THE SHARPEST EDGE: ZT 0006 Authentic vs Fake Comparison

[@michaelcervantez3570]

I totally agree with your ending statement. The one that gets on my everlasting nerve right now is MKC knives. They have a model that is a very small thin piece of 52100 steel that is skeletonized with a paracord wrap handle and they want almost $200 dollars for it, WTF? And people are buying it! I just can't believe it. It is totally not worth that price.

[@the.sharpestedge]

Thank you, my friend. Honestly sounds like their pricing got swept up in a cult following. I have seen many people spend crazy amounts of money on knives that materials and labor wise are just not worth it... and certainly did not end up keeping their value on the market. There is an old saying, "A fool and his money are soon parted"... I know that I cannot afford to be "That Fool"... lol 😅 Thank you for your comment and have a great day 😎 👍 🇺🇲

[@ChandlersLegacyFarm]

Well, as a fellow knife youtuber, I couldn't agree with you more about the knife and your soap box. Very valid points are being made here!!! Great video. I just subscribed. Keep up the good work!!!

[@the.sharpestedge]

Well, Thank You, my friend! I really appreciate your kind words. I also appreciate your support of TSE. I do my very best to make quality vids for the knife community; free from the revenue from advertisers, and impartial in real-world reviews. Every experience; every knife, is my own... and while very few knives have been given to me, I make it clear to the manufacturer/maker that the review will not be slanted towards their favor in doing so. 50 + years in the industry; 25 years owning and operating my own business, and now thankfully retired... I am too old and tired of all the "flash" and "company-paid reviews/endorsements"... I am just a collector who loves knives and enjoys sharing his passion with the world. Folks like yourself are the reason why I continue to make video reviews... You made my day, and I sincerely Thank you 😎👍🇺🇲

[@jasonhoyt7262]

They must’ve listened to your comments about the makers marks. I just picked one up from Amazon and it didn’t come in that box and the printed logos are now absent. Just got it today and my first impressions are that it’s not bad at all. Not sure if it’s D2 or D53 steel, but it feels good in the hand and was nice and sharp out of the box.

[@the.sharpestedge]

@jasonhoyt7262 lol my friend... I think they did 😁 It is a solid blade; of good materials and workmanship... Definitely tough for EDC or more at an awesome price! Thank you for your comment and have a great day 😎👍🇺🇲

[@jonathangardiner6932]

I was not prepared to hear BigXthaPlug as the musical selection 😂😂😂

[@the.sharpestedge]

@jonathangardiner6932 Gotta throw some unexpected curve balls once in a while my friend! Lol 😆 🤣

[@rustycleaver8231]

I like the design of the ZT but can't justify spending $300+ on a knife I would rarely use for fear of damaging it. 😂

[@the.sharpestedge]

@rustycleaver8231 That would make a perfectly fine reason to get the counterfeit/clone. Both the black handle and green handle versions held up well on the Peterbuiltknifeguy's and Legiontacticoolcutlery channels. Those counterfeit ZTs give a true bang for the few bucks spent for sure! Thank you for your comment and have a great day my friend 😎 👍 🇺🇲

[@andrashavas]

So many good points. One of them is the overpriced US knives. Well profit should be absolute maximum immediately isnt it? Then there is the sensible approach. Get a good product on the market that will make people happy and will be a brand ie. Big Mac. Now what happens when you realize that the 99.99% of cases basic steel will get your job done. Sharpening a knife is not so bad. So if you want to save the industry with a lack of proper revolutionary design you go for "high-end" steels. Quality they say. Just like Gore-tex rants about the waterproofness of 28000 mm, which does not mean anything. Get a garbage bag and pull it over yourself, you will have absolute waterproofness. When raining get into a shelter, etc. So you save a lot of money. Same with knives. Industry has to grow, and sell, sell, sell. The latest ZT model does not do what a 420 steel machete can do. But it will hold its edge 5x longer. Wow. So you pay premium because you cannot sharpen the knife once a week. I have many premium knives mind you. But I am not going to waste them. I have Ontario also, they cannot do a decent fit and finish. Then come Chinese replicas with decent quality and decent steel for a good price which you can try out and waste. The question is. Is it a problem that China sells fakes, or the problem is that they are too good and too cheap? If they are too good, why don't Ontario make a proper fit and finish to the Chimera? Why do we get surprised when a USA folding knife is centered perfectly? I have Chinese clones, and they are perfectly centered. This is the rule, not the exception. So I also read another dirty thing. USA imports Chinese junk knives and sells them for a high basic price, so that the local USA-made knives can be sold at a premium price?!!!! I think the biggest issue here is that the USA don't realize that China is a big superpower. Sure it was a weak country in the 80s. Now it produces everything. Just like Japan in the 80s. So if China wants to produce a space-technology knife, it will produce it cheaper than the USA. Why, because of the labour costs. Oh and USA got the copying issue wrong. Chinese copying is an honour trying to mimic the original with pride, and saying we made the same in China. And they sell it to the local population. But the good American price-conscious buyers and businesspeople realized that they can make a hell of a profit if they sell replicas. So they import replicas. So the fakes are gonna be there. Question is will you buy American or not. Anybody trying to mimic a big brand will try to make it good otherwise nobody will think it is worth buying. But there are M9 Bayonets which are fake and considered shit. Why? Because they are display models, not hard-use tree-splitting models. Same with collecting paintings. Go for the originals, right? So everything is just the decision of the Buyer. Who do you believe? Patriotism, or your purse? That is the sad reality.

[@the.sharpestedge]

Well, and lengthy written, my friend. I have been trying to get the knife community and manufacturers to understand most of what you said for decades. Most steels will do exceptionally well over higher-end steels. Now, I have many early-year ONTARIO knives including the Chimera. All were sharp out of the box and perfectly fit, but in later years during the decline of the company, the quality did suffer unfortunately. Shortly thereafter, they closed. There is no reason why American Manufacturers cannot create a superior product for a reasonable price... but a lot of the time, union labor costs are just unreasonable as are executive salaries and corporate greed. This has been an issue ever since the emergence of unionized labor. Not to mention the corporate life of executive management and greed. I have many high-end knives from around the globe and enjoy almost every country's art. However, that being said, I have no respect for countries that counterfeit. Having no respect for international law or intellectual property is simply criminal. Copy/Clone/Replicate the knife without putting the original maker's mark on it... that is fine. Modify it to be your own even better. But counterfeits hurt everyone. Period. Thank you for your outstanding comment and have a great day 😎 👍 🇺🇲

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

Excellent comparison. The clone is super close. Can you do a side by side of this one and the black one?

[@the.sharpestedge]

Hey Brother, Thank you! I sure can do that for ya... I have one other video in the works, but I will definitely do that for you next. Have an awesome day! 😎👍🇺🇲

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

@@the.sharpestedge no rush my friend. Would be interested to see all 3 side by side

[@the.sharpestedge]

@@peterbiltknifeguy I can do that for you my blade brother... no worries 😎👍🇺🇲

[@MB-gt5gt]

Great comparison!

[@the.sharpestedge]

Thank you, my friend! Have a great day 😎👍😎

[@jorgefernandez6407]

That's the one I have! I saw PBKG's review on it. Scary close to the original that's for sure. I'll be doing things to this knife that I'll NEVER do to a $300.00+ dollar knife so, it serves it's purpose! Again, they didn't have to counterfeit the ZT, this clone could've easily stood on it's own merits... GREAT VIDEO here too btw!!!

[@the.sharpestedge]

@jorgefernandez6407 I agree, my friend! Great blade, but could have been better if it was not trying to mimic a real ZT. Thank you for your comment and Have an awesome day 😎 👍 🇺🇲

[@eatonknass247]

Anything deceptively marketed to give the impression its the original or imitate the packaging to do the same, i wont touch. Even if the price is nice. But if a company copies a design and the price is lower, i will absolutely snag a clone that doesnt try to hide what it is.

[@the.sharpestedge]

I am the same way, my friend. When I purchased the first one with black handles, there were no markings advertised on the ad, so I thought what the heck...lol 😁 WHen it came, however, it had the ZT markings. Since I was planning on doing the vid on counterfeits, I got the second one. Really scary how good they are. Just imagine if China gets better steel and starts production on several new, quality-controlled levels. I have been warning US Manufacturers for years... we need to in-house all products; materials, production, and so forth. BUT the odds of that happening... well... 😖🚫 Thank you for the comment, and Have an Awesome Day! 😎👍🇺🇲

[@eatonknass247]

@the.sharpestedge I hope your day is great too. I've had a few turn up with the markings after not advertising em. And the purpose of the video is well served. All the success to you

[@the.sharpestedge]

@@eatonknass247 😎👍🇺🇲

[@plaguemarine7767]

More for me then MUHAHAHA

[@LegionTacticoolCutlery]

I got this copy. Its awesome. Did you get your Satin version?

[@the.sharpestedge]

Hey Gruggs! Sure did! Just had a better sheath designed for her... I cannot believe how well-built these particular clones are!? These should ring a warning bell to US manufacturers, but doubtful they'll listen 😔 Thanks for the comment Brother! Have a great day 😎👍🇺🇲

[@LegionTacticoolCutlery]

@@the.sharpestedge take care!

[@the.sharpestedge]

​@@LegionTacticoolCutlery😎👍🇺🇲

[@jorgefernandez6407]

They now come completely blank of any name or reference to ZT, except for the look. They've got an all black no name version of this knife which I also ordered. I would actually prefer the no name clone rather than the named counterfeit. Like I said on my earlier post, this knife can stand on it's own merit.

[@the.sharpestedge]

@jorgefernandez6407 They sure do, my friend! Finally, they listened... It's OK to create a version of your own making as long as you don't try to pass it off as the original. Ned Foss knives makes one now... with a clip point! I have to have that one... Thank you for your comment and have a great weekend 😎 👍 🇺🇲

[@jorgefernandez6407]

@@the.sharpestedge btw, I just got that new Ned Foss knife, the Brave and it is "excellent"!!! Not much on KZbin on it so, VERY MUCH looking forward and hoping to see your take on it. I think you'll like it!

[@the.sharpestedge]

@jorgefernandez6407 That is a sweet knife brother! I love that Ned Foss added a clip point! The US Manufacturers did not take my advice, but the overseas ones sure did! Looks like we're going to see some awesome takes on the 0006 from other companies 😎👍🇺🇲

[@Bad.Pappy.Official]

The original is authentic CPM 3V steel, whereas the clone is likely D2. This along with R&D and artistry are why there is such a price difference. Ethics and other factors are at the discretion of the buyer.

[@the.sharpestedge]

Hello, my friend. You are correct that the real ZT0006 is CPM 3V Steel; however, the clone is not. There is a definite weight, grain, and edge difference between the two. China is famous for utilizing D2 and 440C in most of its knife production; however, this blade is too hard to be 440C. R&D and Artistry are some factors in the price difference; however, factors such as inflated materials costs, inflated labor costs beyond fair market value, and of course greed plague the American market. These and other factors have created the "clone wars" market, and China is stepping up to fill the demand. As China has no allegiance to trademark or copyright laws, they simply replicate well-known makers products utilizing a lesser compensated work force, and lesser grade materials. Some of the time the product will not be great, but their learning curve is steadily overtaking the American Manufacturers and that is where the US Buyer/Customer makes the judgement call. 50 years in the industry; 25 years in my own business and thankfully retired, I have been warning US Manufacturers to step up their game. The China clone may not be CPM 3V, but it is made from a very hard, corrosion resistant steel which holds an edge extremely well... that is the fingerprint of D2. And thanks to US Companies sending higher grade materials including steels overseas to have their products made to save on labor, the leftovers have been showing up on the market. Once China streamlines their steel production; materials production to match their mills, assembly and even their international globalized shipping methods... people can kiss the US Economy goodbye. Thank you for your comment and have an awesome day 😎 👍 🇺🇲 PS... If you get the chance, check out Gruggs' video about the ZT0006 clone on Legion Tacticool Cutlery... the clone is put to an extremely abusive test and came out on top. Scarily enough, I am not sure if the original would fare S well 😳

[@Bad.Pappy.Official]

@@the.sharpestedge Will do. I appreciate your prompt, informative response and your professionalism. Respectfully, BP

[@the.sharpestedge]

@@Bad.Pappy.Official Thank you, my friend... Anytime 😊 We are all part of the knife community. I wish the world was more like it 😎👍🇺🇲

[@Platuse]

sir, i would say it is very very close to one another, yes original is a bit better quality but hey it's probably twice as expensive as the replika...so i would say if my budget was limited i would go with replica and be just fine. Thx for comparison.

[@the.sharpestedge]

Hello, my friend! I totally agree... I also have no issue with D2 steel... In fact, I have been enjoying the first 0006 I reviewed and definitely am impressed with this one as well. At roughly $300, the authentic ZT is costly. For only around $40 to $60, you can get a decent blade; a razor-sharp workhorse, for a much better cost... especially if one is on a limited budget and doesn't mind the D2 steel... Which up to this point has been performing admirably. Thank you for your comment and have a great day! 😎👍🇺🇲

[@Platuse]

@@the.sharpestedge thank you sir, for such a complete answer, it’s very interesting to watch your reviews.

[@the.sharpestedge]

@Platuse Thank you, my friend... I sincerely appreciate it... I love talking with our knife community... It's the best part and why I put a lot of effort into the reviews 😎👍🇺🇲

[@jasonK1375]

That music is horrid. Otherwise a good video.

[@the.sharpestedge]

Lol 😆... I initially wanted to use Chinese music of some sort to highlight the copy, but KZbin didn't allow it... they stated it was against their policy... so, they approved the one in the video... Which was not my first choice... thank you for your comment and have an awesome day 😎👍🇺🇲

[@ScottieBMan]

Agreed on all accounts, I try not to buy China anything if I can avoid!

[@the.sharpestedge]

Unfortunately, China is somehow intertwined in every aspect of our lives; knives, clothing, etc... I wish we were back to the days when the USA was a top producer instead of top consumer. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening anytime soon. Thank you for your comment and have an awesome day!

[@the.sharpestedge]

I just saw this, guys... I just had to post it... 😅 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKnFo3mFZdmEaNEsi=7bHQxXzbq3EXMMYc

[@cranberryrelish1179]

So its most likely d2 steel?

[@the.sharpestedge]

@cranberryrelish1179 Two things point me in that direction... The first is that China has an abundance of D2, and almost every knife I have purchased was D2 from there. The feel, look, and grind grain are very similar to my other D2 blades. The second is Grugg's torture test from LTC. The carbon content of D2 steel contributes to its hardness and wear resistance, while the high chromium content provides excellent corrosion resistance. His test showed all the attributes pointing towards D2; hardness, wear resistance... just a beast. However, the blade is marked CPM 3V... And there ain't no way for under Fifty bucks. And the blade is too hardened to be 440c... Which would have folded under that test. So definitely will go with D2 for an educated guess 😎👍🇺🇲

[@cranberryrelish1179]

@@the.sharpestedge for 50 bucks I aint complaining

[@Rudyelf1]

@@the.sharpestedgeDC53, a buyer said the seller admitted it

[@paulboyce8537]

@@the.sharpestedge I found few claims for the sellers as D2 and 7cr17mov. "For workpieces that need to withstand high loads and wear resistance, such as cutting tools and abrasives, D2 steel is a more suitable choice. For applications that need to withstand a certain amount of impact, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, such as tableware and kitchenware, 7CR17MOV has more advantages." 7cr17mov maybe the better option for camping and survival purpose where the blade might be used to chop wood and other abusive ways.

[@paulboyce8537]

Why are you complaining about the price? U.S in general is absolute rubbish and the worst is that you pay x 10 more. $100 made in U.S vs China can make better for $10. It is labor cost that you can make and make profit. China can and U.S can't. U.S is all about go American made but buy rubbish. Most of the tools and electrics are all same. Just like this knife. The difference is minimal yet you pay x 10 more for what? Not just that China will sell 1000 knifes that are used while U.S sell 10 for collectors to sit in glass cabinets.

[@the.sharpestedge]

@paulboyce8537 US Steel Manufacturing and Metallurgy are more advanced than in other countries; hence why when other nations need specialized steel, they call on the US to fulfill their needs. As for China, they do not make the product better; nor do they create a better design. China takes an existing design(Steals it actually), then chooses less expensive, but fairly decent materials to build it with. Labor is not a problem for them as many shops have forced labor and pay very little. People are often bussed in; given sleeping quarters, and then have additional funds removed from their low wages to pay for the filthy conditions. Now, China has learned a lot from US Machinists and Knife Companies who traveled to China to help set up machinery and materials to create the products they wanted. Chinese knives used to produce almost all their knives from 440C steel; now updated to D2, and have very few blades with steels such as CPM3V, M390, and so forth. The higher-grade materials are utilized for their collaborations, but what of scraps that aren't reclaimed? Most are reclaimed, but there are 1 or 2 offshoots that I know of that utilize their versions of high-end steels. So, in short, as much as I enjoy the Chinese blades that I showcase and collect, the originals created out of the higher-end steels would crush the replicants in corrosion resistance; cutting-edge resilience, and overall toughness from proper fitment and materials being of higher grades. The original, genuine ZT0006 was tested in war zones and hostile environments; by a company comprised of veterans, and put to the test surpassing the highest of expectations. As mentioned before, I enjoy Chinese blades, but if I had to take a blade into battle, I would choose the one made with the highest-graded materials, machining, and workmanship. That honor remains with the tag "Made in The USA 🇺🇸"... hands down.

[@paulboyce8537]

@@the.sharpestedge LMFAO. Every time there is a choice it is always China that makes the better and more affordable. Plus most of the so called "made in U.S" you can trace to China and buy direct for fraction of the price. Often upgraded or changed in small way for domestic and export from same factory. All metals come from the same global pools. And U.S metal is not the top far from it. German, Swedish, Australian stocks are top and all the top tools are made in China. All Chinese production is made by using top of the line machines from Germany and Japan. Plus CPM3V is far from the best for this purpose. 7Cr17MoV would be lot better for this kind of utility knife that gets abused. It is so funny when American tries to be patriotic and talk shiet. Makes no difference how much you try to polish it it is still a turd for the price. For sure I would love it to be different but I live in reality.

[@the.sharpestedge]

@paulboyce8537 My friend, you need to study your history. I am from Germany, and while German Steel is very good as is Austrian, after WWII, who do you think rebuilt those countries; supplied them with the materials, managed the operations, and financed them until they got back on their feet again? The US is a melting pot of citizens who come from many countries in all walks of life; they are the first to respond to global disasters, and the citizens are what makes the country strong unlike any other. The metallurgists and machine builders from our mills are from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, and many fine countries originally before coming here decades upon decades ago. While, again, I appreciate and enjoy some knives made in China, they are known as a replicator country in the worldwide knife community, and until such a day comes when they come up with an original design of their very own, will remain so. I just purchased a replica of a Russian blade replicated by China. Nothing they have or create is original; everything is either stolen from another country or replicated utilizing lesser-grade materials. Nothing is built better, just slapped together for less. The "great china" theory is all hat, no cattle. I don't say this to be mean, either. I know and communicate with many great people in China and the independent country of Taiwan whose knife-making skills are far better than in China. One of my best friends was born in China. He moved here and is a great businessman who has first-hand horror accounts residing there. What is far more laughable are people who underestimate the US Citizens(who are comprised of all countries around the globe)and their patriotism; we may be divided at times, but when challenged or attacked we come together from all walks of life to meet that challenge... WWI and WWII... No insult intended from any of this... We are a country created by citizens of many great countries... otherwise, people would be leaving the US by the thousands to find a better life... Instead, they are coming by the millions to do just that. Thank you for your comment and have a great day😎👍🇺🇸

[@paulboyce8537]

@@the.sharpestedge Metals come from global pools and almost all of the blades are from China Taiwan. Blades even just 5 years ago that were top are now considered inferior even that there is nothing wrong with these. For example Cold Steel that all are from China/Taiwan and were with very exotic layered steels 5 years ago are now 3V or VG-1 as standard and M390 that was the dogs balls not so long ago is the average medium steel. 7Cr17MoV done right compares to 3V and maybe better on this type of knife. D2 very good but compared to other popular steels used for knifes falls short for the 7Cr17MoV and other cr steels. History. Parts of Europe still hasn't been rebuild since WWII and for sure U.S didn't do it nor did they have the tech or know how. Today West makes nothing so how do you even think we are on top? Only category where U.S is leading is weapons for war and mass destruction. Most of the metals U.S imports from places like Australia and Sweden and "Russia". U.S is very limited. What U.S makes today you can't even make cars anymore or tool. Best are from Europe and Japan and Asia. Australia has the same problem. We do not make anything. China makes lot better quality. Most of U.S stamped comes from Chinese factories. And this knife for example is so simple that to make it cost very little. $5 if that. $17 from China including shipping. You have been brainwashed by propaganda and U.S politics MAGA bullshit cult. WWI was meat and WWII was meat and it took 10 x the equipment to beat German tech, planes and tanks. We had nothing. Axis was several generations ahead always. We were lucky. Back to Earth. Do you think U.S is the only melting pot? Pretty weak.

[@the.sharpestedge]

@paulboyce8537 My friend, your metallurgical analysis and history lessons are incorrect. Your assumption that I am from America; being part of a "MAGA cult", and obvious lack of true historical events leads one to believe you do not have the facts to base your arguments. History... from my family living in Austria and Germany, after Hitler was defeated by the Americans and their allies, It was America... not China or Russia that came in with money, materials, and machinery to help the citizens rebuild... don't know where you got your history lessons from, but my family lineage was there; some still reside there, but most moved here for a better life. Like many in those times and to this day come here to live a better life. You don't see anyone beating down the doors to get into China, Russia, etc... is this country perfect, nope... none are. As for the US being the only melting pot, of course not. Citizens here can express themselves in many ways without fear of persecution from government agents; from being thrown off of rooftops or stoned for their beliefs, or taken away during the night for having differing political beliefs. That is what makes us unique. Want to test that theory... let's say you are gay. Go to Palestine or Afghanistan for example and express your beliefs freely and in public... your chances of surviving the next few minutes... less than 1%. Better yet, protest against the govt... you either are shot or disappear. Just like in Germany... Brown Shirts, Gestapo, SS... all the same. Russia, and China, are all the same... North Korea... the same. It is easy to hide behind anonymity and be a keyboard warrior criticizing things you may not truly understand. Those of us and our families who have experienced the trauma of War; whose families have been uprooted and devastated by Hitler, Mao, Stalin, and so forth, we are truly grateful for what we have particularly this melting pot. People who live here who do not appreciate what they have can freely leave, but funny I don't see any do so. We don't have checkpoints; travel restrictions, or agents telling us where we can and cannot go... millions of people unfortunately die trying to get here... trying to have a better life from what they come from... China, and Russia, from all over the globe. They don't beat down the doors to get into the bread lines of Russia; for statist communism and control of China, and certainly not for the persecution and death coming from Middle Eastern countries for the free expression of ideas. My friend, I wish you no ill will, and I pray that wherever you are you are safe from evil and harm. I wish you good health and prosperity, and respectfully will agree to disagree... and that's ok. It's part of the Freedoms we all enjoy as sovereign citizens of a free country.

[@RedRider566]

Ohh yeah man they are really close to better steels .

[@the.sharpestedge]

@RedRider566 Yes indeed they are. I attribute that mostly to American companies sending high-grade materials overseas to have their products made. It didn't take long for them to achieve a learning curve; an offshoot of companies arose, and US manufacturers still have not learned. Unless those manufacturers begin to streamline and more efficiently run those businesses... through material formulating and manufacturing; engineering and machining, to assembly and packaging right here at home... well we all know what's at stake. Thank you for your comment and have a great day 😎 👍 🇺🇲