Input on tactical folder

L

LeviathanDan

Joined
Jul 21, 2011
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18
I am looking into purchasing a tactical folder for work (I am a new officer in the USMC) and I will be spending a significant amount of time being wet and cold (primarily in the ocean). I am considering a ZT 301 (or 302 if I can find one), or possibly a Strider SMF.
My main concerns are whether the G10 will be adversely affected by salt water. I am also considering the Strider aluminum SMF, however I don't know if extreme cold would make the aluminum or titanium difficult to hold, or if it would be adversely affected by the salt water. I don't want to spend a ton of money on a knife only to have it destroyed by the environment.
 
If you are new for this job - why would not try something lighter before you make such a serious commitment. I mean not only the money (though it will be a pity if you drop 300 - 500 dollar knife in the water), but the size and the weight as well... Try something simple and affordable to see what the actual requirements would be. Or you just buy a strider to find out that what you actually need is a something like Spyderco Salt with H1 steel and serration...
Of course, nothing is a problem and such thing as too many knives is a staff from legend...
 
I'd have to recommend a ZT before a Strider. Simply because of the cost. The kind of work you'll be doing, there's a very high risk of you losing the knife. Out of the few ZT's I've held, they are tanks. I havn't used one, nor do I own one, but I've held several and they feel great. Very tough built knives. I'd much rather see you lose a $150-200 dollar knife(ZT) compared to seeing you lose a $300-400 dollar(Strider) knife. Just my input, buddy.
 
Would it be better to have a dedicated salt water folder while on board like a Spyderco Salt and than have the other for land use? I would bum seeing a ZT/strider go over the side...less so a $80 spydie...

imo
 
The G10 should be fine. The rest of the blade, probably less so. Unless you are buying H1, you'll definitely want to take good care. ZT is always reliable though. I've got a 350 coming to me, but they make very nice folders. Semper Fi, and thanks for your service.
 
For fighting or utility?
For corrosion resistant utility, I'd go with Spyderco's Salt line of knives...H1 doesn't rust.:)
And they don't cost alot either.
 
The G10 will hold up fine. I'd be more concerned with tiger stiped blades around water. The stripes on Stider's are bead blasted, I'm not sure if that's also true for the ZT. The blasted areas will be prone to rust, especially around salt-water. If you can find one by either company that's fully coated, that'd be a better choice. If you're willing/able to maintain the knife regularly, or can live with rust, disregard that issue.
On a side note, I'd be inclined to pick the ZT over a Strider. I've not owned a 03XX knife from ZT, but have handled a couple. I have owned a couple Striders. Considering the price, I'd give the ZT a try. -And thanks for your service to our country.
 
If you go with a ZT030X series you don't want the tiger striped blade as the blasted areas will rust much faster than the coated areas. I would suggest the 0300 fully coated blade.
 
Have you looked at the Combative Edge knives? N690 steel is suppose to be very corrosion resistant and it's a slick blade. The Strider and ZT are also good choices...but Striders are pricey.
 
what about the Elmax on the 0551?? should hold up well this one is duracoated to protect from rust..heres the thread on it http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/792165-Jeff-Forbush-Sick-I-Tell-You-Sick

ZTO551.jpg

ZT0551B.jpg
 
Spyderco Salt line of H1 blades.

They may not be as "tactical" as other knives, but they'll work.
 
I've held the spiderco salts. it's a toy compared to the ZT. I'd get that ZT without question. 200 or 300.
 
LeviathanDan said:
I am looking into purchasing a tactical folder for work (I am a new officer in the USMC) and I will be spending a significant amount of time being wet and cold (primarily in the ocean). I am considering a ZT 301 (or 302 if I can find one), or possibly a Strider SMF.
My main concerns are whether the G10 will be adversely affected by salt water. I am also considering the Strider aluminum SMF, however I don't know if extreme cold would make the aluminum or titanium difficult to hold, or if it would be adversely affected by the salt water. I don't want to spend a ton of money on a knife only to have it destroyed by the environment.
Click to expand...

What do your peers use?

When I was a new officer in the Army, JFK was CiC, I had a lot of stuff that I "really needed" that I did not really need.

Get some advice from those that have been there, done that.

All the best and thanks for your service.
 
I carry a ZT300, born on January 09, almost everyday. I do not own a strider but I would still go with the Zero Tolerance because it has a few advantages over the SNG/SMF. The ZT is definitely stronger because it has a steel liner reinforcing the G10, and the blade has no opening hole, also it is drilled for the pocket clip in any position, and the pivot is easily adjustable (Striders require a special tool to disassemble). The ZT is assisted opening but I have removed the spring from mine. Both knives have G10 and titanium handles, which are impervious to water, however they are heavy, especially the ZT. However I hardly notice the weight when it is clipped to my pocket.
 
military can buy autos also... i just bought a ZT 0350 for my EDC but if i was going overseas probably a ZT 0200 or 0551 (most likely 0551)
 
furfmonkey said:
what about the Elmax on the 0551?? should hold up well this one is duracoated to protect from rust..heres the thread on it http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/792165-Jeff-Forbush-Sick-I-Tell-You-Sick

ZT0551B.jpg
Click to expand...

The lockside on that is duracoated. The blade is not. Duracoating titanium doesn't improve corrosion resistance since Ti cannot corrode at all under normal conditions. That blade will still rust if exposed to water/salt/etc over extended periods of time.
 
well any knife will rust if not taken care of... im sure (like any tool) if its properly maintained and kept clean etc should be fine..
 
Apec said:
The lockside on that is duracoated. The blade is not. Duracoating titanium doesn't improve corrosion resistance since Ti cannot corrode at all under normal conditions. That blade will still rust if exposed to water/salt/etc over extended periods of time.
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing and then I noticed that the steel liner and all the hardware has also been Duracoated so that takes care of the handle. A quick wipe of the blade with a bit of oil at some point should help greatly. If I were to keep the blade uncoated I would at least want the pivot area of the blade coated to help the corrosion resistance in that area. Maybe up to the thumbstud? At least that way the only part that isn't coated is easy to get to by wiping down the blade without having to take apart the knife.
 
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