ZT 0909 impressions

JJ_Colt45

JJ_Colt45

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Sep 11, 2014
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I'm looking for a good solid replacement for a ZT 0550 I've carried for years. I was hoping to get some feedback on the ZT 0909 as a possible replacement. Just wanting a very solid heavy use knife. I know its a liner lock vs the frame but can live with that if it is a good solid comfortable knife. I am open to suggestions but admit I am a ZT fan ... I like the S35VN steel and G10 scales and overall size of the knife is similiar ... I will say I dont want a recurve so that leaves out some. So if you have experience with the ZT 0909 good or bad I would be interested in hearing pros and cons and even possible other options that compare. Thanks for any input.
 
If you're only considering ZT's then the 0909 is a good solid knife if you are looking for something to follow your 550. It is very reminiscent of the old ZT0200 build, it's heavy (more than the 550), thick steel liners, bearings (can be positive or negative depending on the users preference), flips well and has a half decent cutting geometry for a built knife with a good tip for finer work. One small bit of advice tho, at some stage remove the scales and put a light coat of oil between the G10 and the steel liners, for some reason ZT steel liners seem to rust up a bit more than others. Seen it on many 550's, 560's and even the new 0909's. Other than that i'm sure you'll enjoy it.
 
I'm open to other brands but have found alot of ZT's that feel good and have always had good luck with QC ... and I have found a few ZTs that with get a touch of rust on the steel liners also and a touch of oil works great ... the ZT 200 I do have one but prefer a straight edge over the recurve for this daily user. Thanks ... I hear the 0909 is a heavier knife which for me I actually prefer for work ... I just havent found one to hold to see if there are any hot spots or if its comfortable and opens smoothly as other ZTs.
 
0909 is my go to heavy duty knife. Very much in the 0350,0200,0550 vein.

If you want non-flipper framelock on washers like the 0550, look at the 0620/0630.
 
<<------see my avatar.
It's my edc folder, takes a good edge and cuts good for a heavy duty blade, the handle is slightly blocky but I'm fine with it, the newest model has better shaped scales that make it a bit more comfortable.
It's not for everyone but the blade shape, strong build and smooth flipping action made it a keeper for me, I replaced my ZT200 and ZT300 with the ZT909 and I'm quite satisfied.
 
No worries. As for hot spots and deployment, no issues at all with deployment one the ones i've used, the blade rockets out like most of their flippers (not really a flipper or bearings fan myself) but no issues in that dept. Hot spots - nothing too bad for every day cutting, if you do long extensive cutting the boxy edges can start to dig in, but honestly everyones hands are different and you might need to handle one to decide on that.
 
I think it is one of the best ZT's that has ever come out. I am kinda picky when it comes to knives, but it is hard to find much wrong with this knife. It really feels good in your hand when you are cutting things. I bet LG has made a knife or two in his time!
 
If you have already decided on the 0909, I think you will like it. It is something that the fans of the old 0200 would love. Keep in mind though, there isn't a current model ZT with scales as thick as the 0550. Well actually I don't think there was before or since. That said, ZT's are as solid as they were the day you bought your 0550. To be honest, I think if you liked the 0550, there are a lot of models that you will like. My suggestions would be the 0562 if you want to stick to hinderer. And the redesigned 0801ti which I personally carry most these days. Both are within that size and weight range of the 0550.
ioudzZvh.jpg
 
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Thanks for all the replies. I have a 0562 and love it but just doesnt have the feel of the 0550 and by specs thought maybe the 0909 would be a heavy solid feel like my old 0550s. I thought being a ZT it would have favorable responses but living in small town USA hard for me to get to hold many before buying so I lean on the good folks here to shoot straight and I haven't been disappointed yet ... so thanks to everyone ... it looks like there will be new ZT 0909 finding a home soon.
 
Hi! I have recently got a ZT0909 and it soon became one of my favourite go-to folders for all my outdoor activities when I don’t want to carry my F1 but still rely on a solid knife for all those tasks going beyond cutting a sandwich or carving a walking stick on the trails :). It has great ergos and, though it’s really a big knife (for my own EDC standards), “built like a tank” :D, it sports an amazing cutting/slicing capability. I don’t have the ZT 0550 so I can’t compare the two but, if you’re looking for a stout, reliable working knife, I think the ZT0909 won’t disappoint you :thumbsup:.

My long version here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/threads/zero-tolerance-0909.1480290/

Take care!
 
Love the neck out of my 0909 as a work knife. It's held up to everything that I've thrown at it so far and I've used it pretty darned hard at times. I've never had an 0550, so I can't compare the two, but the 0909 certainly fits the description of a hard use working knife as far as I'm concerned.

Today's work carry:
0606171520~2.jpg
 
I wish ZT would occasionally make a flipper that could also be opened by thumb optionally.
I used to carry my 551 a lot. Now it has a minor degree of back and forth lock rock. Still a good work knife though.
 
I also prefer more than one opening method. My 562 has a soft detent and I am able to open it with the blade stops, studs. I carry that one a lot for this reason. It's also a sexy knife and fun to fondle!!
Joe


whp said:
I wish ZT would occasionally make a flipper that could also be opened by thumb optionally.
I used to carry my 551 a lot. Now it has a minor degree of back and forth lock rock. Still a good work knife though.
Click to expand...
 
I agree I prefer thumb studs also as an option ... but admit working sometimes the flippers nice for a fast one hand deploment. My 550 was easy to deploy with thumb studs once I got the motion ... I ordered my 0909 and I'm sure it will work great but I'll always miss the 550s I think.
 
Awesome pic Jill! ^^^^^^ To echo the others.....I absolutely love my 0909! It is my only edc knife. It fits my hand perfectly, and the lockup is solid in every direction. It is not for the lightweight knife crowd....its heavy, but worth every ounce. The weight gives comfort in knowing that you have a serious piece of heavy duty cutlery to rely on in your pocket. These are super strong knives. Mine was run over by a 20 yard dumpster, and only suffered a slightly bent liner, and some chewed up G10. Disassembly inspection revealed NO broken parts, so I bent the liner back, cleaned it, lubed it, and continue to rock on. I love this knife so much that I actually bought a spare in case of loss, or catastrophic damage. Get one OP....you wont be sorry. :thumbsup:
 
Thanks to everyone that took time to reply and leave pictures. I really love this forum for that. Being as I live in small town southern Iowa I rarely get a chance to handle knives before buying so it means ordering and hoping for the best. But there are so many good people that share my love of knives and tools and that I've really come to trust to give me straight forward takes on knives I may be interested in whether they love the knife or don't ... they give me a straight answer ... and I appreciate that. So thanks again to everyone I'm really looking forward to getting my 0909 and maybe having the chance to share some pics after I get a chance to put it to work. Much apprecite everyone taking time to reply.
 
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