Zero Tolerance

[Brandi]

Anyone own a ZT0301 Tiger Stripe? I've read nothing but good about them. I have a few folders but only two small Buck folders (a Rush and an Impulse) that are designed for tough use. My other folders are either collector type knives or just not multitaskers like my Cold Steel Ti-Lite knives so I want a good tough folder that will be a multitasker. I saw the ZT 0301 and it really appealed to me for some reason so I'm curious if anyone has personal experience with it specifically and/or any Zero Tolerance knife?

 

[JD8]

I have a ZT0350 Tiger Stripe. Great knife but I'm not overly thrilled with the edge that it came with from the factory. Getting ready to order a Spyderco Sharpmaker anyways.

 

[Mike_60]

I have a ZT300 and I really like it. The thing is very robust and built as solid as a tank. But I don't normally carry it as my EDC knife because it is so heavily built. I usually carry my ZT561 daily and reserve the ZT300 for days in the field. But frankly, I love the knife and would never part with it.

 

[Brandi]

Thanks! So sounds like they are pretty good tough knives. I wouldn't be carrying it so weight isn't a huge issue, I just want something tough enough to survive hard core use.

 

[Mike_60]

The ZT300 series of knives are as close to fixed blade strength as you can get in a folder. I have total confidence that my ZT knives can perform all reasonable, and most unreasonable, tasks that I might ask of them (especially the ZT300). I like the knife well enough I plan on buying another one just to put in the safe for a backup - just in case. I don't know how I could give a better recommendation than all that.

 

[bigchuck83]

I have a ZT0350 Tiger Stripe. Great knife but I'm not overly thrilled with the edge that it came with from the factory. Getting ready to order a Spyderco Sharpmaker anyways.

^^ This, ZT 0350 tiger stripe. Factory edge isn't great. It's been abused a bit and hasn't had any problems. Can't decide if i want the sharpmaker or the wicked edge.

 

[BMPregler]

My ZT 350 is my favorite knife. Built like a tank

 

[ez bake]

IMO the 030X series is a tank of a folder (possibly one of the strongest production frame-locks ever made), but it's not 1.) a multi-tasker and it's not 2.) a fixed-blade.

It is a great folder and a marvel to hold, but it has a very obtuse tip, a re-curve blade (that I find hard to sharpen), and it's another of ZT's thicker "sharpened prybar" blades that isn't great at slicing or intricate work.

I wouldn't personally use a frame lock or liner lock as a chopper as they're not designed for shock-work (though many have tested the 030X series and it takes a lot of over-strikes, bataning, and spine-whacks and I've not seen one fail yet). Still, I'd much rather have even a cheap Becker Tweener series over a 0301 in any serious field use.

It is a seriously cool knife and the design behind it (Mick Strider, Ken Onion, Rick Hinderer, etc.) is pretty amazing along with what ZT did to improve on those things. ZT heat treats their S30V pretty hard, so it actually holds an edge better than some of the Benchmades in S30V.

It is a biiiiig beefy flipper too, so it flips out slowly but with an authoritative THWAK! which is pretty awesome.

I sold my 0301, but I completely understand the need to own one.

 

[okiebertt]

If you want a large, heavy duty folder it is hard to go wrong with the 0300 series from ZT. I have a couple and I can't see ever tearing one up. My favorite of the ZTs is the 0560, I carry one daily.

 

[dieseltech09]

I have one its a beast. Very heavy. The only thing I don't like is the small pocket clip. It seems way to small for that big of knife. I used to carry it daily but now it rides around in my console and I'm back to carrying my Kershaw Scallion everyday.