Zero Tolerance 0301 Lockup - Is this normal?

D

Duggan

Joined
Jan 26, 2010
Messages
5
Hello, I just got a ZT 0301 and I am very impressed with it ... except for the lockup.

It appears that in their quest to make lockup tight as can be, that they didn't take enough metal off the back of the blade, and in doing so the framelock cannot fully slide into place and engage.

As such, more of the blade is unsupported by the framelock than IS supported ... not good.

So I ask you ... is this normal? Am I over reacting?

Needless to say I will be calling Kershaw's CS on Monday, but I wanted to get some opinions.

ZT0301-lockup01.jpg

ZT0301-lockup02.jpg

ZT0301-lockup03.jpg
 
That is perfectly normal, and in the frame lock/liner lock world, its known as "room for wear." No need to call Kershaw's CS, they gave you a perfect knife.;)
 
3Guardsmen said:
That is perfectly normal, and in the frame lock/liner lock world, its known as "room for wear." No need to call Kershaw's CS, they gave you a perfect knife.;)
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Really? As evidenced by my postcount I am new to quality blades, but I am very surprised to hear that this is normal.

Do framelocks really wear that much? In a year of daily use, will the framelock wear down enough that it will fully slide into place behind the blade?

As a newbie, it appears to me that the lockup is currently not nearly at it's potential strength ... with only half of the framelock being in place behind the blade. I can push the framelock into place and get it fully behind the blade, but with regular opening it only goes halfway.

You're telling me this isn't the case, and that I'm over reacting?

:eek:
 
This is what's known as an "early lock up." It's perfectly normal and allows the knife to self adjust as it "breaks in." No worries. It's perfectly strong and will set in during its years of use. Enjoy
 
Duggan said:
Haha thank you for your help, but holy christ you probably said "you know" 100 times in that video.

You know.

:)
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It's better than saying tactical folder 1000 times in a video..... LOL

My other ones are better, after it was mentioned I stopped doing that. :)
 
VR4 said:
This is what's known as an "early lock up." It's perfectly normal and allows the knife to self adjust as it "breaks in." No worries. It's perfectly strong and will set in during its years of use. Enjoy
Click to expand...

:)

I'm very glad to hear this.

Thanks.
 
Duggan said:
Really? As evidenced by my postcount I am new to quality blades, but I am very surprised to hear that this is normal.

Do framelocks really wear that much? In a year of daily use, will the framelock wear down enough that it will fully slide into place behind the blade?

As a newbie, it appears to me that the lockup is currently not nearly at it's potential strength ... with only half of the framelock being in place behind the blade. I can push the framelock into place and get it fully behind the blade, but with regular opening it only goes halfway.

You're telling me this isn't the case, and that I'm over reacting?

:eek:
Click to expand...

This thread, regarding the lock up of the pinnacle of folding knives, made by the guy who invented the frame lock, should ease your apprehensions.;)
 
Welcome to BladeForums, Duggan, and congrats on owning a true BEAST of a quality knife!!:thumbup:
 
3Guardsmen said:
Welcome to BladeForums, Duggan, and congrats on owning a true BEAST of a quality knife!!:thumbup:
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Thanks.

I've been EDCing a dull Cold Steel 4 inch zytel TiLite for about 3 years now (don't laugh, at the time I was told they were the best for the price and I bought one from a friend for $30, I've spent all my money on firearms, not knives ;)) and it now has a whole lot of bladeplay in all directions, and it flexes a whole lot. It was never sharp for very long, even if I bothered to sharpen it.

Needless the say, this ZT knife seems to be much higher quality in every aspect.

I figure that between graduating soon and getting $4k back from the IRS, I could do worse than to buy a quality knife that I will carry every day of my life.

So thank you, and I hope this knife is everything people say it is.

ETA - Now I need to find out the best way to keep it sharp ... My limited research says Spyderco Sharpmaker or an Edgepro Apex if I feel like spending money.
 
Get the edgepro its the best, it cost alittle more but you get what you pay for. The same goes for knives, just like your new zt nice knife heavy duty. :thumbup:
 
Break her in brother!! Thats the fun of getting a new knife.

You need to read the recent thread on knifesturbation.

A few hundred "open/close" sequences while sitting in front of the tv will get it right where you want it.:D

Enjoy - I sold my Strider SnG and bought a ZT 0301 because I felt it was the better deal.

Nothing against my SnG - it was a great knife. I just felt the ZT was a better deal considering materials and price point.
 
You needn't worry-the lock will self-adjust. If you do have any problems, ZT will take very good care of you.
 
d762nato said:
Get the edgepro its the best, it cost alittle more but you get what you pay for. The same goes for knives, just like your new zt nice knife heavy duty. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

I would agree with the edgepro if youre willing to take the time and learn how to use it.

The sharpmaker with a set of diamond rods and a good strop is a perfectly workable solution too.

oh, and that lockup is perfect for a new knife.
 
Not only is it normal but it's exactly what you expect from a good frame lock :)
 
As said above the lockup is perfect on your ZT. That early lockup is much more desirable than 100% lockup if you were to ever sell it. After a couple weeks it should work its way into about 75%.
 
It is not that they didn't take enough metal off the back of the tang but it's a design thing.

Two types of contact surface for framelocks. Flat blade tang and second is the curved blade tang. The movement of the lockbar (travel over time) is less for curved tang contact.

So do not worry, it ain't a mistake, it was fully intentional.
 
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