Deciding which one to get. I like the look of both designs, but I am wondering which would be more useful for everyday (i.e. routine boring) cutting tasks. I like the concept of the Balance, but I am not sure if the small blade size will be a problem. I love the look of the Zulu, and it has a bigger blade, but I am not sure if the blade shape is very useful and whether the corrugated G-10 will make it too difficult to get in and out of the pocket.
Anyone have each of these and can give me your thoughts? Any other recommendations for a smallish knife that is around $100?
CF Balance or Zulu
CF Balance or Zulu
The important thing was that I had an onion tied to my belt, which was the style at the time. You couldn't get white onions, because of the war. The only thing you could get was those big yellow ones...
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chuck_roxas45
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- Location: Small City, Philippines
Chapparal looks very nice from where I'm sitting.
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Mud Shrimp Moe
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I don't have the Balance, but do own the Zulu. Therefore, I can express my admiration for the Zulu, but don't think I can help much with a comparison for you. I just love the Zulu, however. The fit and finish is excellent and the deployment is perhaps the easiest and fastest of the twenty or so Spydercos that I own. I do not find the textured G-10 to be a problem with deployment. I have not use the blade hard and have not had to sharpen it. I could see where sharpening might be somewhat tricker than a leaf or wharncliffe shapped blade. However, I don't think it will be that big of a deal.
I enjoy the unique look and feel of this knife and find the size to be "just right" for EDC, just a perfect point where the knife is comfortable to hold but not so large that it's too heavy or bulky to carry comfortably.
To my eye, the Balance has a totally different philosophy of use, being a smaller knife. The Balance would excel in ease of carry and weight. It's another unique and funky design. The Zulu would be a better choice if self defense is one reason for carry. The Balance would be better if "office friendly" or light carry is a priority.
I enjoy the unique look and feel of this knife and find the size to be "just right" for EDC, just a perfect point where the knife is comfortable to hold but not so large that it's too heavy or bulky to carry comfortably.
To my eye, the Balance has a totally different philosophy of use, being a smaller knife. The Balance would excel in ease of carry and weight. It's another unique and funky design. The Zulu would be a better choice if self defense is one reason for carry. The Balance would be better if "office friendly" or light carry is a priority.
I used to have both before I traded the Balance. I would go with the Zulu.
I think the Balance will be better for opening packages and finer, up close work, but the Zulu is more of a well rounded knife. I guess it depends on what you use it for.
But yeah, the Chap is very small and very useful, that one might be better than both of your other choices.
I think the Balance will be better for opening packages and finer, up close work, but the Zulu is more of a well rounded knife. I guess it depends on what you use it for.
But yeah, the Chap is very small and very useful, that one might be better than both of your other choices.
-Brian
A distinguished lurker.
Waiting on a Squeak and Pingo with a Split Spring!
A distinguished lurker.
Waiting on a Squeak and Pingo with a Split Spring!
I thought about that and it looks like a really nice compact knife, but I wanted something a little more unique looking. Also, I really have my eyes on the Ti Chapparal so I think I am going to wait for that.chuck_roxas45 wrote:Chapparal looks very nice from where I'm sitting.
The important thing was that I had an onion tied to my belt, which was the style at the time. You couldn't get white onions, because of the war. The only thing you could get was those big yellow ones...
The requsit "get both" 
You're right, they are both unique and functional designs.
I don't have a Zulu, but I kinda want one.
I do have a CF Balance. Outstanding knife. I'm one who always wants to like smaller knives but once I get them, I never seem to use them. Not so for the CF Balance. It's very functional and I use it daily. I wouldn't want it to be my only knife. I'd probably choose an M4 Manix for that. But for small tasks, I reach for the Balance every time.
IMO, you can't go wrong with either. If you have a daily driver you love, get the Balance. If you're still looking to fill that role, I'd give the Zulu a shot.
Ken
You're right, they are both unique and functional designs.
I don't have a Zulu, but I kinda want one.
I do have a CF Balance. Outstanding knife. I'm one who always wants to like smaller knives but once I get them, I never seem to use them. Not so for the CF Balance. It's very functional and I use it daily. I wouldn't want it to be my only knife. I'd probably choose an M4 Manix for that. But for small tasks, I reach for the Balance every time.
IMO, you can't go wrong with either. If you have a daily driver you love, get the Balance. If you're still looking to fill that role, I'd give the Zulu a shot.
Ken
玉鋼
I have both. They're very nice, unique knives, but neither would be my first choice for routine tasks. The Balance is great for opening clamshell packaging and provides a lot of leverage, but the blade is very small. The Zulu's extremely upswept blade at the tip makes it a bit awkward in my opinion. Still, I'd probably choose the Zulu for its extra blade length. Unfortunately, most other unique looking knives are well over $100. If you like a Wharncliffe, maybe look into the Des Horn?
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Orlando De Free
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I'm very much in the Zulu camp. I've used mine daily for slicing and it's still sharp as from the factory. Very comfortable handle and easy to maneuver.
Orlando
If you didn't get my dirty joke it's because you have no sense of humus - Mom De Free
:spyder: Currently own
Ladybug 3 se, Assist, Ladybug se w/photon, Techno, Rubicon, Manbug ZDP, Dice
If you didn't get my dirty joke it's because you have no sense of humus - Mom De Free
:spyder: Currently own
Ladybug 3 se, Assist, Ladybug se w/photon, Techno, Rubicon, Manbug ZDP, Dice
+1 for the Des Horn. I use this knife quite a bit. The tip is very fine, enabling it to get into tight stops other knives can't reach, but is also tough. It has a unique look and a very smooth opening and closing. It's also slightly less expensive than the Zulu.
:spyder:: Advocate, Slysz Bowie Ti, Southard Black Blade, Stretch Carbon Fiber w/ZDP-189, Fluted Ti Native5, Terzuola Starmate, Terzuola SLIPIT, Leaf Storm, Gayle Bradley, Roadie, Chaparral CF, Chaparral Ti Stealth, Des Horn, Stretch FRN (Blue) ZDP-189, Centofante Memory, Military Black Blade CE, Delica4 FRN CE, Endura4 FRN Black Blade CE, Assist Orange FRN, Manbug ZDP-189, Ladybug 3 FRN SE, Delica4 Blue NLEOMF, Moran Drop Point BB, et al. :spyder: Spydie Fanatic #179 :spyder:
I was just asking for some Zulu comparison pics, Reject and Sharpguitarist were kind enough to oblige here;
http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthre ... rison-Pics
http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthre ... rison-Pics