Hi, an old video, however 0850 replicas are still available. I was thinking over and over, to buy or not to buy, TH-cam expert reviewers kept saying, that the design is strange and not practical. Finally decided to buy. And then I discovered, that this odd design is actually very practical in real use -- this weird swedge or swoop changed this big knife to a small one, in case when needed.-- I dont know if the author used the knife for different (limited) tasks, but for me it was a WOW effect -- I didnt have to think or guess how to hold or how convenient it would be. I just used the knife and then noticed, that I was taking advantage of this swoop. Anyway, I am writing this, because I feel, that this video wasn't fair towards designers, who have actually done a really good job: the result is elegant and practical in real use ... ans I personally doubt, that the author actually used this knife, because he would have noticed ...
Im getting one. That revolver cylinder pivot, thumb stud and backspacer looks badass. The mismatched colors dont bother me none. It will pair nice with my Smith & Wesson 686 in 357magnum
Very good and honest review. I ended up getting a good price for the 0850 and decided to buy even after seeing this review. I am not too fussy about looks and plan on using the knife outdoors hunting and fishing where it will eventually get well worn. I like the flipping action and to me that is important, finger nail damage or not. The sharpness retention of the CPM 20VC was also a deciding factor and I do have the means to put a mean edge on the blade. The blue hardware does make the knife more attractive, good job Doc.
the clip!?? THANK YOU.... yes the clip is phenomenal and the opening are just flawless. I absolutely love mine and will always be part of my collection
Knives are all about personal taste. The fact that some of you are being dissuaded from buying this knife because of this guy’s opinion is crazy. Find one and fidget with it. I love mine. I think it’s fine the way it is. It’s not perfect but I defy you to find that knife. if I wanted my perfect knife I’d learn how to make knives.
Such a wonderful knife. that blue hardware looks perfect on it. The shape of the blade is so powerful. I love it. It is a shame this knife is no longer produced.
I was contemplating on buying this knife but that back spacer and pivot screw kept me away. After seeing the blue hardware on it, I was going to make an exception. But after this video, I think I'll pass. Thanks for the honest review and not drooling over this knife like all the other reviewers.
I really think the blue hardware pulls it together better. Wish the other hardware was either blue or black.A small thing, I know. I have one on the way. Ordered before I saw this video. I have to admit it does look a bit "blingish". I'm hoping that my love the the ZT 0055's different look will also let me appreciate this knife. I have a lot of aesthetically plain knives, so maybe this will work as something just different in my pocket.
I really don't mind mismatching colors of the hardware, as I don't have visual OCD, and it even adds some complexity and interest for me. I like the pivot and the backspacer designs, so I'll probably be buying one.
I like the honest review. The first time I saw the pivot and thumbstud I thought it looked like a flower lol if they would've did a neutral pivot, thumbstud, and backspacer I think this would be a home run.
The theme works for me. PB washers and light weight REALLY work for me. The blade belly works for me. The swedge is eccentric, and pushes the knife further into the hyper stylized world of ZT's 2017 lineup-- the polarizing nature makes this even more irresistible! First I've noticed about the differing color of the hardware; a definite miss. My guess is they couldn't get a match due to varying materials. It's not enough to keep this knife from being my next purchase. Hopefully my LKS has them in stock soon!
Thanks for your thoughts! I really liked about 90% of this knife. But to stay in my collection, I gotta love it 100%. I keep things fluid and that makes me very critical of knives...I don't think you will be disappointed!
I have one & pretty much agree with all that you say, it does have an exceptional action which I love, though my thumb has suffered! Lots of different design elements, unfortunately they don't all come together in a cohesive fashion.
Yeah, it was just SO close but just missed the target for me. I think many others will ultimately feel the same. I don't think the knife will age well.
Nice video. I was able to grab a 0850CF sprint run last year @ $259.99. It is a very nice knife. I like that it isn't a flipper. They must have listened to you because everything is black DLC coating except the blade which has the cool two tone DLC/steel grind. I really like how the pocket clip slides on to the pocket with not much effort but yet seems to hold the pocket really well. This one will not tear up my jeans. I am thinking this sprint run really should have been the production knife.
the weird thing is I got rid of my Zt 0920 for a couple of reasons one blade shape and having to get different stones to sharpen that recurve everything these days is made with a flipper that's why I like my 850 so much
Thanks very much; I just ordered the all black sprint run version of this knife. I liked the blue CF (actually CF isn’t blue so the blue portions are micarta or something), but the different colors of the backspacer and clip etc., just didn’t work for me. I like the black dlc coating on the sprint run a bit better, as all the hardware pieces match. The blade is basically the same as a CPM 20CV Griptilian sheepsfoot, but a bit larger. The dished out spine doesn’t bother me, and as they’re discontinuing it I picked it up new for $250. For $320 not so sure I would have gone for it. Appreciate the review!
I am on the fence with this knife but I most likely will get one.The major minus is the ugly backspacer.A set of blue titanium standoffs to match the your blue screws would be a nice touch.Thanks for another great video.
I want this one. I love how it looks, the blade shape, the Cf, and it is on sale for 240 at KnifCcenter. I just don't like the six shooter theme, but it isn't that noticeable I guess.
BTW, that DLC coating on the ZT 0392? Got the short shrift from me, but it's really durable so far! I went nuts on some cardboard, it looked like hell afterwards until I washed it off. It always looks like I've ruined the scales or blade until I clean it. So, I'm coming around on coatings!
Ha! I was gonna say _blue scrubs!_ Thanks for yet another unbiased and honest review. When ZT announced this at the knife show, _my jaw dropped._ However, the design has worn thin with me. There's a lot I really like about this knife, but some things I can't move past. You're so right on the hardware (I've been a creative/art director for 4 decades). This is like a concept car brought to market as-is, without thinking through some points. But at the price point I expect a bit more polish. I'm hoping they do a v.2 soon. But kudos to ZT for doing this, it took some balls.
I remember watching this review right after you posted it Im going to guess may / june of 17' which seems now like wayyy back when lol. I was on the fence about this purchase. I feel compelled to drop a comment and applaud you for everything you have said about this knife. You hit every damn mark on the nose w/a hammer! I mean dead on, could not be more right. Thank you. In any case, Cutlery shoppe now has very few of the all black sprint runs left in stock for... .. $212.00 😅😂😂! Had it not been at this price I would have went with the next piece on my list. Subbed4life. & enjoy your content! Let me know if you decide to sell that 0392! (you may have already) Take care, happy holidays ✌.
Personally, I think bronze or gold hardware would have looked freaking awesome on that knife! The six shooter motif is a bit much though. They could have muted it a bit with a more traditional thumb stud. The pivot is a definite keeper. It looks great!
Thanks! I went with the blue to highlight the blue CF. I think it looks great like this. But I think Bronze would also look cool. I'm sure BladesWeLove has some that would work!
I think it's a common misconception that aluminum was used in the Backspacer to save money. I simply don't think this is the case. Aluminum is actually a very difficult metal to machine. Just look at all that machining detail that went into that backspacer. It sure did save a lot of weight versus using titanium too. If ZT wanted to save money they could have reached into the parts bin, and put some titanium standoffs on the knife.
This is a great review. Very unique blade and think it's very close to being awesome. Many aspects I would have missed if not due to this review. Based on these points I would agree it is a near miss, but it's a close one no doubt. Love the honesty and insights.
I love the blade shape and the subframe construction, but I can't get over the overuse (especially in the backspacer and thumb..cylinder) of the six shooter thing, other than it being used in the pivot.
Great review! I think all the points you make about the knife's shortcomings are very legitimate. However, I recently got the knife and really like it. I generally prefer drop point or clip point blades, and would probably rather have this knife be a drop point with everything else the same......but it's something different, and still quite functional! I'm gonna have it reground and a 15 degree edge put on it.
I got out of collecting sadly. Have NO good knives... I’m getting back into it... n I’m 90 percent sure this will be my first purchase when I can afford it.... great review as usual
Don't wait to long. Last week ZT published their "discontinued" list for 2019, and the 0850 is on it. And because of it a lot of shops have it on clearance sale (like BHQ that has it for $229 at the moment)
I have to say I feel for you,you where so looking forward to this model.one thing we can all say though is that money will go to the next best release of the year.lol.atb paddy
Doctor Frunkey interesting I own the zt 0620 which runs on bronze washers and is insanely smooth. I would have thought the Hinderer would have a similar action. any suggestions on a smooth flipper that runs on washers? I want to try something other than bearings. ohh and I ordered a zt 0392 blk in part because of your videos.
Doctor Frunkey that’s what guns are for.....though sometimes you run out of bullets. Got the drunken and koi I want this. Secondary market here I come.
0850 fits great in my hands, the blade cutout is perfect for my thumb. A finger choil would remove some cutting edge length trade offs.. the AL hardware is near 60% lighter weight and if you hard use the knife they don't simply strip out LOL... if you don't like the colors which I get, I don't like the purple thumb stud, get the DLC version 0850cf.. The barrel stud is a flawless wave opener. This knife is as good as it is on paper in real world use (vs 0392 and edge), the weight, the form factor (thin carries well), smooth on washers, and brand new sold as low as $268... Not sure why ZT can't get a pass on design (objective) and based purely on cutting performance when crazy CKF styles like Rotten with a thick swedge not slicy blade can get raves
I realize that with how quickly the proverbial hype-train is traveling through the knife community please days, that commenting on a review that is over a year old is probably going to be pretty irrelevant to most people, I felt compelled to share my opinions on this model: If we look past the arguably silly aesthetic touches with this whole 6 shooter theme, from a functional standpoint I think we are left with one of the best production knives of 2017... Even more so if planning to engage in any kind of heavy duty or hard use. Excellent blade steel and overall materials, efficient manual blade deployment, and a wonderfully smooth action while running on washers. For ZT and their overbuilt, built like a tank mantra, this is a refreshing return to form as opposed to all their recent ball-bearing flippers. Yeah sure, ball bearing flippers make for lots of fun, fidgetty-drop-shutty pocket jewelry, but if you're actually planning on using the knife (especially in any kind of rough conditions), most ball bearing pivot systems are awful tools for the job. Generally speaking, ball bearings are far more susceptible to mud/grit/sand/etc and also offer far less lateral strength than you get with washers. From a maker's standpoint, bearings are great since you can get smooth action a lot easier than with washers, so they can be a nice shortcut in that regard. But as someone shopping for high end knives, I'd rather know my knife was built properly and finished well enough that it is glass smooth while running on washers. I really think the bearing pivot craze and desirability is reflective of all the new people coming into this hobby who don't necessarily know any better than what's currently "hot"... I'm going to stop here before I really get ranting- I think you get my point...
I dont care what anyone says that knife is Awesome love the blade shape same as the 0770cf the 0777cf and the China made kershaw natrix all kinda similar but the 0850cf is beast my favorites lol
I don't really care for that knife. Nice fit and finish though. I did buy the Pacific salt and the Salt from Spyderco. All black. I'm going shellfishing soon. I'll find out how rust resistant they are. Good review.
I live that blue CF but I hate every thing else aesthetic about that knife! That thumbstud, blade shape, even handle shape are just aweful looking in my opinion... But man does it look practical. One question now: You say it's smooth. Are you saying that as in a fast action or a smooth action? So many of us knife nuts use these terms meaning the wrong thing. Looks smooth as heck.
It's gimmicky as is . They took a page from Kershaw and took an interesting design and killed it with sub-par materials . If there was a forward choil the scallop on the spine would work otherwise i'd loose the scallop . I'd replace the back spacer with a floating CF one and i'd make it a flipper on bearings . The flipper tab would be the disappearing one that M Vagnino and Liong Mah use , i'd make the hardware match .
I have seen them. There have been a few CF integrals. Marfione did a few Anax in CF, Lionsteel has one, and Tashi Bharucha recently made the Logan. Surely there are a few others, but man it would be sweet to see one that is affordable!
I think it was not a 100% made for use... I do not really like that, but since I would never really use such an expensive Knife it is not a problem for me. To me it is one sexy blade :D
HAHA! Please don't, for his or her sake. I do carry a knife in scrubs. I always carry tucked into the waistline. Probably not what most people do, but it is my way of carrying.
@@AlexanderSLeBlanc Haha, not a clone but I appreciate your expert opinion. I got it in a knife raffle on Reddit for a $30 entry. I traded it for two other knives because it was such a lame design with revolver barrels. My knifes are knives and my guns are guns no need to mix the aesthetics of both.
@@AlexanderSLeBlanc all good man. I have gotten stupid good deals at pawn shops on benchmades though. They seem to always have broken tips or chips in the blade and then I talk them down to like $25 and get a replacement blade from Benchmade. I found an Esee 5 with the kydex sheath for $30 and it didn't look like it had even cut paper.
What a stupid thing to say. On what basis would you make that judgement? Do you know what peel ply G-10 is? In case you don't, G-10, which is short for the 10th version of Garolite, is a glass fabric laminate with an epoxy resin binder and I have actually seen the manufacturing process. a thin, textured layer of plastic is pressed into the G-10 while it is still wet and malleable, and is then "peeled" off once the G-10 has dried, leaving a checkered pattern. I personally think it looks cheap and is severely lacking in the looks department. It is the bare minimum and requires little work most of the time. If you have any experience with peel ply G10 then you will see the obvious similarities between it and the finish of ZT's "carbon fiber". I did not say that ZT's carbon fiber WAS peel-ply, I said that it LOOKS like it is "peel-ply". P.s. don't try to belittle people or make them look stupid. It can backfire and then you look like the stupid one. Your comment was unnecessary.
You're either a troll or a complete idiot. Zero Tolerance does not specifically state that this is peel ply carbon fiber, but take a look at the peel ply carbon fiber offered on several Spyderco's ( i.e. the Super Hawk, Caly 3 , Stretch...), and it is identical to the finish on ZT's carbon fiber. You are completely wrong and I have proved my point. This will be the last time I waste anytime talking to you.
Hi, an old video, however 0850 replicas are still available. I was thinking over and over, to buy or not to buy, TH-cam expert reviewers kept saying, that the design is strange and not practical. Finally decided to buy. And then I discovered, that this odd design is actually very practical in real use -- this weird swedge or swoop changed this big knife to a small one, in case when needed.-- I dont know if the author used the knife for different (limited) tasks, but for me it was a WOW effect -- I didnt have to think or guess how to hold or how convenient it would be. I just used the knife and then noticed, that I was taking advantage of this swoop. Anyway, I am writing this, because I feel, that this video wasn't fair towards designers, who have actually done a really good job: the result is elegant and practical in real use ... ans I personally doubt, that the author actually used this knife, because he would have noticed ...
Im getting one. That revolver cylinder pivot, thumb stud and backspacer looks badass. The mismatched colors dont bother me none. It will pair nice with my Smith & Wesson 686 in 357magnum
Very good and honest review. I ended up getting a good price for the 0850 and decided to buy even after seeing this review. I am not too fussy about looks and plan on using the knife outdoors hunting and fishing where it will eventually get well worn. I like the flipping action and to me that is important, finger nail damage or not. The sharpness retention of the CPM 20VC was also a deciding factor and I do have the means to put a mean edge on the blade. The blue hardware does make the knife more attractive, good job Doc.
the clip!?? THANK YOU.... yes the clip is phenomenal and the opening are just flawless. I absolutely love mine and will always be part of my collection
Knives are all about personal taste. The fact that some of you are being dissuaded from buying this knife because of this guy’s opinion is crazy. Find one and fidget with it. I love mine. I think it’s fine the way it is. It’s not perfect but I defy you to find that knife. if I wanted my perfect knife I’d learn how to make knives.
Most people who are curious about this knife will buy it even if I say it's bad.
Well I think the sebenza is overrated but I don’t think it’s “bad”. Just cause you don’t like it doesn’t mean it’s a bad knife.
Such a wonderful knife. that blue hardware looks perfect on it.
The shape of the blade is so powerful. I love it.
It is a shame this knife is no longer produced.
I was contemplating on buying this knife but that back spacer and pivot screw kept me away. After seeing the blue hardware on it, I was going to make an exception. But after this video, I think I'll pass. Thanks for the honest review and not drooling over this knife like all the other reviewers.
I think if you are on the fence, you shouldn't buy. Kevin Cleary had the same opinion. Get a 0392 instead ;)
I really think the blue hardware pulls it together better. Wish the other hardware was either blue or black.A small thing, I know.
I have one on the way. Ordered before I saw this video. I have to admit it does look a bit "blingish". I'm hoping that my love the the ZT 0055's different look will also let me appreciate this knife. I have a lot of aesthetically plain knives, so maybe this will work as something just different in my pocket.
I really don't mind mismatching colors of the hardware, as I don't have visual OCD, and it even adds some complexity and interest for me. I like the pivot and the backspacer designs, so I'll probably be buying one.
Do it! An excellent knife if you are not bothered by those minor visual issues.
I like the honest review. The first time I saw the pivot and thumbstud I thought it looked like a flower lol if they would've did a neutral pivot, thumbstud, and backspacer I think this would be a home run.
100% agree sir! If only!
I've carried this knife on me for 3 years now and I wouldn't have it any other way.
The theme works for me. PB washers and light weight REALLY work for me. The blade belly works for me. The swedge is eccentric, and pushes the knife further into the hyper stylized world of ZT's 2017 lineup-- the polarizing nature makes this even more irresistible! First I've noticed about the differing color of the hardware; a definite miss. My guess is they couldn't get a match due to varying materials. It's not enough to keep this knife from being my next purchase. Hopefully my LKS has them in stock soon!
Thanks for your thoughts! I really liked about 90% of this knife. But to stay in my collection, I gotta love it 100%. I keep things fluid and that makes me very critical of knives...I don't think you will be disappointed!
Doctor Frunkey : I respect that. A lot. Keeping it fresh and small pushes you to enjoy what you have even more.
I have one & pretty much agree with all that you say, it does have an exceptional action which I love, though my thumb has suffered! Lots of different design elements, unfortunately they don't all come together in a cohesive fashion.
Yeah, it was just SO close but just missed the target for me. I think many others will ultimately feel the same. I don't think the knife will age well.
Nice video. I was able to grab a 0850CF sprint run last year @ $259.99. It is a very nice knife. I like that it isn't a flipper. They must have listened to you because everything is black DLC coating except the blade which has the cool two tone DLC/steel grind. I really like how the pocket clip slides on to the pocket with not much effort but yet seems to hold the pocket really well. This one will not tear up my jeans. I am thinking this sprint run really should have been the production knife.
the weird thing is I got rid of my Zt 0920 for a couple of reasons one blade shape and having to get different stones to sharpen that recurve everything these days is made with a flipper that's why I like my 850 so much
Thanks very much; I just ordered the all black sprint run version of this knife. I liked the blue CF (actually CF isn’t blue so the blue portions are micarta or something), but the different colors of the backspacer and clip etc., just didn’t work for me. I like the black dlc coating on the sprint run a bit better, as all the hardware pieces match. The blade is basically the same as a CPM 20CV Griptilian sheepsfoot, but a bit larger. The dished out spine doesn’t bother me, and as they’re discontinuing it I picked it up new for $250. For $320 not so sure I would have gone for it. Appreciate the review!
Now that it is on closeout for $229 (almost $100 cheaper than when you made the video), how does that affect your diagnosis, if at all?
I am on the fence with this knife but I most likely will get one.The major minus is the ugly backspacer.A set of blue titanium standoffs to match the your blue screws would be a nice touch.Thanks for another great video.
If you are on the fence, do not buy it. You will end up not liking the things you are already hesitant about.
I want this one. I love how it looks, the blade shape, the Cf, and it is on sale for 240 at KnifCcenter. I just don't like the six shooter theme, but it isn't that noticeable I guess.
BTW, that DLC coating on the ZT 0392? Got the short shrift from me, but it's really durable so far! I went nuts on some cardboard, it looked like hell afterwards until I washed it off. It always looks like I've ruined the scales or blade until I clean it. So, I'm coming around on coatings!
It has held up well for me too but has some un-removable marks on the handle right now
Ha! I was gonna say _blue scrubs!_
Thanks for yet another unbiased and honest review. When ZT announced this at the knife show, _my jaw dropped._ However, the design has worn thin with me. There's a lot I really like about this knife, but some things I can't move past. You're so right on the hardware (I've been a creative/art director for 4 decades). This is like a concept car brought to market as-is, without thinking through some points. But at the price point I expect a bit more polish. I'm hoping they do a v.2 soon. But kudos to ZT for doing this, it took some balls.
Definitely a ballsy move by ZT but it was just a few more design phases away from real perfection. The various grays drove me NUTS!
I remember watching this review right after you posted it Im going to guess may / june of 17' which seems now like wayyy back when lol. I was on the fence about this purchase. I feel compelled to drop a comment and applaud you for everything you have said about this knife. You hit every damn mark on the nose w/a hammer! I mean dead on, could not be more right. Thank you. In any case, Cutlery shoppe now has very few of the all black sprint runs left in stock for... .. $212.00 😅😂😂! Had it not been at this price I would have went with the next piece on my list. Subbed4life. & enjoy your content!
Let me know if you decide to sell that 0392! (you may have already) Take care, happy holidays ✌.
TY for this comment. I'm going to buy one!!
Personally, I think bronze or gold hardware would have looked freaking awesome on that knife! The six shooter motif is a bit much though. They could have muted it a bit with a more traditional thumb stud. The pivot is a definite keeper. It looks great!
Thanks! I went with the blue to highlight the blue CF. I think it looks great like this. But I think Bronze would also look cool. I'm sure BladesWeLove has some that would work!
I think it's a common misconception that aluminum was used in the Backspacer to save money. I simply don't think this is the case. Aluminum is actually a very difficult metal to machine. Just look at all that machining detail that went into that backspacer. It sure did save a lot of weight versus using titanium too. If ZT wanted to save money they could have reached into the parts bin, and put some titanium standoffs on the knife.
A solid point my friend. I just felt it was out of place on this special knife. Would have preferred titanium standoffs.
I just bought the ZT 0770cf yesterday.....similar blade shape and for $180 I couldn't possibly like it anymore than I do!
I owned one of those in M390 a while back. Great knife, perfect EDC blade, but it developed up/down blade play after a few months...
The 0393 is in my opinion the best ZT knife right now as should be their flagship. I’m hoping for more blade shapes and full scales in that line.
How was the detent on this?
This is a great review. Very unique blade and think it's very close to being awesome. Many aspects I would have missed if not due to this review. Based on these points I would agree it is a near miss, but it's a close one no doubt. Love the honesty and insights.
I love the blade shape and the subframe construction, but I can't get over the overuse (especially in the backspacer and thumb..cylinder) of the six shooter thing, other than it being used in the pivot.
If you think you won't like it, you won't like it. I tried to get over it too but ultimately couldn't.
Yeah, no reason to settle for "I can live with it" especially at the pricepoint and the 0055 nearing it's release.
I have one of those on pre-order too... :)
Hi Doc .Badazz,for the price especially. Again great review Doc !
Great vid I still want to try it in hand but love to hear what you have to say👍🏻
Just one man's opinion. Let me know what you think!
And thank you!
Great review! I think all the points you make about the knife's shortcomings are very legitimate. However, I recently got the knife and really like it. I generally prefer drop point or clip point blades, and would probably rather have this knife be a drop point with everything else the same......but it's something different, and still quite functional! I'm gonna have it reground and a 15 degree edge put on it.
I got out of collecting sadly. Have NO good knives... I’m getting back into it... n I’m 90 percent sure this will be my first purchase when I can afford it.... great review as usual
Don't wait to long. Last week ZT published their "discontinued" list for 2019, and the 0850 is on it. And because of it a lot of shops have it on clearance sale (like BHQ that has it for $229 at the moment)
I have to say I feel for you,you where so looking forward to this model.one thing we can all say though is that money will go to the next best release of the year.lol.atb paddy
This money went towards a very special knife indeed! Stay tuned my friend...
is the action on this similar to the Hinderer eklipse? I want to pick one up but I'm not sure of how smooth the Teflon is.
This does not run on teflon washers, but rather phosphor bronze washers. This is MUCH smoother than a Hinderer.
Doctor Frunkey interesting I own the zt 0620 which runs on bronze washers and is insanely smooth. I would have thought the Hinderer would have a similar action. any suggestions on a smooth flipper that runs on washers? I want to try something other than bearings. ohh and I ordered a zt 0392 blk in part because of your videos.
Where can I get those blue screws? Ty
bladeswelove on ebay on instagram
The ZT 0460 is labeled as “bronze”. The 0462 is the one that has “red”. Thats why the smaller one doesn’t look red; it isn’t.
This vs Spyderco Nirvana: Which one?
Nirvana--all day, every day. Especially reground by Josh at Razor Edge Knives!!
Is the sub frame lock stiff? And can i use this knife for self defensing ?
It is very easy to disengage. I would not recommend using a knife for self defense.
Doctor Frunkey that’s what guns are for.....though sometimes you run out of bullets. Got the drunken and koi I want this. Secondary market here I come.
0850 fits great in my hands, the blade cutout is perfect for my thumb. A finger choil would remove some cutting edge length trade offs.. the AL hardware is near 60% lighter weight and if you hard use the knife they don't simply strip out LOL... if you don't like the colors which I get, I don't like the purple thumb stud, get the DLC version 0850cf.. The barrel stud is a flawless wave opener. This knife is as good as it is on paper in real world use (vs 0392 and edge), the weight, the form factor (thin carries well), smooth on washers, and brand new sold as low as $268... Not sure why ZT can't get a pass on design (objective) and based purely on cutting performance when crazy CKF styles like Rotten with a thick swedge not slicy blade can get raves
Just picked one up from a baddy for 180 Completely worth it
I realize that with how quickly the proverbial hype-train is traveling through the knife community please days, that commenting on a review that is over a year old is probably going to be pretty irrelevant to most people, I felt compelled to share my opinions on this model:
If we look past the arguably silly aesthetic touches with this whole 6 shooter theme, from a functional standpoint I think we are left with one of the best production knives of 2017... Even more so if planning to engage in any kind of heavy duty or hard use. Excellent blade steel and overall materials, efficient manual blade deployment, and a wonderfully smooth action while running on washers. For ZT and their overbuilt, built like a tank mantra, this is a refreshing return to form as opposed to all their recent ball-bearing flippers. Yeah sure, ball bearing flippers make for lots of fun, fidgetty-drop-shutty pocket jewelry, but if you're actually planning on using the knife (especially in any kind of rough conditions), most ball bearing pivot systems are awful tools for the job. Generally speaking, ball bearings are far more susceptible to mud/grit/sand/etc and also offer far less lateral strength than you get with washers.
From a maker's standpoint, bearings are great since you can get smooth action a lot easier than with washers, so they can be a nice shortcut in that regard. But as someone shopping for high end knives, I'd rather know my knife was built properly and finished well enough that it is glass smooth while running on washers. I really think the bearing pivot craze and desirability is reflective of all the new people coming into this hobby who don't necessarily know any better than what's currently "hot"...
I'm going to stop here before I really get ranting- I think you get my point...
If this knife were 3.5 inches, yeah I’d be all over it!!! And I like both the thumb stud and backspacer
Badass blade. I'm getting one.
I dont care what anyone says that knife is Awesome love the blade shape same as the 0770cf the 0777cf and the China made kershaw natrix all kinda similar but the 0850cf is beast my favorites lol
I don't really care for that knife. Nice fit and finish though. I did buy the Pacific salt and the Salt from Spyderco. All black. I'm going shellfishing soon. I'll find out how rust resistant they are. Good review.
They should be completely rust resistant, with the carbon being replaced by nitrogen in the "steel"
On sale at bladehq for $229.00 as of 3-31-19
I kind of like the design.
It had amazing potential, but I think the overall execution was fundamentally flawed. It's a pretty knife but it is betrayed by the cheap components.
I was able to order on Knife Center for $224 yesterday. I love the design but the bottom line will be judged on use and not based on over analysis.
William Sheehe how do you feel about this knives value at that price point after your time with it? Thanks!
@@Ben-kf8ls I am happy with the purchase. The design is outstanding and given the high end materials it price was very reasonable.
I live that blue CF but I hate every thing else aesthetic about that knife! That thumbstud, blade shape, even handle shape are just aweful looking in my opinion... But man does it look practical. One question now: You say it's smooth. Are you saying that as in a fast action or a smooth action? So many of us knife nuts use these terms meaning the wrong thing. Looks smooth as heck.
The action is very smooth. The deployment is fast enough, but the actual movement on the washers is very impressive.
It's gimmicky as is . They took a page from Kershaw and took an interesting design and killed it with sub-par materials . If there was a forward choil the scallop on the spine would work otherwise i'd loose the scallop . I'd replace the back spacer with a floating CF one and i'd make it a flipper on bearings . The flipper tab would be the disappearing one that M Vagnino and Liong Mah use , i'd make the hardware match .
If they had made this a CF integral...no backspacer BS...best knife ever?
It could be if they didn't screw it up again . Have you seen Brown knives cf integrals on ig ? He's the only person making them .
I have seen them. There have been a few CF integrals. Marfione did a few Anax in CF, Lionsteel has one, and Tashi Bharucha recently made the Logan. Surely there are a few others, but man it would be sweet to see one that is affordable!
I remember seeing the Lionsteel when I was looking for integrals for Nick to spend money on. I didn't know about the others.
I feel like zt does the flipper knives really well But idk if I’d buy one w thumb studs
no lanyard hole is a deal breaker for me
Helen Keller and Stevie wonder can't get past the looks of the revolver theme
This ZT 0850 is a nice knife I’m so glad I have one 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪
I got mine on sale.
I think it was not a 100% made for use... I do not really like that, but since I would never really use such an expensive Knife it is not a problem for me. To me it is one sexy blade :D
*Redhood* #useyourshit
I think I'm gonna name my kid carbon fiber turd. Thanks doc! Btw do you carry a knife in scrub pants?
HAHA! Please don't, for his or her sake. I do carry a knife in scrubs. I always carry tucked into the waistline. Probably not what most people do, but it is my way of carrying.
I’m more of a medium to small knife user
DAM!! Take my money already!!
are you a doctor/nurse? I only ask cuz you said your wearing scrubs. and your channel name is doctor frunkey
I'm a neurosurgery resident physician :)
Doctor Frunkey thanks for replying. that's awesome.
I try to reply to call comments when I have time! Thanks for watching and your comments!
how else did you think he could afford his knives?
is doctor frunkey a doctor?
I can't deal with the 6 shooter
I have one, feels nothing like a gas station knife.
Just got this knife for $30.... Life is good
Then you got a fake clone
@@AlexanderSLeBlanc Haha, not a clone but I appreciate your expert opinion.
I got it in a knife raffle on Reddit for a $30 entry.
I traded it for two other knives because it was such a lame design with revolver barrels.
My knifes are knives and my guns are guns no need to mix the aesthetics of both.
@@herrerajoey2 I’m glad it was not a clone but something that you won. That is awesome. Sorry, did not mean to come across as arrogant.
@@AlexanderSLeBlanc all good man. I have gotten stupid good deals at pawn shops on benchmades though. They seem to always have broken tips or chips in the blade and then I talk them down to like $25 and get a replacement blade from Benchmade.
I found an Esee 5 with the kydex sheath for $30 and it didn't look like it had even cut paper.
No
The 0804 should
👍👍🤙.
The 0850 is ZTs version of a gas station knife.
until zt loses the "peel ply looking" carbon fiber I will not be partaking in any CF ZT knives
not sure if you actually know what peel ply CF is...
What a stupid thing to say. On what basis would you make that judgement? Do you know what peel ply G-10 is? In case you don't, G-10, which is short for the 10th version of Garolite, is a glass fabric laminate with an epoxy resin binder and I have actually seen the manufacturing process. a thin, textured layer of plastic is pressed into the G-10 while it is still wet and malleable, and is then "peeled" off once the G-10 has dried, leaving a checkered pattern. I personally think it looks cheap and is severely lacking in the looks department. It is the bare minimum and requires little work most of the time. If you have any experience with peel ply G10 then you will see the obvious similarities between it and the finish of ZT's "carbon fiber". I did not say that ZT's carbon fiber WAS peel-ply, I said that it LOOKS like it is "peel-ply". P.s. don't try to belittle people or make them look stupid. It can backfire and then you look like the stupid one. Your comment was unnecessary.
You're either a troll or a complete idiot. Zero Tolerance does not specifically state that this is peel ply carbon fiber, but take a look at the peel ply carbon fiber offered on several Spyderco's ( i.e. the Super Hawk, Caly 3 , Stretch...), and it is identical to the finish on ZT's carbon fiber. You are completely wrong and I have proved my point. This will be the last time I waste anytime talking to you.
Jonathan Berumen sure thing Mr I-Know-All. Dont even know why I bothered talking to a egoistic turd in the first place
Dudes, please chill. The CF looks cheap. End of story.