Zero Tolerance 0300 VS. 0560BW

D

Delta1067

Joined
Apr 21, 2009
Messages
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It's that time again......Time to buy another knife. So I am thinking another ZT is in order and want to hear your thoughts on the 0300 verses the 0560BW.
I want to get a big knife that will be used and abused.
Or...is there another similar knife I should consider (even a different brand). My budget is $200 to $300.
Thanks!
 
The blade geometry on the 0560BW is probably easier to sharpen.
 
If you're actually going to abuse it a Cold Steel Recon 1 in XHP is a very good choice!
The 300 is likely a stronger knife than the 560 but less utilitarian.
 
I'm pretty sure that I've got comparison pics of the 0300 with an 0560 - that might help your decision.
Give me a bit to track them down
 
I think that the 0300 is too big for EDC.

The 0560 series is one of my all time favorites.

I've done deplorable things to mine and it's standing strong.

You'd be hard pressed to find any quantifiable difference in performance between the two.

Meaning - I get that the 0300 is beefier, but I don't think that really does much but pull your pants down.

Plus like someone said above, recurves are a -----
 
hhmoore said:
I'm pretty sure that I've got comparison pics of the 0300 with an 0560 - that might help your decision.
Give me a bit to track them down
Click to expand...

I've probably got some too. It is a sad state when we have to track said photos down ;)
 
Well, I couldn't find that photo so I just took some more.

2TO6a3sh.jpg

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IMO the 0560 carries better because it weighs less, is thinner, and more narrow. However it is longer if that is an issue for you. I don't consider the recurve a sharpening issue as I don't let it get dull by using a ceramic rod to touch it up at the end of the day if it was used. The big issue I have with the 300 series is the assist. It is assisted where the 0560 is not. This might be an issue for you. There is no closing detent. That means that if the assist spring breaks the blade will not stay closed like the 0560 will. You can get assist springs from ZT for free but it is a maitnence issue that should be considered. The 301 I have now has a detent whole drilled in the blade so I do not need the assist spring. It is properly deassisted. I like it much better this way. Just something to consider.

All that said, I'll never sell the 301 or the 0560 pictured. Both are iconic ZTs my collection would not be complete without.
 
Between those two, I've found the 0300 more comfortable in use and the 0560 to be much easier to carry. Both are big and beefy knives. My 0560 has probably seen more time in my EDC rotation, mainly be cause it does carry much easier. However, there's just something about the overall feel of the 0301 that keeps it among my favorites.

Then there are a couple of the newer models - 0804CF and 0909 that are new for 2016. The 0804 is actually a little bit larger than the 0560 and 0300. The 0909 is similar in size to the 0300, but it has more similarities to the 0200 (manual flipper, liner lock, and pretty hefty full liners).
 
I think both can be used and abused. I have both. I just like the 560 for the lighter weight. The 300 blade is beefier and more stubby.
 
I think I'd take a hard look at the 0909. It's cheaper than either the 0300 or 0560BW but probably just as tough. I'm not a big fan or recurves or assisted open, so the 0300 would be behind the 0560BW for my interests.
 
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I've had and still do several of each model. All of the 0300 series has been solid, I mean solid lock up, no blade play, lock rock, side to side wobble at all. Those knives are unbearably perfect for me. I don't mind the weight or the dimensions as I dedicate a pocket for my knives and nothing else. I can easily get the 0300BW in my pocket and a smaller slipjoint without any problems.
I have one of the first 0560 knives that hit the US, it was on preorder at a dealer here and I got it in record time. It was solid for months, then developed some slight lock rock. It's still a great knife and if I doubted it, I'd have flipped it for $400 like some others guys did. However, I just feel it was too awesome to get rid of. My personal preference is the 0300 series over the 0560.
 
whitty said:
Consider one of the new ZT's. The 0220, 909 and 804CF are all in your budget range. They are all beastly made!


These are all the 2016 releases. Picture was taken according to overall length!
https://flic.kr/p/EW4bAE https://www.flickr.com/photos/57703464@N02/



From top to bottom here are the 220, 909, 301, 804CF and 560BW all lined up from shortest to longest in overall length.
https://flic.kr/p/FPeBYj https://www.flickr.com/photos/57703464@N02/
Click to expand...

That is some perspective right there! Thanks!
 
I have both and the 0300 is my choice. I have been looking at the new ZT0909 and it may bump the 0300 from my pocket.
 
The 909 seems like the updated 200. I haven't had one yet but I think it might be a nice option.
 
I'm not feeling the 909, at all. I like the 0220; but I'm concerned about that raised edge on the back (presumably for a lanyard). Part of me thinks it might be unobtrusive...the realist thinks it would bug me.
 
hhmoore said:
I'm not feeling the 909, at all. I like the 0220; but I'm concerned about that raised edge on the back (presumably for a lanyard). Part of me thinks it might be unobtrusive...the realist thinks it would bug me.
Click to expand...

We have talked about this exact same thing in the shop. We all felt like it was either going to be an eye sore or get in the way with the grip on the knife. Needless to say it is neither. It is actually much cooler looking in person than in pics and does not bother the grip at all in my hands or the other guys at the shop.
 
Thanks for all of the replies. I am leaning towards the 300, mainly because it is no longer being produced.
 
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