Which Zero Tolerance Knife?

M

Mrbladedude

Joined
Aug 2, 2010
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I was all set on a 0551 but I am mainly in the market for a combo edge. I already own a few plain edge knives and I gave my old combo edge Kershaw to my son a while back so I would like to replace it.

I like the beefy lockup of the 0551. And I like the blade steel as well. Any other models offer EL MAX steel?

Pretty much looking for one of their higher end knives. Budget is $400 MAX

COMBO edge mandatory. SATIN blade mandatory.

No TANTO or crazy curves.

Thanks
 
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The only (folding) knives ZT currently offer with a serrated edge are the 030X and 0200. :) that being said I have seen a few 0560's with serrations cut in, by Tom Veff I believe.
 
ZT 0200, 0300 and 0400 series do come with serrated edges but only black blade!

The MicroTech DOC, Socom Elite and Socom Delta (I have the first two) can be had in satin/stonewashed/bead-blasted blades with serrated edges (blade lengths of about 4 inches). Well-built and blade steel in S35VN, S30V and like my DOC in Elmax.

You could also try a Spyderco Military Satin Partially Serrated (C36GPSE) or Benchmade Contego 810S (gray Cerakote blade).
 
Zt 350 is a nice knife for about $140 offered in a combo edge like your after, then use the rest of your budget and buy a plain edge satin blade ZT and then you can alternate them and see what you like over the long term
 
Although 0350 does come with partially serrated edge it only comes in black or tiger stripe blade that way and the blade is only 3.25" long.

There was an old 0350 with a composite blade of ZDP-189 partially serrated edge (0350CBZDPST) that was stonewashed and not black or tiger stripe.
 
The 350 is too curvy for me. Looks nice but I struggle to sharpen blades like that on my edgepro. I already have a Spyderco Sage and Ladybug so I want to get another brand. Benchmade doesn't appeal to me. Nothing against the company just not my cup of tea.
 
You're in the minority in wanting a combo edge. I'd say 90% of knife users here would agree that serrations are unnecessary if your edge is sharp. But to each his own of course. Point is, since the bulk of the community feels that way, you don't really see serrations on high end knives nearly as much as you do on lower end knives.

Just curious, why doesn't Benchmade appeal to you? They have a multitude of different styles and models so it odd that none would interest you. Is it the Axis lock mechanism?
 
Back to MicroTech Socom Elite & Delta with satin clip point partially serrated blades. Since the blade is 4" it affords you a good plain edge portion. Only issue I have with MicroTech is their stupid proprietary screws!

Also, Protech TR-3 Manual Integrity Folder Frame-Lock with a 3.5" partially serrated edge. Smooth as butter manual action.
 
I've had similar questions myself. I like the look of the ZT knives, but it is too bad some of the designs are not available with a combo edge and satin blade. I don't really like having a coating that is going to get scratched off.

My current EDC has a combo edge and I am glad that it does. For me, having a combo edge is and advantage compared to a fine edge.
 
I should point out, ZT's DLC will not, and I mean will not scratch off, I've got through metal with my 0200, the coating didn't come off, and a lot of other abusive things...the diamonds on my sharpening stone however...yeah.
 
If you could find someone in the custom knife/regrind business, that was good at grinding serrations, that may be an option. Then you could get that 551 and have them grind some serrations for a total of less than your $400 limit. Of course the trick is to find the guy who does this. You would certainly have a one off.
 
I can't think of a mainstream production ZT that matches your exact spec, but as some others have mentioned, you could get aftermarket serrations added. Here is a thread where someone had Veff serrations added to their 0560. There's a pic of a 0300 with those serrations as well.
 
Yep not really a fan of the lock system either. I would buy Spyderco before I bought Benchmade any day of the week.
 
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