ZT vs Kershaw - How Different Are The Hinderer Designs Sold Under These Two Brands

[ncrockclimb]

I have been bitten by the Hinderer bug... via ZT. The ZT Hinderer designs are simply beautiful, and I foresee myself buying a lot more in the future.

However, in my research I came across the Kershaw Cryo and Thermite. Both are Hinderer designs, both look super cool and cost 1/3 of what the ZT offerings cost. So, my question to those more knowledgable is what are the real differences between the ZT and Kershaw Hinderers? Steel is the obvious first answer, but I would like to know if there are others.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Zt's are made in the USA, they usually use titanium for handles, have tighter tolerances, and have more refined designs than the budget kershaws.

There's also good looking USA Kershaws coming out soon.

 

[Freman Bloodglaive]

Not to mention that the Kershaw Hinderers usually use Chinese steels like 8Cr13MoV.

ZT just make a more premium product.

 

[Funkenstein]

I have owned all three and can say that Kershaw does use cheaper materials for about everything compared to their cousins. The quality of tolerances and materials goes up as you progress through.

I can say though, that the ZT0561 is a great example of everything right about the design. I personally think it is every bit of knife as an XM-18 save maybe the steel used, which could really be a preference I suppose.

 

[flarp]

I have been bitten by the Hinderer bug... via ZT. The ZT Hinderer designs are simply beautiful, and I foresee myself buying a lot more in the future.

However, in my research I came across the Kershaw Cryo and Thermite. Both are Hinderer designs, both look super cool and cost 1/3 of what the ZT offerings cost. So, my question to those more knowledgable is what are the real differences between the ZT and Kershaw Hinderers? Steel is the obvious first answer, but I would like to know if there are others.

The KAI-Hinderer collaboration has turned up some pretty awesome pieces.

As Blues Brother pointed out, all the ZT's are made in the USA, and design refinements and tighter tolerances are certainly factored in as well. With the exception of the 0566, the ZT models are also all manual-opening with titanium framelock scales. The 0550 actual rides on washers (not bearings), but after some wearing in, is just as smooth as its KVT brethren.

The Cryo II is pretty similar to the 0566 in design, size, shape, and weight. The 0566 is a bit thicker than the Cryo 2, whereas the Cryo2 does have a slightly larger footprint. The Thermite has some more differences (longer, narrower).

Here's a family shot of the ones I have so far. Still haven't picked up the Ember, and the upcoming 0392 and Shield are going to be pretty awesome pieces as well.

And here's some of the Cryo 2 and Thermite next to a 0566, since that's probably the ZT they have the most in common with (assisted-opening, steel frame lock).

Here's a comparison of the thickness of the 0566 and Cryo 2.

 

[DarkPatriot]

The ZT collaborations are head and shoulders above the Kershaw collaborations. Better materials, upgrades like ball bearing washers, lock bar inserts, 3D machined titanium, etc, and tighter tolerances. The kershaw line up are great value knives but I wouldn't say they're comparable to ZT's offerings.

 

[Lost Cosmonaut]

For budget knives, the Cryo, Cryo II, Thermite, Mini Thermite and upcoming Shield are great knives. The only thing I don't really like about them is that they are assisted, but the designs are good and Kershaw makes a decent knife for the money.

But the ZT versions are far better.

 

[Therom]

I have received last week a ZT0550 and EDC carry it since that time to get used to it
I have since been bitten by the hinderer bug too



However the Hinderer have a price....

Yesterday I had the opportunity to handle a kershaw cryo and a ZT0562 and IMHO the ZT are far above Kershaw in terms of quality/robustness

same feeling with my ZT0350... I am now looking to sales/exchange my ZT0350 limited editions because the 0550 will replace them in my pocket

However the kershaw and 0350 are more affordable and the value/price have to be considered

On my side even if the ZT0550 is a litle bit more expensive and heavy, it has really grown on my....

 

[vinnier6]

One of the bigger things I notice is that on the kershaw hinderers, the thumb studs are thumb studs, where as on the zt models the thumb studs are not thumb studs, they are blade stops and make the knife more solid

 

[grownstar]

Here's a family shot of the ones I have so far. Still haven't picked up the Ember, and the upcoming 0392 and Shield are going to be pretty awesome pieces as well.

Great shot of some awesome knives, flarp!

 

[SFW]

I've only handled the Kershaw Cryo and the ZT 556. I can tell you the the ZT feels so much better in my hand. The extra blade length is nice to have. The Cryo is a good knife for the price point. I gave mine to my son when I purchased the ZT. I just prefer the size and materials on the 556. You can actually feel the quality difference when you handle both knives.

 

[jprime84]

The cryo is a fun knife. I still have one as a beater knife. New it was razor sharp, but after a few hard use days in my garage cutting stereo wire, packaging, thick vinyl, and a bit of wood its about as sharp as a spoon. I have done similar stuff with my zt0550 and while it is duller than right off the sharpening stone, it is still very very sharp.

Edit - also worth noting that the coating on the cryo came off easily where as the tungsten DLC available on some of the ZT blades has not.