The ZT 0308 is at present the most important and most strong folding knife within the Zero Tolerance line-up. I ordered my first ZT 0308 shortly after it was initially launched in 2020 with some slick customization from USA Made Blade and it has been a mainstay in my each day carry rotation since then. When the Scott over at USA Made Blade gave me the chance to try the most recent variation, the ZT 0308CF, I couldn’t say no!
About Zero Tolerance Knives
Zero Tolerance Knives, generally generally known as ZT Knives, began again in 2006. Their aim was to provide onerous use knives for first responders, regulation enforcement officers, and navy personnel. The premium overbuilt knives drew the eye of knife customers who wished a instrument they may depend on at work or within the area.
Over the subsequent few years ZT continued producing onerous use knives designed for professionals, however in addition they began producing smaller folding knives that had larger attraction to EDC knife customers. Whereas these new knives weren’t as giant as lots of their counter components, they continued to be made within the USA with the identical exacting requirements and overbuilt utilizing premium supplies.
Above: The Lock Aspect of the ZT 0308CF
ZT 0308 Design
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The 0300 Sequence of Zero Tolerance knives has lengthy been recognized to suit into ZT’s design origins, large, overbuilt, and hard. The ZT 0308 is not any exception to this rule! This design first hit the market again in 2020 and it featured a tan G10 scale, titanium body, and Premium CPM-20CV blade metal.
The 0308 pivot runs on KVT ball bearings and snaps open due to a low-profile flipper tab. As soon as deployed the blade is held securely in place with a metal strengthened titanium lock bar. The drop level blade offers a sturdy tip and glorious stomach giving it glorious slicing capabilities.
Each the titanium lock aspect and the size on the “present aspect” have a deep laser engraved texture sample that gives glorious grip, particularly helpful when working in moist circumstances. There’s a ramp on the backbone which offers a cushty place to your fingers to take a seat when utilizing the knife. The primary third of the ramp has jimping present traction to cut back the opportunity of your finger slipping off. The flipper tab additionally has jimping to make sure there isn’t a finger slip when making an attempt to open the knife.
For the reason that unique launch a number of different variations got here out, together with one of many fashions we can be Manufacturing unit Particular Sequence 0308CF. This restricted run provides a carbon fiber scale, a closely stonewashed titanium body, a M390 tremendous metal blade, and an up to date clip design.
ZT 0308 Spec Sheet
- Total Size: 8.9 inches
- Blade Size: 3.75 inches
- Blade Thickness: .156 inches
- Weight: 8–6.9 Ounces
- Blade Metal: CPM 20CV, M390
- Blade Form: Drop Level
- Lock Sort: Body lock with metal strengthened lock bar.
- Scale Materials: G10 or Carbon Fiber
- Liners: Metal liner under the size
- Clip Data: Clip mounted on titanium body aspect, could be reversed on the inventory scale.
- Worth: $376-$420
- Made In: Oregon, USA
The ZT 0308CF with a few of my for city oriented EDC Gear together with the Fenix PD25R, Hinderer Excessive Responsibility Pen, Tuff Possum Bogata V2 Picks, and ITS Tactical Slim Line Pouch with First Help Equipment.
EDC Efficiency
Regardless of its beefy dimension the ZT 0308 performs very effectively in each day duties. The blades flat grind performs very effectively in terms of slicing duties. It simply cuts by means of cardboard when opening or breaking down containers, these little plastic zip ties typically present in product packaging current no problem, and the strong tip could be very useful in terms of moving into these onerous plastic packages that I do know all of us hate!
Whereas cardboard is infamous for dulling knife blades, the sting holds up effectively by means of constant use due to the premium CPM-20CV tremendous metal. When it come’s to edge retention 20CV is without doubt one of the finest metal choices in the marketplace, which additionally makes it a little bit harder to sharpen, however with a high quality sharpening system it’s straightforward sufficient for anyone to do with a little bit follow.
Like most stainless steels utilized in folding knives, 20CV is just not as robust as most of the excessive carbon or stainless steels utilized in fastened blades, however it’s nonetheless a tricky metal that may simply deal with typical each day duties and extra with no considerations of breaking.
Above: My unique ZT 0308 is a staple in my outside gear line up, it’s pictured right here with my Wazoo Spark Necklace, Tuff Possum Med Pouch, Badger Claw Clothes shop Gloves, and Knives by Nuge Massive Boi.
Outside Efficiency
In terms of folding knives, many should not constructed to carry as much as the pains of intensive wilderness use. Fortuitously, The ZT0308 doesn’t fall into that class and could be very succesful within the nice outdoor.
Being it’s a very succesful slicer, the ZT 0308 performs very effectively in my foraging duties and has served me effectively when doing camp meals prep. The blade simply cuts by means of most plant and animal materials with ease. The tip of the 0308 does an excellent job piercing and has sufficient “meat” behind it to not be fragile. The blades stomach makes the 0308 very able to processing a contemporary caught fish or animal potential.
The corrosion resistance of 20CV is nice for plant and animal processing duties. Plant and animal supplies could be extremely corrosive and trigger rust build-up if not completely cleaned shortly after use, particularly with excessive carbon metal. Nonetheless, with 20CV you’ve gotten some wiggle room and for those who don’t clear it straight away there may be much less of an opportunity of dangerous rust occurring.
Whereas a folding knife can be my first selection in processing an animal as a result of the put up processing upkeep would require disassembly to take away blood and tissue from the pivot and inside body, I like realizing that my folding knife may do the job ought to my fastened blade develop into misplaced or broken.
In terms of wooden processing duties the ZT 0308 does an admirable job in fundamental fireplace prep necessities. Breaking down small twigs and branches for tinder and kindling was no drawback. I’ve no points doing minor carving duties, particularly when working with softer wooden like pine and cedar. Whereas I usually wouldn’t use a folding knife for prying something, the ZT 0308 does effectively at each prying bark and bracket fungi off fallen bushes.
Finally the 0308 received’t exchange a devoted fastened blade that may carry out duties like chopping or batoning of wooden, it makes an important solo companion for much less labor-intensive journeys to the woods and a very good again up knife when carrying a bigger fastened blade.
Carry System
The ZT 0308 is an enormous knife and has appreciable heft to it. It carries effectively in heavy weight pants like denims, work pants, or tactical pants. Gentle weight pants like “swishy” pants or basketball shorts make carrying comfortably it a bit more difficult, however not unimaginable.
The Clip on the unique 0308 sits nearly flat in opposition to the body making it tough to barter over strengthened pockets generally discovered on work and tactical pants. The clip would typically catch barely when eradicating it from the pocket, that is annoying however removed from a deal-breaker. The clip has been considerably improved within the ZT0308CF mannequin, and even if in case you have the unique there are a ton of aftermarket clip choices out there for those who wished to change.
Consolation in Use
In hand the ZT 0308 feels excellent. The body has an important form that enables a strong full hand hammer grip for my giant glove sized palms with loads of left over deal with for these of you who’ve sasquatch sized palms. I didn’t expertise any important scorching spots throughout use and whereas that flat clip might have been annoying within the pocket, it doesn’t dig into your hand in any respect throughout use, which to me makes it a worthwhile commerce off.
The Thumb Ramp on the 0308 is extremely effectively performed. It’s a snug place to relaxation your thumb when doing push cuts or need a little bit extra management. The ramp goes as much as a few third of the entire blade supplying you with greater than sufficient room to relaxation your index finger on when you find yourself on the lookout for probably the most blade management when doing detailed cuts.
Above: The Metal strengthened lock bar insert prevents put on on the titanium lock bar.
Security
In terms of onerous utilizing a folding knife, my greatest concern is lock slip. If the lock slip throughout use this may trigger the blade to fall into closing place, sadly that’s the place your fingers normally are! In all my years of use I’m completely satisfied to report that my ZT 0308 has by no means as soon as skilled lock slip!
The jimping on the backbone and flipper tab present good buy with out being so aggressive that it hurts. Having the jimping on the flipper tab is a superb design selection because the 0308 has a heavy detent that requires heavy push to open. The jimping ensures that your finger isn’t slipping off the flipper tab resulting in a failed or partial deployment.
The textured grip on the deal with scale and titanium body helps present a constructive grip whereas in use, particularly when moist and the flipper tab acts as a blade guard when opened. Each components play a key position in security throughout onerous use duties.
The ZT 0308CF
The ZT 0308CF is the most recent model out there as a particular run Zero Tolerance calls the Manufacturing unit Particular Sequence. As with every F.S.S. collection knife, a restricted quantity are made and as soon as they’re gone they don’t seem to be made in that configuration once more.
The CF stands for carbon fiber and that’s what the deal with scale of this model is manufactured from. Carbon Fiber has been a preferred deal with materials for years within the premium knife market each for its distinctive appears and its sturdiness. Carbon Fiber is considerably dearer and harder to work with than the extra frequent G10 or Micarta deal with scale choices on the market, so seeing a value improve to the top consumer is typical.
One other change in for the ZT 0308CF was the use premium M390 tremendous metal for the blade. From a utilization standpoint, count on no noticeable variations and M390 and 20CV are remarkably comparable in each composition and properties.
The Titanium body on the 0308CF has a heavy stonewash giving it a muted non-reflective end. The liner behind the size was additionally given a black end, wrapping the entire package deal for a a lot darker look than the unique.
The one main design change lies within the clip, which now has been lifted barely off the body, making it considerably simpler to get out and in of your pocket. Fortunately, this modification has not negatively affected the general ergonomics of the knife!
Whereas I’ve not had the ZT 0308CF in my line up for years, I’ve discovered it to carry out equally in addition to the unique. The darker aesthetic is a superb determination on Zero Tolerances half as it’s far much less flashy within the pocket, and it blends in very effectively with any darkish coloured pants.
ZT 0308 Professionals and Cons
Whereas no knife is inherently good, many professionals and cons are solely subjective and the atmosphere you might be in, the supposed work you propose on doing with the knife, and consumer preferences all play an enormous position. From my private expertise utilizing and testing a whole bunch of various knives, no single knife is designed to be all the pieces for everybody.
Professionals
- Premium supplies and glorious construct high quality ensures years of dependable use.
- Glorious ergonomics and comfy in hand throughout prolonged use.
- The blade offers good piercing and glorious slicing functionality.
- Strong blade lockup, with no lock slip throughout onerous use duties.
- Among the finest thumb ramp designs I’ve labored with on a folding knife.
- Each M390 and 20CV present glorious corrosion resistance and edge retention, lowering the necessity for fixed upkeep particularly throughout prolonged use in harsh environments.
- Match, end and deployment motion are glorious.
- Made within the USA
Cons
- Dimension and weight make this knife much less appropriate for carrying with thinner pants or shorts.
- The unique variations clip could be irritating particularly with pants which have strengthened pockets, however latest updates have improved the clip considerably.
- Each M390 and 20CV could be harder to sharpen within the area than normal stainless-steel choices.
- The value could also be prohibitive for some consumers.
Ultimate Ideas
Writing a overview of a knife that I’ve owned and used for the higher a part of 4 years is at all times a lot extra gratifying than one I’ve merely evaluated for a couple of weeks. My unique ZT 0308 has seen nearly each number of atmosphere and use state of affairs that I anticipate finding myself in, and thru all that you just actually develop an appreciation for the its’ design and construct high quality.
Merely put, the ZT 0308 is a superb knife. The design harkens again to the unique ethos the Zero Tolerance Knives was constructed upon, overbuilt onerous use knives. This isn’t your slim, discreet EDC folder, this can be a large, robust, able to tackle any problem you throw at it knife! The ergonomic design ensures consolation over prolonged use with no main scorching spots to put on your hand down. The drop level blade and flat grind makes it nice for any of your day-to-day duties, whereas bringing versatility for some severe area use if the necessity arises.
From a construct high quality standpoint Zero Tolerance Knives has at all times impressed me. I’ve owned and used roughly 15 totally different fashions through the years, and whereas not each design was for me, the standard of the construct was by no means unsure. That is evident within the 0308, particularly contemplating outdoors of including extra premium supplies and a darker general look, the one design change I’ve seen between my unique and the most recent carbon fiber mannequin was a minor high quality of life bettering clip replace.
Backside line
Should you’re out there for a sturdy, American made, onerous use folder with premium construct high quality and don’t thoughts paying a premium value, the ZT0308 or the ZT0308 CF is for you!
Above: My unique ZT 0308 with customized stars and stripes anodized body by USA Made Blade.
The place to Get It: USA Made Blade
Each my unique ZT 0308 and my ZT 0308CF got here from USA Made Blade based mostly in North Carolina. USA Made Blade solely offers in knives made within the USA and focuses on excessive finish manufacturing and customized knives from a few of the finest American Knife firms.
Along with their strong on-line gross sales platform USA Made Blade house owners, Scott “Whitty” Whittington and his spouse Ellen, just lately opened a bodily retailer entrance known as Sasquatch Knife Store in Salisbury, North Carolina the place you’ll be able to see their collection of knives in individual.
USA Made Blade has partnered with Zero Tolerance to permit Scott to create gorgeous in-house customized variations of ZT Knives with specialty scales and anodized finishes. They provide free and quick delivery on most orders and high notch customer support.
As of the time of writing each normal and customised ZT 0308CF fashions could be discovered at usamadeblade.com
Above: My Spouse’s ZT 0450 with customized “Anomascous” sample by USA Made Blade.
A Smaller Various: The Zero Tolerance 0450
Searching for one thing that’s overbuilt however not as giant? The Zero Tolerance 0450 is a superb different! This Glossy folder is available in at 7.4 inches general with a 3.25-inch blade and weighs 2.9 ounces! Whereas this isn’t a small knife by any means, it’s gentle within the pocket due to its full titanium body and skinny profile. The blade is constructed from S35VN metal which offers most of the similar qualities because the M390 and 20CV discovered within the ZT0308. Whereas these come from the manufacturing facility wanting sterile Scott over at USA Made Blade can use that clean canvas for some spectacular customized work!
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