Zero Tolerance 0300 - REVIEW

[BR101]

Specifications:
Steel: S30V stainless-steel.
Handle: 3D machined, G-10 and Titanium
Blade Length: 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)
Closed Length: 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm)
Overall length: 8.625 in. (21.9 cm)
Weight: 8.6 oz.

Today I am reviewing the Zero Tolerance 0300 assisted folder. The 0300 is one of their flagship models. Upon taking it out of the box the first thing I noticed about the knife is this thing has got some weight to it. If you're a lightweight junky this probably isn't the knife for you. I myself am accustom to carrying heavier knives so this isn't that big of a deal for me to carry. It comes in at 8.6 ounces. It does feel very well balanced though in the hand. Another thing I noticed right away was how awesome the handles are.





On to the business end of this knife. Zero Tolerance uses a huge slab of S30V measuring 3.75". The thickest part of the blade is almost 4mm thick. And to top off the blade, ZT used a matte black tungsten DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating. The coating not only looks cool but it also enhances blade hardness and reduces friction drag. Out of the box it's a extremely sharp knife. Deploying this blade is very easy. You have two options for how to deploy the blade. You could use the flipper or the thumb studs. The thumb studs are flush with the handles which make thumb stud deploy not easy, but not impossible. The blade opens very smooth, fast and locks up tight with absolutely no play. The speed and smoothness can be attributed to the oversized bronze phosphor washers, precision tolerances and the patented SpeedSafe assisted opening system. Blade centering on this knife is perfect!





The handle on the Zero Tolerance 0300 is a 3-D machined G10 and on the back is a 3-D machined titanium frame lock. The 3-D machining process on the G10 and titanium are very nice and allow you to get a solid firm grip on the knife even in a wet environment. Making adjustments to the knife is made easy using a 3/8" socket. The Hinderer design frame lock safety keeps the lock bar from being over extended when closing the blade.





For added grip ZT constructed some of the best jimping I've experienced thus far on a knife. It's not very sharp but it's machined just right to allow you to get a firm solid grip for control cutting task. There is an ample amount on the butt of the handle for reverse grip and another ample amount on the spine of the blade transitioning into the handle.



The pocket clip on the ZT 0300 is alright. And I'm not saying that because of it's build quality. The build quality is superb with great tension. I would have liked to see a deep carry clip used like on the 0560 model. In the picture above the clip is mounted tip up. If you mount the clip tip down it sits the whole knife alittle lower in the pocket but not as much as I'd like. You can set the pocket clip for tip-up, tip-down, left- or right-handed carry for your personal liking.

My final conclusion on the Zero Tolerance 0300: I really like this knife. It has a high quality durable feel and top quality materials. Super sharp factory edge pops hairs. The flipper action is smooth, fast and the blade locks up tight. The jimping is superb and competitors should take notes when it comes to adequate jimping.The only thing I really dislike about this knife is the pocket clip. I would have liked to see a deep carry pocket clip.



Check out my WEBSITE for other cool reviews on knives, lights and gear.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Evosil98]

Not really into knives but damn thats nice.

[Tailgunner21]

Solid review on the 300. I'm a big fan of ZT blades, I have 3, and a 4th on the way. The 300 is built like a fire hydrant, its that strong. The assisted opening makes it very east to deploy. I carry a ZT 350 for my EDC. The 300 and 200 are larger knives, they are all built to take abuse. Along with my Ruger LCR, I have a ZT blade on me daily. Glad I found this site. If you want a ZT, look around, Cabela's has the 200,300,350 at a great price. There are Rolex watches, Ruger and Smith & Wesson firearms, and Zero Tolerance Knives.

[warmxd9]

i want one. that some impressive jimping

[nframe357]

Thanks! I'm ordering a ZT0301 this week, can't wait!

[gunfan]

Very nice.

Scott

[nframe357]

Got my 0301 and love it! Awesome well made knife, found a real good deal as well from usamadeblades, best price by $50+!

[rugergunner]

Very nice! At least they made the blade length long enough to actually defend yourself with.

[Bigkahuna]

I love my ZT300! even though it weighs a ton for a "pocket" knife. It's one of the sturdiest knives I have ever seen. I carry it everywhere. It is sharp as the dickens and for those of you who like trivia. It is also the knife carried by Agent Jethro Gibbs on NCIS.

[BR101]

Yeah it's a beast in the pocket.

Amazon has them for a really good price right now with free 1 day shipping - http://www.amazon.com/Zero-Tolerance-Combat-Folding-Knife/dp/B0017SC9H6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362466363&sr=8-1&keywords=zero+tolerance+0300#productPromotions

[Funkybassplayer]

Almost bought one of these earlier today. Ended up going with a benchmade axis folder but really like the looks of this ZT. Maybe next time I'll pick one up


-BTO-

[shooter76blue]

I have a ZT 0301 and I love it. I have been looking for a leather sheath for it though and have not had much luck.

[thrasherg]

200 bucks for a knife!! I wouldn't want to lose that in a hurry!! Too steep for my budget, I carry a swiss army knife that does most things I need.. Looks a very nice knife, but prefer to spend $200 on 9mm ammo!!

Gary

[luvmy40]

I just added a ZT300 to my collection. I had been carrying the ZT350 and badly wanted the 300 if only to have the family together.

The 300 has taken over as my EDC. This thing is a tank but still rides well in my pocket. I don't even notice it despite the considerable weight.

I think I like these better than my Bench Made folders, though the Bench Mades are prettier!

[californiadog]

Nice review and thanks for taking the time to produce such a nice review. Unfortunately, I had a different reaction to the ZT 300. I found its way to big and bulky to reasonably carry. I am certainly not immune to carrying large knives-on the contrary, I like at least a 4 inch blade and often carry some Cold Steel "pocket swords." But the thickness and the slowish opening mechanism uses very heavy parts and for the money, I always recommend the award-winning Zero Tolerance 0560 The ZT 0560 has a titanium side and a black G10 side and really looks fancy in hand. It is a flipper which I feel opens better than any assisted opening knife and when deployed offers a great guard if you are forced to use the knife in a defensive role. This knife is approximately the same amount of money and feels like 3 x the knife of a ZT300. The Zero Tolerance 0560 is a beautiful, collectors item that is also an excellent investment.