Buck Tops CSAR-T vs Zero Tolerance ZT0302

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alnilam78

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Nov 2, 2010
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I'm Italian...sorry for my English:D!!!
For hard use what is the best?...are comparable?...or there are many differences between them? (the price of ZT in Italy is twice that of the Buck).
Can the CSAR-T compete with ZT0302?

095_tops.buck_csar-t.jpg


ZT0302-2.jpg
 
I just received the Buck this weekend. Its an attractive, well made and strong knife, but the blade touches the liner on one side and is not perfectly centered. There is also some blade play. The biggest problem i have with it is that the liner lock is very difficult to release, and has rough raised jimping that cuts my finger if i grip the knife too tightly. The zero tolerance knife will have better fit and finish. Check out kershawguy for great prices on blemished ones. Not sure he ships internationally. If you are looking for a big strong folder, I would also check out the Hossom Retribution One (made in Italy - this is super huge) and the Elishewitz Hogue (I got the large blade aluminum tanto style and absolutely love it).
 
I would be seriously scared by the fact that the buck has holes in the blade. i know it is useful, but i think that that fact alone puts it in a completley different league than the ZT. if you want something that can do everything, i would say that the ZT is your knife. if you just need a knife for normal, everyday activities, i would get the buck. i am not sure if the person above got a lemon or if that is normal, but i own the 302s longer, yet skinnier, brother, and it is an absolute beast. if i ever have to replace for any reason other than sharpening the blade away i will be surprised.
 
haven't tried the Buck, but I've had two 0300s, and they're incredible touch and well made. They also use top-tier materials...the 0300 is one of the best knives ever made.
 
knivesandguns said:
Zero Tolerance is in a complete different league than the Buck in pretty much every way.
Click to expand...

Yeah, the ZT has a "paltry" 5/32 inch thick blade, whereas the Buck is closer to 3/16ths, and the Buck has a stronger, more durable tip... Paul Bos' heat treat on ATS-34 is more impressive than you might think... You seem to imply that the ZT is better in every way, but, I question that...

P.S.
I've handled a couple of CSAR-T knives and never felt that impressed, and own a ZT 301 (among other ZT models..), and have every intention of purchasing more ZTs... Just playing Devil's Advocate... :)
 
i don't think there are a lot of (serial) folders that compare to the 3xx-series by zt. maybe strider but sure as hell not a buck knife... so double the price? worth it.
(by the way: you can get them for around 200€ in EU)
 
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This is def. a step in the right direction for buck and I'm glad they are stepping up their game but it goes to zt hands down
 
The Buck is a beast.
The ZT is a beast.
Good luck breaking either one using it.:D
 
good decision! you can always trade or sell the one you don't like as much. i hope you will post your impressions comparing the two here as soon as you had time to handle both for a bit.
 
its one id look at if i didnt already own a 0300. dont have a desire for more than one big badass folder and i think zt probubly is well worth the extra coin over the buck. what doesnt impress me about the buck is the pivots smaller that the zt and its liners look to be doubled up on the lock side. dont really understand why that was done. i dont like the tanto + reverse tanto point on this blade. i dont mind the grind but if its got to have holes make it just one and loose the stud.
 
I also think that the frame-lock is better than the liner-lock but the blade of the Buck is very very strong especially at the tip!!!
...after the test, I'll let you know what I think!!!
 
Boys?...sorry for my English!!!
Finally, I got my Buck CSAR-T and ZT0302!!!
You already know the zt0302, then I tell you only my impressions about the Buck!!!

1) Good Points:
... at first sight, I think it is a tank:D!!!...finished in an exceptional way and the blade is really wonderful.
Lock blade is very thick and solid...there is a slight difficulty to unlock the blade but nothing drastic, indeed, in this way gives me more security!!!
...ATS-34 steel processing is beautiful...gray satin "stain-proof"!!!
The thickness of the blade is also very much on the tip...... until now ... this is the blade more harder than I've ever seen on a folder.
There are no "games" or lateral movement of the blade!!!

2) Negative Aspects:
Opening the blade slightly hard...a drop of oil would do well:D...but no need register or to put hands to the screws (pin)!!!
I have not disassembled the knife but pins used does not seem hard as those of the ZT0302...maybe it's just my impression...should evaluate the strength using it for a few months.
I would have preferred a longer blade (also only 0.5 inches)...because at first glance, the knife seems to have a short blade.

Said that, I think to keep the Buck CSAR-T because for me this is a beautifull knife!!!

...after using it maybe change my mind:D:D:D...I hope not!!!
The ZT0302 is a fantastic knife but I'm not sure is better than the Buck...CSAR-T is different knife at first sight stronger than ZT0302!!! (Buck costs half of ZT:D)
 
yes the buck is a good / high quality strong knife...but its just not as "perfect a knife as the ZT" Now get yourself a Hogue. They are awesome.
 
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