Zero Tolerance

Zero Tolerance 0470 folding knife

I first saw Zero Tolerance in 2007 at Grey Group Training in Fayetteville, North Carolina. I was immediately attracted to the look of their knives. But their price point turned me off. So when I got the chance to review the 0470 model, I jumped on it.

Designed by Dimitri Sinkevitch and coming in at just over 3 ounces for a 3.4-inch bladed knife, this knife naturally falls into an EDC role. The weight is unnoticeable. This is due to the lightweight, but strong, construction materials.

The handle features a carbon fiber inlay giving the knife a very sleek, high-class look. The action is silky smooth and easy to activate.

I was once turned off on more expensive pocket knives. A few weeks with the Zero Tolerance 0470 in my pocket changed that. I’ve already ordered another ZT. Plus, as I say in the video below… if you’re gonna possibly bet your life on a 3 1/2 inch blade, you might wanna make sure that blade is worth a little something.

Author – Seth Lewis served as a reconnaissance infantryman in the 82nd Airborne with two deployments to Iraq as well as 18 months in Afghanistan doing High Threat Protection for the Department of State. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics and is currently working as a security contractor for DHS and a firearms instructor

Zero Tolerance 0562 titanium handled knife | A titan among men

One of my favorite parts of SHOT show is always the Kershaw booth. Kershaw and Zero Tolerance are both owned by KAI Group and international cutlery organization. As such, both as shown off in the Kershaw booth. We walk in, exchange pleasantries then down opens the hidden shelf display to reveal this years line-up of Kershaw and ZT blades. We spend the next thirty minutes checking out each knife, one-by-one. It’s such a condensed and efficient meeting, and it leaves myself and my fellow writers talking about our favorites from the bunch for the rest of the day. Among those favorites was ZT’s 0562 ti, a titanium-handled knife that was made in collaboration with custom knifemaker Rick Hinderer.

Let’s check the tale of the tape before digging into how the 0562 ti has performed. As per ZT’s website:

Made in the USA
KVT ball-bearing opening system
Flipper
Reversible deep-carry clip (left/right, tip-up)
Frame lock, lockbar stabilizer
Steel: CPM 20CV, stonewashed flats, machine-satin grinds
Handle: Titanium, stonewashed finish
Blade Length: 3.5 in. (8.9 cm)
Blade Thickness: 0.156 in. (0.396 cm)
Closed Length: 4.8 in. (12.2 cm)
Overall Length: 8.3 in. (21.1 cm)
Weight: 5.3 oz. (152 g)

It’s always nice to review American-made products over foreign ones, and even nicer when those products are made just down the street. In this case, Zero Tolerance’s factory is just a quick drive down the road to Tualitin, Oregon.

While the blade is the beating heart of any cutting platform, ZT is clearly interested in using more exotic metals in the handles as we’ve seen more and more titanium, carbon fiber and G10 being used recently. I think it’s pretty clear that whenever possible discerning end users want stronger, lighter and less maintenance on half of their knife. Titanium definitely delivers in that respect, keeping the 0562 ti’s weight down. This feels like a strong, mid-sized pocket folder when you’re using it. It just doesn’t feel like one when you’re carrying it in your pocket.

Regarding the blade, the 0562 ti uses CPM 20CV steel. I’m no metallurgist, so I like reading up an expert synopsis (like this one found on Bladeops.com) to know what is expected of certain steel. Some rust easily, some dull quickly but can be honed to a razor’s edge. The CPM-20CV is considered an excellent choice, providing a good hardness rating (HRC ~60), good corrosion resistance and fantastic wear resistance.

In my time with the 0562 ti, the above statements have been absolutely true. I have abused the blade, but it has kept a very good edge throughout. Diminished from its factory state, yes, but still very sharp. When I took a few minutes to polish up that edge, it took very little time to get back into arm-shaving range.

The ball-bearing opening system is incredibly smooth. It takes lost a bit on initial force to overcome the resistance of the lock bar, then the blade glides out into place. Far fewer “three quarter-open” incidents with this knife than any other EDC blade in recent memory.

The locking system is spot-on. I’ve found it impossible to intentionally “over-lock” the 0562 ti. Overlock occurs when the blade is opened more forcefully than designed, so the locking bar engages the angled portion of the blade base further inboard than intended. When this happens, it’s unreasonably difficult to unlock the blade to fold it back up. I slam this thing open with as much force as I can muster (short of using hand tools) and the frame lock disengages just as smoothly as ever. Another neat feature is shown when you’re releasing the blade to be folded back into the frame. A small spring-loaded ball bearing catches the blade just after unlocking and requires a little force to overcome. Considering how smoothly the 0562 ti’s blade swings open, it’s nice to have this little safety stop to ensure the freshly unlocked blade doesn’t just swing shut on any fingers that haven’t been rotated out of the way yet.

Zero Tolerance 0562 titanium handled knife | A titan among men — Top, ZT’s solid lock. Bottom, overlock

The pocket clip is perfectly functional, if not a little overzealous in strength from the factory. I’ve had to bend mine out just a bit to reduce wear-and-tear to my pants pocket. While it reverses for right- or left-hand carry, it came in right-hand, tip-up more like I prefer.

So far, it’s been all roses with the 0562ti right? It’s easy to be impressed with this pocket folder. There is one this that wasn’t aces for me, and that’s a design decision less than a manufacturing shortcoming. It’s in the titanium handle. Rather than machine in any texturing, the 0562ti is left featureless. I wouldn’t go so far as to call it “slippery”, but it is very smooth. During normal use, it’s not an issue. I’ve had no troubles using this for my EDC blade while testing gear and working in the shop. I am hesitant however to carry this as a defensive blade when I’m heading into the city. The slick grip is just not grippy enough to give me the warm and fuzzies for use in a life-or-death situation.

The 0562ti is a fantastic pocket folder, combining lightweight, excellent blade and fine attention to detail with regards to the locking system and opening system. The 0562 ti is listed by ZT at $350. If you’re in the market for a high-performing, extremely durable pocket folder, definitely check this one out.

Rex Nanorum

@Rexnanorum

Zero Tolerance 0460TI: An ergonomic folder

I recently acquired this Zero Tolerance 0460TI and was immediately drawn to its pronounced ergonomic design. Similar to the original 0460 by ZT the folder fits neatly into the hollow of your hand, giving you a comfortable and secure grip on the tool. Unlike the original 0460, this knife is all titanium; built for toughness the whole way through with a CPM 20CV blade and a titanium frame lock. CPM 20CV is fairly new to the market but is becoming popular among top knife brands. It is a tool steel that combines impressive wear resistance and edge retention with the added benefit of being highly corrosion resistant due to high levels of chromium.

The 0460TI has partial 3D machining on the handle which adds dimensionality and increases grip while the stonewashed finish and machine satin grinds give a handsome and clean look. The contrast of the matte black backspacer, black hardware and reversible, black pocket clip is well executed. For a simple color scheme, this blade has a sneaky sex appeal.

ZT is well known in the knife community and I believe they have stood up to their name with this new design. I always love buying products made in the USA and you can’t go wrong with a solid folding knife. This one is an EDC contender that won’t let you down. Unlike their little brother Kershaw, ZT blades run a bit more. However, you get what you pay for and quality is not cheap.

Zero Tolerance 0022 | A tiny knife that punches above it’s weight class

When I look through my collection of folding knives, I notice a lack of variety in the size department. With many of them falling into the more common 8″ to 8.5″ overall length. In fact, the smallest knife I own is the ZT0450CF at 7.4″ and 2.4oz. Hardly a mini. That’s why I was intrigued by the utter tininess of the new offering from Zero Tolerance. The ZT0022. Designed by famed knife craftsman, Tim Galyean, and built right here in the good ‘ole US of A by Zero Tolerance. This micro knife packs one hell of a punch for its size.

ZT0022 Video Review

With a CPM 20CV stonewashed blade measuring a mere 1.8 inches, this sword isn’t what you’d take to a knife fight. Fortunately, ZT didn’t skimp on the blade steel. Or anything else for that matter. Utilizing the buttery smooth KVT ball bearing opening system, the ZT0022 flipper operates as you’d expect. Smooth as satin sheets. The 3 inch handle uses a pair of exotic materials to house the blade. Carbon fiber on the front side and Titanium on the back. Keeping the weight of the ZT0022 to a mere 1.7 ounces. Additionally, the fully reversible steel pocket clip allows a couple different carry options. And finally, some blue anodized bling to dress this beauty up. Accenting both the pivot mechanism as well as the tube spacer.

ZT 0022 Specs:

Made in the USA
KVT ball-bearing opening system
Flipper
Reversible pocketclip (left/right, tip-up)
Titanium frame lock, hardened steel lockbar insert
Steel: CPM 20CV, stonewashed finish
Handle: Carbon fiber front, stonewashed titanium back
Blade Length: 1.8 in. (4.9 cm)
Blade Thickness: 0.121 in. (0.31 cm)
Closed Length: 3 in. (7.6 cm)
Overall Length: 4.75 in. (12.2 cm)
Weight: 1.7 oz. (50 g)
MSRP $250

You may ask what’s the purpose of such a small knife? Same reason some folks carry a .380 pistol. Deep EDC concealment. In my case, it will serve as a Gentleman’s knife for those more formal environments. A classy well-built knife that I can carry in the pants or jacket pocket of a suit. Or even a tux. I will caution you, however. Due to the size of this knife, I nicked the palm of my hand opening it for the first time. Needing to adjust how I grasped the handle when flipping the blade open. The small 3-inch handle with only two finger grooves takes some getting used to. But once you do, it’s a really nice little knife to carry.

Photo of the day: ZT’s tiny but classy 0022 pocket knife

Having owned and reviewed several knives from Zero Tolerance over the years, I kinda know what to expect with new releases. However, while at SHOT Show, I was drawn to a tiny knife from Zero Tolerance that I didn’t expect. The other knives I’ve reviewed have all been quite hefty like the 0350, 0850CF and 0393. With the 0450CF being the smallest of the group. The new ZT 0022 is smaller yet. But still loaded with the features you’d expect from the high-end knife maker. Like a CPM 20CV steel blade for superior hardness and corrosion resistance. Carbon Fiber and titanium handle halves with anodized blue accents. Plus the reliable and silky smooth KVT ball bearing opening mechanism. For rapid deployment of the sub-two-inch blade. Compared to previous ZT knives, this Tim Galyean designed 0022 punches well above its weight class.

Zero Tolerance 0450CF Knife: First Impression

Zero Tolerance 0450CF Knife: A solid choice for James Bond

While visiting Shot Show, I was fortunate enough to stop by the ZT booth and handle several of these new knives. The one that stood out to me was the sophisticated Zero Tolerance 0450CF, with its striking carbon fiber front handle. For its weight, carbon fiber is stronger than steel and is downright sexy. I’ve spent half of my life in some sort of wheeled racing machine and have grown an affinity for this dark matter. To keep weight at a minimum, the back half of the handle is made from Titanium, another lightweight space-age material. The published weight is 2.72oz however, I recorded 2.4oz on several different scales.

The blade is a compact version of a Dmitry Sinkevich design and cut from S35VN steel, a very tough, wear resistant material that’s easy to resharpen. Both the blade and the Titanium handle are further coated with a black Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) continuing it’s stealthy look.

Although the 0450CF doesn’t use the same SpeedSafe assisted opener that I’ve come to love on my daily carry Zero Tolerance 0350, it does employ a buttery smooth KVT ball-bearing opening system. Due to the lightweight nature of the Zero Tolerance 0450CF‘s blade, there is no need for a spring assisted opener. The blade locks securely into place with the slightest effort on the built-in flipper lever.

Tech Specs: (courtesy of ZT Knives)

- Made in the USA
- KVT ball-bearing opening system
- Flipper
- Reversible clip (left/right)
- Titanium frame lock, hardened steel lockbar insert
- Steel: S35VN, DLC coating
- Handle: Carbon fiber front, titanium back
- Blade length: 3.25 in. (8.3 cm)
- Closed length: 4.1 in. (10.4 cm)
- Overall length: 7.4 in. (18.8 cm)
- Weight: 2.7 oz. (76.5 g) I measured 2.4 oz on my sample
- MSRP: $225.00
- More info here

Another cool feature of the Zero Tolerance 0450CF are the two aluminum tube spacers anodized in a contrasting emerald green. I’ve always liked the ability to customize my Oakley’s when ordering a pair of shades. Maybe a full pallet of colors for the tube spacers is something ZT would consider offering for their customers at some point. One can dream…

This is a great knife tipping the scales at less than half the weight of my ZT 0350, yet retaining the same 3.25″ blade and a similar overall length. The slender shape of the Zero Tolerance 0450CF is a perfect choice for a gentleman, combining sophistication, stealth and technology. If James Bond were to carry a pocket knife, the ZT 0450CF would be a solid choice.