My Amazon page! The gear I use here on the channel! - www.amazon.com/shop/metalcomplex Metal Complex's recommended knife/gear retailers! - beacons.ai/metalcomplex Thanks so much for watching! You can support my channel on Patreon here - www.patreon.com/metalcomplex MC stickers! - www.redbubble.com/people/metal-complex/shop?asc=u
I picked one up on launch and it hasn't left my pocket! The thin magnacut blade fits between fork tines so it's an excellent steak knife and the lockup is perfect. Mine is also perfectly centered. There is definitely a niche market for this knife.
Most ZT knives are over hated... But that's what happens when they are putting out 20cv at 58rc. While built incredibly well and doing very high quality fit and finish they are leaving the most important part of the knife at a sub par performing level. That's my whole problem with ZT yet I still love them.
What I’m getting from this knife is Kershaw Launch in Ti and Magnacut with some extra sauce added in the machining dept. I feel like that’s worth 360 if you like the design. If they continue down this road following that ethos, I’m excited to see what they can cook up. When you consider the price of similar offerings from Protech and Microtech I think it’s strictly competitive. Not great, not bad, just right there where I’d expect it to be.
I just ordered this 0556 from Blade HQ at a nice discounted black Friday sale! I have 12 ZT's in my collection and find I carry the smaller ones more often. Big isn't always better for a typical EDC. Most of the larger models are still available for purchase, so ZT didn't abandon fans of larger knives! I guess the old saying "to each their own" applies!
They do have some of there larger models available but they are all old models that people already have that like the old school ZT. What most people want are new larger models with some effort behind them.
_This thing should have had a Mirror DLC Tigerstripe blade! Show me something magical ZT!_ _You guys are going to crap your pants with the 2025 ZT pipeline! (Just hold your breath.. it'll be worth it!)_ _Thank you for nailing all points when taking price into consideration!_
I know writing Kershaw on the blade doesn't magically make it cheaper, but they make it look like it does sometimes. Remember that Kershaw Bareknuckle in carbon fiber and M390? It was every bit as nice as a ZT and made in the same building. Now compare that to the ZT 770 for example. It's a slab sided linerlock with a spring assist, as opposed to the Bareknuckle, with beautifully contoured scales and inset sub framelock, on bearings with a perfectly tuned detent. And somehow, the ZT 770 was more expensive with a worse steel as well.
I don't get calling a knife that is nearly 8" long with a 3.35" blade small. Hell, it could get you arrested in most American cities. I think it is an elegant automatic gent's knife, and I would love to buy one.
OK MC, credit where credit is due. This was a fair review of ZT's most recent example of "Shrinkflation". ZT has never made a "bad" knife, it's just not in their DNA. Now, regarding the knife community... it's broad, diverse and huge. That said, there are a lot knife reviewers/content creators that are well respected and none... none have been trumpeting ZT's efforts over the past few years... they will review, as you did, and move on. Unless there is a dark web, underground hoard of ZT buyers who buy and carry secretly, I don't think they have the success or following anymore. In my opinion (and it's just that) which is shared by more than a few, KAI is banking Kershaw... period. Kershaw is carrying ZT. Why? Who really knows, unless you work for KAI and the few employees that I do occasionaly interact with online seem to be slightly brain washed. Beware of the ZT Kool-Aid lol.
Ordered my first ZT knife over the weekend. A tan 0308 I was able to score for $209 after sale price and using a $50 gift card. Much more old school than this.
Metal complex, I think you should also review the Zt 0004. Zt listened to everyone about sheaths on that knife and I think it would be worth checking it out.
19:42 forget Benchmade, imagine if this had a Microtech logo on the blade and a glass breaker on the back of the handle. Instantly 600 dollars. This would be a 350 dollar knife from Microtech if they had Rike make it in China.
I like this knife, I'm a ZT Kershaw fan I will be getting this. I do really wish they would bring back their Factory customs. They have put out a few new 0562s with different handle materials. Maybe they will come out with a Ti OTF
I almost picture ZT having this huge expectation that MC was gonna praise this thing to high heaven just because they stuck a tiny little pocket clip on it. It was like the peace offering for the sin of making this tiny, dainty knife.
I have a launch 20, and they look very similar. Tho the launch 20 is a wharncliffe and has no bearing or bushing (blade on aluminum scale) so curious if maybe they used a bearing/bushing on the zt over the kershaw launch equivilent
Not really a fan but that 0462 is freaking sick. Huge fan of large upswept Persian style blades. My 5.5 Talwar in HXP is easily my favorite knife in my collection. I only have 9 so there isn't much to figure.
Well ya. Reates are made in China and this knife is nowhere near as complex as their usual stuff. There are many variables. Did you think that'd throw me? Lol
Why would you buy this when you could get an aluminum version from Kershaw with magnacut and better looking marbled carbon fiber for $150 in the launch 20. $200 for 3oz of titanium? That’s a hard pass
My Amazon page! The gear I use here on the channel! - www.amazon.com/shop/metalcomplex
Metal Complex's recommended knife/gear retailers! - beacons.ai/metalcomplex
Thanks so much for watching! You can support my channel on Patreon here - www.patreon.com/metalcomplex
MC stickers! - www.redbubble.com/people/metal-complex/shop?asc=u
I think this is a really nice knife
I picked one up on launch and it hasn't left my pocket! The thin magnacut blade fits between fork tines so it's an excellent steak knife and the lockup is perfect. Mine is also perfectly centered. There is definitely a niche market for this knife.
Totally agree. I love all my ZTs. Already have a 0545, or Id buy this new one.
Most ZT knives are over hated... But that's what happens when they are putting out 20cv at 58rc. While built incredibly well and doing very high quality fit and finish they are leaving the most important part of the knife at a sub par performing level. That's my whole problem with ZT yet I still love them.
ZT I have 4. They are all fantastic. If you want beefy buy the 0562- huge framelock with external stops, like Hinderer XM18
What I’m getting from this knife is Kershaw Launch in Ti and Magnacut with some extra sauce added in the machining dept.
I feel like that’s worth 360 if you like the design. If they continue down this road following that ethos, I’m excited to see what they can cook up.
When you consider the price of similar offerings from Protech and Microtech I think it’s strictly competitive. Not great, not bad, just right there where I’d expect it to be.
you’re just always on it!! was looking at buying this today and i see your upload from 4 hours ago 🤣 what a guy
I just ordered this 0556 from Blade HQ at a nice discounted black Friday sale! I have 12 ZT's in my collection and find I carry the smaller ones more often. Big isn't always better for a typical EDC. Most of the larger models are still available for purchase, so ZT didn't abandon fans of larger knives! I guess the old saying "to each their own" applies!
They do have some of there larger models available but they are all old models that people already have that like the old school ZT. What most people want are new larger models with some effort behind them.
_This thing should have had a Mirror DLC Tigerstripe blade! Show me something magical ZT!_
_You guys are going to crap your pants with the 2025 ZT pipeline! (Just hold your breath.. it'll be worth it!)_
_Thank you for nailing all points when taking price into consideration!_
I know writing Kershaw on the blade doesn't magically make it cheaper, but they make it look like it does sometimes. Remember that Kershaw Bareknuckle in carbon fiber and M390? It was every bit as nice as a ZT and made in the same building. Now compare that to the ZT 770 for example. It's a slab sided linerlock with a spring assist, as opposed to the Bareknuckle, with beautifully contoured scales and inset sub framelock, on bearings with a perfectly tuned detent. And somehow, the ZT 770 was more expensive with a worse steel as well.
Imagine if they remade some older models. If they made the hawk designed Mudd.
Price to build materials ratio makes sense to me. Also, Kershaw has excellent customer support
I don't get calling a knife that is nearly 8" long with a 3.35" blade small. Hell, it could get you arrested in most American cities. I think it is an elegant automatic gent's knife, and I would love to buy one.
OK MC, credit where credit is due. This was a fair review of ZT's most recent example of "Shrinkflation". ZT has never made a "bad" knife, it's just not in their DNA. Now, regarding the knife community... it's broad, diverse and huge. That said, there are a lot knife reviewers/content creators that are well respected and none... none have been trumpeting ZT's efforts over the past few years... they will review, as you did, and move on. Unless there is a dark web, underground hoard of ZT buyers who buy and carry secretly, I don't think they have the success or following anymore. In my opinion (and it's just that) which is shared by more than a few, KAI is banking Kershaw... period. Kershaw is carrying ZT. Why? Who really knows, unless you work for KAI and the few employees that I do occasionaly interact with online seem to be slightly brain washed. Beware of the ZT Kool-Aid lol.
Back when I was first getting into knives, I loved to hate on ZT's designs. Now I just don't think about them at all
Ordered my first ZT knife over the weekend. A tan 0308 I was able to score for $209 after sale price and using a $50 gift card. Much more old school than this.
I have always wanted an automatic zt0452CF, but this is even better!
Metal complex, I think you should also review the Zt 0004. Zt listened to everyone about sheaths on that knife and I think it would be worth checking it out.
I just love the overall profile!
hate all yall want, i am buying one
19:42 forget Benchmade, imagine if this had a Microtech logo on the blade and a glass breaker on the back of the handle. Instantly 600 dollars.
This would be a 350 dollar knife from Microtech if they had Rike make it in China.
I like this knife, I'm a ZT Kershaw fan I will be getting this. I do really wish they would bring back their Factory customs. They have put out a few new 0562s with different handle materials. Maybe they will come out with a Ti OTF
I almost picture ZT having this huge expectation that MC was gonna praise this thing to high heaven just because they stuck a tiny little pocket clip on it. It was like the peace offering for the sin of making this tiny, dainty knife.
This is really appealing to me. Like an auto bugout
I have a launch 20, and they look very similar. Tho the launch 20 is a wharncliffe and has no bearing or bushing (blade on aluminum scale) so curious if maybe they used a bearing/bushing on the zt over the kershaw launch equivilent
Not really a fan but that 0462 is freaking sick. Huge fan of large upswept Persian style blades. My 5.5 Talwar in HXP is easily my favorite knife in my collection. I only have 9 so there isn't much to figure.
I’d love to see a Quiet Carry Drift LCT review🙏
He really cranked the "right?" Tourette's up to 11 on this one holy moly
A little overpriced; but still a nice compact knife.
Would you be saying the same thing if this was a $380 Reate?
Well ya. Reates are made in China and this knife is nowhere near as complex as their usual stuff. There are many variables.
Did you think that'd throw me? Lol
This makes me really wish auto's were legal here :(
I wonder if I could sneak one here somehow... Not to carry, but just to own
Thanks
I was hopeful before the reveal....
I did like the 0004 tho
I definitely don’t hate it but the inlay is so boring. But I like the weird stuff like 80’s camo carbon
ZT website says HRC 62 to 64
That's a good looking knife.
I want one!!!!!!!
as a narrows lover, this makes benchmade look a huge scam
Wait. You guys wash your pants?
🤣🤣🤣 on occassion...when I can afford soap
Why would you buy this when you could get an aluminum version from Kershaw with magnacut and better looking marbled carbon fiber for $150 in the launch 20. $200 for 3oz of titanium? That’s a hard pass
A lot of people just want titanium. Its a personal preference
Because you want this one. No knife rules them all.
U can get this knife for 280 right now
But not now, sale is over!
If only it was a front flipper ... manual
That would be cool
Properly hated.
This is just another Kershaw and ZT has lost their touch with the community.
ZT sucks