are finding both likes and dislikes with this knife might want to handle one before final judgement. If nothing else, BRAVO to ZT for continuing to bring something innovative/unique/different to their production line. There's still the 0562, 0909, and others in their catalogue for those who favor the more "traditional" ZT shtick.

As for me...still stuffing change into the ol' piggy bank. Hopefully by month's end I'll have one!

You won't be disappointed, it is a nice knife

 

[austonh]

Really happy with my 0850. Glad to see ZT make such a light weight, full size knife.

 

[Wolverine666]

I'd like to check one out in person.

Hopefully ZT will continue to make more non-flippers.

 

[ccoast36]

Really happy with my 0850. Glad to see ZT make such a light weight, full size knife.

I agree. The 0850 is such a nice alternative to ball bearing flippers. It doesn't hurt that the action is even better than the flippers.

 

[Gideons]

Absolutely ZERO love for the 0850 from a guy who has owned 11 ZT's.

 

[Seneca18]

I just wanted to give a shout out to Zero Tolerance for taking a risk and producing a work of art in the 0850. I know this knife is polarizing, as evidenced by some of the posts on this forum and a pretty scathing review by a YouTube personality recently, but I find the knife stunning. The action is the absolute best I have ever experienced. Better even than ball bearing flippers. Quality materials, quality workmanship, and awesome aesthetics. Bravo, ZT!

How about some pics? I like the knife but I find the backspacer and thumb studs to be hideous.

 

[craytab]

I don't care for the looks of this knife. The styling cues are silly, IMO. Because those opinions are entirely subjective, it would be foolish and obnoxious to try to convince someone who likes the looks of the knife that they're "wrong." It's one thing to criticize the quality or performance of a knife (or anything else). It's another thing to take issue with someone's aesthetic sensibilities. That's idiotic.

I cannot and will not get past the looks no matter how much fancy stuff is put on the knife but that is completely subjective opinion. Why people get so upset about opinion is quite silly as well.