ZT 350 vs Kershaw Boa?

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EastSideRich

Joined
Jun 25, 2009
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Does anyone have both a Zero Tolerance 350 and a Kershaw Boa?
I'm intrigued by the ZT350; I have a Boa, and it's one of my favorite EDC knives, but I have a couple issues with it which I am hoping are resolved with the ZT350.
There's more play in the blade than I would like to see, and if you tighten the torx screw where the blade pivots, it won't open. You can back it off a tiny bit and it will open when you use the thumb stud, but it wont open with the tang.
By the time you back the screw out enough for it to open with the tang, the blade it getting kinda wobbly and it still is not snapping open with authority. If you back the screw out enough where it opens fast the blade is getting real sloppy. That little screw also has a tendency to keep loosening on its own too.

Other than that I love the knife (the Boa). The ZT350 seems to me like a Boa on steroids, and I'm really tempted to buy one.
Just how tight is the blade on the 350? I saw some youtube videos and it seemed like it opens very smooth and quick. Also, does that screw stay put, or does it like to back its self out. I'm also wondering just how it feels compared to the boa. It looks a little heftier, but very similar (I guess it was designed by Ken Onion also)

One other concern I have about the ZT350 is it doesn't look like the thumb stud is really functional as far as opening. I like to use the stud on my flipper type knives, because the blade generally opens faster, and you don't have to really change your grip on the knife to use it after opening it.

Even if you don't have a Boa to compare to, any thoughts on this would be much appreciated. I'm really beginning to appreciate a really tight blade in a folder, and would be very disappointed to spend $120-$140 on a knife with a wobbly blade.
 
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I own a Boa, and have a similar complaint. But I got the pivot screw set perfect to allow no blade play and an acceptable opening speed.

That being said, I just picked up a Kershaw Rake and a RAM. Both of these knives open and lock VERY VERY solidly. Absolutely zero blade play with either.

I have no experience with the ZT350, but wouldn't mind owning one soon :D

mystuff.jpg


smallertogether2.jpg
 
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Chevy, I guess since you showed me yours, I might as well show you mine.:)
SW5906053a.jpg

The Boa certainly is a sexy knife.
By the way, I got to play with an XD a little while ago (rented one with a buddy at the range), I can't for the life of me remember what caliber, but it was a little compact version and had a wicked muzzle flash! - I generally don't like striker fired pistols, but it might be worth getting one for the ball of fire coming out the barrel alone.
 
EastSideRich said:
You can back it off a tiny bit and it will open when you use the thumb stud, but it wont open with the tang.


One other concern I have about the ZT350 is it doesn't look like the thumb stud is really functional as far as opening. I like to use the stud on my flipper type knives, because the blade generally opens faster, and you don't have to really change your grip on the knife to use it after opening it.
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So, what's the problem with the Boa? If just you're looking for an excuse to get the 350, go for it; it's a great knife. As for the pivot screw, a little bit of loctite should take care of that.

edit: I have no problems opening either of my stonewashed composite blade 0350 with the thumb stud, but I had great difficulty with a regular coated one. I don't know if it's coincidence or if the coating adds a tiny bit of friction and/or thickness that makes it more difficult to open.
 
Kershawguy has 0350 CB's with the ELMAX edge, my brother has one and its a amazing knife. Very good size with a great in hand feel, no play in any direction and has not needed any adjustment.

Its a knife that will easily replace your boa.
 
I haven't heard of the issues that the OP speaks of, but you would certainly love the 0350. Great EDC blade, it's basically a Blur on steroids, and yes you can use the studs to open it as well.
 
I have to fidget a bit with most of my blades to get 'em how I like 'em.
Don't have a Boa, but the 350 did very well in my woodworker tests - excellent cutter and plenty strong.
The 350 is a kickass knife, IMHO.
If you want freakishly good tolerances, you may have to go custom.
The tolerances on the 350 are excellent for the price.

me - 2 cents
 
sc:
Problem with the Boa is even though I can open it with the stud with the screw pretty snug, it opens kinda sluggishly - and I like having the option of using the flipper if I wanted (even though I'll usually use the stud); if nothing else, just because I feel like it's not working properly if it won't open like that.

DapperDan:
Thanks for the side-by-side!!
it's nice to see them together for comparison.

I think I'm just going to get it.
 
Is your Boa the old version with the S60V steel or the new one with S30V, I have the new one and it locks up very tight, no blade plays.

If I were you, I would spend some more money and buy a frame lock Zero Tolerance.
 
00ChevyScott said:
I own a Boa, and have a similar complaint. But I got the pivot screw set perfect to allow no blade play and an acceptable opening speed.

That being said, I just picked up a Kershaw Rake and a RAM. Both of these knives open and lock VERY VERY solidly. Absolutely zero blade play with either.

I have no experience with the ZT350, but wouldn't mind owning one soon :D

mystuff.jpg


smallertogether2.jpg
Click to expand...

Nice pics man, I really like the Rake, may pick up one for this X-mas:D
 
if i had that kind of problem with a kershaw boa, i would definitely send it back to kershaw and explain the problem in writing, they will fix it or send you another...
 
originally posted by dongbeiren
Is your Boa the old version with the S60V steel or the new one with S30V, I have the new one and it locks up very tight, no blade plays.
Click to expand...
it's S60V, I think I got it about 7 years ago ( have always had issues with a wiggly blade)

originally posted by stricknine
if i had that kind of problem with a kershaw boa, i would definitely send it back to kershaw and explain the problem in writing, they will fix it or send you another...
Click to expand...

would that really work?
I've had really good experience with their customer service, but that would be surprising.
Anyone had this type of experience with Kershaw?
 
EastSideRich said:
it's S60V, I think I got it about 7 years ago ( have always had issues with a wiggly blade)



would that really work?
I've had really good experience with their customer service, but that would be surprising.
Anyone had this type of experience with Kershaw?
Click to expand...

They will certainly try their best to repair it. A replacement is unlikely as the Boa is no longer produced.
 
s.c. said:
They will certainly try their best to repair it. A replacement is unlikely as the Boa is no longer produced.
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I sent an email to them about replacement parts for warranty work for my Boa if I were to need them. They said that small parts are available, but they do not have any more blades for them. So I'd say if they couldn't fix it, you'd get credit towards a new knife.
 
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