ZT, what have you done???

[Kaizen1]

I've owned several XM-18s (2nd and 3rd gen) and the ZT 0562 that I recently handled appeared to be at the same level of quality as the Hinderers that I've owned. It certainly flipped better. The blade stop in the open position didn't work as naturally as the thumb stud/ blade stop on XM-18s when used as a thumb stud for opening. Given the premium materials of the 0562CF, I wouldn't consider it a step down other than that it wasn't made by Rick himself. In terms of the actual knives, the qualitative difference seems negligible.

 

[northend816]

I started out the same way pretty much myself, I would buy CRKT and cheaper model kershaw for the whole first year of collecting. I saved up and bought a ZT to try out a higher end blade and havent turned back. I have sold off all my cheaper blades to found my ZTs and have to say im hooked!!!!!! I have around 27-28 ZTs now and cant stop!!!!

 

[Rasco]

I realize that is will likely turn into a ZT fan boy thread. But I also took the plunge this spring with a ZT 0770CF. It was both my first ZT and my first carbon fiber handled knife. I have been really impressed. I tend to not carry assisted opening knives, but this one I like and have carried since I received it. I use it frequently. I have been mating it with my trusty Vic SAK daily. I still tend to grab the sak, but I really like the ZT. And yes, I am considering another one now. So, as others have said, once you step over the invisible line on higher end knives, there really is no turning back.

I will continue to buy less expensive knives. But I have been very pleased with the ZT. I have been trying to talk myself into a ~$200 Spyderco. The closest I have come there is a Native 5 in S35VN and G10 handles. I like this one a lot. So, yes.... once you cross the $100 line, there is no turning back.

Yup, same here. After a year or two of budget Kershaws, I picked up a Spyderco Paramilitary 2, followed not too long after by a ZT 0560.
Now that I know the joy of a quality folder, there is no going back.
Sure, I still pick up budget Kershaws now and then, like the Strobe (one of my favs of 2014) but I'm always craving some crazy expensive knife I can barely afford

 

[ToddM]

Once you start to notice the quality differences it's hard to settle for less, but even a lower quality hard working knife can be appreciated. On the plus side it usually takes ZT long enough to release upcoming knives, or it seems now batches of production knives like the 0562CF and 0620CF that you have plenty of time to save up enough to purchase them!

 

[NeilB]

Run away! Run away! Oh, my god! It may be too late!

Hi. My name is NeilB and I'm a Zero Tolerance addict.

My story, like so many others, began when I finally tired of trying to get a good edge on my Gerber. There, I said it. Yes, I used to carry a Gerber. Don't judge. I decided to replace it with a better knife, with no clear idea what that meant. So, I looked around and eventually settled on a Kershaw Leek, one with a composite blade. I bought a Lansky sharpener and that D2 got amazingly sharp compared to the Soylent Green blade of the Gerber.

But that was not enough. The knife monster in my soul was awakened. I began reading everything I could find. I watched a lot of YouTube videos. I admit it, I even watched NutNFancy. Oh, the shame! Then a bigger blade, just as an experiment. Honestly, I meant no harm. But the S30V Blur opened up new places in my heart. I could feel the heartbeat of the universe. I could smell the color purple. I could not be satisfied.

Then, I read about the 0560. Everything a man could want: Elmax blade, Hinderer design, BALL BEARINGS AROUND THE PIVOT! I wept as I looked upon it. Then the 0561 was released. I hurt myself buying it.

Wounds heal. It arrived and my life changed forever. With an 0561 to flip as I read more snd more, I discovered the 0777. I know now that I can never go back. I, well, I bought four. I'm not proud of that, but I'm not ashamed, either. It's my condition. The 0600 was an impulse. The 0801 the same. The 0550, well, I just needed it. The 0300 blackwash was another experimentation. The 0350 was a gift to my girlfriend, honest! The 0560CBCF was a reaction to the 0561's weak detent and who here is so pure they can pass on an S110V blade? I can't really explain the 0750.

Well, that's my story. Or will be when my 0200 arrives on Saturday.

 

[mr_anderson]

There is a reason CRKT has to put the LAWKS on most of their knives. If I don't have it on with my PointGuard I can push the blade closed when the liner lock is engaged. They have lots of nice designs, but subpar material and fit and finish turned me off long ago. Mine is old and has an ATS-34 blade, which is supersteel compared to what they use today. I wish Brian Tighe would sign a deal with ZT.