ZT0350

[Good_Steward]

So, after many years of carrying many different "inexpensive" pocket knives ($60>), mostly Spyderco (which I still think very highly of), I purchased a Zero Tolerance 350 last night. Mostly, I just wanted to see if the fuss was warranted after I have seen multiple threads calling it the best folding knife available for the price point ($125>). Initial impressions of the knife are that it is built like a tank and locks up rock solid. It is a hefty knife, but rides in the pocket mostly unnoticed. The flipper on the back is easy to use and the blade and assisted open responds well to it. However, the thumb stud can be hard to use. It is flush with the scales and undercut for access. However, when you have hands the size of mine (9" long and 5.25" wide) it can be a pain in the ass to use, especially when compared to the Spyderco's signature thumb hole. 

 

Overall, the knife is well made and tight. We shall see how we become accustomed to each other after a few weeks of EDC.

 

[thundersnow]

I purchased the titanium pocket clip to go on mine. Tight hold on pants pocket and screws hold with a drop of blue lock tite.

http://www.uniquetitanium.com/ZT-Ti-Clip_p_360.html

[daddyo]

Congrats! The 0350 is a superb folder designed to take whatever you throw at it. I carry mine often.

 

[URL=http://s551.photobucket.com/user/gd2bntn/media/Blades/20131127_110428.jpg.html][/URL]

[Fourtyfive]

Does it flip open like a Kershaw ?

[Good_Steward]

Does it flip open like a Kershaw ?

Kind of, yes. I am sure it's the "speed safe" type of assisted opening that they use on their Kershaw branded knives. Edited December 16, 2013 by Good_Steward

[daddyo]

The 0350 can be deassisted by removing the torsion bar. Works great.

[TripleDigitRide]

Yeah, the thumb stud is pretty useless, especially for those of us with fat fingers. I see no reason it couldn't have been moved out a bit. It's my only complaint with the 350. I prefer the flipper, so I don't even think about the lousy thumb stud.

[Oh Shoot]

....However, the thumb stud can be hard to use....

 

Yeah, the thumb stud is pretty useless, especially for those of us with fat fingers

 

Studs are really not there for opening the knife -- they are the blade stops.

 

- OS

[mikegideon]

This is my favorite of my ZT's, and you gotta use the thumb studs on it. Note that they also serve as blade stops. They're much more useful than the studs on any if the flippers. It deploys better than any of my flippers too.

 

[Capbyrd]

Studs are really not there for opening the knife -- they are the blade stops.

 

- OS

 

Exactly.  The knife is designed as a flipper.  Studs keep the blade from flipping back around.  

[Capbyrd]

This is my favorite of my ZT's, and you gotta use the thumb studs on it. Note that they also serve as blade stops. They're much more useful than the studs on any if the flippers. It deploys better than any of my flippers too.

 

 

 

Some knives are designed both ways.  The 560 and 350 are not.  The studs are primarily there for blade stops.  My Laconico can be used both ways but I never had luck with my 560.  

[Fourtyfive]

I did not know they were the same company.

[mikegideon]

Some knives are designed both ways.  The 560 and 350 are not.  The studs are primarily there for blade stops.  My Laconico can be used both ways but I never had luck with my 560.  

 

I used the flipper on the 200, 300, 350, and the 561. The 550 ain't got no flipper. It's also in my pocket right now.

[Capbyrd]

I did not know they were the same company.

 

Parent company is KAI.  Kershaw, Shun and Zero Tolerance

[BJB]

Congrats on a Great purchase, I carry mine daily

[et45]

This is my favorite of my ZT's, and you gotta use the thumb studs on it. Note that they also serve as blade stops. They're much more useful than the studs on any if the flippers. It deploys better than any of my flippers too.

 

I love mine it is the only ZT knife that feels right in my hand

[Fourtyfive]

Ok , I'm getting one , who has the best price ?

[Good_Steward]

Ok , I'm getting one , who has the best price ?

Amazon has them for about $120.

[Fourtyfive]

What about these , anybody bought from here ?

http://kershawguy.com/products-page/zt-blems/

[TripleDigitRide]

What about these , anybody bought from here ?

http://kershawguy.com/products-page/zt-blems/

Yes. That's where I bought my blemished 350. Great prices and fast shipping.

[daddyo]

Dave is GREAT to deal with. His website is the first place I go when I'm in the market.

[Fourtyfive]

I wonder why they will not warranty a blemish , outside of finish ?

[mikegideon]

I wonder why they will not warranty a blemish , outside of finish ?

 

I don't blame them for that. Those blems are sold at a pretty big discount. I wouldn't warrant factory seconds either. The warranty is part of the cost of one of their new knives. It's a great way to get a ZT user for less money than they really cost.  Any ZT owner will tell you that it's real hard to break one. The 350 is the perfect model to buy in a blem. It's an entry level knife with a steel liner lock. I'm betting they get very few of them back.

 

They don't bat 1000 on QC, even with their higher end knives. It's not that unusual for them to have to replace a titanium slab because of lock problems. If they have to do that on a heavily discounted knife, they have screwed themselves royally.

[Capbyrd]

Mike's right.  And most companies won't warranty a blem.  We have thousands of cd's per year that have messed up artwork or other issues and rather than toss the stuff, we offer it out at a significant discount with no returns.  Its not uncommon in business.  

[scoutfsu]

What about these , anybody bought from here ?

http://kershawguy.com/products-page/zt-blems/

That's where I got my 0350 from.  Used it all deployment and I'm a big fan of it.  I got rid of my Striders after picking this up.