ZT0200 vs. DR Maxx-Q vs. Spec Bump???

J

JSR

Joined
Apr 4, 2006
Messages
338
Thinking about splurging on a knife...the most expensive knife purchase I'll probably ever make, and honestly, never thought I would make one so pricey (my current priciest is about $60). I wanted something with G10, and then narrowed it further to 3D G10 for better comfort. So, my 3 choices came down to:

Kershaw ZT0200 $160:
http://www.militarymorons.com/weapons/blades.html

Darrel Ralph Maxx-Q $200:
http://www.darrelralph.com/ddr_knives_production_2006_maxxq-first.htm

Kershaw Spec Bump $110-$120:
http://www.kershawknives.com/knivesTools/specBump.htm

The Spec Bump is the lowest priced one. I do like recurved blades, but the Bump's blade isn't as attractive to me as other recurves. Not sure how the handle is relative to the DR Maxx-Q and the ZT0200. It's smaller than either of the other 2 also and lighter. And comes with S30V. How's Kershaw's S30V hold up?...a bit more chip resistant then other brands' S30V?

I love the way the Maxx-Q looks. The blade design is unique, but likely a real PITA to sharpen (looks like it combines the PITAness of a recurve blade with a tanto blade to sharpen). It looks clean and aggressive at the same time. The handle is 3D machined G10, but I'm not sure if it's as comfortable as the ZT0200's which I've read has multiple variations in thickness to best fit the hand. But it just looks so purdy. And I'm sure since it's a DR knife, it will be well made.

The ZT0200 just looks mean and beefy. At 7.7oz's, I'm a bit worried it'll be too hefty to carry around. The G10 scales look grippier than the Maxx-Q's, but the Maxx-Q's scales look cleaner. Both ZT0200 and Maxx-Q have equally thick (really thick!) liners. I'm a bit concerned at the size of the ZT0200...it's the largest of the 3.

Any input?
 
I'd recommend the spec bump. I agree that the bump line in its entirety is too swoopy (while still attractive), but the swoopiness is pure function--you'll really see what KO was talking about when you use one...very versatile.

It has the lowest price and the best steel.
 
A few members do have the Zero Tolerance 0200 and from what I read they love it. Based on Kershaw's reputation and my past experience with a bunch of their knives I would say that should be your choice for a knife in that price range. It's a little big for my purposes... although I might still get one.

Let me add this ....I was in a similar situation last year , I wanted something a little higher end without spending a fortune. I ended up buying a Benchmade 710. A few months later I got a Spec/Speed Bump and IMO the Benchmade 710 has a more expensive look and feel to it. Of course this is all subjective, but that's my impression.
 
If you like big knives get the ZT but if you prefer tip down carry the Max is a good one. I think the SpecBump is the best choice for one to use a lot. Much as I love my ZT 200 and find it to be flawless perfection, its big. Too big for practical everyday use unless you are a cop or in the military in a job suited for that in my opinion. If it were thinner maybe I could carry it as much as my CQC13 which is basically the same length as the 200. But for the same length knives the 200 is lots bigger in the pocket and much much heavier.

STR
 
AM - I briefly handled the Spec Bump. Sadly, I didn't get to use it to really see how I liked it. You described it pretty much how I think of it...too swoopy overall, but still attractive. Hmm...

JPD, STR - Hmm, thanks for the impression info on the size of the ZT0200. Tho I don't expect to carry it all the time, I'd like it to be compact enough that I can still carry it comfortably and inconspicuously. My biggest concern with the ZT0200 was its size...guess it still is. Too bad the Maxx-Q wasn't $160...hehe.

More thoughts are welcome.
 
I just had the same quandry but I went with the full size Skirmish, frame lock, S30v and the blade is very well designed.

Have you actually held any of these knives? That was the deciding factor in my purchase. The knife just felt perfect.

IMO,

The price range you have listed up to 200.00 has a bunch of well crafted knives. In making the decision I would base it all on feel and material with aesthetics rounding up the process in a distant third.

Here are some thoughts on the Spec Bump from owning it.
I hate the locking mechanism on it and in a pinch it is not all the user friendly. The bang for the buck factor is the selling point but honestly I prefer a blade heavy feel, it doesn't have that.

The Maxx feels right, haven't owned one or worked with one but in fondling it has a nice balance.

The ZT looks good. Can't comment much more because I don't know much more about it. Well Crafted I would say though and nice ergos. I have a thing for the Strider/Kershaw big bro of this knife.
 
The ZT is big but don't let it decieve you as to how it rides. The clip on that knife is small for the knife but works fine and is plenty strong. It is positioined such that the knife actually rides nice and deep and being black it is inconspicuous for such a large knife.

STR
 
I gotta vote the ZT if you really plan on beating it up, but if you are looking for more of an EDC the Spec bump will be more comfortable to carry. The speed safe is a great action!
 
I've only held the Spec Bump. I don't know of anywhere/anyone that has the Maxx-Q, wish I did so I could take a look at it in person, but sadly don't. I don't know anyone that has the ZT0200 either, as I'd really like to see how big and hefty that is in person (honestly, I only have one friend who's into knives and he's only somewhat into it).

I found out the Maxx-Q is actually only 4.2" long closed...much smaller than the 5.1" I thought it was (which is the size of some of DR's GunHammers, so I thought the Maxx-Q was the same size). That makes me like it more as it's a bit smaller and easier to carry. It may or may not be my EDC, but if I get one, I'll definitely want the ability to comfortably carry it with me.

I handled the Mini-Skirmish and tho I really love the design, it didn't suit my hand well. I'm not a big fan of hole opens (tho I do have some spydies) and the bevelled hole on the BM 635 caused my thumb to slip too often for me to feel comfortable that the blade won't come down and cut me if I slip.
I do like the Alias (the small one, don't remember if that's the I or II), but I'm more looking into a nicely shaped (3D) G10 handle than a flat Ti one.
 
I love DDR's work, but a prototype can be a great success or a total failure.

I recommend you wait for further version of the Maxx-Q (I sure will get one)
 
cybrok - the Maxx-Q I'm looking at is a Production version. DR does have 20 prototypes with different material (S30V blade and Ti liners) that costs more, but I can't afford that, so the production one is the one I'm eyeing.

Chef - Yeah, the GunHammers are nice and pricey. That's why I'm interested in the Maxx-Q. Same overall design, but a bit less features. Still really nice tho. Argh...where can I get $200?...need to sell a few things.
 
JSR said:
cybrok - the Maxx-Q I'm looking at is a Production version. DR does have 20 prototypes with different material (S30V blade and Ti liners) that costs more, but I can't afford that, so the production one is the one I'm eyeing.
Click to expand...

They still are in pre-order, I prefer to wait and have some reviews first.
 
Unless you get a lot of special work done, the MaxxQ looks all but identical to his customs, provided the F&F carries through (it had better for 200). Of course, no S30V, but that doesn't bother me much.

I like the full g10 better than the inlaid stuff he does on most his folders.
 
HOLY S~~T!!! This whole time I thought JSR was talking about the Camillus Maxx. That Maxx Q looks great. Once I get to the level of a $200 price range, I'm going to give that some serious consideration. My vote goes to the Maxx Q obviously. If it comes from DR, I wouldn't be concerned about quality.
 
Unfortunately, only the prototypes come from DDR. These are manufactured. A similar folder from DDR would be roughly 600, off the top of my head.

I wonder if they have IKBS?
 
Artfully Martial said:
I wonder if they have IKBS?
Click to expand...

I was under the impression he went to his own proprietary system. MaxGlide or somesuch?

I own 2 out of the 3 (Technically 3 of 3) knives listed and personally I'd go with a Ti Bump. I don't like the studlock but the Bump series is hard to beat.

Kershaw 0200 - Very solid and well made. Not the best flipper action although I didn't work it in either. I don't like the shape of the handle as it limits how many positions you can carry it in and how comfortable it is in those positions. It's real comfy in a fencing grip but I like to choke up a little and the handle shape doesn't encourage it.

SpecBump - Very comfortable, even over longer periods of time. Very solidly built. I'm not a huge fan of the studlock that's why I'd go with a framelock (The Ti Bumps) over the Spec.

Maxx-Q - I don't exactly own a Maxx-Q but I do own 3 GHs. It's odd but I've often thought that I would carry them more if they were just a touch smaller, although I still carry my first one a lot, even to the office. They are comfy to hold even for extended periods of time. F/F is excellent.(As they should be coming from Darrel.)

Again, out of the 3 I'd go for a Bump, just not the one listed. And I kinda lied to impress you guys, I only have 2 GHs because the &$*^#$($ UPS guy who always comes at 5:30pm decided to come at 2 yesterday with my latest GH that had to go back to the shop. (I got it DLC coated and a damascus insert for it.) I hate FedEx/UPS. It seems like they don't want me to have more knives for some reason.:D

oil

Here's some porn for you:
DDR_GHs_01.gif


ZT_Comp_01.gif


ZT_Comp_03.gif
 
Oil - beautfil knives! I emailed Darrel and he said the Maxx-Q does not have the MaxxGlide system. It is smaller than his other GunHammers tho...only 4.2" closed with a 3.6" blade, which sounds like something you'd like also (how bit are your GHs?). As AM mentioned, the one I'm looking at is the Production version and are manufactured somewhere. I have no clue where, but DR says the leadtime is about 60 days. How do you think the craftsmanship of DR's "production" pieces would be having owned a few DRs and likely spoken to Darrel? I figure you'd be the best guess so far having the most experience with DR and his knives.
Also, how do you feel the Ti handle of the Ti-Bumps compare to the 3D G10 of the Spec Bump? Is it just as comfortable and easy to hold? I'd assume the Ti ones are a bit more slippery, especially when wet. I was looking mainly at G10-handled folders.

I think I've all but passed on the ZT0200. Seems too big and beefy of a knife for my wants/needs right now.
 
I'll have to measure one when I get home as I'm not sure off hand.(Hopefully it's my new DLC coated one.) As far as the quality and whatnot I'd have to say DDR's F/F is excellent but, as was mentioned, he designed the new ones, he isn't manufacturing them. As far as what I've gleaned through talking to Darrel I try to stay as far away from makers as possible anymore so if a guy makes something that is awesome I don't have to let him being a self involved jerk bother me when I'm holding the knife he made. (This doesn't have anything to do with Darrel in particular I've just had a couple of bad deals lately directly with makers so I figure I'll cut them out of the equation and see how that goes. I'm willing to pay more from a dealer just so I don't have to deal directly with anyone anymore.:o )

I've never had one of the Ti Bumps slip through my hands although I haven't been doing anything lately where that situation would come up so I'm probably not the best guy to answer. The Ti and Specs feel the same to me for the most part although the studlock rattles a little bit when not engaged.(Not a big deal but it does.) Both are good knives, it just came down to lock type for me in the end. (I also modded the HUGE pocketclips on my Spec and Speed Bump cuz they were too big IMHO.) There's an old thread around here that I posted pics of the crappy job I did on the Spec, the Speed Bump mod looks a lot better as I figured out how NOT to cut it on the first one.:)

Hope this helps a little,

oil

ps. I found sharpening the MT isn't as huge of a hassle as you would think. I took the MT pictured above down to 15 degrees per side without too much trouble on my Sharpmaker. I use the corners for the inside curve and the flats for the Modified Tanto. It helped to have the diamond rods and some DMT stones lying around too for the initial grind.
 
The Ti Bumps are a rare case of non slippery Ti use. It's not as easy to tell in photos, but the Ti is extremely textured with lots of grooves in it. It's not as grippy as textured G10, but I'd say it's at least as grippy as smooth G10, probably a little more.

If the Blue/Green Bump is on the table (I assumed it wasn't) then I recommend it over the spec bump. Can't compare it to the ZT0200, having not used one. I am extremely thankful for those pics. The dimensions of the ZT knives given online must be false (thankfully) or the blade would be a half inch longer than a bump.

I really like that the ZT is non assisted. Too bad it cost so much more than the spec bump and has lesser steel...not exactly sure what's going on there.

Man, I miss my Blue Bump.
 
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