Zero Tolerance 0350

[Travis Autry]

I just purchased a ZT 0350 with orange G10 scales.  It is my first SpeedSafe/Flipper knife.  When it opens it snaps open with authority, but it is devilsly stiff.  Just a few openings has made my right index finger really sore.

Does anyone have experience with these?  Does it loosen up over time?  I like the knife but find it much more difficult to use and slower to open than my Benchmade Triage or HEST 2.0.  Granted the Triage has been my work EDC for a year, so it has been well used and broken in.  The HEST was used with I received it and the pocket catch/bottle opener allows it to come out of the pocket open without much work.

Any knoledgeable input appreciated.

[JAfromMn]

I have never owned a new zt but I imagine it will losen up the more you use it like a lot of new knives or tools.

adding a little oil in the pivot can't hurt.

enjoy your new zt Travis Autry

[16VGTIDave]

While I have no experience with ZT knives, I've found that my Kershaw's all needed to be lubricated and have the pivot adjusted slightly to get them to open as smoothly as I want. One of them was stiff regardless of what I did, so I took it apart and found a small metal shaving embedded in one of the bronze washers. After removing that, reassembling and lubricating, it was smooth as can be.

You may also consider contacting ZT. I understand that they are very supportive.

HTH,
Dave


Sent from my iPad2

[Blitzwing]

It'll loosen up.. I bought a 350ts about a yr ago and it's pretty smooth now

[jerseydevil]

Never had a ZT, but I've owned plenty of SpeedSafe Kershaws.  They all have broken in nicely and open smoothly.  One thing about AO Kershaws is that I find them as fun to fiddle with as Gerber's sliding pliers.  I'm constantly flicking them open.  The pliers are just a bit more socially acceptable in that respect.... 

[Travis Autry]

I'm reserving judgement for the moment.  I'll keep it here at the house and try to keep it in like new condition while I try to break it in.  If it doesn't soften up some in a few weeks it will have to go.  I can't take the sore fingers.  I get enough of that from testing my blood sugar daily!

[Jailbird]

I picked a zt0350 maybe 2 months ago and it was stiff. I loosened the pivot ever so slightly, maybe 1/16 to 1/8 of a turn. It made a world of difference. I also put a drop of oil in the pivot and that helped too. I've been carrying it daily and using it quite a bit. It will loosen up over time. The torx bit for the pivot is a t9 if I remember correctly.

Also, post some pics if you can!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[Travis Autry]

Well, I've had the ZT 0350 for a week.  I've practiced opening and closing dozens of times.  I've begun to wear a callous on my right index finger!  During the week and when my finger throbbed, I debated keeping, selling or trading the knife.  For the moment, it is in my pocket, but I still haven't completely decided.

Nonetheless, pics attached:

[JAfromMn]

I wish I had something cool to offer you to trade for it.

I can't believe it hasn't loosened up yet.

I say keep messing with it. It should.

[Jailbird]

If you do decide to sell, let me know. I wouldn't mind another one. I'm really liking the orange!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2