Question about Zero Tolerance 200

M

MikeMade™

Joined
Nov 17, 2005
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A couple websites that are selling the knives say that the blade steel on the 200 is CPM-154. However, kershaw's website lists the steel as 154-CM. Anyone know what the actual steel is?
 
I'd go with kershaw, I know tadgear had it mislabeled steel wise. Someone else who has one will chime on to confirm though.
 
Thomas, is there any particular reason why you guys chose 154-CM over CPM 154? I don't think i've ever seen any other Kershaws with 154-CM but I've seen CPM-154 offered in a couple others. Blade magazine also wrote an article about CPM-154 mentioning that you guys liked it because it was comparable to S30V but much cheaper to buy and easier to machine.
 
Mike, good question.
We do like CPM-154 and were as far as I am aware, the first manufacturer to utilize the steel.
Price it compared to S30V and there is not much difference between the two, although as you mention S30V is much tougher to machine.
154CM is lower in cost that the 2 mentioned above.

The 0200 is an entry level folder in the ZT line-up and we wanted to keep it as affordable for users as we could, while at the same time offering up steel that has the performance required to be an acceptable steel for a ZT blade. 154-CM fit that criteria quite well.
 
Thomas W said:
Mike, good question.
The 0200 is an entry level folder in the ZT line-up and we wanted to keep it as affordable for users as we could, while at the same time offering up steel that has the performance required to be an acceptable steel for a ZT blade. 154-CM fit that criteria quite well.
Click to expand...

Hey Thomas,

An entry level folder? What more can you do except change the blade steel?

Personally, I like 154CM, entry level or not. It's tough, keeps and edge, etc.

But now I'm curious. If the new ZT-0200 I just bought is an "entry level" knife for a ZT, what will the top of the line ZT be like?

Regards
 
An entry level folder? What more can you do except change the blade steel?
Click to expand...
Well of coarse we could hold off 3-D machining the G-10 scales, and just go flat with them.
We could cut down the thickness of the liners quite a bit from there current thickness (.070)
The black DLC coating could have been left off.
Other than changing the blade steel, little things like the above could have been sacrificed to bring it down to a "bare bones" entry level piece.
It was important to us that there was some special touch's on the 0200 that did make it stand out.

But now I'm curious. If the new ZT-0200 I just bought is an "entry level" knife for a ZT, what will the top of the line ZT be like?
Click to expand...
bp, at this time, the S30V Onion/Strider 0300 with a 3-D machined titanium frame frame lock along with all the bells and whistles would be considered more of a top flight ZT folder.
The 0300 retails for $295, where the 0200 comes in at $160.

So how do you like the 0200?
 
Thomas W said:
Well of coarse we could hold off 3-D machining the G-10 scales, and just go flat with them.
We could cut down the thickness of the liners quite a bit from there current thickness (.070)
The black DLC coating could have been left off.
Other than changing the blade steel, little things like the above could have been sacrificed to bring it down to a "bare bones" entry level piece.
It was important to us that there was some special touch's on the 0200 that did make it stand out.

bp, at this time, the S30V Onion/Strider 0300 with a 3-D machined titanium frame frame lock along with all the bells and whistles would be considered more of a top flight ZT folder.
The 0300 retails for $295, where the 0200 comes in at $160.

So how do you like the 0200?
Click to expand...


I think maybe you misunderstood my post. I sure wasn't complaining about the knife. I think it's a fantastic knife, as is. I was surprised that you considered the 0200 as an entry level knife, that's all. I know all the things you could have been left off, but weren't. I was complementing about all the features that the knife has.

I understand now about the extra "features" of the 0300 but I'm quit happy with the 0200. Plus I like the blade shape better. My only minor complaint is that it's extremely difficult to get it clipped to my pocket because, IMO, the clip it too flat against the handle. Other then that, I'll keep my 0200 even over the 0300.

Regards
 
I just got my 0200 a few days ago. I have been carrying a CQC-8 and I thought that was a large folder. The liner looks to be twice as thick as the CQC-8 and there is zero blade play.

Some of the outer edges of the grip panels might need a little edge smoothing to make it easier on the pocket.

I was going to go with a Skirmish as my first S30V and titanium frame lock but after seeing how well made and strong this 0200 is I'm leaning towards the 0300 minus the camo.

On a side note what's the best way to sharpen the inside edge of this recurve blade...do I have to get one of those Sharp Maker or Edge pro?

--KJ
 
I like the looks and materials used for the ZT line. I unfortunately haven't had a chance to handle any of them. I like the looks of all of them. Even though I'm not a big tanto fan, my experience with the tactical tanto Blur I got for Christmas showed me that Kershaw makes them useful.
 
blaster4 said:
On a side note what's the best way to sharpen the inside edge of this recurve blade...do I have to get one of those Sharp Maker or Edge pro?--KJ
Click to expand...

IMO, every serious knife nut should have a Sharpmaker. For sharpening a recurve, one can use the edges. Makes it pretty easy. I also use a stoping block with 1/8" split cowhide taked to it. Since the ZT come pretty sharp already, I start with 400 grit then finish with 800 grit. Always and only use the black wet/dry sand paper from auto parts stores. It doesn't take many passes (15-20 per side, per grit) and very light pressure.

Here's a short video. It's not really accurate because I had to hold the camera with one hand. Normally that hand would be used to hold the paper in place. I'm also not pressing hard at all or the paper would slide off since I'm not holding it in place. It's just to give an idea of how I use the stroping block.

It's a new addition to my sharpening technique. I don't use it on every knife. Some get a better edge without it, some with it. It all depends. The ZT knives seem to like it.

Takes about 30 seconds to load.
http://media.putfile.com/MVI-0001-60

Regards
 
Even better. Thanks BP. I'll order the Sharpmaker and try out the wet dry paper. I've never used the sticks before but have used stones like the way you used the leather and paper. Appreciate the help.

Now I just have to wait for this edge to get dull. LOL
 
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