Considering a Zero Tolerance 300

G

Gon3r

Joined
Feb 9, 2009
Messages
30
Hey everyone,

I'm not an active knife collector, but need something to take with me on gun range days, tactical precision rifle competitions, and some in-the-waistband carry.

A few buddies have the Strider knives, but those are too expensive at $400. I recently came across the Zero Tolerance 300 and would like any comments. I watched a review on youtube and the main complaint is the weight. I also saw a 200 reviewed here in the review section.

I've looked at the Spyderco Para-Military, but just do not like the look for some reason.

Only other knives are a Rat 3 fixed and a Benchmade 550.

Is there any way to search this general section to do some homework on my own?

thanks for any help!
 
I don't know seems to be a pretty heavy knife for a folder at 8.5oz. I have the 200 and like it although it is heavy compared to what I usually carry, a 7a or b model normally. I have a Strider AR and it is almost to big to carry clipped in the pocket. Look at a CQC12 which might be a tad higher in price than the 300 but it will definetly be lighter in carry but with a bigger blade as in longer. The 200 for that matter has a longer but pointier blade too. Half the fun of buying is looking around, so look well, keepem sharp
 
Weight doesnt matter much if you know your knife is bulletproof, which the ZT0300 is...
 
The 0300 is heavy, but Kershaw is coming out with a smaller version. You said inside the waist band carry, any flipper style is hard to carry this way, and the 0300 is very wide. Check out the Spyderco Endura with the Emerson wave feature, should run you around 60 bucks, deploys quickly (because of the Wave Feature), and is very normal looking (not assisted opening). I can only carry the 0300 when I'm deployed and wearing a bdu style pant, due to the amount of space the knife takes up. Let us know what you end up with.
 
A question: why would you want a monster folding knife like a ZT on a gun range?

I thought a Swiss Army Knife with it's prying tools etc would be better (especially if you get weapon jams in extreme cold weather or dusty conditions).

Just can't see a good reason to carry a Strider or ZT knife. Multi-tool would be better I think.

Please enlighten.
 
Thanks so far for all the comments and the CQC recommendation the entire line of Emerson looks very nice. I'll need to look into the differences between the cqc-8 thru cqc-14. A lot lighter than the 300...

The long ranges I use are not public, but private property w/ 1000yd lanes and towers to shoot from. I have a multitool in the ruck, but sometimes we use ropes, kill snakes, skin small animals, etc.

BOBO, why is a flipper hard to carry in the waistband. Is my Benchmade 550 considered a flipper? I carry it that way often. Just curious, thnx.
 
Last edited:
No the 550 is not a flipper, no flipper/finger guard at base of blade. I guess it depends on which direction the pocket clip is mounted. Tip up or tip down. Tip up, the "flipper" is further down and will be snagged if carried IWB. Tip down, the flipper is up and maybe less likely to snag, and if it does, the knife is still able to be drawn out. Tip up, not so much. Either way, there's no pocket to contain the blade and provide a barrier between blade and body. Then you add the assited opening mechanism and the amount of space the 0300 takes up and I think a slimmer type of folder would work better. Also think about moving to the prone with a huge folder right above your twig and berries! My 2 cents.
 
Several things to think about.

The ZT 300 series is a great line of knives, they were designed by Strider and Ken Onion. It has some great Strider features (tiger striped S30V blade, titanium framelock, hinderer lock bar stop, and just overall ruggedness). It also has Ken Onion's Speed-Safe (assisted opening) and great ergonomics that Mr. Onion is known for. It also has some features that Striders don't that I happen to like, such as the recurve blade and a steel liner on the G10 side of the knife.

As far weight goes, I wouldn't let that be a decision maker for you. Try one out and if you find that those extra 3 ounces is truly that big of a detriment to your enjoyment of the knife then sell it. I say that because I doubt it's going to be much of a problem once you have the knife in hand.

Also, a flipper design is when that little tang sticks out of the back of a knife and that is a source of deployment.
 
Weight issues... sissies.

Seriously, just wear it in a decent pair of Levi's and you won't have a problem. It carries very well, and I honestly cannot tell the difference, but then again I balance it out by carrying another folder in the left pocket.

I use my ZT 0300 for everything, I absolutely trust it, and would depend on it on all situations except those requiring a fixed blade. Go for it, you will not be disappointed. Some Emersons have lock problems I've heard... and some of them have chisel grinds, not sure about the one that one poster suggested though.

Good luck with your decision.
 
I can also attest to the zt0300 series, It was big and heavy at first in the hand, but then you realize how PERFECTLY it fits into the hand. The weight issue becomes non existent with any good pair of jeans, I was actually surprised at how well it carried.

Try one out, you will like it . if not, you won't have a problem selling it here.

Whats nice about the zt also is that it have the strider like ruggedness, and nearly half the price.
 
It is heavier then other folder but it is not an issue. It may became an issue if you carry 50 of them but even for 5 I think you will not notice difference until you are like 5 years old. One I have with heavy lanyard is 8.8oz - I can handle it. Of course this is not knife for tuxedo or something like this, but for everything else I found it OK. After all this is tough tool and for such certain heaviness (if you can call 8.8oz heaviness) is actually plus.

Here is mine:

Kershaw-ZT302-003.jpg


Kershaw-ZT302-001.jpg


Kershaw-ZT302-004.jpg


Kershaw-ZT302-002.jpg


Thanks, Vassili.
 
When I carry one of my 0300 series knives in the hip pocket of my jeans I don't even think about it or notice it. Just a bit more when I reach into my pocket but I keep it tight in the corner and there isn't anything really hard on your hands as you slide past it like unlike other knives I've owned.

I'm a huge proponent of the ZT line.
 
Thanks everyone for the kind welcome to the forum and your responses. I think I will go ahead and pull the trigger. I was thinking to go w/ the black, but the pics of the coyote aren't too bad. It is hard to tell in a lot of the pics online how well the coyote and OD are actually represented. Some pics seem to look very 'plastic-y'. There is also an Emerson CQC - 8 in the exchange section I may try as well.
 
Last edited:
I only find the weight to be an issue if you intend to wear it with elastic waistband or simliar clothing, if you are going to be wearing jeans or any kind of pants/shorts with a belt don't worry about the weight, the ZT knives are built like tanks and the weight is perhaps their only drawback. Great knives, great materials, made in the USA, how can you go wrong?
 
Welcome to the forums Gon3r. I think you would be happy with any of the ZT line. I have a 0200, 0301, and 0500, and all will carry IWB with no problems if you're wearing a belt. As was mentioned, Kershaw is releasing a smaller version of the 030x, the 0350.

Drop by here and take a look around. You'll find answers to any questions you may have.
 
Gon3r said:
Thanks everyone for the kind welcome to the forum and your responses. I think I will go ahead and pull the trigger. I was thinking to go w/ the black, but the pics of the coyote aren't too bad. It is hard to tell in a lot of the pics online how well the coyote and OD are actually represented. Some pics seem to look very 'plastic-y'. There is also an Emerson CQC - 8 in the exchange section I may try as well.
Click to expand...

I think Coyote Brown is the best looking style of the 300 series, the OD is nice too. You gotta get the tiger striped blade, it's just too cool.
 
Thanks everyone for the comments. I went ahead and purchased the ZT300 in Coyote. I also purchased a Kershaw Mojo 1800 and I'm looking at a Emerson CQC-8. Have my eye on the ZT350 when it is released as well.

I think I'm hooked!
 
Gon3r said:
Thanks everyone for the comments. I went ahead and purchased the ZT300 in Coyote. I also purchased a Kershaw Mojo 1800 and I'm looking at a Emerson CQC-8. Have my eye on the ZT350 when it is released as well.

I think I'm hooked!
Click to expand...


:thumbup: Yup. You're hooked! Good call on the 1800, too! ;)
 
a superb knife. you will not feel inferior to a strider in any way...except maybe the pretty anodizing or whatever. another more practical option for a 4inch utility knife is the spyderco military. the military is a better knife in every right then a strider or 300 but its not flashy. the 300 is twice as big, twice as heavy, and twice the price as a military, but its twice as sweet too. your choice
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top