Zero Tolerance ZT Maintainence Question?

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NiceGuy92115

Joined
Jul 22, 2018
Messages
36
I have a ZT 0300 Spring Assisted with black scales that looks like this one:

iu


I bought it used on an impulse because the price was good. No blade scratches, and it looks like the original factory sharpened edge.

The edges and highlights of the scales are rubbed shiny from handling and being carried. I don't know if the burnished highlights are from the finish of the scales being rubbed off, or if it's something that washes off with the right cleaner to reveal the original impregnated black color of the G10 process.

I assume the scales are G10, but I'm not sure. What it looks like is anodizing that has been rubbed to reveal the metal underneath. I don't think it's anodizing and I don't think G10 has metal in it. Is that correct?

Question #1: Is there an easy way to restore the crisp flat black color of the scales to look fresh and new again?

Question #2: the pocket clip is also gently worn from daily carry. I don't know what the material of the clip or clip coating is, but I was thinking of buffing off the rest of the black off so it's a clean and polished natural metal color that still sports the ZT logo. For purposes of resale, would a clean polished natural color metal clip be more attractive, or would knife collecting purists prefer the original patina of age and use?

Question #3: Lastly, how important are the blade serial numbers for resale of a ZT? I know they look cool, but for $30, ZT will replace an ELMAX blade for me on another ZT 0560 that I also bought at a good price. Replacement blades don't have serial numbers, of course. The rest of the markings for knife model number and steel type are there. With a new blade, the rest of the knife looks in unused, uncarried condition.

I want to know how much cleanup or restoration helps achieve the best resale auction prices on Ebay.

I like both of these knives, but I have others and I'm trying not to be a knife-hoarder.

I've accumulated plenty of "treasures" over my lifetime. I think it's time to simplify while I still have some wits and ambition left to do so. Maybe I'll sell a S-Load of neat stuff that's stacked in boxes around me so I can buy a 4WD Sprinter and hit the road for a few years (?)
 
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Verify it's not a clone first. Not sure who or where you got it from but these are fairly commonly cloned. Send it to zt and they can verify and probably clean it up, sharpen it and or replace the blade iirc for 45$ for you if it's legit.

Serials are important only to collectors really. If someone wants it as a tool or whatever they won't mind, but advertise that the blades been replaced directly from zt and state it doesn't have a serial. I believe it will say xxxx in place of a serial anyways.


We can't give you a value as you are not a paying member. Check the sticky about it in the forum. If it's a clone however it's worth zero. Zilch and should be destroyed.
 
Mo2 said:
Verify it's not a clone first. Not sure who or where you got it from but these are fairly commonly cloned. Send it to zt and they can verify and probably clean it up, sharpen it and or replace the blade iirc for 45$ for you if it's legit.

Serials are important only to collectors really. If someone wants it as a tool or whatever they won't mind, but advertise that the blades been replaced directly from zt and state it doesn't have a serial. I believe it will say xxxx in place of a serial anyways.


We can't give you a value as you are not a paying member. Check the sticky about it in the forum. If it's a clone however it's worth zero. Zilch and should be destroyed.
Click to expand...

Thank you. A new blade replaced by ZT is $30. It's the same as original, but without serial number. The XXXX knives are ZT seconds that ZT sells off once a year as factory 2nds, not repairs. This is according to their website.

I'm not asking for any estimates of value. I can see that myself from the sold listings at Ebay. My main question was about how to freshen up the G10 and I was weighing the cost/benefit of replacing a blade. The importance of a serial number would be part of that decision. I found the video about boiling the scales in Rit dye by Night Rider to be informative as an option to consider.

Because of the way G10 is made, it seems logical to me that there might be a chemical or cleaner that can restore the fresh black look, so I was drawing upon the collective experience and wisdom of all the pros here. I'm a noob. I was thinking out loud with my simplistic questions.

Thanks for the warning about counterfeits. I saw one knife for sale with ELMAX spelled "EL MAX" ... indeed, it looked fishy.

I appreciate your feedback. Thanks!
 
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OK, I have a confession to make.

It was not the G10. It was the titanium side of the same milled texture that was rubbed with highlights showing.

Mr. DumbGuy

PS - I polished the remaining semi-anodized finish off the clip with a 3M fiber wheel I use for buffing aluminum parts (I'm a 60's era car guy), and it's beautiful. It polished smooth and the ZT Logo turned out crisp and perfect. I don't know if the clip is titanium, or stainless or what, but it looks good.

Another discovery: I found a nice set of magnetic Torx bits of a good quality steel on Amazon that was delivered next day for $9.99. It's made by Yakamoz.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07473NR4B/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

T6 is the clip. T6, T8, T10 are good sizes to have on hand for knives.
 
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