[Giterboosted]

Like the title says I'm considering a ZT knife, but I need experienced opinions on wether or not it's truly worth the price?

[hso]

Depends upon what you're going to use it for and whether you can actually purchase what's advertised. They're notorious for offering "vaporware".

[Giterboosted]

Vapor ware??? And I'm wanting it for an everything knife, defense, utilitarian and anything else

[hso]

ZT advertises a knives that are not produced when and in the quantities expected. Some models can be difficult to get therefore the "vaporware" reference. Like touted software that doesn't release forever while people sit on pins and needles waiting for the "next great thing".

Do you sharpen your own knives? Have you sharpened recurve blade shapes before? ZT has a lot of models with a slight or pronounced recurve and those can be challenging to sharpen. The most recent ZT models that Rick Hinderer has designed don't use a recurve blade shape.

BTW, there is no one "do everything" knife and that's why there are different knives for different tasks. ZT knives are focused on a particular suite of applications. If that fits your lifestyle then their knives can fit most of your needs, but they don't fit everyone's.

[Giterboosted]

I still would like to know if they're worth what you pay for them?

[hso]

The new Hinderers are, but keep in mind that "worth" is also subjective so what may not be worth the money to me may be to others.

Would I spend my money on a ZT? Not on the majority of their models, but then I'm carrying a Sebenza and plenty of folks think that's absurd.

[italy4nra]

I love my fixed ZT201 and my ZT0121 folder. They are hard to sharpen, true, but I very rarely have to sharpen them. They are very heavy for the knife you get. This means I love the heft in my hand and their style, and the edge retention and all knife things, but they never end up in my pack.
For the money and weight I prefer Extrema Ratio knives which I consider similar and always end up in the pack.

I can only advise you to get one, because I love mine, but there are better knives VFM.
IMHO.

[Giterboosted]

What better "tactical folders" for The money would you all suggest?

[conw]

What're you using or carrying it for really? What's your training background if any? Do you want some everyday utility or just pure tactical?

[hso]

The Hinderers from ZT are good.
The DPX HEST IIs are good
The AG Russell Aceis is good
The Al Mar SERE 2000 is good
The Ontario Hossom Retribution is good


It all depends upon what you actually will do with the knife and what skills you have.

If it is just buying a knife, any of those will do well for you.

[Gordon]

"but then I'm carrying a Sebenza and plenty of folks think that's absurd."

They are ........:banghead:

[Giterboosted]

Just looked up sebenza.....wow

[Giterboosted]

Also, my training level is above the common man, but by no means would I call myself a knife fighting expert, I'm looking for something up to the task of heavy duty basic tasks, as in anything my Swiss won't take care of, and at the same time perfectly capable of defense in those situations where a blade is far better than a gun

[hso]

Just about any general purpose knife will do for SD purposes.

[BrainOnSigs]

My friends didn't think I was crazy carrying one of my large Sebenzas as my EDC...they thought I was crazy when I started using one of my Scott Cook Lochsas though... :)

For heavy folder use I love the ZT 0300 series (own a 0300, 0301, and 0302). For those who don't know it is a Strider/Onion collaboration. This is a beast of a knife.

I have beat the heck out of one of them and it is a rock.

http://brainonsigs.smugmug.com/Other/Things-that-go-BANG/Zero-3/814887235_uyJWC-L.jpg

http://brainonsigs.smugmug.com/Other/Things-that-go-BANG/Zero-7/814887639_xjYoJ-L.jpg

[Inazone]

I have a ZT Shifter, which is one of the most "plain vanilla" fixed blades on the market in terms of appearance. But I have to say, that's exactly what appealed to me, and while I have other knives that I'd use and abuse if I was headed into the woods for an extended stay, the ZT would be my first choice if I had reason to believe I'd need a knife for self-defense. Some of their designs seem a bit preoccupied with exotic looks over practicality, but I spent $90 on my Shifter and love it.

[Comedian]

I've been carrying a ZT0400 for a little less than a year now. They're legit. Very durable, ergonomic, and cuts what I need it to cut. Probably not a "do everything" knife (I suspect the shape of the blade makes it unsuitable for a few applications) but I can attest that it's very high quality.

[Giterboosted]

Thanks guys!

[stevek]

I have a number of sharp folding things around here (Sebenzas, Hinderers, Spyderco, Benchmade, and ZT among them, not to mention my fixed blades) For their price point, I think ZT is a great value. I have a 560, 561, and a 350. They use great steels, and they are to say the least overbuilt. I think you need to decide on use and price point, and then try to see how they feel in your hand. Good luck on the hunt!!!

[Iramo94]

I own and regularly carry a 350. It is my usual "tactical" knife, so it rarely gets used any more. When I carried it as my utility blade in 2011, I absolutely loved it. (I have since moved on to a Pacific Salt. I like to switch it up every so often.) ZT's are definitely overbuilt, and unnecessarily heavy. But I would argue that the 350 is about the strongest assisted opener you can get for $110. (Or $95-ish, if you're a fan of Sootch.)

And just in case you didn't know, the 350 is just a miniature 300, with a slightly cheaper steel liner instead of the titanium frame. That saves you a hundred or two.

[Giterboosted]

Thanks again guys

[FMF Doc]

Depending on the size and the exact model you are looking at (prices vary quite a bit) you can get any number of high quality folders including Emersons, Benchades, MOD, and Microtec. You really need to narrow it down, or atleast give us a price point.

[Giterboosted]

Literally happened upon an 0200 on vacation at a deal I couldn't pass up, snagged it and couldn't be happier

[jman74]

Just looked up sebenza.....wow
Look up Hinderer then:D. And not the 'cheap' ZT's Hinderer designed.

[FMF Doc]

Literally happened upon an 0200 on vacation at a deal I couldn't pass up, snagged it and couldn't be happier
Did the same...went to the gun show looking for a shotgun, came home with a new EDC...ZT 0200ST. It is replacing my M16-14M - Tanto - MIL High Risk Environment Designed by Kit Carson. I am having that one tuned up and giving to a buddy of mine in 2nd MSOB who graduates 18D course soon.

[Big_John1961]

I have the 0560 & 0350 and both are excellent. The 0560, in particular, is outstanding, doesn't have a recurve blade and is worth every penny of the $260 I paid for it. Just top notch quality. The 0350 is also very good and has an excellent assisted-opening system.