Any experiece w/ Zero Tolerance knives?

[Hiking Dad]

I'm thinking of dropping a decent amount of $$$ on a ZT 0301 or 2 knife. I've always used folding gerbers bought at sporting good stores, etc. Now I want a good quality knife. Input from the experts/experienced is welcome.

Are they durable, hold an edge and are they quality? Please educate me!

[Horned Toad]

I have a 301, I never carried it much because it’s a big folder and the texture on the handles made it a pain to get out of my pocket. Fit and finish were good and the blade is good steel. I think that was my first assisted opening knife and I about wore a hole in my finger flipping it open:biggrin:. If you were going to carry it on a LBV or something it would probably be great but as a pocket knife it’s just too big for an EDC.

[RGR.Montcalm]

I'm thinking of dropping a decent amount of $$$ on a ZT 0301 or 2 knife. I've always used folding gerbers bought at sporting good stores, etc. Now I want a good quality knife. Input from the experts/experienced is welcome.

Are they durable, hold an edge and are they quality? Please educate me!

I guess the first thing you need to consider is what you want the knife to be able to do and the conditions that it must perform under.

This http://www.mattdtactical.com/SPYDERCO-CITADEL-C119P-AUTO-_p_484.html might do the job just as well

As well as this http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=333

[Black Knight]

I have a 301, I never carried it much because it’s a big folder and the texture on the handles made it a pain to get out of my pocket. Fit and finish were good and the blade is good steel. I think that was my first assisted opening knife and I about wore a hole in my finger flipping it open:biggrin:. If you were going to carry it on a LBV or something it would probably be great but as a pocket knife it’s just too big for an EDC.

+1

I also have a 301, but never carry it due to the size. It's a very nice knife just too damn big. I mainly keep mine because it has sentimental reasons.

[Hiking Dad]

thanks for the input. I'm not in the military so the LBV is out as a means of carry. I'd use it for daily chores out backpacking.

I'm looking for an EDC knife that's a bit beyond the norm. I'll have to find a local retailer to get hands on with it.

Rgr. Montcalm, those nice knives you suggested, thank you.

[JAFO]

Hiking Dad,

Refer to the SOCNET Knife Thread:

http://www.socnet.com/showthread.php?t=69516

I asked the same question a couple of months ago regarding ZT Knives. I ended up purchasing a Bradley Cutlery Alias. It has been a great knife, with no complaints. I am now a fan of the S30V steel used for the blade. The factory edge is extremely sharp, and has held well so far during daily use.

I found a good site that has great deals on all kinds of blades, and where I bought my Bradley:
http://www.notyourmamasknives.com/

[Tom_MI]

ZT makes a good knife, albeit very heavy.

The materials and construction are good, and they have a no questions asked warranty - you break it they replace it. Most come with the assisted opening, which can be a good or bad thing depending on your tastes.

Personally, I am not a fan of their recurve blade profile and the relatively blunt tip of the blade. Plus, the handles are very wide and take up a lot of space in the pocket.

I like the Strider folders better myself, I feel the blade is more usable and the knife is half the weight. Strider offers the same warranty as ZT. Most Striders run $100 or so more than the ZT throughout both of their lines.

Both are good knives, I just prefer the Strider. Spyderco, Bradley, Chris Reeve, etc all make great folders as well, I just like the warranty with ZT or Strider. I broke a Spyderco working on my car on the side of the road a few years back. I was abusing the knife and knew it, but it was all I had. Not a big deal, I knew I would need to replace it when I was done, but with a ZT or Strider they would have sent me a new one. Just something to think about.

[Prison RN]

I have several ZT knives. The 200 is the best value in the line in my opinion. I have sent a 350 and and will be sending a 605 to Tom Krein of Krein Knives to have the blade reground to a thinner profile.
I find the reground knives to be of more utility for my use. (I have had ZT and Spydercos reground by Mr. Krein).

[Hiking Dad]

Jafo, good stuff mate, thanks!

[Stanley_White]

Another thing to think about with Zero Tolerance is if your sharpening skills are up to dealing with the recurve design of many of their blades.

If you have a Lansky or a Sharpmaker it probably won't be a big deal. With a stone it will take some modification of technique.

-Stan

[GreenTip556]

Does anyone know if Mick Berger is still associated with ZT?