Zero Tolerance 350

[prime77]

I picked up a Zero Tolerance 350 a couple of weeks ago and after EDCing and putting it to work I wanted to share my thoughts and some shots of it to you guys.

ZT knives are known for being big and beefy. The 350 is the little brother of the popular 300 model. It maybe smaller than the 300 but it's very solid. It features G10 scales, really nice thick liners and a big DLC coated s30v blade. It uses Kershaw's speed safe assisted opening.






The G10 scales are nice on the 350. Not to rough but good enough texture to keep your grip on them.
I like the blade shape on the 350. I have to say that this is my first knife with a recurve shape. So far I have to say that I like it. It cuts well and hasn't been a problem to sharpen.


close up of the recurve blade.

Two of things that I like the most about the 350 is the handle ergonomics and the big solid liner lock on it.



The 350 is almost Spyderco like in how well it feels in the hand. The flipper acts as a finger guard and the jimping at the thumb position is nicely done. I really like the addition of a thumb rest at the base of the blade for choking up on the knife.


Here's a shot of the big solid liner. So far mine as locked up really nice in the same position every time. Absolutely no blade play has been detected so far.


You can see just how big the liner lock is compared to a Spyderco Military.

The 350 uses Kershaws speed safe assisted opening system. I only have one other AO folder a SOG Flash II. So I don't have the best experience with them. I was a little unsure as to how fast the blade would open on the 350 being that it is on the big side. I have been very pleased with it. It opens nice and fast as you can see from my crappy youtube video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjvKaORhHiw

So far I have been nothing but pleased with the 350. My only complaints are small personal nitpicks. It came with the clip in the tipdown position. When I went to change it to my usual tip up position I had a hard time with the screws. It appears that someone at Kershaw likes locktight very much. Also the clip is very tight making it a little hard to get out of your pocket.  I may try to bend it a small amount to fix that to my liking.

All in all guys I have to say I really like the ZT 350 and recommend it any knife fan out there. Thanks for looking.
   



 

[Benner]

Thanks for that Prime. 

If it wasn't an AO I'd be all over that.  Luckily ZT made the Military which is not an AO so there are options. 

Love the lines of that one.

[zepla]

And that is the smaller version? Looks like a big and robust knife 

How does that assist work? You open the blade with your finger and there is a spring in there or something like that? What does the actual assisting?

[Benner]

The Speed Safe system works with a torsion bar that "assists" with opening the blade when partially opened.  Good system and IMO superior to the sluggish (from my experience) SOG system.

[zepla]

Ah I see. Thanks! Seems like a rather clever system then 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

That really does look a great user

[jzmtl]

The Speed Safe system works with a torsion bar that "assists" with opening the blade when partially opened.  Good system and IMO superior to the sluggish (from my experience) SOG system.

You may need a new spring. The trident I bought new isn't as fast as kershaw but definitely not sluggish.

[cgk]

I had one knife with the recurve blade and loved it.

[Sean]

Nice shot's and thanks for letting us know how your getting on with it.    I've been so
on the fence with that model.  I've played with it numerous times and thought what a
great feeling and looking knife and the price is great.  I've just never actually pulled the
plug and bought one. 

[prime77]

I agree with you Ben compaired to my SOG Flash II which opens kinda slow the Speed Safe system is really fast. There are times that I wish it wasn't AO but I've got along good with it so far. I have to say that has cool as the 200 and 300 look they must be a handful of a large knife compared to the smaller 350.

[Sick Boy]

Very nice pick up sir! 

[Styerman]

Good review . I used to have a 301 , just too big ! I'm not a fan of AO , my pick of the ZT litter is the 200 . Sometimes I regret selling mine . I will buy another if one crosses my path . Build quality is fantastic !

Chris

[prime77]

Another small nitpick complaint on the 350. The lanyard hole is small. I made a lanyard today for it and it was a pain to get gutted cord through the hole.

[Benner]

Seems quite a few companies have a habit of doing that.

[Styerman]

Nice piece , no you've given me a letch for one !

Chris