modern knives

[Rajat]

Opinions are like wrist-watches - everyone has one, and everyone thinks his shows the correct time. Busse is obviously not in the same league as ZT - it is two notches up (I have handled both Busse, and ZT0100/0200/5* series).

Wow! You can show self restraint! but finally you could not resist.

I was wondering what happened. It took you a full 3 hours after your last post to come up with this. When I mentioned research I meant on knives and not on this.

These are some strange findings you have mentioned about the Busse. I am amused

Also I am willing to learn. Please elaborate if you have the time.

-- Wed Jul 13, 2011 7:09 pm --

My apologies Subal for discussing this on your thread.

[shadow]

Dear Subal,

I do most of my shopping from here. They have an extensive collection and somehow this piece missed my eye.

In fact I had placed order for a Cold Steel Urban Pal almost a month back and they still do not have it in the stock

Thanks for the info.

Cheers,
Shadow

[Subal das]

Opinions are like wrist-watches - everyone has one, and everyone thinks his shows the correct time. Busse is obviously not in the same league as ZT - it is two notches up (I have handled both Busse, and ZT0100/0200/5* series).

Wow! You can show self restraint! but finally you could not resist.

I was wondering what happened. It took you a full 3 hours after your last post to come up with this. When I mentioned research I meant on knives and not on this.

These are some strange findings you have mentioned about the Busse. I am amused

Also I am willing to learn. Please elaborate if you have the time.

-- Wed Jul 13, 2011 7:09 pm --

My apologies Subal for discussing this on your thread.

no problem welcome

there is a tendency in US for creating knife cults, first was Emerson, then Sebenza, now Busse. Want a become a PRO buy Busse or Sebenza. Simple!!
But real Pros buys ZT. Well, perfect then, thanks! Buy ZT and you are PRO. on another side, things in fact quite often go exactly that way, first you get a rifle, later you learn how to shot, and later you become a world record holder.

[choombak]

Opinions are like wrist-watches - everyone has one, and everyone thinks his shows the correct time. Busse is obviously not in the same league as ZT - it is two notches up (I have handled both Busse, and ZT0100/0200/5* series).

Wow! You can show self restraint! but finally you could not resist.

I was wondering what happened. It took you a full 3 hours after your last post to come up with this. When I mentioned research I meant on knives and not on this.

These are some strange findings you have mentioned about the Busse. I am amused

Also I am willing to learn. Please elaborate if you have the time.

-- Wed Jul 13, 2011 7:09 pm --

My apologies Subal for discussing this on your thread.

no problem welcome

there is a tendency in US for creating knife cults, first was Emerson, then Sebenza, now Busse. Want a become a PRO buy Busse or Sebenza. Simple!!
But real Pros buys ZT. Well, perfect then, thanks! Buy ZT and you are PRO. on another side, things in fact quite often go exactly that way, first you get a rifle, later you learn how to shot, and later you become a world record holder.

I used to think Sebenza is over-rated, especially for the price charged - until I had an opportunity to handle and use one. In simple words, "tolerances", but you still won't get it till you physically handle a Sebenza what that word means. Since Sebbie was (and still is) out of reach for me, I own a lesser-priced, lesser-tolerances, but similar knife, the Sage 2. Even then, for normal daily beater use, the Sage 2 fares well.

@Subal: As a natural tendency, more or less, each knife user belongs to the cult of knives he/she owns, and has found good over time.

As far as ergonomics are concerned, not all hands are created equal - so what goes for you may hurt my hands, and is a factor that largely determines which blade would you like to own. Unfortunately, I never liked how the ZT0100 "digs" into my hand, so was non-ergonomic for me, and found the Twisted Cripple EDC to be much more ergonomic.

So as I said, opinions are like watches...

[Moin.]

Torches or Knives, always very entertaining banter between you two, Rajat and Choombak.

Let's see some close ups of the ZT Rajat, how about a brief unbiased review. Should be interesting.

Amar: Some really cool multi tools in your shopping list. I'm going green with envy


Best
Moin.

[Rajat]

Moin, I will post the pictures sometime later when I have the time or if you are really interested let me know and I will do so soon.

Just for the record my reviews or views are ALWAYS unbiased. I am always open to other equally good options and opinions but not against better judgment.

I was actually not going to discuss this knife further but since you need to know I will let you know my observations.
If you look at the knife you will find the shape curvy and interesting. This style of the blade is called as a "recurve" with a "S" type edge and it offers a lot of functionality. The deep belly of the blade offers multiple cutting options: slashing, sweep cutting (in which the shape gives a lot of power due to the curve), splitting (it is quite wide too at one point) and last of all hacking. It is not really a big blade and therefore this option comes last but when it comes down to this it does the job quite well.

Now in spite of the blade being a recurve you will notice that the point is perfectly centered and spear like, it is very suitable for piercing jobs (not to say stabbing does not sound right). The blade is not heavy towards the tip of the blade and when you hold it it is very well balanced.

Of course, the knife has a full tang. The blade is not too thick, it does not need to be as it is made of CPM 3V steel which is very strong and can harden very well without breaking or chipping in use. It has got very good impact resistance in case you want to split something with it hammering it with a rock or a piece of wood etc. or just the opposite and you want to use this to hammer something from the spine or butt of the handle. The G-10 slabs which form the handle leave the base of the tang of the knife exposed (projecting out a bit) in case you want to hammer it, point, down into something. There is no risk of damaging the handle. Although these are extreme cases.

The steel is not stainless but it is compensated for by the DLC (industrial tungsten diamond like coating) which is very wear resistant. Any anyway just keep the blade clean and it will not rust. By the way none of the tougher steels like S30V etc are stainless.

Coming to the cons: This type of steel holds an edge very well but takes longer to sharpen and the shape of the blade is not easy to sharpen for beginners or if you do not have the right sharpening system.

The blade has blood grooves carved into the sides although I hope this feature will not see any use. It just makes the blade lighter a bit I guess.

Coming to the handle of this knife. This is a wonder and the best part of this knife. The scales are G-10 and I will not write much about this material as it is elementary knowledge. It is quite wear resistant, non slippery and resistant to extreme temperatures. The scales have a Croc pattern machined into them which offer a good grip, these are fastened by screws and can easily be unassembled for cleaning.

The shape of the handle is just about right in all aspects and just fills up your hand in all the right places to for a great grip. It would be surprising is the knife slips from your hand in any kind of activity and it reduces fatigue even in long work sessions.

The design of the knife allows you to hold it in ALL positions comfortably. Tip up, tip down, blade in or blade out. You just try anything with it and it will work. The knife has a deep choil which will prevent your hand from slipping forward on to the blade in rough cutting or piercing tasks. The back of the blade connected to the handle has grooves or jimping which allows you to use it for fine cutting tasks with a good grip for your thumb over the blade. It has jimping on the base of the exposed tang on the handle too. It also has a hole for a lanyard.

The handle is quite generous in proportion to the complete knife and this is the best part.

I think I have covered a lot and we will talk about the sheath later.

Due to all the above reasons I like this knife a lot and I have compared it to a lot of other knives that I own and I own a few. Some are as good or better but this one has its own niche. It just happens to be so that I had to buy another 0100 because it was worth it.

I guess this helps Moin. Anytime for you my friend. Just ask a direct question and get a direct answer.

I bet if you decide to buy it you are not going to complain about the grip. A lot of my friends have held it too and have shared their views and agree that the grip is very ergonomic and usually fits all hand types.

In the end I will say this is just my review and opinion.

And opinions are like watches some are precise and others need to be discarded

[shooter]

Opinions are like wrist-watches - everyone has one, and everyone thinks his shows the correct time.

Reminds me of another saying we used to say in college.

Opinions are like ........ Everyone has one and doesnt need someone elses.
OOPs sorry cant say it here. Im sure there are many here who'll get my drift.

[Rajat]

6 out of 10

Just 4 more to go




Yea you nailed it! Keep (form) your own...
(I mean opinion)



No matter what it may be, It will be much more fun!

[Moin.]

Moin, I will post the pictures sometime later when I have the time or if you are really interested let me know and I will do so soon.

Just for the record my reviews or views are ALWAYS unbiased. I am always open to other equally good options and opinions but not against better judgment.

I was actually not going to discuss this knife further but since you need to know I will let you know my observations.
If you look at the knife you will find the shape curvy and interesting. This style of the blade is called as a "recurve" with a "S" type edge and it offers a lot of functionality. The deep belly of the blade offers multiple cutting options: slashing, sweep cutting (in which the shape gives a lot of power due to the curve), splitting (it is quite wide too at one point) and last of all hacking. It is not really a big blade and therefore this option comes last but when it comes down to this it does the job quite well.

Now in spite of the blade being a recurve you will notice that the point is perfectly centered and spear like, it is very suitable for piercing jobs (not to say stabbing does not sound right). The blade is not heavy towards the tip of the blade and when you hold it it is very well balanced.

Of course, the knife has a full tang. The blade is not too thick, it does not need to be as it is made of CPM 3V steel which is very strong and can harden very well without breaking or chipping in use. It has got very good impact resistance in case you want to split something with it hammering it with a rock or a piece of wood etc. or just the opposite and you want to use this to hammer something from the spine or butt of the handle. The G-10 slabs which form the handle leave the base of the tang of the knife exposed (projecting out a bit) in case you want to hammer it, point, down into something. There is no risk of damaging the handle. Although these are extreme cases.

The steel is not stainless but it is compensated for by the DLC (industrial tungsten diamond like coating) which is very wear resistant. Any anyway just keep the blade clean and it will not rust. By the way none of the tougher steels like S30V etc are stainless.

Coming to the cons: This type of steel holds an edge very well but takes longer to sharpen and the shape of the blade is not easy to sharpen for beginners or if you do not have the right sharpening system.

The blade has blood grooves carved into the sides although I hope this feature will not see any use. It just makes the blade lighter a bit I guess.

Coming to the handle of this knife. This is a wonder and the best part of this knife. The scales are G-10 and I will not write much about this material as it is elementary knowledge. It is quite wear resistant, non slippery and resistant to extreme temperatures. The scales have a Croc pattern machined into them which offer a good grip, these are fastened by screws and can easily be unassembled for cleaning.

The shape of the handle is just about right in all aspects and just fills up your hand in all the right places to for a great grip. It would be surprising is the knife slips from your hand in any kind of activity and it reduces fatigue even in long work sessions.

The design of the knife allows you to hold it in ALL positions comfortably. Tip up, tip down, blade in or blade out. You just try anything with it and it will work. The knife has a deep choil which will prevent your hand from slipping forward on to the blade in rough cutting or piercing tasks. The back of the blade connected to the handle has grooves or jimping which allows you to use it for fine cutting tasks with a good grip for your thumb over the blade. It has jimping on the base of the exposed tang on the handle too. It also has a hole for a lanyard.

The handle is quite generous in proportion to the complete knife and this is the best part.

I think I have covered a lot and we will talk about the sheath later.

Due to all the above reasons I like this knife a lot and I have compared it to a lot of other knives that I own and I own a few. Some are as good or better but this one has its own niche. It just happens to be so that I had to buy another 0100 because it was worth it.

I guess this helps Moin. Anytime for you my friend. Just ask a direct question and get a direct answer.

I bet if you decide to buy it you are not going to complain about the grip. A lot of my friends have held it too and have shared their views and agree that the grip is very ergonomic and usually fits all hand types.

In the end I will say this is just my review and opinion.

And opinions are like watches some are precise and others need to be discarded

___________________________________________________________________________________________


Rajat, really appreciate you taking the time off for such a detailed reply. What a spot on astute analysis on the blade geometry. I did see some reviews on youtube and boy it’s an awesome knife… The use of exotic steels G10 etc is one thing, the more money you spend the better the materials you get, but what makes this one special is the way you’ve very explicitly explained the design of the knife, the thought process behind the blade geometry and design, pure form follows function.

I guess since you use the Spyderco Sharpmaker, keeping this baby hair popping sharp will not be a problem, but sharpening it on a Lansky like system would be difficult considering the grind on the blade will make it impossible to securely clamp it.

How do you compare this puppy to the Chris Reeves Green Beret/Yarborough knife and the Extrema Ratio Col Moschino.. These two are similarly priced and top quality combat knifes…We’re talking of spending probably more than INR 25K in buying any one of these three lethal beauties….

P.S: Stop tempting people by posting pictures of such knives.hehehehehehehehe

.You know I’ve finally managed to save money to buy a good car…. My mother chews my brains day and night for grand children… So I need to get married.. need money for that.... Move into a bigger house. (to put things into perspective, I just looked at a 640 sq.ft flat in my locality 95 lacs+registration+agent+stamp duty …..etc etc etc etc… So how can I save !!!!!!!!!!! hehehehehehehehehehe



Jokes apart, many thanks for the detailed review on the ZT, wonderful read and now I know a little more…

Best Regards
Moin.







Rajat

[Rolf]

[ Image ]

Specifications

* Handle: Kraton
* Blade: 5.7" (14.5 cm)
* Handle: 5.0" (12.7 cm)
* Steel: 1070 high carbon steel
* Weight: 6.3 oz.
* Sheath: Nylon
* Made in Taiwan

looks like good knife and does not cost much

This seems to be inspired from the WWII era Smatchet developed by William Fairburn for the OSS and later also used by the SOE and the Commandos. It has a broad leaf shaped blade and even features a skull cracker at the pommel.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smatchet

[Subal das]

640 sq.ft flat in my locality 95 lacs - nowadays construction materials used to commit robbery, not guns and knives. you should explore option of buying land and constructing your self - seriously. It may look scary, but can be done.

Rajat, thanks for excellent review, cant be said better.

[Rajat]

Thanks Moin, I am glad I could do this on your request.

You seem to have set your sights on the top notch knives! Great selection I must say. Both the Green Beret and the Col Moschin are Great Knives. Another one which deserves attention is the Pacific from Chris Reeves.

The Reeves knives are classic examples whereas the Moschin is much more aggressive and looks threatening In fact I have given some thought to buying the Moschin and for that matter the Suppressor GIS from Extrema.

The down side to the Extrema knives that I have been able to find, although it is not much, is that their black coating wears off pretty fast. I have seen this in the Shrapnel. Apart from this absolutely no complaints. The Reeves knives do not need any comments!

xtremeknives.com is the Extrema Ratio dealer in the U.S and they ship to India. You can contact them for more details.

From here on you will have to make the decision. All of these are great knives with nothing lacking.

I do understand the other concerns that you have but you know, KNIVES ARE KNIVES AND YOU GOTTA HAVE EM!!



Thanks Subal for the compliment I am happy that you went through the review!

[Moin.]

Hehehe, could'nt agree more, all other things in life can wait. I've been drooling/salivating looking at the green beret and the Col. Moschin so much that I literally had to buy a mop to clean it iup.  . The Yarborugh because the Pacific has a traditional Kabar like Clip Point and a six inch blade whereas the Yarboriugh has a full 7 inch witha gorgeous drop point. Will it save any $$$ if someone carries the Green Beret back in luggage or will there be any problems considering both are nassssssttty looking combat knives. I have a senior collegaue who will be travelling to the US in the next few months. USD 325 for the CR Green Beret is absolutely worth the quality and pedigree of CR knives, it's the duty and shipping which seems high. Do you think carrying it back in luggage is a feasable option ? Thanks again Rajat.

-- Sat Jul 16, 2011 1:33 pm --

640 sq.ft flat in my locality 95 lacs - nowadays construction materials used to commit robbery, not guns and knives. you should explore option of buying land and constructing your self - seriously. It may look scary, but can be done.

Rajat, thanks for excellent review, cant be said better.

Subal this can only be done on the outskirts of Mumbai, You need to be Ambani or a Mallaya to be able to buy land and construct a house in any of the good locality . Also the property prices here are so volatile. I brough the house where I live in for 45 lacs One and a half year back. I'll easily get 67 to 70 lacs now. Prperty here is unbeleivebaly insanley expensive.

[Rajat]

Moin, the rules prohibit anything over the 9 x 2 limit. Its that simple but the customs are highly unpredictable. It should get through smoothly but then you / your colleague might face some harassment.

Anyway, its worth trying. Many people have done it before. Give it a go.

[Ganesh TT]

Dear Knives Lovers.

Yesterday i was searching for good OTF Knives in internet and i found this interesting knives - Microtech Makora II.
http://www.bladeops.com/Microtech-Makor ... t106-1.htm
I have some question on this. Pls clarify

DO any indian online shopping forum sells this Knife? If yes, Pls provide the details pls...
If no, can i proceed for import of this Knife?
I know the rules that Over & above 9" * 2 " is prohibited knives for import. Is it on Blade size or overall knife size?
Is it worth buying this blade or do we have any indian OTF better than this?