Recommendation? Reate K2 v. the best of ZT?

vanadium

vanadium

Joined
Apr 5, 2003
Messages
807
I'm thinking about picking up a Reate K2. I really like the grind, and I'm curious about the action. Does anyone have a take on this knife? What, if anything, make it worth its price point? In particular, are the mechanics in another league from the best of ZT? I have experience with the ZT 0562, 0450, 0452, 0850, 0920. Thanks y'all.
 
I own several of each brand and it's my opinion that Reate is just a bit better than ZT at fit, finish and action. That being said, most Reate models have a price tag that's $150 (or more) higher than a ZT. I don't think Reate quality is that much better to warrant such a mark up. It's the classic case of diminishing returns vs. knife price; i.e, The Reate may cost 40% more but it's only a 10% better knife. Also, I have a higher level of comfort with ZT from a service and support standpoint.

At the end of the day, each brand does a nice job. If you want a K2 and are ok with the pice tag, you can't go wrong.
 
I have the 0920, 0452 and 0562 as well as the (bronze) K2. So I suppose I can state my thoughts at least. The best comparison would be the K2 being a mix between the 0920 and 0452. The blade is long and fairly heavy, opening deployment is very reliable and smooth albeit not snappy/hard/super fast but in return the closing is superior to all ZTs I have, it is very smooth and feels hydraulic as if it was on a well oiled guided system.
Is it worth the premium over some very good ZTs? Hard to say. I paid about 100 euros (130$) more than the average ZT, I am fine with that price but the 200 more for the other K-Series Knives seems to be overpriced despite CF and better steel.
 
I have/had quite a few ZTs (0200, 0452cf, 0561, 0562, 0562cf, 0620cf, 0630, 0801, 0909) and only one Reate (Horizon D Ti/CF). The f&f, the tolerance, and the action of the Reate is better. Whether that justifies the price difference, it is subjective. In the case of Reate Horizon D, it has milled and contoured CF scale and milled ti lock side, and beautifully anodized titanium screws, back spacer, and a 3D machined pocket clip. At $400 I think it is quite fairly priced. Put the same upgrades on a ZT 0562cf or ZT 0804cf, they would be well over $400.
 
Hackenslash said:
I own several of each brand and it's my opinion that Reate is just a bit better than ZT at fit, finish and action. That being said, most Reate models have a price tag that's $150 (or more) higher than a ZT. I don't think Reate quality is that much better to warrant such a mark up. It's the classic case of diminishing returns vs. knife price; i.e, The Reate may cost 40% more but it's only a 10% better knife. Also, I have a higher level of comfort with ZT from a service and support standpoint.

At the end of the day, each brand does a nice job. If you want a K2 and are ok with the pice tag, you can't go wrong.
Click to expand...

I agree with Hackenslash 100%. I have all of the ZT's you ( vanadium vanadium ) mentioned, and the entire K series from Reate.
 
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