anyone else NOT like the ZT 0301?

Daniel Koster said:
I have both the BM Skirmish and the ZT302 (coyote brown version)


The Skirmish is more practical for me because it is slimmer for carry.


The ZT302 is quite stout - I would definitely expect it to be tough and last a long time.


They both are ground way too thick at the edge....my Skirmish is now reground thinner....and I need to do the same to the ZT.



The biggest drawback (for me) about the ZT302 is the awful clip. It is too short, too stiff, too thick...too textured. Ken's got some explaining to do....:D

The rest of the knife is Excellent!!!

:thumbup:
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I'm pretty sure the clip is one of the Strider contributions to the 0300-series design. Definitely not a Ken Onion clip... :)
 
glockman99 said:
Have you tried a ZT 0200 yet? I have a pair of 'em, and the ZT 0200 is my all-time favorite folder. (I've had a few of the Al Mar SERE 2000 over the years, and while it's a very nice folder, the blade just seems alittle too small for the large-sized handle.).
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oh yes, I have a 0200 too:D

I have had mine for about a year know (non ser.) LOVE it! I now am trying the SERE, it feels more practical for me, but being a good knife owner, I still carry the 0200 as a backup:D
 
I love my ZT0301. Just bought it a few weeks ago. It's big, rugged, and has a very beefy and secure frame lock, fits securely in my hand, etc.... But that is what I was looking for. But if you don't like it no worries. Different strokes for different folks. There are lots of great knives out there to choose from. :)
 
No problem AR. I just do not like it and it is as simple as that. I know that this method works because there are many knives using it, but for some reason I just don't like. Make both handles from titanium, or give both handles thick liners covered with G-10 and I am all over them, but one G-10 and one ti, and I'll pass them by.
 
Thank you very much, for responding Cutter. I appreciate your input.

Most sincerely, AR
 
puukkoman said:
I don't really like any of the ZT line.... Too "busy" I think, silly designs, yet unspectacular at the same time. They *look* like Chinese gas-station knives to me.
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I think I may understand what Puukkoman is trying to get across. For a person who is into the more simplistic knife designs, like a Puukko for instance, a knife like the ZT 301 would definitely come across as a "busy" design. Think about it for a minute.

The ZT 301 has a very wide, tiger-striped, recurved, flat-ground, drop-point blade. It has assisted opening, a flipper, and a thumbstud. Half of the handle is gray, machined Titanium, with the HLBS (Hinderer Lock Bar Stabilizer) and frame-lock in it. The other half is colored, machined G-10. The knife has many lovely curves to it as well. Face it, to a person who enjoys simplicity in a knife, the ZT 301 is one very "busy" knife!

As far as the ZT 301 looking "like a Chinese gas-station knife," I'd have to disagree! All of the gas station knives I've seen looked cheap, but not especially "busy," though there may be exceptions. And while I'll agree that there are some Chinese gas-station knives that have "funky" grinds and unique handle designs, none of them looked "robust" in any way, shape or form. The ZT 301 is "robust," and in a good way!

Regards,
3G
 
If you ask me, the bottom line is that the ZT 0301 (and the others in the same design) is a great knife. I love the design, but even if I didn't, I would say the fuctionality of the knife as a whole is fantastic. You're getting a knife that competes with a Strider for half the price. While I think Striders are overpriced, it's none the less. The think I'd like to see changed is the thumb rest on the top of the blade. Put some ridges in there for a little grip. Other than that, it's perfect (for me!).
 
I've got a 302 and a 630 (and 635).

Skirmish carries great for its size. I don't even notice it clipped to my pocket or waistband. The 302 is a different story. It is a chunk of steel and you know it when carrying it.

Both are tough knives able to take a lot of abuse.

Dislikes on the ZT? The traction grooves cut into the scales are *way* too sharp. I have actually cut myself on these grooves. I would rather they eliminate the grooves altogether than keep them on this knife. I fixed mine with a Dremel!

I disagree on the earlier 'wide blade' comment. Flat ground, wide blades cut better and are stronger. Wide blades are good.

+1 on a ZT301/302 drop point (no recurve). That would be a great knife. Eliminate the sharp grooves in the handle though...

Mark
 
Thanks for the info, guys. I have been looking hard at those ZTs, but I think I'll stick with my Skirmish.
 
I think the ZT300 family is awsome in build quality , among the best prodos out there ! Im not the biggest assisted opener fan , I may yet yank out the spring in mine . I dont regret it for a moment ! In fact Im so depressed with the quality , Im looking to get a 100 and a 200 !

Chris
 
vpsaline said:
Can sum1 please explain how that HLBS works and what its for? Does the 0200/0400 also have that? Thanks!
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It's used on some framlocks to prevent the user from pushing the lock over too far when unlocking the knife. My Strder SnG has one.... The 0200/0400 are linerlocks, they don't have a HLBS. Some makers position the base of the pocket clip to provide the same function.
 
cutter17 said:
....................................................................................................
I'm not a fan of the 300 series, but only because I am not a fan of the G-10/titanium construction method that has become so popular. If the ZT0300's came with two titanium handles, or with two G-10 handles, I would have one as I definately love everything else about it.
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take a closer look at the handle, it has G10 + steel liner/ titanium.it is a difference.
 
Mark Schmitt - I would agree with your comment on the ZT302 being a "chunk" in the pocket.




Here's a funny:

I had EDC-ed the Skirmish for a few years. But didn't like taking it to church...too long and bulky and "tactical".

Later on, I got the ZT302 and EDC-ed it for a while too. Also, too big for church.


But after a while carrying the ZT302....I was in a rush to get out the door one Sunday and reached for my Skirmish - which, by comparison, was very "clean/simple and un-tactical" and seemed then to be perfect for church carry.

Funny how your view can change so easily...



I also remember the first time I saw a Skirmish and thought...."What would anybody need a folder that long for?"

*groan*






Re: the clip

Yes, I know Strider brought that in...but knowing Ken...I'm surprised he let it slide. The clips on his other knives are quite nice.


Yes...I should probably just shut-up and make one of my own...:foot:
 
vpsaline said:
How does the Benchmade 630 Skirmish knife stand up to it? Has anyone compared them before?
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I see that Dan Koster has answered this, but I took a quick couple of (crappy) pics to help:

bmzt1.jpg


bmzt2.jpg


I will have to admit that I am an unwilling fan of this knife. There is too much baggage associated with some of the collaboration members for me to buy one of these on the primary market, but mine came second hand, so I feel okay with it. The handle is just about perfect for my hand size and doesn't have the sharp edges of the Strider designs. I personally like the wide blade body since it allows for a better primary grind angle (as opposed to the Extrema Ratio Nemesis, for example, which is almost triangular in cross-section).

I also hate G10 as a structural member a la SMF/SnG type knives, so I was pleased to see the G10 on this knife backed up with a liner.

Shifting gears: It appears that the ZT0200 has a handle that is almost identical to the Offset. Anyone have a picture of that?
 
As for the ZT 0300's handle compared to an Offset, I believe the 301's is wider (Top to bottom).

In comparing the B/M 630 to the ZT 0300, I personally think having the G-10 on the side opposite where the pocket clip is better (Just my opinion, of couse). For heavy duty use (Like when working "in the street"), & in inclement weather, I don't care for all metal or all Ti handles (Like the Skirmish line). You might find it a little slippery in rain & snow.

Also, the 0300 & 0400, for that matter, are A/Os with flippers. For people that like A/O's, that's a great thing. If you like manual, I think the 0200 is great, in fact, I prefer that one of the 3. However, I love the Mudd & may be getting one shortly.

The ZT line, is a line of fine, heavy duty folders that compete with other H-D knife, like: Striders, EKI HD-7 & CQC-12, etc.

They're big, beefy, quality knives, IMHO.
 
Awesome pics! thanks. Me being a knife noob and all, can someone explain to me the Buck Strider knives. Are they similar in construction to the Striders? Are they co-designed by strider like the ZTs? Whats different exactly?
 
I've been saying for a while that I'd love to see a Mini version of the 301 or 302 model. When I had one of each and gave my son his choice he took the brown one hands down. Seems the green is more popular though.

I tested both these knives as well as others in the ZT line and must say they are among the best made large frame locks I have had my hands on. At 8 plus ounces each though they are not for everyone. My only complaint about carrying these knives that are this big is that I had to extract the unopened folder just to get my car keys out of my pocket on any pair of pants I have.

Otherwise they are wonderfully built tanks of a frame lock. Some have reduced the weight of these by removing the stainless liner from the G10 side. Of course this takes out the assisted opening feature also.

Personally the Tyrade or the JYDII ti frame lock in SG2 are perfect knives. These are not so big and wide in the pocket so they keep my bigger than the norm size hands from squeezing in around them, still just as stout in use though, and also top shelf for build quality and edge keeping. I personally feel the SG2 steel is some of, if not the best of any steel I have ever used. Its not often you see that kind of performance and edge keeping in a folder that sees a lot of use and I must say that steel and the new CPMD2 on the Tyrade's composite blade are both very very impressive.

I have spoken with people that call the SG2 the closest thing to 'super steel' on planet earth. I'd have to say I agree which is why I bought two more Brown Blurs and a Ti JYDII in that steel.

Even owning these though I am rarely a week without the Tyrade in my pocket so maybe since you don't care that much for the ZT you bought you should see one of these. Its my favorite larger folder of any I've ever owned.

STR
 
vpsaline said:
Awesome pics! thanks. Me being a knife noob and all, can someone explain to me the Buck Strider knives. Are they similar in construction to the Striders? Are they co-designed by strider like the ZTs? Whats different exactly?
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thanks, but they really suck compared to something like these:

ztdw2.jpg


offset1.jpg


The Buck Striders were a collaboration that has subsequently dissolved.
 
I have a couple of the Buck Striders and they are nice "little" knives, but compared to the 300 series ZT's (I have 3), they are not even in the same league. The ZT's are BIG, Beefy, STout, and whatever other BIG words you want to use. Mine all engage flawlessly and lock up tight. I hope never to need a folder for self defense, but if I did, I hope I have a ZT with me.
 
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