Zero Tolerance ZT0301 Review: Rock-Solid Assisted Recurve

[@xcpw72x]

I have this exact knife. Had it roughly 8 months. This thing is a tank. Big, beefy and awesome. Makes a helluva pocket folder. I use mine daily and it takes whatever I throw at it. Highly recommended them.

[@TheLanWoo]

I'm attracted to that knife for some reason, good review Rob. Thanks....

[@336W]

Just snagged one off USN forum. This is a big beast of a knife, but I love it, it will be my EDC. Oh, and where the spine drops down is great for striking a ferro rod.

[@elkcrazy28]

I have the ZT0300 and I love it! It is all black and is a beast. I have put it through a lot hunting and it still is like brand new. The belly on the recurve was very nice when I was skinning my elk this year! Great review.

[@kirkmccoy9729]

Best knife ever made... hands down! My favorite by a mile:-)

[@shcmoly]

I hear the newer models have a steel insert on the lock bar now.

[@schlooonginator1227]

Blade length should be standardized by simply measuring folders from the center of the pivot to tip.

[@bladeswelove]

300 = all black, 300BW = Black handle Blackwash blade, ZT0301 = Green & Tiger Stripe, ZT0302= Tan and Tigerstripe, ZT0303=Black and Tigerstripe

[@TheApostleP]

Thanks for that one, William! No way I was going to have time to look that all up :)

[@bladeswelove]

TheApostleP This is William with BWL. The 303 is an exclusive that only Blue Ridge distributes, so you don't see them as much. The Blackwash is the latest variant. It's basically a ZT0300 with the blade stonewashed after the black coating is applied. I like it as you don't have to worry about that 1st scratch on you $200+ blade. They should do a regular satin stonewashed version like they have done with the smaller 0350SW. :)

[@barrykilts4506]

I have never held one in person,only seen them advertised but I have a Blur that I love but have wanted the brown ZT since I first saw it.i use them as a tool not show and I think it would be the last knife I buy if I could get past the price’s I’ve seen

[@thegeth4293]

I think the zt 200 was the first zt folder, i got one recently and love it. its the only zt i have so far so i cant speak about it relative to other ZTs.

[@aaron-4062]

Where'd the 0302 go? I love that tan coloring, I need that blade.

[@coreyrhode7517]

these 300 series a beast they be made of s30v but they did s good heat treat my buddy beats his just to to see how much it can take and knife just laughs

[@FoeHammerTime]

TheApostleP So this 0301 versus the Benchmade Contego 810-1401 Knifeworks exclusive (black/blue G10 handles and M390 blade steel). Which one is the better folder overall for a long-term hard use/tactical blade? I have the 0301 and may trade for the 810-1401, but I'm having a hard time deciding. I've been impressed with the 0301 for its performance in chopping up saplings and things like that, as well as for its being constructed like an Abrams. What's your professional opinion?

[@TheLanWoo]

Did you just slide that paper off the bench into the floor? haha I heard it hit.....

[@TheApostleP]

Caught me :)

[@vinnywacchio6436]

303 is black. That is the one I own. I like all black guns and knifes as harder for others to see at night.

[@AROTTWEILERR]

nice video

[@khleatherworks4525]

0301 or 0770?

[@Metal_Matrix]

2 totally oppoaite ends of the spectrum

[@simonize251]

The only ZT I think I might own is the 0566 it's the perfect size

[@guayochinameca]

why is it that in your blade doesn't said that words (ken onion design) and the zt word is in right in the middle of the the blade? ? fake knife! !

[@CASTRO45ACP]

Nah, this is the old model, notice how it doesn't have a steel insert for the lock bar.

[@05generic]

Good looking knife but IMHO, and with all due respect, it's over priced. And at 1/2 pound the wearer might want to add suspenders to their wardrobe. Frankly, I think KAI needs to get off their high horse and up their game. Consumers are not as ignorant as they seem to think. -Or at least, they don't all stay ignorant for ever. As usual, great review.

[@Craftymang]

1. I agree at $225 (amazon price) it is a bit steep for S30V, but you are getting a full titanium framelock/scale/liners with some nice 3D machining texture. The cheaper versions with the still VERY durable liner lock can be had for under $150. Hell you can even get the tiger stripe DLC coated one at that price. 2. While the I have noticed the vocal majority of people dislike heavier knives, such as the BM Adamas, this knife, etc, I and quite a few others (including the legendary Cliff Stamp) do not mind a heavy knife in pocket. I quite enjoy feeling my knife in my pocket, actually.

[@05generic]

Sorry if the comment below seems a bit grouchy but it just bothers me when an old company with a great reputation, like KAI, chooses to get slouchy and capitalize on their reputation while lowering standards.

[@TheApostleP]

LOL! Believe me, buddy, I get it :). There is much about this knife I don't love on a subjective level, but since I've spent a significant amount of air time on this channel beating KAI over the head, I thought it might be nice to call a well-built knife a well-built knife, no matter how overweight it is, and perhaps overpriced as well.

[@05generic]

Yep, they're making slow strides with features like the improved bushing set-up you mentioned and it's a good thing to mention the positives. And it just occurred to me, based on the Adamas comparison, that there could be more to the story than meets the eye. As far as I know, Benchmade does EVERYTHING in house. And while ZT's are assembled in the USA, are their parts all made here? When you consider today's atmosphere of diminished American manufacturing influence, could it be that American companies are now being told "how the cow ate the cabbage"? -just ideas bouncing around in my head.

[@thecentralavenuegunslinger7861]

8.2 ounces no thanks