ZT Knives, all that or all hype?

[ferider]

Nice to grab a knife in the morning after not using it for a while and remembering how good it is:

Running on multi-row ceramic bearings. Cheap and easy to find for most ZTs.

 

[Bob Denman]

My 0609 and 0990 have impressed me with their build quality and toughness.

 

[Leo Greer]

I think that is certainly a valid point. ZT is in business to stay in business and to make money, not serve a few of us that like the confidence of the "tank in the pocket". My amigos that aren't in construction think that ZTs are too obtuse at the grind to make a good hunting knife (true), are great for camping/hiking (true) and too much to carry around as they are all office workers or in and out of offices all day long. Many years ago ZT wasn't glamorous or pretty, so in some cases none of my friends would even know about ZT unless it was from borrowing one of mine.

But agree that the market has changed and for the reasons you list. I read an op-ed piece some time back that was discussing why knife collecting had become so wildly popular and growing at a really brisk rate. Enough to generate hundreds of new knives from overseas that are feature filled, limited runs, and using designs from well respected American designers every single year.

So, I think some folks are scratching an itch they didn't know they had. They didn't grow up with knife in their pocket like a lot here did, so they like the newer, more "modern" designs and finishes anyway. They don't take their knives to work to use, they don't hike and camp much, and none of my friends hunt anymore so there is little need for the knives they buy to be able to take apart an animal at the end of a hunt.

There IS a need to be able to have something fun in their pocket, something a little wicked looking, and something you don't see down at the sporting goods store. New knives require little or no maintenance, but some have convinced themselves that a few hundred flicks in front of the TV and a few weekends out with the boys require a tear down, inspection and maintenance. It has become an affordable and enjoyable hobby, and nothing wrong with that. I love to tease my friends that pull out their Spyderco in S90V to cut a thread from a button or to open that armored FedEx box that I saw trying to get away. And they never tire of talking about all the choices, models and manufacturers out there today.

It's all in good fun, though. I enjoy mine for one reason and they enjoys theirs for another, probably both just as much. Some people just love to collect.

I’m weird. I like modern designs in crazy colors and sometimes strange shapes, but then I like taking them to work in place of a utility razor.

Maybe I don’t go crazy on the wet drywall with all of them, but cutting carpet or packer’s wrap with something other than a utility razor is a great feeling.

When hunting season comes, my actual hunting knives will be first in line, but I wouldn’t hesitate to throw a Ti framelock in the midst.

I definitely have a use for one. I don’t know if you’re a hunter, but cutting a back strap with a blade longer than four inches is dang awkward. Whitetails, that is. Maybe you need that bigger knife for other game.

 

[knife_fan]

I liked them back when they made the 551 and 560. They haven’t made much since that i’ve cared to purchase

 

[FloridaDad]

I have 4 ZT knives. The 0562TI, the 0707 and 2 of the 0562CFs. Long story - I thought I lost one of my 0562CFs. Now I have 2. Truth be told, I'll probably only keep my 0562TI. It's a great heavy use folder when I need a heavy use folder but they're all pretty bulky for EDC in Florida, except for the 0707 which doesn't have the greatest deployment. I used to be more into carrying heavier tactical knives before I got my CCW. Now that I have a compact 1911 in the pocket, there's no room for a ZT. My EDC for Florida now is the Buck 110 Slim Pro TRX with orange G10 handles. Perfect Florida EDC.

 

[rampco88]

I have 4 ZT knives. The 0562TI, the 0707 and 2 of the 0562CFs. Long story - I thought I lost one of my 0562CFs. Now I have 2. Truth be told, I'll probably only keep my 0562TI. It's a great heavy use folder when I need a heavy use folder but they're all pretty bulky for EDC in Florida, except for the 0707 which doesn't have the greatest deployment. I used to be more into carrying heavier tactical knives before I got my CCW. Now that I have a compact 1911 in the pocket, there's no room for a ZT. My EDC for Florida now is the Buck 110 Slim Pro TRX with orange G10 handles. Perfect Florida EDC.

I’m in the sunshine state too and agree big bulky knives in the pocket definitely are not where it’s at when it’s 104 with the heat index. For my tastes I find most Spydercos carry well.

 

[jeronimo]

I've bought, sold, and gifted several different models of ZT knives over the last decade.
These three are the only ZT knives that remain in my collection, and, for me, they are keepers.

ZT 0562Ti


ZT 0393


ZT 0640

 

[Centermass]

Like many companies, ZT has ebbs and flows with design offerings. Sometimes they thrill, and sometimes they don’t. I like their products, I think they’re well made, I like that they’re USA made, and I’ve never had a mechanical problem with any (edge grind issues are another story, but usually small potatoes in the grand scheme of things). I’ve bought and sold several, but love the 0220 I still have in the mix. I appreciate their “”Proudly Overbuilt” phase and that they continue to go out on a limb with design choices, and think they are a fair value for the product they put out. Some are wacky, no doubt, but as they say, variety is the spice of life. Additionally, I have had nothing but good experiences with KAI/ZT customer service over the years.

 

[DocJD]

Not "hype" but not all what they used to be , either .

At the start , ZT meant serious hard use you could depend on .

Eventually this has given way to more bling /jewelry and photo op types .

Just depends on what you want , but do some research before assuming hard use POU for newer models .

 

[WedgeAntilles]

I've bought, sold, and gifted several different models of ZT knives over the last decade.
These three are the only ZT knives that remain in my collection, and, to me, they are keepers.

ZT 0562Ti


ZT 0393


ZT 0640

I love these as well, but also my 0470

 

[tiguy7]

All they need is a 3-D printed Titanium handle.View attachment 1793988

 

[NPT]

If they made autos, I might buy one. Their knives also seem kinda plain to me.

 

[Sonnydaze]

I sold my ZT knives. The only one I miss is the 0770CF. And I don’t miss it much.

I still have one,, a limited release, NIB, in M390, but will let it go soon as I cull what's left and never used. No longer a collector.
It's a great flipper, but just barely too short for my large hand.

 

[whp]

People talk about ZT led the pack back to the old days. While that might be true, it was largely because of the collaborators, like Ken Onion, Sinkevic, Hinderer, and Emerson; ZT never led with or was known for their in-house designs. Once They stop collaborating with these great designers, they have become less attractive.

I don't know what happened about those collaborations. Maybe it's decisions made by KAI head people or maybe the collaborators are no longer interested in collaborating on new ZTs? Regardless, I cannot see zt back to its glory days with their own in-house designs.

Probably a good analysis describing my feelings. I have a 0350,deassisted, a 0551 and and a 0560. My only purchase since those days is a 0640. The rest of the newer models don t interest me. I agree the current models are over priced.

 

[Brummie]

ZT 0640

Nice 0640 scale!

I just love the blade shape on that knife. One of my earliest decent knives was was an Emerson Specwar A, so I have a soft spot for that blade profile. Wish they'd make the 0640 with a wave and no thumb disk.

 

[mmyron1]

I have two ZT knives. Both very different. The 0350 is still the only assisted knife I own and worth every penny. Still less money than some of my other knives. The 0562CF is the nicest folder I own. Smooth as silk and a tank really.

So for me they are both not all hype.

 

[Chris*33]

They should just roll whatever is left under their Kershaw label.

n2s

I really get the feeling that this is where they are headed. It seems that the design philosophy starts to blend between the two brands. ZTs getting more similar to Kershaws, Kershaws getting upgraded in materials and fit/finish.. I saw a few pocket clips on ZTs that really scream Kershaw (seems small but it really bugs me!)...

People talk about ZT led the pack back to the old days. While that might be true, it was largely because of the collaborators, like Ken Onion, Sinkevic, Hinderer, and Emerson; ZT never led with or was known for their in-house designs. Once They stop collaborating with these great designers, they have become less attractive.

I don't know what happened about those collaborations. Maybe it's decisions made by KAI head people or maybe the collaborators are no longer interested in collaborating on new ZTs? Regardless, I cannot see zt back to its glory days with their own in-house designs.

Funny that i read this thread now, because i was thinking about this situation a few days ago.
I have the same feeling, that their strong designs came from collaborations and i was not attracted to the latest designs they released.
I sold all my ZTs at one point, simply because i wanted to check other knives and i do not want to have a lot of money sitting in a shelf, but i came full circle and bought the 0450 again, and i will most probably get the 0452 again, as well. The Rexford collabs produced some excellent designs in my opinion

So yeah, i'm all for the collaborations with other designers, hopefully a few new ones as well.


*Quick note: There are a few threads here and there complaining about diminishing quality on the Sebenza, you have Spyderco and Benchmade (popular brands with a lot of offering at ZT price range) charging 400 and more for knives... maybe this shows that you can still produce controversial and bold () designs and don't be afraid to ask the price for it. Anthems seem to sell quick whenever they pop up, drunkens, uppers, donwers and all..

+1 BRING BACK THE 0392 (also the full black versions of 0462BLK / 0808BLK)

yoko 0801 -> Only lately i got to try one and it is a great folder in my opinion
tony281sc2 0808 is in my top three favourite ZT designs (0804 / 0808 / 0462)

 

[rampco88]

I recently bought my first ZT. A very good friend of mine has a 0566 and 0350. I liked his 0566 so much I diligently sought out a NOS 0566 to purchase. It’s the only assisted knife I currently own and it’s my gateway into ZT.

 

[KVT]

I recently bought my first ZT. A very good friend of mine has a 0566 and 0350. I liked his 0566 so much I diligently sought out a NOS 0566 to purchase. It’s the only assisted knife I currently own and it’s my gateway into ZT. View attachment 1799163View attachment 1799174

One of their best IMO. Just need to ditch the assist, go KVT and titanium and I'd buy eleventy-billion of them.

 

[rampco88]

One of their best IMO. Just need to ditch the assist, go KVT and titanium and I'd buy eleventy-billion of them.

I know the assist is not well received on higher end knives. I’m actually a fan of Spyderco so I usually gravitate to that platform. This 0566 was a huge step in another direction for me. However, I liked the knife so much that I overlooked that aspect. Absolutely no regrets buying it.