Now I want a ZT...

M

MRaymond

Joined
Jan 27, 2012
Messages
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Hi all, I was on the fence about posting this in general or the Kershaw forum, if a moderator thinks this should be moved, please do so with my regards. I am the one that posted the thread last week that asked "what knife made you say "I really don't need any more". Yet, here I am thinking I might need another:) I have found my ideal knife for dressy days, the 707 sequel, I have the PM2 for general EDC. What I don't have is a big beefy frame/linerlock. Both the 707 and PM2 are satin, plain blades, no serrations. I am looking, once again for a beefy folder that will be my, camping, wilderness, heavy duty, get things done when I need it knife. The 707 and PM2 have everything else covered that I would need. I am asking the fine people on this forum to give me some advice. Specifically, If I am looking for the "Heavy Duty Folding Knife" niche to be filled, by ZT, what one should I get? Do I go with the 0350 with the nice thick liner and lock, A/O (another thing I don't have), beefy but still reasonable for EDC. Do I go with the 0300 to really kick it up a notch? A 0550 for the frame lock and satin blade? 0560 (when it becomes available)? Help me out! If any of you ZT fans have some of these, comparison pics would be great, along with your general thoughts on them.

I have to say, I really like the idea of the 0350 because of the price and it seems like every bit the knife the 0300 is in a smaller package and much more reasonable price point. I also like the idea of having the huge 0300 for when a big job is needed, like for the wilderness and camping and stuff. If I could go someplace where I could get my hands on them, I would but there aren't any stores in MN that will allow me that opportunity...

Thanks in advance!
 
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The 0300 series from ZT and the 0550 series are both more knife then you'll ever need. I've got a Strider SnG and CRK Umnumzaan, but all I've really wanted to carry lately is my 0302.
 
ZT 0350 - If You Want A Solid Beast Of A Knife In A Slightly Cheaper And Smaller Package.
ZT 0300 - If You Want A Huge Beast Of A Knife With A Titanium Frame Lock That Will Last Through Anything You Throw At It.
ZT 0550 - If You Want A Thinner Smaller Titanium Frame Lock.
ZT 0560 - If You Want Something Similar To The Hinderer Folders.

Also Take A Look At The ZT 0200 - Large, Beefy, Liner Lock, And a Flipper.

Also There Are Some Big Beefy Folders Available From Other Knife Companies At Lower Prices That You May Want To Consider.
Here's A Few:
Spyderco Manix 2
Spyderco Manix 2 XL
Kershaw JYD II
Kershaw Rake
Cold Steel Recon 1
Cold Steel American Lawman

Etc.
 
They are addictive!

I just bought a 0200 and within a week got a 0350 to go with it. I would have probably bought the 560 if they were easy to get a hold of right now and the 0300 would be mine right now if it wasn't for my patience for the 560.
 
ZT knives are excellent value for money.
My fave for EDC is the 0350.

Got the 0200ST for the longer blade as I use a knife as a backup SD weapon.

They don't open wave style like the emersons but can be modified to do so.
Saw someone do a perfect wave mod on a ZT0300 in these forums

I did a basic L grind on the spine.
 
0350 is a great EDC knife, its very stout for its smaller pocket size (compared to the 300) and that big blade really comes out with authority when you open it. The entire knife is thinner than my emersons and the pocket clip is deeper, so I find I prefer it for EDC most of the time.
 
I say 0300 all day long! I edc one and I love it. You can pick up a blemish one for cheap, and if you look around you can find a perfect one for well under retail. Everyone says it's HUGE! Don't let them talk you out of it. I couldn't decide between it and the 350 ether, but in the end I know if I had gotten the 350 I would still want the 300. Thicker blade, ti frame lock, better all around IMO. The recurve blade is a great cutter too. Look around on YouTube, lots of great reviews and user videos.
 
The ZT0200 is a great starting point for a ZT knife, and a great knife to boot. It will get the job done! You also might, and I know you are asking about ZT's, want to take a look at the Benchmade 275 Adamas as a heavy duty, do it all folder, for camping, and other activities. Both are built to take the punishment!!
 
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I need me a ZT 560
 
Another vote for the 350, I really love mine, tank-solid but not too heavy or bulky for edc, I got a slightly used one for cheap, I use it a lot and it's still as good as new except for a few slight blade scratches. I think you can't go wrong with it.
 
I can't say I blame you for wanting a ZT they are at the top of their game in the knife industry. I own and EDC a ZT 200 and I must say that it is a bit overkill for 90 % of task I encounter on a daily basis I believe that I would have been better served by the slightly smaller and just as tough 300 with that being said I'm not a huge fan of assisted opening knives in the long run and have a bit of preference for flippers seeing as they are more durable and simplistic but for me the 300 seems like the best compromise.
 
Now I don't make the mistake of owning more than two knives at once, since I'm in the city and don't really need a survival knife. That being said, if I had to just have one knife, it'd be Zero Tolerance. Because all badass have one.
 
Get your feet wet with an 0200 or 0350. They're right around $100-$120, give or take. I have the 0200 and absolutely adore it.

djjonny said:
ZT knives are excellent value for money.
They don't open wave style like the emersons but can be modified to do so.
Click to expand...
The 0200 can be waved on upright pants pockets. The trick is pulling away from your body just a little bit during the draw, so the stud catches the lip of the pocket. Come out insanely fast and locks up tight every time if you get it right. I even went so far as to put a split-ring through the lanyard hole so I can hook my pinkie finger through it and get a secure grip. Works like a charm with no modifications to the knife.

I would demonstrate this on video, but I don't have a camera. :(
 
I'd go with the 0550. It's a very stout, practical knife that doesn't rip up your pockets, is durable, but doesn't take up a lot of space. Out of all the knives they have, it has what I think is the best combination of carryability with durability. The 0200 is more hardcore and bulky if you want that, and the 0560 will be lighter if you want that. The 0300 and 0350 are the A/O options, but ZT's manuals are so good that I'd suggest you look there first.
 
Just got an 0350. It's large enough for anything I'll encounter on a daily basis. The ONLY flaw I could find was a slightly uneven grind at the tip - one side is ground slightly more than the other side. It opens smoothly and locks up solid. I can see this knife handling serious abuse if it needed to. It doesn't feel heavy in my pocket and it's thin enough not to be bulky at all. Definitely a winner.
 
My only ZT's are the 055x and 030x series and I have several of each. The 030x are fun tools, but too large for my tastes in an EDC blade. Mine stay in toolboxes and vehicle consoles. My wife uses her 0302 in the garden everyday, though.

The 055x are fantastic, though. I keep one on my workbench in the garage and always have one in my daypack as I do my ranch rounds every morning. I have large hands and the ergos are perfect for a medium sized/medium duty knife.

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I want another 300. I have owned 2-3 and always regretted selling them. The are big, but sometimes big is better!
 
I love my 0350! Reprofiled to 30 degrees inclusive (sharpmaker) and it breezes through EVERYTHING it touches. As beefy as it is, I barely notice it in my pocket.
 
Hadji Flip Me Over said:
Get your feet wet with an 0200 or 0350. They're right around $100-$120, give or take. I have the 0200 and absolutely adore it.

The 0200 can be waved on upright pants pockets. The trick is pulling away from your body just a little bit during the draw, so the stud catches the lip of the pocket. Come out insanely fast and locks up tight every time if you get it right. I even went so far as to put a split-ring through the lanyard hole so I can hook my pinkie finger through it and get a secure grip. Works like a charm with no modifications to the knife.

I would demonstrate this on video, but I don't have a camera. :(
Click to expand...

Ah thanks for the tip :D got it right
 
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