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Last Updated: April 5, 2020
My Zero Tolerance 0300 got a lot of looks when I carried it around. At over 9″ long and with a weight of 8.6 ounces, it definitely raised some eyebrows. The excellent S30V blade was a force to be reckoned with, and I really enjoyed the loud “thwack” of the assisted opening. It was generally a really cool knife to carry, but lets be real, it’s not always practical to tote around such a beast of a blade every day. After a while a knife of that size (and weight!) might get pushed to the back of your EDC rotation, to eventually fall off into a dark corner of your knife collection.
Buy the Zero Tolerance 0350 at BladeHQ
So the good folks over at Zero Tolerance decided to tone things down a little and offer a slightly tamer, yet no less cool version of the original 0300; the Zero Tolerance 0350. This little brother packs many of the great features that made me fall in love with the 0300, but comes in a size that is much more practical for many people to EDC (although it’s still a big knife – lets not kid ourselves). Lets take a closer look and see what the ZT 0350 is all about.
General Dimensions and Blade Details
WHile the 0350 is not as portly as it’s big brother, it still is not what I would call a “small knife.” The 0350 has an overall length of 7-5/8″ a 3-1/4″ blade and a weight of 6.2 ounces. So it’s still on the heavy side, and perhaps still too big for some to EDC, but if a sturdy good size folder is what you are after I don’t think it’s a huge issue.
The blade is a modified drop point design. There is a small recurve and tons of belly. This is the same blade shape found on the 0300, just shrunk down slightly. I like how the tip has been left very strong. The tip of the 0350 has good piercing strength, and the high flat grind makes the knife excellent for slicing. While recurves can be a pain to sharpen, they really help feed material into the edge and are great slicers. ZT rounded things off by applying a beautiful edge and laser engraved hallmarks. This is a great blade shape a wide variety of applications.
The steel on this knife is S30V, which is absolutely awesome stuff. I am a big fan of S30V because it holds a very nice edge for a long time, and is still reasonably easy to sharpen. S30V is also resistant to rust and corrosion. Zero Tolerance applied a very nice DLC (diamond like carbon) coating to the knife, which is about as durable as knife coatings get. In summary, this is a great blade shape made of great steel with a great coating applied to it.
Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip
The ZT 0350 features a classic handle formulation – black G10 over very thick stainless steel liners. The handle has been meticulously finished – I absolutely love how everything lines up perfectly, and there isn’t a machining mark to be seen. As far as construction goes, everything is held together with torx bolts, and you have a partial G10 backspacer. My only suggestion for Zero Tolerance would be to mill out the liners a little to perhaps shave off a few tenths of an ounce. Really though, this handle is built like a tank and finished like a Swiss watch.
The ergonomics on the 0350 are extremely satisfying. I wear a large glove and it feels like the knife was custom made for my hand. The width and thickness to the handle really fills the palm while the choil and thumb ramp prevent your fingers from slipping forward. The G10 has a medium level of traction, which is very pleasant feeling and offers good feedback. In reverse grip there is additional jimping for your thumb. All in all it’s a very comfortable and secure grip.
The pocket clip is right out of the Kershaw parts bin and is simple, but effective. First of all, it’s unobtrusive with it’s flat black coating. It has excellent retention, which I find extremely important for a heavier knife – this means that the knife won’t slide around your pocket (or worse, fall out entirely). The fact that this is a true 4 corners clip (ambidextrous tip up or tip down carry) almost brings a tear to my eye. This is truly a well done pocket clip.
Actual carry isn’t that bad. I found the knife is about as unobtrusive as 6+ ounces can get, although it’s certainly a change from say, my more typical 3-4 ounce EDC knives. For guys who regularly carry larger knives, I don’t anticipate any problems at all.
Deployment and Lockup
The ZT 0350 gives you the option of either a flipper or thumb studs for deployment. In practice, only the right hand thumb stud is available (the left side sits too close to the handles) but my preference is for the flipper anyways. Either way the knife springs to life with very little effort due to the stellar Speedsafe assisted opening mechanism and high quality phosphor bronze washers. This is a knife that fires hard and fires fast. And on a tactical knife, this kind of easy of deployment can be the difference between life and death. If assisted opening knives aren’t your thing, it’s easy enough to remove the spring – deployment will be smooth regardless.
Lockup on the 0350 is accomplished by a very beefy liner lock. This is a very well executed liner lock, and it bites in early with plenty of room for wear. One of the biggest differences between the 0350 and the 0300 is the absence of the titanium framelock, but I have just as much confidence in this very thick liner. It almost goes without saying, but I didn’t detect blade play in any direction.
Zero Tolerance 0300 or Zero Tolerance 0350?
A common question people have is whether they want the ZT 0350 or the larger ZT 0300. If you are one of those people, I made a video comparing the two knives.
Zero Tolerance 0350 Review – Final Thoughts
The Zero Tolerance 0350 is an absolutely outstanding knife. I love everything about it, from the choice of materials, to the incredible fit and finish, to the stellar design, to the great ergonomics, right on down to the excellent pocket clip. I am also very pleased to see that this knife is made in America and still comes in at a decent price.
Currently these can be had for right around $100. When you consider how well this knife is made, I think it represents an excellent value – especially when the 0300 costs over $200. It’s been a real pleasure having this knife in my collection and it really makes me excited to review more Zero Tolerance knives in the future. The company really seems to know how to put together a great blade and am truly excited to see what they have coming up next.
- High performance and premium quality S350V stainless steel makes the recurve blade extremely durable, corrosion resistant and wear resistant
- Non-reflective black Tungsten DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) blade coating and black G-10 handle scales cleanly pair together for a sleek, smooth
- Quad-mount pocket clip convenient for left or right handed, tip-up, or tip-down carry
- Ideal EDC, easy folding pocket knife for everyday tasks—survival tool, precision cutting, self-defense, tactical use or the perfect gift
- General all-purpose knife great for EDC or use while working, camping, fishing, hunting, utility or any outdoor activity
I recommend purchasing the Zero Tolerance 0350 at Amazon.com or BladeHQ. Purchasing anything through any of the links on this site helps earns BladeReviews a small commission at no cost to you, and keeps this review train running. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated.
That is one handsome knife. I have used some recurves and it is an excellent blade style. Very inexpensive for a tough S30v knife. Looks like a major winner for first responder and military folks.
My only issue… Isn’t that the same pocket clip that’s on the Skyline? I found that style of clip to be the weakest part of mine.
Good review. I like the styling of a lot of ZT knives, but I’m such a fan of side operating lock systems, it’s hard to justify the buy. Thanks.
Thanks RK, yeah I do think this one is a major winner. A really complete package imo and one of the best values currently on the market at around $100.
The pocket clip is the same clip off of the Skyline. This clip is also used in the 0300 and the 0550 (and probably some others but those are the only ZTs I have handled so far). To be honest with you, I think I had the same concerns as you at some point, but the clip here actually works really well. It’s small, and it’s very stiff. I didn’t care for the clip so much on the Skyline, but on a heavier knife like this it’s very effective. Plus they set this up for 4 corners carry – it’s a not a bad clip, even if it’s from the Kershaw parts bin.
I hear ya man, this is a nice knife, but at the end of the day it does come down to what you really look for in a knife. Personally, I wouldn’t kick this blade out of bed for eating crackers! 😉 Take care.
I some what disagree. This blade is firm with no play in the blade. It comes very sharp and performs perfectly right out of the box. The cost was the best I could find online and involved free freight. I agree, the clip can be improved. I have not put my ZT through any real tough tasks, but the construction seems like no other knife I own. With Strider behind the advancement and the S30V metal dense blade, there’s no question this blade will manage all projects placed in front of at it.
Well, I have to say…i jumped on the flipper not being familiar at all with that type system… It promptly opened with a snap and jumped right out of my hand… The concrete below suffered a deep gouge but I couldn’t find a single mark on my brand new knife.
True story… I’m not smart enough to make this stuff up
Lesson learned…a simple press on the shark fin is all it takes… Don’t help it, does fine on its own
Lot of nice features, but dude, 5.8 oz for a 3.25″ blade? (Your review says 6.2 oz but I found the 5.8 oz figure several places online, so I’ll go with that.)
Compared to an Endura 4 FFG, the ZT 350 offers 15% less reach in return for 70% more weight (or 82% more weight if your figure is correct) and 90%-100% more money spent. Ouch.
The ZT’s flabby blade shape is not appealing, though I admit that’s purely aesthetics on my part. Well, almost purely… In the video reviews I’ve seen the 350’s and 300’s deployment actually looks like a fairly slow assisted opening, as though the spring was laboring to push that hog of a blade around.
Just another perspective. ZT 350 is not a blade I have much interest in, for the reasons above. Would I take one as a gift? Yes, happily … sell and buy another knife or two.
Hey Anon, It may be 5.8 ounces – I haven’t actually weighed the knife (I need to buy a little scale).
I think you raise some interesting points. I’ll address them individually.
Yes, it’s a relatively heavy knife, but I generally avoid using weight to sink an entire review. Especially considering many people don’t mind carrying a heavier knife and in my mind ~6 ounces isn’t unreasonable considering.
Instead I try to provide the facts, and color in my opinion where I feel it would be helpful. Frankly, the whole weight dilemma has been beaten to death and is an argument I’d rather not make every time I sit down to review a knife. If someone prefers a lightweight knife, then obviously this 6 ounce ZT would get passed up (well, at least I hope I made that obvious in the review).
As for the deployment of the 0350 my particular knife fires extremely fast. I bought it brand new from Amazon and I think it’s a fair representation of the model (although I could always be wrong – maybe I got a faster deploying knife than average). The 0300 is a little slower, but now we are talking about a completely different animal.
As for the blade shape, it’s entirely subjective when it comes to a person’s aesthetic preferences. In practice I found the blade to be a very versatile shape – well balanced and effective at a lot of different tasks.
I think the comparison to the Endura 4 is something of an apples to oranges arrangement for a variety of reasons. If the only criteria for your comparison are weight, reach and money then my entire site could simply be replaced by a calculator. I prefer not to analyze knives in such a vacuum.
If I were to make direct comparisons I’d liken this knife more to a Paramilitary 2 (which I happen to be reviewing next so I have both sitting right in front of me). That knife costs about the same, uses the same S30V steel, is of similar G10/stainless steel construction, and is also made in America. It also happens to be more lightweight at 3.75 oz (so anywhere from ~2-2.5oz lighter). Practically speaking I’d take the Para 2 over a ZT 0350 – for a number of reasons, which I’ll spare you the details of here – but lets just say that weight would only be part of the equation.
That said, I still think the ZT is a great knife and have enjoyed having it in my possession. As a collector I like variety and appreciate the many positive aspects to the 0350, and as a reviewer I like offering a balanced perspective that leads you to make the best choice for yourself. And apparently I’ve done that, so it looks like my work here is complete. 😉
Anon, I respect and appreciate your different perspective. Thanks for the thought provoking comment. I might revise the conclusion to talk a little more about the weight, but I maintain that this is an awesome knife.
VERY thoughtful and level-headed response, Dan. I really appreciated it. Cheers!
This line isn’t for normal EDC, where lower weight is often of a higher importance. This sort of heavy frame and broad blade is overbuilt for a reason.
This is a working blade so to speak. It is intended to function under constant use and the heaviest of tasks. Strength. The strength to be used for batoning wood, cutting wire, and opening cans of rations.
My 5inch VG10 SOG Spec Elite 2 could never do those things. It isn’t anywhere strong enough. Nor is my sub 2oz Benchmade Mel Pardue 530. My Griptilian is my go to for heavy EDC use, but still doesn’t match one of these super heavy duty knives.
Excellent points RK. Yeah the whole idea with ZT is that they make overbuilt stuff made for law enforcement, military, etc. I still like EDCing it, even if it isn’t the most practical knife in my rotation.
It is often said that your carry handgun should make you feel comforted rather than comfortable. I imagine that the same can apply to knives.
Amen man. You are absolutely right about the gun – I can definitely see it being applied to a knife as well. A blade like that is a big responsibility and should be treated with respect – the fact that it weighs on your physically isn’t bad for a reminder.
I wonder where this “overbuilt for mil etc”-thing came from? Was it the Emerson folders or did it start earlier (with Randall maybe?).
IMO the “beefy folder so I don’t need a fixed utility/fighting blade”-thing is not something found in infantry units (at least not in mine), it seems more geared towards the civilian consumer who believes mil-folk know what’s best (most of the time, we don’t) and the geardos who need everything to be HSLD.
Why do most of us carry smaller and lighter folders (or just a fixie/bayonet and a multi-tool)? Well, in my case I usually carry an F1 as my main blade, no folder out there is going to hold a candle against it for utility or longevity in any “survival”-setting. I can’t speak for the US armed forces but over here folders are toys for those of us that enjoy them (and I do). However, I still have to yomp the bloody thing everywhere so weight will always be an issue (and most of us who’ve been issued Glocks know that weight does NOT equal any kind of safety, only quality does), if it weighs more than it’s utility it’s bloody gone. Some draw that line for a folder at 3 ounces, others at 5.
Fact of the matter is that the most used military folder is prolly a Leatherman or Gerber multitool with a lowly 420 blade. You know what though? It works, is issued and will do a hell of a lot better job at opening any cans (does any western military use them any more? we have MREs in bags…) than any oh-so-beefy folder with a black blade. It will also clip your wire, fix your vehicle and tighten any accessories that want to fall off the pic-rail.
With this perticular blade there’s also the issue of it being a liner-lock which quite frankly is a no-no for any “heavy use”-pretentions. Not only does Private Schmuckatelli (we call him “Karlsson the Pig”) have to place his fingers in the path of the blade, he also has to do very delicate operations with his frozen sausage-fingers in the case he’s in a “survival”-scenario (I’ve seen it, it’s ugly and stupid and so unneccecary). If I had to chose a folder for survival use I’d pick a fixed blade. Failing that I’d pick a fixed blade. Or a fixed blade. After that maybe a Triad or an Axis.
In short I guess all I want to say is that as a duty folder I wouldn’t carry the ZT 350. It’s heavy without a payoff and though the steel is excellent I find I field-sharpen 154cm better. If I want to split wood I have other blades (or better yet, an axe), if I want to open cans that I found (?) or cut wire I’ll use my Leatherman (in uniform). Would I buy and carry this in a purely knife-loving civilian role? Now, that’s an entirely different story ^^
Geardo:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2306/2261034336_d495c8c6fe.jpg
Good points all around Lew. I agree, the 350 isn’t the most practical choice. It exists, and for a collector I think it’s cool. As for actual military use, well I can’t say I have experience with it (and would never present it as such). I agree, fixed blade all the way if you are looking for a true tactical or military knife. I’m a huge fan of the axis lock so no disagreements there – 154cm is such a nice steel so I don’t disagree with that either! Very valid points.
It’s a heavy knife, with its caveats. But it’s well made, and I wouldn’t necessarily try to steer someone away from it if that is what they wanted. If they were specifically looking for a knife to go to war with, well then that would be a different story entirely.
It’s FAST brother…. True you are moving a lot of real estate but see my reply above or below… That sudden stop is a real lulu with a blade that hefty
A Fallkniven F1? Excellent knives. I have a Garm, its silly and no where near as useful as a the F1. Still, its tougher than most double edged daggers, I suppose.
I do agree, most of the market is going to be civilian, and plenty of the uniformed users are going to be just chair jockeys types that don’t have to worry about load out weight. Maybe not a bad thing for an EMT, fireman, and considering the political ramifications of a carrying a fixed blade, not a terrible choice for uniformed law enforcement. Still, I think I think that it ‘can’ do it isn’t a terrible thing. A handgun is a terrible stand in for a rifle, but it is pretty damn convenient and portable. One of those knives might be a good stand in when you’re not in full kit.
I personally share your opinion on liner locks. I am an axis or side mounted lock release guy. I think a Griptilian is more than enough blade for most anything. That said, I will consider selling Dan into slavery for a Benchmade 275 Adamas. The fixed version might actually nice for guys like you, Lew.
Aye, a Fällkniven F1. Fällkniven is based in the small garrison town of Boden where I was posted when I was younger, they did a slaying military discount back then (I hear they still do) and the guys are totally ace. I love it.
The problem the boys at Fällkniven have is that, well, their blades were (more or less) perfect function straight out of the box. I can’t think of better field knives than the F1/S1/A1-combo, at least for those of us that value function over anything else. This I guess is why we see the Garm, the MC1, the NL-series and the PRK. The boys are prolly a bit bored with not designing new knifes ^^. I’m sure they are excellent blades, I just don’t have a use for them.
I guess my problem is more general than this particular knife in itself. It seems to me that whenever a folding knife gets criticized for weight the counter argument is always “well, it’s for heavy use and will work for (slaying dragons/slicing AFVs/chopping down trees or terrorist skulls)”. I hold that argument to be invalid as my experience has taught me military types should always carry a fixed blade! I know it depends on your area and your mission but I really can’t see where a folder would be better than a Mora 2000, especially in a densely wooded country such as my own. I see the same problem with web gear and pouches with everyone making everything in 1000D cordura. I’ve never had problems with 500D which weighs exactly half! The weight lost can then be used to carry ammo, water, an extra shirt or a couple of Snickers bars.
EMT, firemen, police use I can not say anything about but if this knife is for them, why not market it such? It seems as if people think military types are the only one’s who need HD-stuff, I can tell you construction-types use their knifes far harder. I see your pistol argument and it all you say about it is very true. However, I’m brought up in the school of always (always) having your rifle with you and my F1 is carried on my belt. In civilian life all things are different and I usually carry a smaller folder or even just a SAK but whenever I see someone in uniform without a fixed blade I always wonder where the hell he was trained and why his NCOs/Officers/Father didn’t teach him the use of a fool-proof and robust blade.
Lastly I am aware that my experiences are very limited to my own locale and our own doctrine. The Swedish nature is very forested and we depend on it for a great many things. Our preferred concealment is spruce branches, something we also use for utility, shelter and insulation (before the current generation of SAAB/Barracuda netting spruce branches were the best IR-camo for IFVs available). We also use wood to heat our tents and basic bushcraft to make R&R more comfortable. It will of course be different if you live on a FOB and your mission is a COIN-type deal.
Lastly, I am not aware of the political ramifications of a fixed blade for police use. Like I said I am not a policeman but maybe it is different in America than it is in our little country. I don’t really know what a policeman would use a knife for (and why that couldn’t be done by a multi-tool) but it seems very strange that they wouldn’t be allowed to carry fixed blades IMO. In my country police cars are equipped with a saw and an axe for clearing fallen trees, that is (I think) the amount of woodwork they are supposed to do (they’re really not trained for knife-fighting as far as I know).
Regarding the lovely BM fixed blades I’m afraid I’m positively chauvinistic when it comes to fixed blades. I love folders, the variety and innovation is gobsmacking (especially when it comes to American folders) and like I said I consider them more toys than tools even if they are very handy in the last role. I have three fixed blades, a Mora 2000, the F1 and the old Mora Classic my father gave me as a boyscout. I can’t see myself buying more as I believe them to be the best there is. Three-to-four inches, Scandinavian/Convex grind, decent to good steel.
Now, if you’d happen to come across more BM fixes than you need…..we can talk ^^
Also, I’ve never understood this “naked handle” thing. Metal gets bloody cold in my part of the world and I want plastic or wood between it and my hands. I guess you can cord-wrap it (some do it very pretty) but those usually leave me with hot spots, sometimes even with gloves. I understand the weight argument and if cold is not a problem it’s probably very good, for me I prefer an insulating and ergonomic handle.
Lew, another fantastic point. It doesn’t get that cold here but I can still appreciate a knife with some sort of covering. Bare metal is just asking for problems in cold weather conditions. Uncomfortable at best, downright dangerous at worst.
Actually, now that I think about it, are any folding knives designed to be operated well with gloves on? Is that a niche a smart knife maker could market to easily?
I have good luck with Spyderco’s and BM Axis. Other people in the platoon swear by Cold Steels triad. The gloves we use are thinner shooting gloves/glove liners but that usually works. We have thick overgloves that we wear when dexterity is not needed.
Bare metal contact is something often forgotten by people who do not live in the cold. Fact is that a couple of layers of duct-tape will insulate yourself from your thermos (and give you an extra bit of insulation for whatever is within) or the handle of your snow-shovel. We use quite a lot of white tape on our rifles in winter, it helps with both camoflague and insulation.
RK do you mean opening and closing or just opening? I don’t wear a lot of gloves but the 14mm spyderhole found in the Military and Para 2 are easy enough to get at. This is where an assisted opener (or even full auto) can be really valuable I think. But I’ve got no real experience with it, just some arm chair marshaling.
Well, the issue with police and fixed blades is that in the US is that sensitive urban people find that fixed blades are scary. I think this goes for much of the urban environments. Folding knives have a lot of advantages when you don’t need the knife to be a defensive weapon or a heavy duty tool. Stainless is largely maintenance free. Very convenient in that you can clip them to a pocket, waistband, cuff, or just keep loose. They fold up into their own frame, so no holster is required and they’re kept very small. Folded, they are totally non-threatening. When you are generally using them for cutting string, packages, tape, paper, food or even scraping off tags they don’t need to be particularly strong. That about 99% of cutting tasks right there. But, I don’t see that having one that is tougher and a little less likely to break when you’re rough with it, as can happen in an emergency.
On multi-tools, it is still an issue of convenience. The skeletool and the octane do not have opening and locking systems that are as good as most $20 usd knives but they’re the closest to them. Sure, it’s cheap, but a folding blade is the most useful and oft used part of a multi-tool. Thus it is the one part that needs to be a little better. I’m spoiled by my $70+ knives. They’re so good and easy to use, that I want everything to be just like them.
ZTs are marketed for uniform types. Just like Emerson etc. Personally, I’d rather buy a Benchmade Triage if I were a uniform type I think it would be more useful. But I can appreciate heavy tough knives. I agree with what you’re saying, but I still see a possible place for them.
Too bad about the new adamas then. I have benchmade fixed Griptilian, it is wonderful. The only of its kind still made is the Doug Ritter version. It is a very nice s30v drop point, I have a friend that has one. I am jealous.
RK, you bring up some excellent points. Thats why my EDC typically consists of something like a little folder (Dragonfly usually, unless I’m testing something) and something medium to large (another folder). For a multi tool I have been carrying a Gerber Shard – it’s like a poor man’s (smart man’s) Atwood tool. Really I just use it for the bottle opener but it’s nice to have a couple drivers and a pry tool on hand. For me this covers all the bases without appearing threatening or weighing down my pants.
I agree, the ZT for many people is overkill. But some people like carrying them, they have that ‘cool factor’ going for them (I think they are very cool) and as a defensive tool I think they would work well. But yeah, ultimately a fixed blade for self defense is the way to go (even better, a handgun – although it’s good to have options and redundancy). I’d love to pick up a fixed blade Grip at some point – a Doug Ritter in S30V sounds about right. Your friend has good taste – I’d be jealous too!
For the little tasks a small EDC-knife like a dragonfly is often better than per example a full Grip, I always have a little Spydie Honeybee on the keys for just that reason (and to not frighten NKPs). I believe the simplest way of returning society to a state where a pocket knife is as normal to carry as a phone or a wallet is to simply show people the utility of a simple and non-threatening gentlemans (or -womans!) folder such as a Victorinox cadet. The SAKs are also great because they hold so many tools in addition to the blade, I have personally got four of my friends to purchase their own in the last year simply by being the only character with the ability to open a bottle of beer in a civilized manner.
It is strange what people are afraid of. So they trust their police to carry firearms but not fixed blades? This is very strange. Then again, UK citizens don’t trust their regular policemen to carry firearms so there you are.
I also see a role for heavy duty knives but I’d prefer both fans and producers to be honest about them. I have tools and equipment I have because I think they’re cool (moto-patches are just that, moto) but I can be honest about it. The classical thing is the guy who has magpuls on all his magazines including the one he loads first off. It looks cool (which is great) but it doesn’t really do more than that. I personally wish people would spend their money on high-quality things and the BM Triage is beyond doubt one of the best options out there for a multi-purpose folding knife.
But getting back to civvie street it’s very simple. Carry whatever is legal and you want! I personally carry smaller utility knives most of the time but will sometimes clip something larger and/or more robust. Why? ‘Cause I bloody well like it. People ask why I spend so much on folders and my answer can be anything from “because I can” to “they look pretty” to “they interest me”. Knife collectors are an interesting bunch but it seem to me that many feel a need to justify their collection with an objective argument about worth, function or something else. Noone would ever question someone who collects art or classic cars or indeed music why they feel the need for it, maybe it is time for us to start thinking about our interest the same way.
It is. It isn’t so much an issue of fear it is that it issue of political correctness. An butter knife will get a child arrested if found in their lunch box in the USA. They excluded images of tomahawks from pictures of the Vietnam War. I’ve personally had people ask me while I carried a pig sticker when the blade was maybe 3inches long on a folding knife.
Yet, we use knives almost every single day. There is no reason to be so frightened of them. Thousands may hurt themselves badly accidentally with knives, but it is a safe bet that more people die from cars than the pointed edge every day.
I must say that this has been one of best comment conversations I’ve ever had. Thanks Dan, Lew, and Anon.
Wow! I didn’t know that. Maybe the stereotype we euros have about fearless Americans armed to the teeth is a slight bit off :p. It reminds me a bit of a hare-brained suggestion from a couple years ago in the UK were all kitchen knifes (who are the one’s most usually used in crime) would be sold with sheepsfoot blades. Stupid! Another crazy thing about the UK knife laws is that you have to be 18 to buy a knife but you’re allowed to joi up at 16. This means that the young ‘uns are trained in military hardwear but according to the law should be allowed to own the same multitools they’re issued. Non-Knife People really are strange.
And a big thanks to you aswell. It’s been both interesting and a bit educational.
I’ve had friends go into battle in Iraq that cannot legally own the handguns they were issued. 21 for booze and guns and permits to carry concealed weapons of any kind. 18 for voting, smokes, and starring in pornography and owning long arms. 16 gets to buy knives.
We have a lot of guns and weapons here. However, in the rural zones more keep such things. The big cities are the homes of the liberal elites that through racism, fear mongering, and corruption have made even the most basic tools out to be sentient, evil lifeforms that seek to either kill or corrupt people into becoming murders.
It happens in most highly urbanized environments I think. You have to remember; America is vast in comparison to European nations. The differences between urban and rural from state to state can be rather broad.
For what it’s worth, I live in a northern part of the U.S. My son spent a couple of years in Norway and the climate was no big deal. We are rural, hard working folks that do not like equipment failure of any sort. My EDC consists of a ZT 0350, a TOPS fixed blade, and a .40 caliber side arm (minimum). Sometimes your life may depend on what you have on you. No worries here.
One more thought. When I pull out my my folder, I’m not doing so to clean my fingernails, or make sure it matches my purse. I put it to work. I have full confidence in any ZT folder I own…….. So will my grandchildren.
Rick, I couldn’t agree more. People will say this and that about the weight, and maybe given what they do the ZT 0350 is “too much,” it’s probably too much for me giving what I do every day – but having carried this blade myself I really can’t discredit it. It’s extremely well made, features the best materials and inspires a ton of confidence in the user. Like you I really do feel like this is a folder that can be passed on down generations; it is that well done. Rick, thanks for the great anecdotes, I’m so happy to hear that your 0350 has worked out well for you.
Weighing in on the subject, as a police officer for 8 years, I carried a cumillus auto folder and loved it. I just ordered an 0350 and I imagine I will love it for dtuy carry as well. I had considered a fixed blade for on duty buy other than in between my duty belt and pants felt as though it may be a little uncomfortable when seated. With the 0350 I could trap my weapon with one hand should I be wrestling with a perpitrator and deploy the 350 with my other hand. I really have only used my first folder for cutting clothing in a couple of instances. I think the 0350 would be a fine choice for stabbing someone that deserved it! Any thoughts? Could the 0350 do that kind of a barbaric task ok? I thought it would work fine.
Hey Brian! I absolutely think the 0350 is capable of stabbing. The tip is strong but if you put enough force behind it you should have no problem stabbing someone or something with it. I also think the 0350 is a good choice for a duty knife because it is an assisted opener, offers great grip, and is tough as nails. Thanks for stopping by and joining the discussion!
Dan
Hey Dan, also was wondering if the SOG Aegis would work for quick deployment and stabbing? Also, would the tanto be a better option? Thanks for you time as I was considering the Aegis in addition to the 350.
Hmm, it is a pretty fast knife and the tip is extremely fine. I certainly would not want to get stabbed with one! People tout the tanto style blade as a more robust stabber – it does have more steel at the tip. Honestly, if we are talking a 1 time application I don’t think it would make a huge difference. I would buy whichever shape appeals to you the most. Another idea for an assisted opener is the Benchmade Barrage. I did a review on the 581 not too long ago, and it’s an exceptional knife. I know they make versions that aren’t as fancy (or expensive) that might be well suited for your applications.
I am a police patrol sergeant with over 35 years experience. I consider a good knife as part of my daily carry weapons. My main handgun, backup gun and a knife. I consider the knife just as important as my backup gun. It is a multitasker and must be robust enough for the jobs while still being carriable. I have tried thousand dollar customs and fifty dollar cheapos. Right now I have three ZTs, 301,350 and 550. The 350 and 550 are my off duty carry knives while the 301 is my on duty knife. I love the size, weight and ergonomics. It does everything I ask of it. I have yet to find any better knives.
Hey Srgt, Thanks for stopping by and offering your experiences with the 0350 (and the 0550 and 301 as well). Glad to hear the 0350 works for you. I tend to agree and find it to be a very capable knife.
Thanks again,
Dan
Hey Dan!
Picked up a ZT 350 BW, just amazing! Being a fan of larger folders, it suits me fine, love everything about it. I’m digging the Speedsafe also, though I read lots of guys dislike it, to me this separates it from common brands. Well made, really ergonomic. Thanks for your review once again!