Zero Tolerance or Spyderco?

I say Spyderco. Less gimmicky stuff you don't need, and money going to a company that truly deserves it.
 
yobbos1 said:
Generally don't do these types of threads but I'm stumped. Looking for a new tactical to compliment the stockman I carry every day and I have narrowed it down to the Spydie Para military and the ZT 0350. Very different knives I know but I like a premium steel, G10, and the ergonomics of both seem good any advice, comments, thoughts on carry of each would be appreciated. Should add that the AO feature makes no difference to my decision, I can take it or leave it.
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When all else fails, go Spyderco.
 
yobbos1 said:
Generally don't do these types of threads but I'm stumped. Looking for a new tactical to compliment the stockman I carry every day and I have narrowed it down to the Spydie Para military and the ZT 0350. Very different knives I know but I like a premium steel, G10, and the ergonomics of both seem good any advice, comments, thoughts on carry of each would be appreciated. Should add that the AO feature makes no difference to my decision, I can take it or leave it.
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You can't miss with either. It all boils down to what you want.
I edc a ZT0350. I am sure if I still had my Para Military it would go in my other pocket. I personally like the Tungsten DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating on the ZT0350 as well as the 4 way mounting for the clip. Being left handed, I like the option.

You can however get the Para-Military in different handle colors like Digital Camouflage or black. Also one model I have seen comes with a DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) black coating.(Spyderco Military Digicam Black Blade C36CMOBK $240msrp)

Like I said, you can't miss.

Good luck in finding the knife that is right for you.

J.W.
 
I got a para in my pocket while I say this, from a price stand point I would go with the ZT0350. Its almost $40 bucks cheaper for same blade material I believe. Also the ZT0350 can probably take harder use than the para, the para has a thin tip. I like the clip on the ZT0350, it is nice and small and I doubt it gets caught on half the stuff a para's clip does. Both companies have great customer services and owners.
 
hwpaintballer said:
Its almost $40 bucks cheaper for same blade material I believe.
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Both have S30V blades and G10 handles. To get the DLC coating on the Para it is $240msrp. The 0350's msrp is $140.
It is actually about $100 less expensive.

To get the non coated version of the Para (Spyderco Para-Military G-10 C81G)
it is $220msrp. The 0350 would be $80.00 less expensive.

Both are good products. Both companies have great customer service.
 
:D its been a while since I've purchased a para, I believe they may have suffered from inflation since I bought one. Of course that is MSRP, so you can find ZT0350 for around $115 and I thought paras for around $150. Of course it has been a while since I have looked for paras so I may be mistaken.

Thanks for clearing that up 2bkc :thumbup:
 
Wow, so many good ideas and pics in this thread. I love both models very much, but the 0350 is Sweet!! if you don't mind the extra weight. As far as the pics of Phillip's polished G-10 handles go.......Dobson, you already know I feel this way but you are the MAN!! Beautiful work:thumbup:
 
hwpaintballer said:
:D its been a while since I've purchased a para, I believe they may have suffered from inflation since I bought one. Of course that is MSRP, so you can find ZT0350 for around $115 and I thought paras for around $150. Of course it has been a while since I have looked for paras so I may be mistaken.

Thanks for clearing that up 2bkc :thumbup:
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You are actually right also. The "street prices" are closer to what you said.
ZT has a minimum allowable advertised sales price though. I didn't want to start a price war.:D
 
J85909266 said:
I say Spyderco. Less gimmicky stuff you don't need, and money going to a company that truly deserves it.
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I have to ask what you mean by "deserves"? Not trying to start anything,but is there something Kershaw has done that we should know about?
 
I was wondering the same thing. I hate AOs and don't like clunky knives in general, but I don't know of anything Kershaw has done to make me avoid them?:confused:
 
Actually the guy I buy from is selling D2 Para's $40 cheaper than the ZT 0350. Checking out some YouTube vids of both will order one or the other this aft. All comments appreciated. Thanks.
 
"better lock on Paramilitary"
JoshK, can you elaborate? Cause I see what is essentially a much thinner linerlock than what the 350 sports. Add to that it is anchored into the G10 slab instead of a full-length steel liner that is the 350. I'm just curious as to how the Spyderco compression lock is the better lock.
 
I own both knives and they are my two "heavy use" knives. I love them both but if I could go for one for EDC duty I would pick the PARA MILITARY. :)
 
crom said:
"better lock on Paramilitary"
JoshK, can you elaborate? Cause I see what is essentially a much thinner linerlock than what the 350 sports. Add to that it is anchored into the G10 slab instead of a full-length steel liner that is the 350. I'm just curious as to how the Spyderco compression lock is the better lock.
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Actually, the Paramilitary doesn't have a liner lock. Second, I think nesting the liner into the G-10 is going to make it stronger because you have that G-10 backing it. The compression lock on the Paramilitary is very ambidextrous, removing any chance of cutting yourself while closing the blade. The liner may be thinner, but the design of the lock would make it stronger. In order to close the blade on your hand you would have to fold over the metal between the tang and the stop pin.
 
So, it's a liner lock or it's not a liner lock?:
"the Paramilitary doesn't have a liner lock"
"The liner may be thinner"
What engages the tang of the knife? How can a steel liner nestled into G10 be stronger than a full length 2mm thick liner? I'm not an engineer but i'd bet the full length 2mm thick liner is going to best that thin compression lock mated to G10.

- I just googled the comprssion lock and although it does sound adequate (read up on how it works etc.) in its locking, I still fail to see how it is a "better" lock that a well-designed and beefy linerlock. To each his own I guess.
 
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For anyone who has used both, the ZT0350 is a stronger and tougher knife in all aspects. With that you get a less acute grind angle, and more weight.
 
crom said:
So, it's a liner lock or it's not a liner lock?:
"the Paramilitary doesn't have a liner lock"
"The liner may be thinner"
What engages the tang of the knife? How can a steel liner nestled into G10 be stronger than a full length 2mm thick liner? I'm not an engineer but i'd bet the full length 2mm thick liner is going to best that thin compression lock mated to G10.

- I just googled the comprssion lock and although it does sound adequate (read up on how it works etc.) in its locking, I still fail to see how it is a "better" lock that a well-designed and beefy linerlock. To each his own I guess.
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Liner lock implies that you have a liner leaf spring that pushes the blade against the stop pin.

I think it's better. YMMV. I've had "beefy" liner locks (Strider AR, ZT200) with substantial vertical play. It evened out over time with some break in, but making the liner thicker doesn't always make it better.

Someone want to do a hanging weight test? I'll submit a S30V Para. :)
 
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