Zero Tolerance 300 or 350?

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kifaru

Joined
Sep 27, 2009
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So after spending quite a bit of time on this forum researching my next purchase I finally decided to sign up and make use of the vast knowledge base of users.

This is my first post so be gentle

Looking into getting a new EDC. My last Kershaw was a complete let down (Blur - Tanto and Partial Serration). Picked it up for $60 at Wal-Mart, which was a steal in my eyes. Two months in the tanto point has bent, the serrations have rolled and the AO mechanism rattles. I cant honestly remember when all of this happened (being that I use my knives as cutting tools - not prybars, can openers etc). IMHO I would not recommend this knife to others. With a birthday coming up I figured it would be a good time to get something on the wish list. Initially went into the shop 'round the corner to look at the leatherman wave and swisstool (didnt really dig either of these - the blades paled in comparison to anything found on a full sized knife). Got to talking with the guy behind the counter and he pulled out the ZT line. After holding them there is no going back - I will be getting one of these in the near future-

So here are the questions:
1) Comments on the ZT 300 and ZT 350 - Has anyone had experience with either of these knives? From reading I know that the S30V steel is on the higher end of the scale. How do they hold up to regular knife tasks (urban/camp applications)? I carry a ColdSteel Kukri machete for major cutting/chopping tasks.
2) The key difference between these two (aside from size) is the locking mechanism. The 300 has a frame lock and the 350 a beefy liner lock. Has any one experienced a failure with the frame lock or has comments on the form/function of these locks (in particular on these two knives - I read the general thread on liner vs frame already on here)
3) I enjoy having a partially serrated blade - I havent found any cut test videos done with the serrations on ZT's line. Does anyone have any comments on this?
4) How good is the ZT "Limited Lifetime Warranty". Do they replace broken knives or is it just limited to factory defects?

The weight and size of these blades add to the feel of these knives so it is of no concern to me. The space in my front pocket that used to be occupied by a pack of smokes will now be filled with love.

I know that both of these are probably more knife than I will need right now, but enjoy the idea that if the need arises the tool in my pocket will be up to the task.

Thanks in advance
 
I'm sorry you had that bad of an experience with a blur. If you haven't already done so, you could send it back to Kershaw to have them fix it. They WILL take care of you. :) I'd suggest you get a recurve, serrated blur instead of the tanto pointed one, I didn't like the old style serrations.

The 0300 is much beefier, heavier etc. It's a tank. The 0350 is basically a smaller tank--the liner lock is as big as a frame lock on some knives. I don't really "prefer" serrations, but ZT's wave pattern should hold up fine. They sharpen up quickly too.

The warranty, according to Steve from ZT is: "You break it, we'll replace it, no questions asked." They also have free sharpening/parts for life. ZT is the LEO/Mil line from Kai USA (also makes Kershaw knives)

Good luck, let us know what you get. Right now, I'd suggest the 0300, just because I think you will enjoy the heftiness more while in the outdoors.
 
ditto for what knivesandguns said. Kershaw has way beyond excellent customer service. I dropped my Kershaw Outcast when I was on a hike off of a cliff and it broke the handle. I called them and asked if I could buy a replacement handle so I could fix my knife and they said "No, we don't sell knife parts, but if you send it in we will replace it for you free of charge." I made sure to confirm and told her again that I was totally at fault for dropping the knife and she insisted that I send it in and have it replaced. ZT is owned/operated by the same people and will carry the same level of customer service, so there is absolutely no reason to ever doubt kershaw or zt for a purchase.

I own a ZT 0300st and let me tell you I have never seen a better folder in my life. I checked out over a hundred other folders before making this my primary EDC while I am not at work. I looked at many folders from Cold Steel, Kershaw, SOG, Benchmade, Spyderco, Emerson, and more prior to deciding on the 0300. The reason I don't carry it at work is because it takes up most of the inside of my pants pockets and I need access to my pocket a lot during the day, so it makes it rough on your hands to keep reaching in that pocket. My hand was swiss cheese after a couple days.

CPM S30V: Any steel that comes from Crucible is going to be of top notch quality. S30V is the best stainless steel I have ever used to date. I use my knife for basic stuff like food preparation, cutting a lot of cardboard, cutting strapping material, cutting tape, cutting rope etc. This knife remains very sharp after quite a bit of use already and has impressed me quite a bit. My previous EDC was made from VG-1 Stainless and it went dull within just a couple weeks. I've had this one for several months and it's still going.
 
I would get the 0300 first because you'll like how solid it is and how much of a presence it has in your hand. I plan on getting the 0350 in the near future, so I can carry it at work and still have my favorite blade with me.

If you want a no BS folder then you've found it for sure
 
send the blur in; get a new one.

outdoor guy; get the bigger blade/frame lock zt300...
 
Oddly enough I just purchased a Kershaw Blur Tanto Point partially serrated for my brother for his birthday and it just arrived today. I have no second thoughts about giving him this knife whatsoever
 
I'd agree with the others and say go with the 0300. Its an awesome knife, had mine for less than a week, but I love it a little more everyday. I am about to get rid of it as my work EDC since it is ripping the back of my right hand to pieces every time I need to reach in my pocket and go with my Emerson CQC-15. But it will surely be my EDC outside of work since my jeans offer a bit more room in the pocket area. The only issue I had with the steel is it showed up a bit dull but takes an edge like few others. Sharpening with a ceramic rod is pretty simple and lasts quite a while i hear.
 
knivesandguns said:
The warranty, according to Steve from ZT is: "You break it, we'll replace it, no questions asked."
Click to expand...

I am sure this policy is true, because there are so many kershaw stories just like it on the forum, but... It is part of an unspoken and unwritten warrantee.

The actual written warrantee would have you think differently. You can find it on the Kai site, as well as the kershaw/ ZT catalogs. It clearly states "limited lifetime warrantee" -where negligence is not covered.

Again, there a plenty of stories to prove that they will replace your knife if you break it, but it is just not written anywhere.
 
It seems you have done your research on both blades and know the differences. I own the 301 and am incredibly impressed with the quality. I do not buy linerlocks anymore, but I will say that from all of the research I have done, spyderco and kershaw probably have some of the most reliable linerlocks on the market. So if that does not bother, and you want a smaller knife, get the 350. But if you dont mind the size and weight, I say go with the 300. It is a steal compared to other knives made with the same materials. I own one strider and feel that my 301 has better fit and finish. Nothing against the strider though, I absolutely love it. But if it were me, I would get the 300 over the 350.
 
The 0350 is a high quality production knife, and a very good value.

The 030x is a modern classic, and one of the best values on the market today. One of those knives you've just got to have, if it reasonably fits your needs. Sounds to me like you aren't overly concerned with the 030x's primary liabilities (weight and bulk) so I think it is your choice.

Also, if you start out with the 0350, my bet would be that you'd end up with an 030x as well. The opposite might not be as likely.
 
Wow - I had no idea I would be getting feedback this quick!
Cheers guys - I really do appreciate it.

In regards to the blur: I will be sending back to Kershaw, later in the week. "knivesandguns" I will be taking your advice and trying to switch it out for the recurve blade - but I am going to skip the serrations.
"xounlisted" - my hesitation to recomend the tanto/serrated blur was based on personal experience- I hope that your brothers is much more favourable. I have no knowledge of how blade geometry works in actuality (and welcome corrections) so this is just based of what I have observed. It seems like the tanto point on the blur is weakened by shape of the non-cutting edge (the spine?). Traditional tanto point knives that I have seen tend to be straight or curved upwards. The spine on the Blur curves (rather agreesively) to the tip of the tanto. It would seem that when pressure if applied to the tip of the tanto that it is not transfered and distributed along the length of the blade but concentrated about halfway on the spine. There also seems to be less steel in the blade face area behind the tanto, than what I have seen on traditional tanto blades. Comments or help?
"tsiloics" - touche - your comment makes alot of sense about "the opposite might not be as likely".
"arpaio" - This might sound weird but what kind of pants do you wear to work? As of right now I dress mainly in jeans but will be moving into the job market soon and would hate to have to leave the 30x at home because of a change in wardrobe.

As a college student spending the $300 (round-a-bouts) on a knife begs the question as to whether I can get it for cheaper. I dont mind paying the money for a product that is going to last a lifetime but definatly wouldnt mind saving some on it. I have seen a couple on ebay and was wondering if thats a safe option. I worry about the blade being impoperly sharpened or otherwise altered/damaged. Has everyone had mostly positive results buying knives online?

I am going to go back to the local store and try both knives yet again in my pocket.
 
Many local knife stores have prices closer to msrp. I would try to avoid ebay. There are numerous reputable dealers online where you can purchase a 30x for $240. I bought my 301 from new graham knives.
 
I prefer the smaller size of the 0350 for most tasks, so it is probably what I would get. That's partially due to the fact that I already have a ZT 0500 for hard-use. The 0350 carries very well.

That is not to say that the 0350 is not suitable as a hard-use folder. The lock and handle are very sturdy. It is not as overbuilt as some of the other ZT's, but I don't see it breaking under most circumstances.

My impressions of the 0350 are very good, but it's not perfect. The flat handle slabs are not as comfortable as they could be if sculpted. Thicker, contoured slabs really improve the handling of this knife. The 0300 already has contoured handles. I also had issues with blade centering on the 0350s I've worked with. It's not a big issue, and it can usually be fixed by taking the knife apart and re-assembling. Part of this is probably due to the asymmetrical washers that accommodate the speedsafe. I don't know if the 0300 has this too.
 
Buying from a stocking dealer on eBay is really no different, than buying from any other Internet knife shop. Buying used from a private individual is a bit more dicey. But, the established stores on eBay have thousands of positive transactions. In my experience they are no different than any place else online.
 
I love my 0300. It's a real tank, but it's also a very nice slicer (not overly thick with an obtuse grind, like you may think). It's got a high, flat grind, so it won't bind in deep cuts through thick materials, and the S30V really stays sharp through some hard use. The frame lock is totally beefy and secure.
Really, this thing is overbuilt for what most people would need, but I like the reassurance that it's not going to break/fail.
 
kifaru said:
As a college student spending the $300 (round-a-bouts) on a knife begs the question as to whether I can get it for cheaper. I dont mind paying the money for a product that is going to last a lifetime but definatly wouldnt mind saving some on it. I have seen a couple on ebay and was wondering if thats a safe option. I worry about the blade being impoperly sharpened or otherwise altered/damaged. Has everyone had mostly positive results buying knives online?

I am going to go back to the local store and try both knives yet again in my pocket.
Click to expand...

IMO, if you're availing yourself of the local B/M's retail services, you might consider giving them your business. Their prices are higher because they provide that service - and you are consuming it. Not to be preachy... you did say that you didn't mind spending the money. :-)

I've bought tons of stuff on line, and never had a problem. When buying something as personal as a knife, though, it's nice to be able to inspect the exact piece you're getting up close. You can look at the lock-up, blade centering, etc. That brings us back to the value of the B/M service....
 
After further consideration I think I am going to go with the ZT 350 - the kicker in this decision being the fact that I live in California. With knife carrying restrictions being the beast that they are I would hate to lose the knife. As such I will be looking into a Rat Cutlery rc 4 to throw in the pack for camping trips. Thanks for the advice guys!
 
Well i googled knife restriction and came up on 3.5 inches for a "concealed" folder. I am not sure if this is correct. Thoughts?
 
I've never seen any laws regarding the length of a knife in CA. I also don't believe a folder that is partially exposed would be considered concealed.
 
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