Spock,
You prefer ELMAX over S30V? Have you used S35VN?

Gary, butting in here, but my Chris Reeve knives are S35VN and I like it. Mine takes and holds a REALLY good edge.

You're not butting in. I've been looking at various ZTs and it seems like they feature S30V, S35VN, and ELMAX. I know very little about these materials.

The 350 being delivered today is S30V, but it seems like ZT's choice of material is rather arbitrary. Their "flagship" 300 series has S30V, but "less expensive" options have more expensive ELMAX.

Perhaps the material selection isn't arbitrary...maybe its knife design/mission driven?

I had a 0780 that I really liked despite the fact that it had thumb studs and a liner lock, which I don't like. It was a nice little knife. ZT discontinued it before they ever finished the first production run because they wanted to move in a different direction. Very few were ever made.

Adam,
I googled the 780. It is a fair departure from ZT's norm. The 700 I had was much the same. I didn't care for that one.

Well, I have the 350 in hand. My impressions to follow.

Zero Tolerance 0350 First Impressions

PROS

Assisted Opening - this knife opens easily with the flipper!

Sharp - this knife is scary sharp!

Jimping - strong but not sharp (surprisingly pleasant)


NEUTRAL

Blade Size - It seems a little "deep" for its "length". Can't decide what I think yet. Time will tell.

Handle Size - Being small makes it easier to carry, but it feels a little cramped.


CONS

Thumb Stud Opening - Impossible.

Pocket Clip - the clip is so tight/strong I'm afraid it'll tear the pocket of denim trousers!

Liner Lock Ease of Use - the design makes folding the knife less than ideal.

Weight - this knife is a beast. Definitely not the lightweight Benchmade currently clipped in the dress trousers I'm wearing.

The other Ken Onion ZT designs make the 350 look downright small and meek.

The pivot on the larger KO designs are my favorite of any folding knife. Heavy duty!

Howdy Architect,

Apologies, "upgrade" was a poor choice of words on my part. I didn't have any Elmax knives at all, so the 566 was my first (and still only). Prior to that I'd been carrying a Kershaw Avalanche S30V that I bought for $50. For me, the edge on the 566 has held up better (less sharpening needed) than the Avalanche did when I carried it, but who knows, YMMV. I try to save my abusive tasks for my SR101 Bussekin. Maybe S30V is tougher and can withstand more abuse than Elmax?

No experience with S35VN.

Spock, thanks for the reply.

I went ahead and bought a few more ZT to see what I thought of them....

301 (S30V)
350 (S30V)
550 (S35VN)
561 (ELMAX)

These seem to be the most popular / recommended of the lot. This will allow me to test different blade materials, and opening types.

The 550 is a Gen3.

Now THAT's a purchase!