ZT 350 and Emerson Mini Commander

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41milesout

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Aug 12, 2012
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So i have decided that after christmas i will be ordering a new knife or 2. I first am sure that i am ordering the kershaw G10 hawk. The other one is the mystery though. I'm looking for the knife that will fit me best. I want a constant companion and something that can do it all. I am looking at the zt 350 and Emerson mini commander. Also the zt 550 looks nice as well as the manix 2. I just cant decide. i cannot decide on a knife because i want the perfect knife with my first expensive knife purchase and that may not be reasonable. I would love some thoughts on these blades and other suggestions.
Thanks guys
 
If your looking at an Emerson the first thing you need to decide is if you like the wave feature.
 
Do you prefer flippers? assisted opening? Some Emersons can also be had without the wave feature, a thumb hole instead of a disc, and serrated or plain. lock preference?
 
I like liner locks and i have only had a flipper so far. I like the plainer black G10. The commander shape is appealing but im wondering if it is similar enough to the 350 that i should just get a 350 for a lower price.
 
The Mini Commanders blade shape is similar to the 0350 but the 0350 has a little bit better steel.

Both are thick liner locks. The Emerson is a Ti liner lock and the 0350 is steel. I prefer Ti but Steel is stronger and is less likely to wear over time. However if you take care of your knife you shouldn't notice a huge difference.

The ZT has a flipper and assisted opening so it opens fast and easy. The Emerson has the Wave feature so it will open straight out of your pocket if you want.

If you prefer a manual flipper you can take the torsion bar out of the ZT and have a manual flipper. It's a thick knife and still rides pretty thin in the pocket. I also really like the size on this because it's not too big and not too small. With an overall length of 7.75" it's definitely in the medium size.

I would probably personally get the ZT.

If you are deciding between the Manix 2 and ZT 0550... they are two completely different knives. The Manix 2 is now s30v steel and the ZT 0550 is s35vn. There is not a huge difference between the two but in my experience s35vn holds its edge a little longer. The Manix 2 has more of a leaf shape blade. It also has the ball bearing lock which is a great locking mechanism and is likely a little stronger than a frame lock. However a ti frame lock also makes a fine knife. The Manix 2 is thinner and is less of a brick in the pocket. It fits great in the hand and the choil that Spyderco uses is great for having a little more control of your blade.

For me, it's truly a toss up.
If you want a knife for mainly hard use pick up the 0550.
If you want a knife with a medium size that can be used hard but still be used for lighter duty tasks pick up the ZT 0350 or Manix 2. I prefer the Manix 2 overall. But I'm not a huge fan of recurves.

Honestly I would choose between the Manix 2 and ZT 0550. They can both handle anything you can throw at them. Are a little easier to use and sharpen with no recurve. And both have pointier tips. You can use the ZT for lighter tasks but it's a tiny bit harder to slice with, but should be able to handle any task.

Any of the knives are great knives.
 
I removed the flipper from my ZT and waved it.

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I had both and let both go, but if memory serves, I think the ZT was more refined and had better ergos for me.
 
i want the perfect knife with my first expensive knife purchase


After fifty-some knives and thousands of dollars, you will begin to realize that the Holy Grail, by DEFINITION, is unreachable. And that, my friend, is the beginning of true wisdom.
Sonnydaze
 
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Out of your two choices I would go with the 350. To me it has great ergos, a really nice steel for the price, and a flipper. The assist isnt a big deal either way for me but as Bladechick said you can take out the torsion bar if you decide you dont like it. I also agree with her other recommendation of the ZT550. It is a very solid knife and I would choose it over the Emerson without hesitating. You can find some really good deals on the first generation version. I would recommend Kershawguy here on the forums.

I had a Mini Commander and I just couldnt warm up to the grind.

The Manix 2 is another knife that I have owned 2 of and gotten rid of both. It really feels good in hand but for how short the cutting edge of the blade is, the knife to me is a little heavy and wide. For a Spyderco offering I would suggest the Para 2. It has a longer cutting edge, slimmer profile, and lighter weight.
 
I've actually got all four of the knives that you just mentioned. If there was any one knife that saw more pocket time, it would be the 0550 closely followed by the 0350. the 0550 is suprisingly lighter than the 0350, but I love the way it feels in hand.

I got an emerson mini commander just to try it out. hated it every day since i got it. the g10 seems poor, the blade may be advertized at 154cm, but it is nothing like benchmades or kershaws. i even reground it to get rid of the ridiculous chisel grind (really? on a $130+ dollar knife???) and it still is horrible. Probably never gonna carry the emerson and it may go up to trade for someone who is more of a fanboy than I.

The manix 2 got carried for a while, but now it is mostly a safe queen since i got the 0550 and 0350.

Over all, my recommendation would be either 2 of the zt's. Love 'em both!
 
I vote for the mini Commander! Great blade shape and I like the looks of it much better.

Also 154cm is a great steel, easy to sharpen and gets scary sharp fast. It's a favorite of mine and its holds an edge plenty long.
 
The ergos are more of a personal choice, but despite the occasional hiccup, Kershaw/ZTs customer service can not be beat!

I don't like chisel grinds and hate the wave. Speedsafe is okay but you can remove it on the 0350 to have a nice manual flipper. You can't beat a frame lock though and the 0550 really delivers as a sturdy knife if you don't mind a bit of bulk. It is titanium though. There are some great deals to be had on the first generation 0550 and if I were looking that is where I'd land.

Call me biased if you wish, but I'm a HUGE KAI fan for good reason.
 
The emerson seems to just fit me for some reason. If i go with the commander then i might get a regrind on it.
 
I've had one Emerson CQC-7v and maybe five ZT 0350's. I'd take the 0350...no doubt. There are quite a few reasons; not necessary that I list them. Most folks already know. Some have been posted above.
 
Zt's quality is hard to pass up. How does everyone find the weight of their zt's? i usually keep my knife in my waste band?
 
154CM is good steel so I don't think is the issue making a choice here. Mr Emerson has stated that his heat treat is less hard than most to make the blade less brittle. It will have much less edge retention than the others.
 
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