Zt0450

Add me to that list of those waiting for a 0562cf for >1 year. I wish I had got one when I saw them in stock elsewhere.
 
Excellent video. Having watched it, I'm still a little ambivalent toward the 0450. I like it, but I don't love it. It definitely doesn't have the appeal to me that the 0770CF had when it made its debut and I'm not entirely sure why. Maybe it's because there's nothing terribly distinctive about the 0450's design. Had it incorporated a CF scale like its big brother, I might feel differently. But for me at least, a gentleman's folder needs to have a little more pizzazz . . . some kind of design element that captures the eye, and the 0450 is lacking in that regard. Had it made its debut before the 0770CF was released, I probably would have have jumped on it. But as it stands now, I'm much more drawn to the Spyderco Ion than I am to the 0450.

This much I'm pretty sure of. If ZT ever releases an 0450CF, it will be mine!
 
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Thanks for your excellent review Lost Cosmonaut or who ever did it . :thumbup: Gotta get one of these and I hadn't planned on getting another knife anytime soon.:eek::)
 
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bld522 said:
Excellent video. Having watched it, I'm still a little ambivalent toward the 0450. I like it, but I don't love it. It definitely doesn't have the appeal to me that the 0770CF had when it made its debut and I'm not entirely sure why. Maybe it's because there's nothing terribly distinctive about the 0450's design. Had it incorporated a CF scale like its big brother, I might feel differently. But for me at least, a gentleman's folder needs to have a little more pizzazz . . . some kind of design element that captures the eye, and the 0450 is lacking in that regard. Had it made its debut before the 0770CF was released, I probably would have have jumped on it. But as it stands now, I'm much more drawn to the Spyderco Ion than I am to the 0450.

This much I'm pretty sure of. If ZT ever releases an 0450CF, it will be mine!
Click to expand...

I can relate to what you are saying. The new models like the 0900, 0450, and 0808 all seem to have went with a more subdued look. I have absolutely no idea if I am right as the following is pure speculation on my part but I suspect recent offerings from Kizer and Reate are might be forcing ZT to rethink certain things. Reate and to a lesser extent kizer have shown there is demand for knives that forgo intricate CNC texturing for a more modest price while retaining the premium materials. So while some of the new knives may not have the wow factor of previous models they do an amazing job at putting a high quality USA made knife with premium materials in the hands of individuals that otherwise have started looking to china for their knives as they represent value.

I for one am all for it. I think its fair to say that ZT will not be giving up on the intricate any time soon. There has and probably always will be a demand for their more lavish pieces. But recently I have grown an appreciation for simple knives. And the new offerings from ZT might not have that "holy crap" factor once they are in your hand they click and you get it. And even though I am very pro china lately I would be lying if I said I thought current chinese knives are on the level of a ZT. My real issue with chinese knives is not the materials or even the finish work. My problem with chinese knives is they havent grasped the nuances of what makes a good build. Recently I am seeing a lot of chinese knives with issues that you cant see with the naked eye. Poor fit bearings. Bearings that dont actually spin. Pivot holes bigger than the actual pivot. Many of these issues will not be noticed by many. But they make certain features pointless and others dangerous. With ZT you know the build will be proper.
 
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Yeah, what Purple said.

Except I am anti-china, but that is a moot point.

I like the plain designs with better materials.
 
bld522 said:
Excellent video. Having watched it, I'm still a little ambivalent toward the 0450. I like it, but I don't love it. It definitely doesn't have the appeal to me that the 0770CF had when it made its debut and I'm not entirely sure why. Maybe it's because there's nothing terribly distinctive about the 0450's design. Had it incorporated a CF scale like its big brother, I might feel differently. But for me at least, a gentleman's folder needs to have a little more pizzazz . . . some kind of design element that captures the eye, and the 0450 is lacking in that regard. Had it made its debut before the 0770CF was released, I probably would have have jumped on it. But as it stands now, I'm much more drawn to the Spyderco Ion than I am to the 0450.

This much I'm pretty sure of. If ZT ever releases an 0450CF, it will be mine!
Click to expand...

I would say those red standoffs definitely capture the eye. I thought about getting the 0450, but I decided to hold off and see some reviews on it first.
 
I received mine today. I am very impressed with the overall fit, finish and quality. It was very sharp out of the box, sharpened perfectly and symmetrical. Smooth with those bearings!

Going to try and get some pictures in order tonight to show the great detail. Some of the blade is polished, but some is stonewashed. The pivot has a mirror shine. Little things really pop out.
 
When they're(Chinese) in to make a quick buck, R&D don't exist, and QA is the first thing out the window. The only quality you get is the tolerance of their equipment. I've owned enough Boker Plus knives to 'see' these issues.
 
Just got mine in! Overall, this is a really cool, little knife. The pocket clip is actually much larger than the one on my 0452... it feels really well built, quite solid in fact. Only thing I can find error in is the blade isn't quite centered. The lock sits at about 50% engagement and the detent is such that you cannot half-ass the deployment; i.e. if you just barely break past the detent, the blade will fully open. I feel like they could have asked for more $$$ given the quality, but don't tell them that.
 
Ya know, I forgot to look until you asked; 0078 for me. This is a really nice, miniature version of my 0452. Can you tell I'm in love as well?
 
Some were listed up today at a dealer, sold out very fast. Keep your eyes open and be ready to jump.......
 
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