Kershaw Junk Yard II Composite vs. Zero Tolerance 350?

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alpha6164

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Jun 28, 2009
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I have been reading this site for quite sometimes and finally decided to register. I have narrowed my choice of a folder to either the Kershaw JYD II Composite or the ZT 350. Obviously the ZT 350 is ~2X cost of the Kershaw JYD II, but wanted to know what guys thought about the idea of the two fused steel vs. straight S30V on the 350. The ZT looks to be bullet proof but wanted to know your over all opinion. All inputs appreciated.


Kershaw JYD II Composite:

1725CB.jpg









Zero Tolerance 350:

ZT0350.jpg
 
It comes down to personal choice. Have you handled them both?

I have a JYD II, but not the ZT.

I really like the JYD II. It feels the most comfortable in my hand of any knife that I have held and it flips great. I also like the blade profile. I prefer D2 to S30V, but that is my personal preference. The composite blade is done very well and I do not expect to have any issues with it.

A have owned several ZT knives, but not that model. They have all been well made knives. Both are made by Kershaw, so you could reasonably expect that they will be similar in quality.

The ZT350 is slightly heavier-about an ounce, if that makes any difference. Try to hold them both and see what you like. They are both good knives.
 
well the fused steels aren't going to peel apart, at least I haven't experienced that or heard of it happening.

In general there are 3 aspects to a knife (1) performance (2) how it feels in your hand (3) appearance.

In terms of performance, it depends on what you're going to be using it for, on the spectrum from razor-sharp slicer to sharpened prybar. Also there is the issue of whether you are able to sharpen a reucrve blade to your satisfaction.

Hand feel is subjective so you won't know which feels better in your own hand unless you handle them both.

Appearance is totally subjective, BUT you can love the way a knife looks but not like how it feels; then it doesn't serve its purpose. (Like for me with the ZT 0200)


Speaking of the 0200, a cousin of the 0350, here is a brief comparison of it to the JYD2CB and a couple other knives (post #91):

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=614102&page=5


and HERE is a pic of how I modified my JYD2CB to better fit my hand and to just be a freakishly scary looker/cutter (3rd post, still not completed though):

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=654453
 
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After handling the 2 you are looking at (and owning the 0350) I don't really care for either one.

I know it's not what you asked, but I would go for the G-10 Tyrade over either one of those.
 
The JYDIICB is my number one, all time favorite knife.
It does have one flaw that the ZT does not though, which is carry options and a lower profile clip.

If you don't mind having a big clip, and tip down only carry, go with the JYD.
 
I handled a JYDII and would've definitely bought it had it fit my hand better. The D2 at the edge is the cat's ass, however the tip-down carry would've been mod'ed for tip-up.
 
Biginboca said:
After handling the 2 you are looking at (and owning the 0350) I don't really care for either one.

I know it's not what you asked, but I would go for the G-10 Tyrade over either one of those.
Click to expand...


Yes, I agree, check out the new G10 Tyrade. That one has a CPM D2 blade. (I have a blue one on pre order) I also have the ZT0350. If you want a heavy duty knife get that one. I have handled the
JYD II and personally I don't like it. Although many people here like it a lot.
I can't comment about the Tyrade yet but it looks like it is one strong and tough knife. Similar to the 0350 in build quality.
OH yeah the price is in the ball park too.
 
Okay, I now officially have both of these knives (JYD II and the ZT0350). I like them both and they both feel great in the hand. I picked up my JYD II composite off e-bay for $50 shipped. It's incredibly sharp and I feel like I can beat on it hard. I just got the 350 in the mail this weekend. It's pretty dang cool. Feels very stout (moreso than the JYDII) and fires open like a rocket. Both knives have very thick liners, which I like a lot. The ZT just fits perfectly in my hand, which I admit is on the small side.

If money really isn't an issue, I'd go with the ZT over the JYDII. I'm not saying it's necessarily worth the price differential, but I like the ZT more. That being said, the JYDII is a hell of a knife for $50.
 
I have an Sg2 JYD, and a g10 Tyrade. Between the two, ignoring the price, I like the Tyrade a little bit more.
But that's because of the AO, it makes it easier to deploy when I'm underneath a cabinet or on a ladder because I don't have to worry about loading the flipper or anything, I can just pull and it fires.
Ergos are a toss up, both fit my hand like a glove.
Blade shape is slightly better on the JYD for normal EDC, but I prefer the Tyrade for the tasks I have at work.
Overall, it's a complete toss up, whatever one is right for you is based on your preferences, because they are about equal knives, for different tastes.
I know the g10 Tyrade wasn't part of your original options but I think it's a better choice than the ZT350 since they're in about the same category give or take.
 
I have neither but at the 20 dollar difference (Canada) I would probably opt for the slightly more expensive zero tolerance 350.
 
Thanks for all the replies guys. I was not aware of the Tyrade series at all. Have been doing a lot of reading and it seems as the JYD II composite almost does not make sense when the G10 Tryrade is pretty much the same cost.

The Tyrade Titanium looks awesome. So now i am even more confused. Should i get the G10 Tyrade, Tyrade Ti, or the ZT 350? I know that the Tyrade Ti is frame lock and and obviously has Ti handles, and looks "cooler" etc but is it worth 2x the G10?

Also what are the thicknesses of the blades mentioned above? Thanks.
 
Well well well....


What do you do when you cant decide which two knives to get? You know the answer. Buy both:) I just ordered a G10 Tyrade with orange handle and sand blasted blade and actually decided to for for the big dog and get the ZT 0301 :)

Cant wait to get these two. I figured i cant go wrong.
 
The JYDII and the ZT0350 both have a blade that is .121" thick, while the Tyrade series, ti and G10, have a blade that is .157" thick. The thicker blade gives you a little thicker grip on the G10 Tyrade, something I like. All, except the ti Tyrade, use hardened stainless liners ~.080" thick. That is thick for a linerlock.
 
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