ZT 0909 or...?

[mcflyfyter]

I ruled out flippers early on for an edc because I didn't want to deal with bearings. My knife gets pretty dirty sometimes, and I'm not sure if the bearings could be cleaned adequately without a full disassembly. After I ordered the Recon 1, I found a ZT0620 on the exchange for $100 and bought that too. Hopefully between the 2 I like at least one of them.

 

[kylemiller]

The Recon 1 is a hog beyond measure. Great steel and very grippy handle. I think the Spyderco Manix 2 XL is another good choice. It's got a better pocket clip and for me, the perfect handle.

I don't love wet frame locks and flippers. I use a Manix 2 Lightweight at work mostly. For me it cleans up easier than G10 with steel liners. I just blast water through it and then air. The cutting edge is shorter, but the handle is full sized for me (xxl glove).

 

[D-der]

The 0909 could work out well for you, I'm very satisfied with mine.
While I haven't used mine soaking wet, I'm really impressed with the lock up,
it's got a heavy lock and just doesn't seem to move at all and if for some reason
it did ? by design you'd get pinched rather than cut.
I'm not sure about the black pipe but I'd think it would do pretty well, it's got a rugged blade
that's not overly thick with a good tip that's not too fragile, all and all a good cutter.

 

[Screwdriver]

I own a Recon 1 Drop Point in CTS XHP and after this thread and a few others, I decided to pick up a ZT 0909 today. It is a beautifully made stout knife. The ZT just has the best sounding noises when opening and closing. It reminds me of an old bolt action rifle or this old steel safe I have.

Recon 1 Pros

Price
Tri-Ad Lock


ZT 0909 Pros

Less aggressive G10 that won't destroy your pants
Feels like a tank
Stonewashed blade (not a fan of black blades)
Made in the USA

If I could choose only one and cost was not an issue, I'd take the ZT 0909. But if you take cost into the equation and don't care about it being made in Taiwan, the CS is a better knife value.

Now the funny part is I bought the knife at a shop near me called "Recon 1"

 

[D-der]

Great, let us know how it works for you!

 

[mcflyfyter]

Update?

 

[Sonnydaze]

I'm currently looking at the ZT 0909 as a front runner, so info on that blade plus suggestions on what else I should be considering would be most appreciated.

Here's my answer to something that will please you...assuming yours has no lockstick...
Spyderco Farid Mehr K2...the 10V blade-steel is astounding...
This knife can still be found with a web-search...
Tough Knife...extremely capable...

 

[hexenjager]

Well, I spent a fair amount of time checking into the various suggestions and did end up ordering the 0909 from USA made blades (thanks for being so helpful in my search, Whitty; that comparison pic including my then edc was especially great). I've only had it a few days, but so far so good. Time will tell how well I get along with the bearing/flipper combo, but I love that blade. Thanks to everyone for the siggestions.

 

[mcflyfyter]

Nice, I hope it works out for you. I got a recon 1, and it really isn't an edc, more of an end of days knife. I also got a zt0620 has been sitting there for a month. Probably going to keep the recon, and toss the zt on the bay. That zt is quite overrated.

 

[hexenjager]

I expect that I'll end up with a recon 1 in the not so distant future as well. I'm going to use the 0909 for work for several months first to see how it compares reliability and maintenance wise before I let myself get distracted by something shiny and new though.

 

[matt009au]

I like the 909 but personally I'd get a cold steel for the situation described.
The hk axis folder might be worth a look as well.

 

[Popsickle]

0909 over the Adamas .... I've owned both and the benchmade is stupid thick behind the edge. I'm waiting for the 0920 personally. Titanium handles with 20cv an

 

[kaozer]

Im surprised no one ever mentioned this, but what about the spyderco military? Well under budget, 4in blade, super grippy g10, and a good liner lock. Its a bit thick at .145" but the full flat grind will help with its cutting power.

 

[Mick_1KRR]

Cold steel recon 1 in XHP. One of the best hard working knives on the planet, ive tried almost everything in the yard, the recon beats them all if you want no hassles with your lockup and a blade geometry that will cut like hell. 909 is a nice knife but for hard outdoor work where torquing of the handle and your grip can vary, a frame lock will never compare to a triad lock for longevity and keeping your fingers in one piece.

Ive used both for outdoor work extensively.

909 pros
- nice to open and close
- well constructed and tough
- decent cutter with a flat grind
- good steel
909 Cons
- liner lock, although a thick one
- bearings and outdoor use arent my fav combo
- heavy as hell
- moisture creeps under steel liners and rusts without constant maintenance

Recon 1 pros
- cutting geometry is fantastic
- lock will never fail
- strength to weight ratio destroys almost anything in its class
- XHP steel is very good
- traction, ergos and grip for outdoor use will never fail you
- no liners to worry about moisture or corrosion inside handle
Recon 1 cons
- not the funnest knife to open and close on the couch
- g10 is rough on pockets
- large knife in pocket, but its not supposed to be small its a large hard working knife.

 

[goldie]

The 909 I a great knife, ive carried it in the deep woods of tenessee many times, its a strong flipper,great edge, its kind of got the strength of the 0200 similar thick liners.when it 1st came out I wrote it off,eventually got one and glad I did. mine has custom blue g10 scales,thats what made me get it,dont like black g10 .cannot recommend it enough.dont let the fact that its a liner lock deter you its plenty strong.

 

[Razor]

I have not had my 909 for to long, but it feels real good in your hand. If a man breaks this knife, he needs to use a fix blade.

 

[eon blue apocalypse]

Regarding the suggestion of a Spyderco military, I doubt the tip would last longer than 1 day.