That's a bummer about your 909. I have one, and I was shocked when it was discontinued. It was a real workhorse of a liner lock with a very practical blade shape. Mine lives in my truck too, but it would be readily relied upon in an emergency. It may be my favorite all around ZT.
I dont doubt you though. Build quality has been a bit hit and miss for me when it comes to the last couple years of ZTs.
I'm going to add honorable mention of a knife I actually carry most every day: I'm kind meh on my Ultratech. The action is fine, but can be a bit finicky. I like the steel, but the wiggly lock up makes it less than ideal for fine cutting. Special care must be taken as to not let anything gum it up. Servicing the tool yourself is frowned upon by the manufacturer.
I carry it as a boot knife. Weighs next to nothing, clips well into my boot, stays out of the way, tango edge can be pressed into many roles. Still, $300 and it ends up being literally the 4th knife on my person I would grab.