Zero Tolerance 0400 Scavenger or Spyderco Endura

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mikellen

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Jul 25, 2009
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I hope you all can give me some advice.

I'm just starting to learn about knives and I'd like to purchase a decent folder.
I have a chance to purchase a used but excellent conditioned Zero Tolerance 0400 Scavenger model with S30V steel blade for about $85.00. I'm also interested in a Spyderco Endura with the VG10 steel. This I can purchase for about half the price. I can only purchase one of these knives at this time.

My question is: Which knife is the better value and which would you recommend and why?

I don't know much about the durability, practicality, and performance of the different blade steels regarding these knives.
I believe from what I've read is that S30V is one of the better steels but I don't know if the ZT 0400 would be worth twice the price over the Spyderco Endura model. So I'm wondering which knife would be the best deal.


Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.
 
I hate the Scavenger's look but you get S30V steel and titanium liners with Scavenger. Both companies have excellent warranties. Scavenger does have Speed Safe A/O some like it other's don't. ZT's strength are better material's and its tough as door nail like all ZT's.

I am not sure if I would spend over twice over Endura. I personally would probably go for Endura as it seems to have better bang per buck. That Zero Tolerance is good deal though. But Endura's blade shape is more useful IMHO. Tanto blade is not that good utility and work blade as regular blades at least in my experience. Endura is not made such high quality materials, FRN handles / G-10 handles with steel liner's and VG-10 steel but its well prooven working concept with good blade shape and better opening mechanism IMHO.
 
Two very different blade styles with these two. I have some ZT's, but not the 0400, although I would like to get it eventually. The Endura is a classic and you will get far more suggestions to get it than the ZT. Just get the one that YOU like!:thumbup::D
 
Both are coming from proven companies - the ZT is tough as nails and built with premium materials but is far from people friendly in terms of its looks. The Endura has proven its popularity with its simplicity and plain but decent looks.

In the end, they are so far different that its hard to compare them on their strengths and weaknesses, so just go with whichever one your gut tells you. Flip a coin - and if you hesitate, go with the other one.
 
I'm really more of a KIA fan than a Spyderco, but I think between the two, as a Noob, I'd go with Endura.

The ZT is a big, heavy hard use knife. The Spyderco will be more of a slicer, and more then likely, be a better general use folder for you.
 
Thanks for the recommendations. I'm leaning more towards the Endura since its a lighter knife. How much better is the S30V blade steel compared to VG10?
Is there a major difference or would it be negligible considering I'm a seldom to moderate knife user.

Thanks.
 
If youre just getting into knives id recommend the Endura. Its a classic and no knife enthusiast should go without one. Once you get it and handle it youll know why its so fantastic.

that being said, ZT makes some excellent knives although most of them are overkill for the average user. Theyre robustly built with excellent materials.

Both are great knives, but the Endura offers more bang per buck.
 
to be honest in regular use you probably don't notice much difference between VG-10 and S30V... If I got my facts straight with steels VG-10 is easier to sharp while S30V has better edge retention but in general use you don't feel or see much difference. Now when you start use knife for harder, wood, cardboard cutting hoses and other tough things you will see the difference in edge retention but I am not sure about corrosion resistance just keep 'em out salt water ( like every knife except Spyderco H1 steel knives and similars)
 
If you want a light EDC utility knife, get teh Spydie. If you want a tank of a pointy "defense oriented" knife, get the ZT.

Bang for your buck? I think the nod goes to the ZT personally. Tougher, more knife, better steel.
 
I have the endura in vg10 and several knives in s30v. Both are great steels and will hold up to a lot of work. While the s30v may hold an edge slightly longer I have to tell you that the vg10 on my endura holds up really well and is fairly easy to sharpen. It's my beater/work knife. I've used it on everything from cutting gypsum board (really hard on a knife) to rope, to making a notch or two in 2x4. Honestly it's a great knife which like many others on here have already said should be a knife that every knife-nut has owned and used.
 
I don't have the ZT0400 but I must say that it is my least favorite of all the Zero Tolerance knives looks-wise. A bit too mall-ninja for me. I already have my requisite mall-ninja knife in the CRKT Folding Hissatsu ;) . I do however have the ZT0300 and have handled most ZT models and can tell you they are like tanks! Very well built if not over-built.

I also have the Endura G-10 and absolutely love it. The fit & finish on mine is excellent. I only carry it on weekends since it is too big for office EDC. And even though it has an almost 4" blade, it is quite slim and rides in the pocket nicely. The blade is full-flat ground unlike the saber-ground regular Endura 4 and because of this, the tip tapers very thinly and is not as stout as the regular Endura. The G-10 handle scales provide nice grip even though the texture is very fine.

You can't lose whichever way you go though but my money would go to (and did ;) ) the Endura G-10.
 
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UpChUcK said:
I don't have the ZT0400 but I must say that it is my least favorite of all the Zero Tolerance knives looks-wise. A bit too mall-ninja for me.
Click to expand...

It does look mall ninjaish but it's a surprising useful design. The only real problem I had with it was that I was wanting more of a slicer.
 
Spyderco is great but I don't think any company on this planet can hold a candle to Kershaw/ZT's customer service. I have an Endura and I love it. And I have a Blur which is pretty close to the 0400 minus the grade of steel and flipper. If you are looking for a more EDC kind of knife go for the Endura but if you want a knife that is bomb proof go for the ZT. Also where on Earth did you find a 0400 for $85?
 
Based on looks alone, for me it would be no question: Endura.

kershawzerotolerance0400front.jpg


spyderco-endura-4.jpg

If It wasn't for that (if the ZT had a normal drop point) then it would be another story, with it's one-hand opening and closing. The way it is it looks too tacticool for my tastes.
 
Honestly I think that everyones first good folder should be an Endura. VG-10 is great steal and is pretty easy to sharpen and the knife will stand up to anything. I am extremely biased.
 
I'd choose Kershaw every time , simple. Their warranty and customer service is top shelf.

That particular ZT though , I hate that trec tac material... thats just my two cents on that.

I have an older Endura and it is good knife in all respects but the two cannot be compared properly since they are both very different knives , I think.

Tostig
 
For 40 bucks? Endura?

Bump it up and get a G10 or ZDP for the same price as the ZT. I love the FRN and VG10 that Spyderco uses (mine is a Delica not an Endura)
 
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