I like big knives, folders or fixed blade models. I’ve found over the years that, you can accomplish more tasks with a big knife, than you can with a smaller knife. Of course, that’s not to say that, small knives don’t have their place – they do! My personal preference is for bigger knives, and one reason I like bigger knives is that they are usually built stronger. I was on-board when Kershaw Knives started their new ZT Division. The ZT stands for “Zero Tolerance”. And, I’ve toured the Kershaw plant several times, to know that, Kershaw has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to making outstanding blades. If the knife doesn’t stand up to the Kershaw quality control, it doesn’t leave the factory. Way back when, I did a shop tour of Kershaw’s operation – when they were much smaller than they are today. Kershaw had one gal, who’s sole job was to do a final inspection on each knife before it was boxed-up and shipped out. I found many knives sitting in a bin that didn’t pass muster. And, I couldn’t find any flaws in the knives I was looking at, until she pointed them out to me. Most were simply cosmetic flaws of some type. Today, Kershaw has a small army of employees that check each and every knife before it leaves the factory. At any point along the production line, an employee can pull a knife and send it on it’s way to the reject bin.
Kershaw is in a new plant – a huge plant – and they turn out (well, okay I promised not to tell) a “lot” of knives each month. When Kershaw moved into their new plant, they were already making plans for expanding the operation – I have to get up there for another tour of the place one of these days. The ZT Division of Kershaw was started for the sole reason of producing military-grade cutlery for our troops, as well as law enforcement personnel, who demand and expect a little bit “more” than the usual. To this end, ZT is producing some extremely tough fixed blade and folding knives – some would call ’em U.S. Marine tough – and I don’t have a problem with that. If you want something broken, then give it to a U.S. Marine, and if there’s a way to break it – they’ll figure it out. I’ve tested quite a few ZT knives since Kershaw started this division, and I’ve been impress with the toughness of these knives. One particular folder really caught my attention. It’s the Model 0300 – that’s it – no name, just a model number. The 0300 was designed in collaboration with ZT and Strider Knives, and it’s a true combat folder, to be sure. What I like about the 0300 is that, it has the SpeedSafe assisted opening for quick, one-handed deployment. Just push on the ambidextrous thumb stud or pull back on the blade protrusion and the knife is ready for action. [JWR Adds: Be sure to consult your state an local laws on “automatic” and “assisted opening” knives before ordering.]
The 0300 has a blade made out of one of the super steels – S30V, with a Tungsten DLC coating for a black, non-reflective finish to cut down on glare. S30V is really a remarkable stainless steel – it holds and edge a very, very long time. It is a little hard to re-sharpen when it gets dull, but I don’t have a problem with a steel that holds an edge a long, long time. Blade length on the 0300 is 3.75″ – and I find that’s just about perfect for my needs. The blade is very wide, too – so it can do some serious damage if used for self-defense purposes. Handle scales are good ol’ G-10 that is 3D machined with Titanium liners – you aren’t gonna break the handle scales on this hummer. I like the thick handle scales, too – they allow a solid grip on the 0300. Overall length of the 0300 is 5.625″ – but it looks bigger than that. Matter of fact, the entire knife looks bigger than it actually is. The weight of the 0300 is 8-ounces. Yes, that is heavy for a folder, but it was designed to be super-tough, and it will hold up to all kinds of abuse and use. There is also a pocket/clothing clip, that can be switched from one of 4 different positions for right or left pocket carry, or tip up or tip down carry. A 3/8″ hex head pivot shaft nut makes field adjustments on blade tension possible with a minimal of tools in the field, should the blade tension work loose – not likely, but anything can happen under the harsh conditions of combat or survival.
When the blade is fully locked when open, it can only be released by pressing the frame-lock (style) liner to the side, which is located in the handle scales. The frame-lock liner lock is actually part of the frame’s liner. This is a very secure method of locking a blade open on a folder. On the 0300 – this is a massive locking-liner – stout – just like the entire knife is. The 0300 is ready-to-go out of the box. If you need a super-stout folder for military, law enforcement or survival use, then this knife will sure fill all those needs, and then some. I did find that the knife is slightly better suited as a slasher as opposed to a stabber – however, it can perform both functions with aplomb. This folder is also made in the good ol’ USA – and that’s important to a lot of folks.
Now for the bad news – at least as far as I’m concerned. I some how managed to lose my 0300 some time ago, and haven’t had it replaced. the 0300 doesn’t come cheap – it retails for $325 – and as I always mention, quality doesn’t come cheap – you buy buy a lesser knife, with a lesser blade steel, and you’ll have a lesser knife.[JWR Adds: The lowest I’ve seen them advertised is $236, via mailorder.] If you want something that will hold up to anything you can throw at it – then take a close look at the ZT 0300. One of these days, I’m going to replace my lost 0300 – if you want a knife that will never let you down, then take a close look at the 0300. In future articles, I’ll review some of the other fixed and folding blades that Kershaw ZT offers – and they currently have quite a crop of cutlery that they are turning out in this tactical division. – SurvivalBlog Field Gear Editor Pat Cascio