Zero Tolerance knives

M

mobenzowner

Joined
Oct 17, 2010
Messages
462
This will be my first Zero Tolerance knife and I and soliciting advice from the ZT users out there. I have narrowed down the characteristics of what I am looking for in this knife and have a model in mind, but would like to see if you experienced users come to my same conclusion.

1.) Usage - This would probably be carried in a winter survival type bag in the automobile, as I travel approx. 80 miles round trip each day. It could also see use as a game/hunting knife. So it would be a moderate to heavy usage type tool.

2.) Steel - With the above usage in mind I think I would be nicely served by s35vn, although s30v might also be a good choice. I have never had a blade of s35vn so all I know of it is what I have read. I don't think I would like elmax because I have read that it can chip or be brittle. I know each company's heat treat affects this issue so if elmax by ZT is a great steel please feel free to let me know. I am a pretty proficient sharpener with lots of sharpening methods/devices so ease of sharpening is not my real issue. Edge retention and degree of attainable sharpness are my main criteria.

3.) Finish - I prefer a non-glare blade finish.

4.) Size - Here is where I am totally open. Weight is not a big issue. Pure personal preference tells me a mid-size ZT would be weekend carried and used more than the larger/largest ZT's, but what are the functional trade offs for my intended usages above. I could see this knife being used to baton etc.

5.) Price - I am frugal and always want the best value for the $buck, however price is the least of my above criteria choices on this knife.

Thanks for all your advice in advance, and I eagerly await recommendations to see if they are in line with what I think might currently be my self decided choice.
 
Easy. The ZT 0550. It's just a tank of a knife in S35VN steel. That should handle your survival/hunting criteria. ZT's heat treat is pretty spot on with this steel.

They're discontinued so you can find them all over for pretty decent prices. Check the exchange here as they pop up pretty regularly. Hell, there's one on page 1 as I type this.
 
Expensive knife just to stick in a car bag, and folders suck for field dressing game.

I think you'd be better off putting a $15 Mora Companion in your emergency bag and carrying the ZT in your pocket at all times.
 
Grownstar has nailed it pretty well...it's a great knife.
An alternate would be a Spyderco Gayle Bradley in CPM-M4 blade-steel. The favorite of many. Blade stays sharp darned near forever, and it's easily capable of heavy-duty use.
 
A heavy use knife that's going to be carried in a bag, that sounds like a fixed blade to me. Buy the appropriately sized ESEE fixed blade for your intended use and then buy whatever ZT you want to carry in your pocket every day.
 
The 0121 also meets all your requirements. As mentioned above, these come up every once and a while for a great price on the exchange.

WP_001974_zps92a8b507.jpg


here is a comparison pic for ya

WP_002044_zps47047991.jpg
 
Thanks for the recommendations thus far. In regards to fixed blades, I already have a few Beckers, Mora's, Spyderco Moran etc. as well as a Spyderco Gayle Bradley. I intend to make at least one foray into the ZT world to see how I like them. Also my son has his eyes on a couple of my good knives. At least that's the story I'm sticking too..................lol
 
If no fixed, then I agree with grownstar the 550 would be your best bet. Up next from there I'd go for a 0300 or the smaller 0350. If you would be willing to compromise on your steel then the 0200 would be for you.
 
The 550 is indeed the one I had gravitated towards. I have actually responded to the one for sale in the classifieds, but have no response back yet from the seller.
 
mobenzowner said:
Got a 550 with the black blade purchased and soon to be on it's way to me.
Click to expand...

Very good choice. I can't think of a better user knife. I'm not sure what you paid, but these are discontinued, if you want to pick up a spare several sites still have them in stock for around $150 which is less than they sold for while they were a regular production item.
 
grownstar said:
Easy. The ZT 0550. It's just a tank of a knife in S35VN steel. That should handle your survival/hunting criteria. ZT's heat treat is pretty spot on with this steel....
Click to expand...

This^

For a little less money, more weight and heft and 154CM steel, consider the 0200.

My two favorite ZTs.

(On closer reading, I see you got the 0550. Good choice for sure.)
 
For what you described, I agree with others and say a fixed blade would be more appropriate. An ESEE, Becker, or Buck come to mind.

However, If you really want a ZT folder, I would recommend the 200 for your purposes. It is strong and rugged, knife that feels very solid in hand. It will handle most anything you would throw at it with ease. It also has very smooth action with the flipper. I think it is one of the best values in the ZT line.

Edit: sorry I also just noticed you already purchased the 550 which is also a great ZT choice, Enjoy!
 
I EDC a 0350 at work. I like it. It's a bit heavy for outside of work EDC, but definitely manageable.

I love it for work. Super easy to open and use with the heaviest winter gloves.

If it's STRICTLY going to be in a bag I would get the big brother 0300.
 
mobenzowner said:
The 550 is indeed the one I had gravitated towards. I have actually responded to the one for sale in the classifieds, but have no response back yet from the seller.
Click to expand...
Tell the guy you want it, and be ready to pay for it ASAP. That is how it works here.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top