Zero Tolerance 0560 or 0300?

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oXObsidianXo

Joined
Dec 30, 2013
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390
I recently went to my local blade shop and handled both the ZT0560 and the ZT0300. After handling both and applying some sharpie to the 0560's lockface, I decided to purchase the 0560. However I did enjoy the way the handle of the 0300 felt in the store. So my question to those of you who own or owned both, which do/did you prefer. I don't know too much about ELMAX, but I know S30V is great. I have around a week to carry the 0560 with me and they told me if I don't like it I can exchange it for the 0300. Does the extra 2.2oz of the 0300 make a difference? Are re-curve blades that much more difficult to sharpen (On a Sharpmaker) and are there advantages to the re-curve? I know it's all preference, but I liked aspects of both, so I'd like a more developed opinion on both of the knives to help me decide.

Also, it should be noted that the price difference between the two is less than $15. And no, buying both is not an option at the moment.

Thanks a lot in advance.
 
I'm a bit of a technology geek, so the 0560 is my preference, the 0560 has newer technology with the KVT pivot and ELMAX steel, the Hinderer design feels a little fresher too. It's all up to you and your preference though, either knife is a great choice.
 
They are both great knives! I prefer the 0300 personally. Extra weight is n ot a deal breaker if you usually wear jeans. Sharpening a recurve blade on a Sharpmaker is not a problem, just use the corners of the rods and not the flat sides.
 
They're almost completely different designs, I would go with the one that feels best in hand.
I only have the 0560 but I'm pretty sure I would like the thicker handle on the 0300 more, I just have an aversion to re-curves because I like to sharpen on benchstones.
I should mention the 0200 as well, that knife in its own right was my favourite to hold and use out of anything I've owned thus far (it just had a re-curve). Had I owned the 0300 instead that comment may have applied equally to it.
Whether or not the extra weight is an issue is entirely up to you. I carry gigantic (in comparison) knives without issue, other people hate anything over 4oz.
Elmax is very similar to S30V, I would consider them roughly equal.
 
If you had the opportunity to handle both knives, and chose the one you liked best; do the opinions of strangers on the internet really matter?
Both are good knives, so there is no "wrong" answer.
I've got both...and, to be honest, neither of them get carried unless I throw them in my pack. I like the 0300 a lot, but it's just a little too wide to ride in my front pants pocket. I've never been thrilled with the 0560, though there isn't a specific dislike that I can identify. Since the 0200 was mentioned, I'll admit that I like it better than the 0300 or 0560 (now that I've sanded down those scales), and carry it often.

Don't second guess yourself - you got a good knife. Enjoy it.
 
I have the 0560 and while the fit in my hand is probably the most comfortable of any knife I own I've had problems with the lockup moving from 20% to over 75% in the year I've owned it. I've been eyeing the 0300 for a long time now. I think that's more bang for your buck
 
I think that if the recurve keeps you from buying it, that is a shame. I find a lot of advantage with the recurve on my 301! Something about the area that curves gives me a greater push point when cutting into tougher cuts. Regardless you bought a ZT so you bought an awesome knife! I would not have any regrets if I were you!
 
Ya, the only thing really keeping me from going with the 0300 is the re-curve, and I don't know just how much "better" ELMAX is than S30V. And hhmoore, the reason I am asking for people opinions, is because I have no experience with re-curve blades and no experience with ELMAX. So if I can get feed back in the two major aspects which affected my purchase, then I may change my mind.
 
Both knives are designed by 2 of the best knife makers and innovators around right now (Hinderer & Onion). I have both models, carried and used both extensively for a while now. It's really a matter of what you are more comfortable with. People seem to get their undies in a know over recurved blades and I don't quite understand why. Any knife regardless of blade type, needs sharpening and it is a skill that will need to be developed sooner or later. Now, with so many inexpensive sharpening tools available and free instruction available on the web there should be no reason for not knowing how to sharpen a recurve.

Anyway, ELMAX is like S30V on steroids. More corrosion resistant, tougher, and arguably holds an edge longer. Opinions vary, but they are both great steels.
 
I like the 0560 a bit better. Reason for that is the Elmax steel, it was the first knife I ever had with it (aside from the 0350CB I have) that I really put to use. I carried and used it every day for over a 15 month period. No chipping, edge rolling, dullness, etc. Aside from some stropping and a touch up on the Sharpmaker now and then, it's still good. The 030X series is really good too. Ken Onion designs knives that fit perfectly into the hand. No hot spots at all, and that knife (0303) was carried daily for about 10 months. It's solid, no blade play and the lock hasn't moved at all.
 
That's a choice between a Hinderer and an Onion design. That's like asking someone if they prefer the Beatles or Rolling Stones. You can't love both unless you're one of those middle of the road personalities. Personally I don't like Hinderer designs. So my choice would be the 0300. Not just because of the bladeshape or handle but I'm a bit OCD about ballbearings running over titanium. I believe it's a recipe for disaster.

The 0300 IS harder to sharpen yes, but there's plenty of tutorials to be found on youtube. The trick is to move your wrist so the edge is always in a 90 degree angle on your sharpmaker. It takes practice.

Overall my vote is the 0300
 
I've handled both, and the 0560 just feels better to me. I've owned and loved an 0350.


OP, if you don't want to get the 0300 because of the recurve, you can always send it to me for sharpening. I have a Wicked Edge, and I'd be more than happy to do it for free. (And don't worry, you can trust me, I've got good feedback :))
 
Well, I ended up returning my 0560 and picking up the 0300 today. The main reason was that after handling the 0560 I found that I preferred the ergonomics of the 0300 (undeniably more comfortable to hold imo). The other thing was that I have other knives in my collection that fill the tasks of the 0560 (my large sebby and BM 580) so I kind of wanted to add an overbuilt knife to my collection. Thanks for all your input it really helped with my decision. And CJZ I may take you up on your offer (I'll have to see how I like the recurve and if I can sharpen it good on my own).
 
A foot long section of 1" PVC pipe, wrapped in 400 grit AO sandpaper and you should be good to go. It's good to be creative, real good.
 
I have over the last year and a half acquired a 301, then a 200, then lastly my 561. I love them all. 301 takes a slight edge over the other two just cause my wife gave it to me for a birthday and it was my first high quality knife. Up till then never spent over $90 on a knife. The recurve on 301 has actually never needed more than a strop with leather and compounds. Kershaw I believe still will sharpen them free for life. My 200 I use all the time sometimes abuse it. I found the work sharp sharpener and after some practice and aftermarket belts I can get a consistent mirrored convex edge and the 154 cm gets crazy sharp. 561 with ikbs is a beautifully smooth flipper. Honestly my experience is I can't tell a difference between s30v and Elemax. So far both have held edges a very long time. Have to say 561 is just sexy looking to me with the polished titanium.
 
If the 300 didn't have the recurve... I would own one :) Handle ergos are excellent. Great fit and finish at the price point, quality materials, and very solid build.... The 560 wins in sexyness though for me, as well as fun level... if you get one with a good detent, they FLY out. Also very solid, but the fact that it rides on bearings instead of washers does technically make the design weaker. though in normal day to day life there would be no difference.
 
oXObsidianXo said:
Rev, that foot long section of PVC is that to get rid of the recurve?
Click to expand...

Hopefully it will help you learn how to properly sharpen your knife when the time comes. Like I said, creativity is essential.

olybears57 said:
If the 300 didn't have the recurve... I would own one :) Handle ergos are excellent. Great fit and finish at the price point, quality materials, and very solid build.... The 560 wins in sexyness though for me, as well as fun level... if you get one with a good detent, they FLY out. Also very solid, but the fact that it rides on bearings instead of washers does technically make the design weaker. though in normal day to day life there would be no difference.
Click to expand...
Really? How does that work exactly?
 
So far, loving the 0300. Carried it in my pocket for around 3 hours walking around town and doing basic task. While I did notice it, compared to my sebby, I wouldn't say that it was too heavy. Thing came wicked sharp, and I honestly am kind of preferring the speedsafe over the 0560's manual action. Though that could be because the 0560 I had, had a very weak detent so it required a fair amount of effort (or a little flick) to get it to come out of the handle quickly.
 
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