Enlightening? Because it has a slot in the head to apparently add another tool? I fail to see how this is related.
It is enlightening because i'm looking from the logic of PJ and breachers who actually used the Paratech (and D.Winkler), who designed the tools based on real world inputs and HOW ZT has looked into that cutout as well.
Comparing all the tools mentioned above (Winkler, ZT and Paratech) and pull in the Omnivore Jackal if you like, they are all crash axes (not ZT unless it has been tested for breaching/destructive works) but with different design intents and selling points. On the Paratech, there's very little space that's not sharp (even with gloves on) that enables grip for prying. Hence it makes total sense that adding a tool acts as a fulcrum for difficult prying.
Talk about the cut-out, if ZT made a bigger cutout like that of Winkler's, it is compromising the entire strength of the tool (more material removed, less rigid and prone to deformation). Though it is made out of V4E tool steels, known for its toughness, a bad design will only kill the intent (probably better if you make it extra thick). Winkler's version is compact yet the cut-out placed strategically to minimize deformation, not to mention Dan tends to make the head the bulkiest with his tapering (hence he could afford to make the cutout slightly larger) whilst the ZT0102 has uniform thickness overall and very little room for more stock removal.
It looks like ZT had offset the profile of the exterior and made a cut out for that.
By doing so distance between the cut-out and profile is uniform and it is one of the measures for overall rigidity.
Could ZT have made a cut-out that is similar to Winkler’s? Possible. Infringement of patents and lack of creativity I guess?
Could ZT have made a cut-out that is universally acceptable? Anything larger, the mass needed for the cutting edge and sharp spine is absent.
You will come across some with humongous paws that wouldn't fit into the cut-out. So this hawk is not for them?
The pic below should scale up what you claimed as barely fitting a finger (i assume the person holding it has very small palm).I have pried things without having to insert all my digits into a cut out of a hawk. (Size L in Maxpedition glove, for a measure)
Come to think of it again, as another point- the cut out might be good for resting your index finger whilst doing finer work.
I don’t work for ZT not affiliated with it but as someone who does design as trade, it is worth the discussion.
ZT0102, without handling yet, looks to me as a tool that has Viking, Ifugao blood in it, with premium steel , good overall size that meant to do many things, not excels in them .....at a good price point.
Looking forward to your refreshing inputs.