I'm going to preface this review by saying it's probably not the fairest comparison to put a midtech knife next to a production one, especially now that I've handled both. That said however, both have almost the exact same specifications, and both myself and the OP considered them for EDC, so I thought I'd give my impressions of the two side by side.
First, the obligatory pics:
I'm not usually one to do knife reviews but here are my impressions:
FLIPPING ACTION
Both are more than decent in this department. The 0801 is as butter smooth as any KVT bearing system knife and, while it doesn't rocket out like the smaller 0450, it's great out the box and destined to get better as it's broken in. There's no blade play and it locks up good and tight, definitely to the quality of ZT knives I've come in contact with. My biggest issue however was the size of the flipper tab itself: while adequate and with the jimping, when compared to the 247 it just didn't make the cut. It's small and, while probably designed that way to streamline the knife, just doesn't feel as good in the hand when opening.
The 247 is also a very smooth flipper but in a different way. It's hard to explain, but when you flick that tab and open her up, the blade moves with purpose. Maybe that's the ceramic detent ball, maybe it's just a feature of the knife, but it feels fantastic. When I got her out of the box, the knife was stiff; it still flipped just fine, but obviously needed to be worn in. Several hours of opening and closing (and almost getting a blister on my finger lol) broke it in a LOT though, and it feels like with use it will open up even more. From everything I've seen and read online, the tolerances are super tight with this knife and it'll need time to become the rocket many people like.
Verdict: 247
ERGONOMICS
I suppose this is a good time to mention the weights of each option. My 247 (with milling in the handle titanium; plainer or custom versions might weigh in differently) came in right at 5.0oz. The 0801 (a production knife so each should be the same) weighed in at 5.8oz. There was a noticeable weight difference but it wasn't terrible, and both would work for EDC. The real kicker however was the ergos of both options. The 0801 felt clunky, thick and ungainly in the hand, while the 247 fit perfectly. Both have the same/similar thickness and length, but the way the 247 is designed allows the hand to grip it more comfortably. With the 0801, you feel like you're just gripping a hunk of metal that doesn't really have anywhere to dig in with your fingers - with the 247, though, your fingers have somewhere to go, and it nestles into your palm.
Verdict: 247
LOOKS/CONSTRUCTION
Another IMO unfair comparison. The 247 comes with various anodizing options (their motto is essentially "No two alike") and is meticulously crafted with hidden features like the ceramic detent, various polishing styles and other options. The 0801 is a production knife and, aside from the lines cut into the handle and stoned washed finish, it's rather bland. Now, for the price difference, you could send the ZT out to get pimped how you like, or try and find the limited edition bronze version that looks really good. Customizing the ergonomics however might be difficult since various screws and function features are right along the edges that most need shaping IMO.
Verdict: 247
FINAL VERDICT
Like I started with, pitting these two against each other probably isn't the fairest of comparisons. Both are of similar dimensions and flipper-style construction, but that's where the similarities end. Each feels completely different in the hand and has very different features. Both are decent knives and both will certainly cut anything you put in front of it. For about 1/3 the price of the Olamic, the 0801 is a really good little knife, but putting them side by side? There's no comparison.
The ZT will be going back and I'll be keeping my 247 on my hip, well, 24/7.
