Zero Tolerance 0350

D

dkmon

Joined
Oct 11, 2010
Messages
13
Hi everyone, I am finally gonna take the plunge and get my first folder over $100. I have owned a few knives, but none have been this expensive.:o

So for Christmas I might give myself one as a finishing college present so I narrowed it down to a Zero Tolerance 0350. I was looking through google on reviews and youtube but opinions have been varied, but mostly positive.

I was hoping to get the general opinion of BF forum goers regarding this knife. The good, the bad, and the ugly.

I plan to EDC this knife so it I want to know how it carries in the pocket. I wont have to worry about scaring people when I need to cut something since I have my purple Spyderco Ladybug for cutting small things. If the need arises for some more blade, then I can bring out the ZT 0350.

Please don't suggest any other knife brands since I am just currently interested in this. What I would love to see suggestions of is where to buy stuff that will ship overseas. I might be in Singapore this Christmas so someone willing to ship out of the USA is important.

Thanks very much for the help

Dan
 
The ZT0350 is probably the most EDCable ZT currently. It's small and narrow fit into pocket quite well. Mine is the CB version and is not noticable. If in public especially in Singapore, I'd advice you to deploy it using 2 hands slowly. Nothing could be more alarming than ZT's super fast blade snapping loudly into the lock when deployed. :D
 
I have a ZT 0350CB, which is pretty much identical aside from the blade steel. Blade opens smoothly either with the flipper or the thumb studs. Zero blade play from what I can tell. The size is IMO just perfect for EDC. It carries a lot easier than my ZT 0301, which is its bigger brother. No amount of spine whacking will disengage the thick liner lock.

The blade isn't TOO thick, but it is kinda...fat? Doesn't give me trouble when I cut my apples into neat slices, but cutting corn stalk isn't as easy as a long and slim blade on my BM 710-1. Still, my Dozier hunter knife gives me more trouble on apples.

The only thing you should note is that the factory edge might be a little sloppy. Nothing too outrageous if you ask me. Just that one side will likely have a different angle than the other side. If you sharpen freehand or use a variation of freehand sharpening(Paper Wheels, belt sander) it probably won't be much of an issue, but if you use a guided system like the Edge Pro, Lansky, or DMT Aligner it'll be a pain to reprofile the angles.

Personally though, I'm not all that bothered by factory edges. I typically take all my new knives and mash the blade against my slotted paper wheels to put a mirror edge on it anyways.
 
I too have an 0350CB and I love it. I traded a BM950 Rift to get it. Definitely believe I made out in the deal. It's not too big, not too small. Very sturdy. Deploys with AUTHORITY! It's like a Jack Russell terrier: A big dog in a (relatively) small body - They are 10% smaller (and of course, lighter, good for EDC) than the 300's. Get it. You won't be disappointed.
 
Wonderful knife. I have the 350CB as well. I really like mine and I doubt you'll be disappointed. I can't remember reading of anybody that wasn't pleased. I suppose it happens but it seems to be very rare.

Kershawguy is a dealer on this forum. I suggest you contact him and ask if he'll ship overseas for you.
 
Another CB user here too. I absolutely love this knife but I find it too thick and takes up a bit too much pocket space. I have a hard retrieving anything that's in the same pocket as the ZT. That is my only complaint on this awesome knife.
 
I used to have one of the SW models from KW. I had no issues with the F&F or AO on mine at all. It was primo right out of the box. Only reason I don't have it is that I don't keep non-users and it was too heavy for me to be comfortable carrying it. But that was strictly a personal preference, not an issue with the knife's design, materials, or manufacture.

It was very much a "confidence inspiring" knife. I felt like there wasn't anything it couldn't handle. The AO was fast and the lockup was solid. I never had a misfire with mine... it locked up every time. The flipper made it easy to use and I seem to prefer beefy liner locks over frame locks so that was a bonus for me.
 
TrailingEdge said:
Dan,

Congratulations on completing your studies! Well done.

TE
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Thank you Sir!

And a big thanks to everyone as well. I do realize that this is a big and solid knife and only time will tell how well this EDCs for me.

Only thing I am worried about is one day I am buying $150 folders, the next I might be ordering $300 Sebenzas :O

I will take the plunge on this knife and hopefully report back after a month of carrying it.
:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: to everyone, Thanks!
 
0350 is my favorite SD (Self Defense) knife. Flipper Speed-Safe makers it perfect in this category. The handle is very comfortable in both grip positions and the jimping is done right! I like the G10 pattern, not to coarse, just right. The handle is also shaped very well. The liner lock I would have thought would have been too weak...but this design and thickness of it makes it a tank. I am no fan of liner locks but this one is done right! Great Steel...S30V is very nice! Smooth deployment and extremely fast thanks to the SpeedSafe design. And finally the pocket clip, not to long, not to stiff...just also done right.

But I do have a few hang ups. The recurve blade is just ok, it is limited in use for it is blunt and lacks so of the performance of a drop point. The blade is also thick making slicing not as nice as say a Para2. It might be on the bigger side of the EDC scale. I carry a Mini-Grip and it is like nothing compared to the Zt 0350. Factory edge was crap! It is a little hard to sharpen on a sharpmaker, just a little time consuming...use a sharpie! Oh and be careful of the tip.

Overal, this is really a stellar blade especially for the money my absolute favorite for SD carry! I feel more than safe and ready for anything. I want an XM-18 but they are a ton of cash right now! I also would like a Strider SnG and some day a Sebenza. HEST folder is on the way but isnt in my eyes an SD folder.
 
350 is a great knife. Solid in hand and great quality. It carries much better than I expected because it is pretty thin. I took my clip of and put a short lanyard.
 
dkmon said:
Thank you Sir!

And a big thanks to everyone as well. I do realize that this is a big and solid knife and only time will tell how well this EDCs for me.

Only thing I am worried about is one day I am buying $150 folders, the next I might be ordering $300 Sebenzas :O

I will take the plunge on this knife and hopefully report back after a month of carrying it.
:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: to everyone, Thanks!
Click to expand...

That's the problem. Watch out. At first, I bought a few $70-80 knives and considered those to be expensive. Now about $100-150 doesn't seem too bad to me and I've spent over $230 on one. And I'd really like a Sebenza but that's still a bit steep for me (I'm hoping Santa brings me one).

Anyway, back to your post. I look forward to your report, I'd like to get a 350 myself so I look forward to your review.

Congratulations on graduating!
 
bullosa said:
The ZT0350 is probably the most EDCable ZT currently. It's small and narrow fit into pocket quite well. Mine is the CB version and is not noticable. If in public especially in Singapore, I'd advice you to deploy it using 2 hands slowly. Nothing could be more alarming than ZT's super fast blade snapping loudly into the lock when deployed. :D
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:thumbup:+1 What he said.

I have the KW version (I prefer non-coated blades). Been carrying it almost daily for about a year.

Initially had the 200KW, which is a great knife, but a tad heavy for EDC.
 
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