Buck Tops CSAR-T vs Zero Tolerance ZT0302

Zero Tolerance is in a complete different league than the Buck in pretty much every way.

 

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.

 

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)

 

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.

 

I have the ZT 301 as an EDC.
I also want the ZT 300 because of the black blade

 

Now you are operating the Blade Forums way!

 

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.

 

The ZT is a frame-lock.

 

I think he was talking about the Buck, Stab. It appears that there are two liners on one side, because one is a full length locking liner, beside the frame.

 

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.