Beefy. Yep, beefy is how I’d describe the Zero Tolerance 0308. Thicc also comes to mind, but beefy sounds like a better descriptor. The ZT 0308 is the newest knife from Zero Tolerance, and it is a tactical flipper with a massive blade and full man-sized grip. The blade itself is 3.75 inches long, 1.375 inches wide, and .16 of an inch thick. The overall length is 8.875 inches and weighs 7 ounces. It’s a big boy, but the 7-ounce weight isn’t terrible.
If you’re not familiar, Zero Tolerance makes knives that last, and last, and last. Their knives are second to none as far as hard-working, duty grade knives go. Their long history of success and premium blade designs have given them a mighty reputation. That long history of awesomeness translated well into the ZT 0308 design.
The Beastly ZT 0308
This is a tactical folding knife with a flip to open design. Big blades on flippers typically take a little effort to open. Zero Tolerance has found a way to make the flipping motion as smooth as butter, regardless of how big the blade is. The KVT ball bearings used in the flipping device provide a very smooth transition from closed to open. It takes just a little pressure and allows for quick blade deployment. The blade always opens and springs into action with a satisfying thwack.
The Zero Tolerance 0308 has a G10 grip panel on one side and titanium on the other. Both sides are textured identically and provides for a solid grip. The grip itself is also filled out and not afraid to be wide. This makes it a natural fit in my 2XL sized hands. Part of the titanium grip is the liner lock with a two screw secured hardened stainless steel insert to catch and hold the blade. It won’t slowly chip away or break over time.
Unlocking the blade is easy, too, and sliding the blade back into the handle is simple and smooth. The flipper spins into place and is textured to act like a handguard. A short, but still protective handguard. The pocket clip is also reversible, so lefties can easily carry it too.
Ergonomically the ZT 0308 is rock solid and very comfortable to use. I haven’t run into hot spots with heavy work, and the grip texture is aggressive enough to stick to gloves and not slip and slide if you gotta wear gloves.
The Blade of the 0308
The ZT 0308 has a long blade, but length isn’t all that matters. Girth is important, and this knife is girthy. The ZT 0308’s blade is made from CPM 20CV steel. This is a premium grade steel that is very corrosion, corrosion-resistant and can be sharpened to a near razor’s edge. The edge holds well and doesn’t have much give to it.
The blade has jimping on the back of the blade for good thumb placement, and above that is an aggressive swedge. This reduces weight and makes it easier to cut clean through soft, but thick materials. The blade has a long belly that gives you 4 inches of cutting edge, and it cleanly cuts through cardboard, rope, and even flesh. By flesh, I, of course, mean cutting chicken and steak up in the kitchen. Seeing as how it’s a tactical knife, you can’t rule out the idea of using it as a defensive tool.
The blade is also strong enough to baton used and to cleave through thick vines, and even be used for light prying. It goes well beyond what the average EDC pocket knife can do. It could be called into action as a survival knife should a good fixed blade not be on hand. Fieldwork is most certainly in its wheelhouse.
This Big Boy and You
This big chopper is most certainly not a good choice for carrying in formal or business attire. It will most certainly ruin the lines of a suit. However, in streetwear, work clothes, or your LARP gear, the ZT 0308 is most certainly well suited. It’s a working knife up for tasks of most sizes. If you don’t mind a little weight in your pocket, the ZT might be for you. Zero Tolerance has made an excellent knife, but for knife guys, that’s not a big surprise. Check it out here.
