Titanium Frame Lock Knives

Zero Tolerance 0452CF Review

When it comes to folding knives, I am extremely selective in what I choose to carry, especially if it is a blade that I am going to carry for self-protection. It has to be light, reliable, sharp, and geometrically efficient. These are just a few of the qualities I look for in a folder. After all, a folding knife is already at a disadvantage over a fixed blade, due to the fact that it has to rely on mechanical functions.

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I had been a fan of Zero Tolerance’s quality and construction ever since they came on the market a few years ago, but I wasn’t crazy about their designs. They built tanks, but I wanted something that was as tough as a tank, but as sleek as a Ferrari at the same time. Finally, I discovered the 0452CF.

The 0452CF is a streamlined, mass production version of the award-winning 0454, designed by Dimitry Sinkevich, who is an artist in the realms of both beauty and function. I was instantly drawn to this knife because of its long, narrow blade and slender profile. I had finally found a Zero Tolerance that would suit my personal needs. It was destined to become one of my favorite EDC knives.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The 0452CF has a blade length of 4.10”, a handle length of 5.17”, an overall length of 9.27”, and is made in the USA. The knife weighs in at 4.64 ounces, which is extremely light considering the size of the knife. In fact, if it were any lighter, it would probably be too light. This knife has just the right amount of weight to it. Plus, it is perfectly balanced right at the first finger grove.

The blade of the 0452CF is a flat-ground, drop point design with a satin finish. The blade is constructed of 0.16” CPM-S35VN. This is an excellent steel made by Crucible and designed specifically for knife making. This steel has excellent properties in the areas of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance, which make it an excellent choice in for an EDC blade.

One of the primary reasons I chose this particular knife as an EDC defensive blade is the blade geometry. The long, narrow drop point with the ¾+ false edge is an excellent thrusting blade. Of course, it does a fine job cutting as well and came razor sharp right out of the box. The 0452CF is just a great all around defensive blade.

The first thing I did when I took the knife out of the box is do some cutting tests. First, I did a paper test and the blade sliced off slips of paper with laser precision. Then I set up a couple of full 12-ounce water bottles and slashed away at them one at a time. The knife cut almost completely through each water bottle. Very impressive for a 4.1” folding knife!

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The handle of the 0452CF is carbon fiber on one side and titanium on the other side, which is the reason this knife is so light. It has a slender profile with very subtle finger groves where the index and pinky fingers rest. The curvature at the back causes the handle to sit comfortably in the hand, giving it a subtle forward cant for perfect wrist alignment. When closed, the blade sits so deeply inside the handle that it adds very little to the handle’s profile, resulting in a slender package that tucks nicely along the seam of the pocket.

One of the things I love about Zero Tolerance is their deep pocket clips. This knife is no exception. The deep pocket clip mounted low on the handle allows this knife to sit almost completely concealed inside the pocket. The clip on this knife has a very small signature as well, causing the knife virtually to disappear in the pocket.

Deployment and Lockup

The 0452CF has a flipper mechanism for quick, one-handed opening. Unlike its 0454 predecessor, the flipper mechanism on this model has some nice jimping to ensure positive finger contact with the flipper. A strong detent system not only locks the blade in place when it is in the closed position, but also adds counter resistance so that the blade launches open when the pressure on the flipper breaks free of the detent.

When I first got the knife, the detent was pretty stiff. I had to use a hard wrist flick to open the knife. During the 2016 SHOT Show, a product rep stopped me and asked if he could demo some of his micro-particle oil on my knife. He put a small drop on the detent pin using a needlepoint dropper, and that was all it took to make the blade deploy with a simple flip of the index finger. It has been silky smooth ever since.

The 0452CF employs the KVT (Kershaw Velocity Technology) ball bearing system, which rotates around a large, beautiful five-spoke pivot pin. The titanium side of the handle provides a durable frame lock. Combined with a hardened steel locking bar, the titanium frame lock ensures a solid lock up. I feel very confident with this knife’s locking system.

Zero Tolerance 0452CF Review – Final Thoughts

I am not at all displeased with my Zero Tolerance 0452CF. This knife is everything I expected it would be and more. It has become a regular part of my Every-Day Carry kit. I typically carry multiple knives, but this is the one knife that always goes with me. I have been carrying this knife every day for about 4 months now. It has held its edge like a champ, and the opening has only gotten smoother over time.

I cannot say enough good things about this knife. If you are looking for a high-quality, tactical folder, then you would be doing yourself a favor by purchasing the ZT0452CF. I’m very glad that Zero Tolerance decided to run this production run of the Dimitry Sinkevich collaboration. In fact, not to diminish the artistic beauty of the 0454 in any way, but I would even go so far as to say that some of the features of this production run (i.e. the jimping on the flipper) are upgrades over the original. I have no doubt that others will enjoy this knife as much as I have.

Zero Tolerance 0452CF; Pocket Knife with 4.1” Dual-Finished S35VN Steel Blade, Carbon Fiber Front and Titanium Back Handle Scales, KVT Ball-Bearing Opening, Frame Lock, Deep-Carry Pocketclip; 4.6 OZ.,Large

4.1-inch S35VN steel blade shows amazing toughness and resistance to edge chipping, with improved edge retention
Handle features carbon fiber front and titanium stonewashed back for comfortable in-hand feel, increased strength and excellent size/weight proportion
Handsome, dual blade finish with a non-reflective satin finish on the grind and stonewashed finish on the flats and blade thickness is 0.156 inches
Great companion for hunters, business professionals, wilderness guides, survival experts, first responders, military, law-enforcement and more
Ideal gift for any special occasion such as birthdays, holidays, graduations, anniversaries, promotions, weddings and more

I recommend purchasing the ZT 0452CF at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Kizer Ki3404-a3 Review

by Benjamin Schwartz 8 Comments

Last Updated: August 12, 2019
As the standard-bearer for the burgeoning (and almost instantaneously influential) high-end Chinese knife scene, Kizer made an immediate impression with its very high-quality, relatively affordable knives. In what is perhaps a not-very-encouraging indicator of where the knife community’s mindset is at, Kizer immediately fell under harsh scrutiny – a scrutiny that only intensified during the unfortunate business with Tim Britton.

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Somehow, though, Kizer came through it, and seem to have earned the respect of knife users, and the attention of other knife companies. I’m not a market analyst, but I think that, since Kizer showed up and started offering a lot of knife at decent prices, prices for high-end knives have, in general, gone down: it’s hard for me to imagine that the lower-than-expected prices of knives like the Spyderco Positron or the Benchmade Valet are total coincidences. The paradigm has shifted.

One of the first Kizer knives to make an impression on me was the Ki3404-a3. Kizer’s initial output, although of indisputably high quality, consisted mainly of huge, over-embellished knives that I wouldn’t have any use for. The 3404, however, was small and spare: a clean, professional, functional design. So I picked one up. When I first got it, I thought it was incredible. My opinion has changed somewhat since then, but I still think that, both as a statement of intent from Kizer and as a tool, the 3404 is worth taking a look at.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The 3404 has a blade length of 3 1/16”, a handle length of 4 1/16”, and an overall length of7”. It weighs 3.1 oz. There isn’t anything bad, or astounding, about those numbers, and I think that this is indicative of the knife as a whole: it’s competent, but also a little rote and unexciting.

I think that saying one type of blade grind is ‘better’ than another is of limited use critically, because so much comes down to execution, but if I did indulge in a rule of thumb regarding grinds it would be that hollow grinds tend to be better slicers. The 3404’s hollow grind is, like the knife itself, clean, professional, adequate: it doesn’t distinguish itself at any particular task but does a solid B+ job with anything you would reasonably use it for.

And speaking of solid B+ performance: the3404’s blade is made of S35VN. S35VN is probably the most balanced of the super steels we commonly see in knives. No freakish chemistry, no single outstanding gimmick, no real compromise other than that it doesn’t excel at any one thing the way that, say, 3V or ZDP-189 do. You just get solid performance in every category. If it is anything besides your first super steel, I suspect you’ll be pleased but not delighted. And, let it be known that, as far as I know or remember, Kizer was the first company to start offering S35VN at the (comparatively) low price points of $90-120.

It’s probably worth making a brief note on the fit and finish: it’s very, very good, and a textbook example of a ‘cool finish’. This is a knife whose high marks in F&F come from precise machining and excellent assembly. The closest comparison I can make is to a Taichung, Taiwan Spyderco, albeit with a little less character – although I think that comes down to the overall blandness of the design rather than Kizer’s manufacturing chops. If I had to complain, I would say that the titanium scales are surprisingly scratch-prone, as you can see in my pictures. It isn’t going to ruin your life

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

The blandness that I mentioned above, for all that it stops the 3404 from achieving real greatness, also prevents it (mostly, see below) from awfulness as well. You see this most clearly in the handle design. You’ll never think about the 3404’s handle, either disparagingly or appreciatively, for as long as you have it. It works well, but it isn’t going to ring any cherries either.

The handle isn’t totally neutral, there is one finger groove under the fingerguard/flipper (reminiscent of a less roomy Knockout handle), but it’s just fine. The scales are contoured and fairly gently bead-blasted, and offer enough resistance to keep the 3404 from slipping around as you’re using it. There’s also jimping on the thumb ramp and spine and the base of the handle – more than I need, certainly, but it’s well-cut and I have no complaints.

Issues arise with the clip. It’s bad. I don’t subscribe to the “tip-up or bust” school of thought when it comes to my pocket knives, but I do think that any knife that uses a flipper, as the 3404 does, should come configured tip-up. This is because a tip-up configuration puts the flipper tab on the outside of the knife as it sits in your pocket – that is, the side that isn’t against your pocket’s seam. When you have a flipper knife that clips in tip-down, you have to accommodate the tab against the pocket seam, effectively making the knife occupy more space in your pocket than it should. Irksome more than deal-breaking, true, but it does seem like a strictly inferior choice from a design perspective.

As an aside: I’ve heard from multiple sources that some 3404s come with the handle milled out for optional tip-up carry. I haven’t seen one myself, and it looks like most of the major retailers are still advertising this as a tip-down knife, but you may luck out.

Orientation aside, the clip itself is bad. The weird looks are enough to drag it from my good graces, but beyond that the flared-out end scrapes paint and catches on things. And while I don’t care about deep carry too much, this clip also leaves a lot of knife exposed. I wouldn’t bring this up if the clip did anything else well, but its universal ineptitude is making me petty.

Generally, I feel like the missed opportunity a bad pocket clip represents isn’t very much in the overall scheme of the knife as a tool, but given the uniform competence you see everywhere else on the 3404, it really stands out. I actually seriously considered taking the thing off, and that’s something that’s never even entered my head before with other bad clips.

Deployment and Lockup

There are two broad categories into which a knife’s deployment can fall: smooth or aggressive. Smooth deployments are something like a really well-worked-in Axis Lock, like on my 940-1: thoughtless and graceful. Aggressive deployments are like my really dialed-in CRKT Drifter: kinetic and responsive. Neither is better than the other; both, when done well, can be incredible.

The 3404 is an aggressive flipper done well. You definitely need to build up some tension in your finger, but once you do the 3404’s blade comes shooting out. It’s satisfying, and a ton of fun from the fidget factor perspective. I’ll also say that the thumbstuds, vestigial or no, are really good. I could live without them on a flipper this good, but hey, options aren’t a bad thing if they don’t add much weight and work this well.

What works less well is the 3404’s framelock. It still works, but it is very susceptible to any sort of looseness in the pivot – much more so than a liner lock would be (he said, beating a dead horse). And the pivot comes loose on the 3404 fairly quickly – understandably an easily fixable issue, but the frequency with which it loosened reminded me of the lock problem over and over again. And if I have¬ to have a framelock, I want a steel insert; we all know titanium’s tendency to deform over time. A theoretical concern, maybe, but one that would definitely make the pivot issues even more pronounced.

Kizer Ki3404-a3 Review – Final Thoughts

When I first picked up the 3404, I thought it was one of the best deals I’d ever gotten on a knife – and, at the time, I was right. Titanium, flipper, S35VN for $120 was a screaming deal back then. Even today it’s pretty good. As a statement of intent, it’s hard to argue with the 3404. It caused me to keep my eyes on Kizer, and I think they’re really starting to come into their own with knives like the Gemini – not to mention that the bigger manufacturers are offering similarly enticing, high-value high-end knives: things like the Native 5 with S35VN, or the upcoming Mini-Griptilians with 20CV.

In fact, there are so many cool knives around the 3404’s price point today, that, good as it is, it impresses much less than it did a year ago. Although the 3404 does very little wrong from a design standpoint, I also find it quite boring. It’s competent, but not innovative or memorable beyond the price at which it was offered, and now there are better knives for around the same price – some by Kizer themselves.

All that being said, the 3404 is still a good, good knife. If it catches your eye, I heartily recommend it.

Kizer Cutlery Titanium CPM-S35V Folding Knife,CPM-S35VN Blade KI3404A3

Overall Length:7.00" Blade Length:3.00" Blade Thickness:0.12"

If you are interested in buying a Kizer Ki3404-a3, I recommend purchasing it at Amazon.com or BladeHQ. Thanks for reading.

Editor’s Note: I agree with Ben’s assessment of the 3404. This knife was more exciting a year or so ago than it is now, however, it is still an important knife for Kizer, and at the very least it will serve as a reference point for things to come. On it’s own, it still appears to be a functional and well executed design.

DPx Gear HEAT/F Review

by Dan Jackson 18 Comments

Last Updated: August 3, 2019
It has been a long time since I have examined a DPx Gear product. You may recall a review done on the HEST back in 2012. This was DPx’s first effort, and is the knife that put them on the map. The HEST is a solid tool and is well made, but there was a lot going on in terms of integrating various multi-tool features. There is nothing wrong with attempting to push the envelope and bring something new to the table, but the HEST was a DPx’s first crack at bringing a production knife to market.

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The HEAT is a more recent offering. First of all, this is a knife, not a multi-tool. I happen to like that. The idea was to shrink down the HEST to something a little more gentrified and pocketable, yet retain the distinctive styling of the HEST. I have long had an affinity for “little big knives”, and I still enjoy pocket knives that are small but stout. Sadly I have little use for a knife like the HEST in my day to day dealings, but the HEAT is something I could get away with carrying. I suspect I am not alone with that dilemma, which is why I was curious to get my hands on a HEAT.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The HEAT has an overall length of 6.25″, a 2.375″ blade, weighs 4.15 ounces (4.35 for the full titanium version shown here), and is made in Maniago, Italy. The knife was made for DPx Gear by LionSteel. Clearly the HEAT was designed to fit into the role of an every day carry (EDC) piece, although it is very stout, and is not just built for opening up letters or slicing fruit. I have been carrying and using mind in as an EDC knife.

My particular knife is the full titanium 3-D machined version. The 3-D machined handles are stunning. DPx also offers the knife in a less expensive titanium/G10 combo and a titanium/carbon fiber version as well.

The blade is a simple drop point with a high flat grind and your choice of stonewashed or phosphate coated blade. Blade thickness is just shy of 4.6mm – very thick, especially for a sub 2.5″ blade. While the HEAT does not slice like an Alox Cadet, I found it plenty adequate to cut up apples, break down boxes, and even open the odd letter or two. Still, those expecting their pocket knife to produce translucent slices of tomato will have to look elsewhere – the HEAT is simply not that kind of knife. I’d say it slices better than a Strider SnG, but still remains below average in slicing ability. That said, the blade is above average in toughness and the integrated cap lifter / wave feature is a testament to that.

DPx went with Niolox steel, a steel I checked out in reviewing the Blackwater knives a few years ago (since discontinued under the Blackwater brand, but apparently rolled into DPx Gear’s regular lineup). When I tested those knives I found that Niolox held a good edge that was tough yet easy to maintain – an ideal balance for a largish fixed blade.

This is my first experience using Niolox on a folder. This is a servicable steel. It takes a very fine edge, holds it respectably, and is not difficult to sharpen. I might describe it as a tougher 154CM or CTS-XHP, which puts the steel in excellent company. A good choice for a tough little knife that doubles as a bottle opener. I had no issues with corrosion. Like all of my EDC knives, I find it is best to maintain the edge regularly rather than wait for the knife to dull completely. Between my strops and fine Sharpmaker stones, I have had no trouble maintaining a hair shaving edge on my HEAT/F.

I know the knife is also offered in Sleipner steel and D2. I have heard good things about Sleipner but confess that I do not have much hands on experience with it. D2 is perhaps a more well known US tool steel. It’s a hearty “semi stainless” steel that has high toughness but can be difficult to sharpen. I’d go for Niolox or Sliepner if I had the option.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The standard HEAT arrives with G10 and titanium handles. The lock side is full titanium, while the show side is your choice of green or black G10. My version features full 3-D machined titanium handles, featuring a beautiful diamond pattern. LionSteel is known for their ridiculous machining capabilities, and this all Ti version of the HEAT/F takes full advantage of that. The handles are curved, contoured, and wonderfully finished. Rounding things off are 3 standoffs (one for the pocket clip), an oversized pivot, and a removable carbide glassbreaker.

The HEAT is a comfortable knife. The handle is a good deal larger than the blade, which is a very practical way to design a smaller knife. I’d rather there be plenty of handle and a smaller blade than vice versa. The blade features an extended ricasso that helps form an integral guard, and the fingers rest naturally in the deep swooping finger choil. There is jimping on both the spine of the blade (very mild) and back of the handle (more aggressive, but still comfortable), and there is additional jimping towards the pommel for your ring and pinky finger. I used my HEAT for some fire prep. Now that things are starting to cool off a little in Florida, I tend to gravitate towards the back yard for fires and cigars. This knife is comfortable and you can get real work done with it.

DPx went with a deep carry pocket clip. Like the original HEST and many LionSteel folders, the clip is mounted on the absolute butt of the handle, and is configured for right side tip up carry only. I wish they would have allowed for ambidextrous carry. Being a lefty I always like to see ambidextrous clips, and think it could have been done without too much trouble with this style of clip. That said, the clip is precision machined into the handle, and the end result is seamless.

The clip has good retention and the knife buries deeply in the pocket. The HEAT carries well for a smaller, heavish knife. I quickly forget it is in my pocket until the time comes to use it. There is a small DPx skull logo on the clip, which won’t be to everyone’s taste, but is no different from virtually every other clip in my collection (they almost all have logos). I don’t mind it. All things considered the clip and knife is discrete; just the way I like things.

Deployment and Lockup

The HEAT gives you the option of ambidextrous thumb studs or bottle opener / wave feature to get the blade open. The thumb studs are simple and situated so that it is easy to get the blade open, and the blade rides on teflon washers. The action is smooth and the blade snaps open with a crisp and satisfying feeling. The wave works well if you want it to and carry the knife in your right pocket. I carry the knife in my left pocket, so I generally do not make use of the wave. That said, as part of the review process I waved the knife open dozens of times. It works as you would expect it to, with no ill effects on the lock (more below).

The blade of the HEAT is secured by a titanium frame lock. My lock engages early (around 40%). There is a slight amount of stick – not enough to make disengaging the lock obnoxious, but enough to make for a snug and secure lockup. I detected zero blade play in any direction after weeks of carry and use. Although I am generally not a big fan of wave openers, I made a point to wave this knife open regularly and the lock shows no ill effects. Blade centering on my knife is close to perfect.

DPx HEAT Review – Final Thoughts

The HEAT is probably my favorite knife in DPx’s catalog. I am a sucker for small high quality knives. The HEAT strikes a good balance between being a carryable cutting tool, and being overbuilt and aggressively styled. Although Robert Young Pelton and DPx Gear are a relative newcomers to the cutlery industry, his eye for design is undeniable, and the lines of the HEAT flow pleasantly whether the blade is open or closed. This is an interesting riff on the original HEST/F design, and is a step forward if you ask me. The bells and whistles of the original HEST/F have been stripped away to showcase a well designed knife that retains both personality and performance.

That said, the HEAT will not appeal to everyone. The overbuilt blade and full titanium handles come at a cost – the knife has some heft to it, and it will not slice like a slip joint. This is for someone that enjoys overbuilt folders, but doesn’t want to be bogged down with a 3″+ blade and 5 ounce+ footprint. I enjoy the HEAT/F for what it is. It has been well considered, and beautifully executed. The fit and finish is excellent and the materials are top notch.

If you like small overbuilt knives, the HEAT is well worth considering. I am curious to see how DPx Gear will continue to evolve their line of folding knives.

DPx Gear DPx HEAT/F,2.26 Folding Knife,Olive Drab,Left-hand DPHTF003

Folding Knives, Knives & Tools

If you want to buy a DPx Gear HEAT, I recommend purchasing it at Amazon or BladeHQ. Thanks for checking out the review.

Hinderer XM-18 3″ Review

by Dan Jackson 18 Comments

Last Updated: August 5, 2019
If you have been following Hinderer Knives on the secondary market, you will have noticed that the prices have fallen dramatically over the past couple years. A few years ago, it would have been hard to find a used XM-18 for less than $700. Some were fetching closer to a grand. Today, if you hunt around you can find them for close to retail ($385), and some online stores even carry Hinderer products. That’s right, you may actually have a shot at buying the knives from a retailer(!)

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I am not sure why the prices of Hinderers have dropped. It may be due to increased manufacturing capabilities so that supply actually begins to meet demand. Or perhaps the company is facing pressure from the rise of mid techs and high end Chinese knives. Or maybe it has something to do with excellent Hinderer / ZT collabs like the 0562CF driving down demand?

This is great news, regardless of the cause of the price drop. Personally, the reduction in price has allowed me to carry and use my 3″ XM-18. Don’t get me wrong, I carried and used my 3.5, but after shelling out over $500 for it I was pretty ginger with the knife. Plus it was really too big for me to carry regularly. I eventually sold it off. Now that the prices have come down to earth, I picked up a 3″ version of XM-18 to try.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The XM-18 3″ has an overall length of 7″, a 3″ blade, weighs 3.6 ounces, and is made in the USA. While the XM-18 3.5 is an impressive piece of hardware, it is hardly an every day carry (EDC) item in my book. It is built like a tank, with a thick slab of titanium, meaty blade, and over-sized stand offs. The 3.5 is a much more substantial knife than the 3. The 3″ version of the XM-18 is better for my minimalist style of daily carry. As a result this knife has been getting a ton of pocket time. I would consider this to be either an EDC knife, or a collectible.

Hinderer used to only offer the production XM in a drop point (with a spanto or “slicer” grind). Over the past year or two they have rolled out a number of different blade shapes including a clip point, “skinner”, and the wharncliffe version shown here. Rick’s wharncliffe design has grown on me. The shape is attractive and the blade has been executed flawlessly. The knife is ground thin and cuts well. The edge is about as neat of an edge as I have seen. The grinds are crisp and the stonewashed finish is subtle.

My XM came in S35VN stainless steel – just like the blade on my 3.5, the new Chris Reeve knives, and a number of other higher end offerings I have sampled. So at this point I am very familiar with S35VN as a blade steel, but I have still taken the time to put this knife through its paces.

This XM-18 has spent many weekends clipped to my pocket, and has broken down innumerable boxes, and assisted with home improvement tasks. I like the combination of S35VN steel and wharncliffe blade; this is like the worlds most expensive box cutter. The blade tracks easily through material, and the straight edge results in pressure being uniformly applied throughout the entire cut. The absence of belly means that this won’t be a great hunting or filet knife, but the straight edge is useful for a lot of other jobs. I have had zero issues with corrosion and have not much need to sharpen (although it certainly dulls after use – this isn’t some miracle steel). I have mostly maintained the edge on my strop and it continues to shave hair and push cut paper with regular maintenance. S35VN is excellent stuff, and you will find the 3″ XM in S35VN to be a capable cutter.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

Handle construction of the XM-18 3, follows Rick’s pattern of titanium lock side, custom stainless steel standoffs, titanium liner and G10 handle scale. A slotted pivot helps hold it all together. Everything has been executed with surgical precision. The titanium on my model has been stonewashed and has held up well. The filler tab is flush with the handle. Every detail has been carefully considered and masterfully executed. What I especially enjoy about the 3″ version of this knife is how light the handle is. It is significantly lighter than the 3.5, and despite everything being over built the knife still tucks away neatly into the pocket.

The XM series includes one of my favorite ergonomic features: the forward finger choil. As demonstrated on some of my all time favorites like the Paramilitary 2, American Lawman, and Sage 1, this forward choil gives the user several options in gripping the knife. I find myself using the choil for detail work, and not using it when breaking down a box or engaged in an extended cutting chore. If you ignore the forward choil, the rest of the handle is plenty adequate for a full grip, and the simple shape naturally conforms to the hand. There is a run of jimping on the spine. The jimping is wide, and it strikes a good balance between providing traction and not shredding your thumb. The corrugated G10 handle scale and jimping by the pommel provides additional traction. This little XM is not going to fall out of your hand easily.

The 3″ XM features the same titanium pocket clip found on the rest of the XM line. It’s a spoon style clip that fits into a recess machined into the handle. This is not a deep carry clip, but when mounted for tip up carry the knife buries into the pocket decently. While it isn’t my all time favorite clip design, it certainly works. The clip has good retention and is reasonably discrete. The handle has been milled for right side tip up or tip down carry, and a “filler tab” is included to cover up the recess in the handle.

I like the way the 3″ XM carries. It feels even lighter than it’s 3.6 ounces would suggest, and the knife is as thin as my beloved Sage 1. For these reasons the 3″ has been getting a lot of pocket time, and it has proven itself to be a viable EDC option for me.

Deployment and Lockup

Hinderer sells the 3″ XM-18 in flipper and non-flipper variants. I have a flipper version, but it might as well be a non-flipper. The flipping action is pathetic. The blade barely makes it out to half mast – even when preloading the flipper. This is a shame. I still like the knife, but when you consider that a $30 Swindle flips better than this, it makes you wonder what is going on at Hinderer HQ. I have heard rumors that Hinderer was going to fix the weak detent on their new knives. I am not sure when this wharncliffe was made, but I don’t think they have been offering the blade shape for longer than a year. Thankfully, thumb studs are also included on the knife, and they can be used to “coin flip” the blade open. All XMs come with teflon washers, and my little 3″ is no different. The action is smooth, but personally I still prefer phosphor bronze (and suspect bronze washers would help the action).

The titanium framelock on this knife is extremely nice. It engages early and without stick. There is no blade play and the blade is perfectly centered. Hinderer has this part down to a science and it shows. This is an excellent framelock and it is certainly up for heavy cutting. Blade centering on my knife is perfect.

Hinderer XM-18 3″ Review – Final Thoughts

The high end titanium framelock flipper market has become fiercely competitive over the years, and shows zero sign of slowing down. Hinderer’s XM series has long been considered a gold standard for titanium framelock knives and high end carry pieces. If you get your hands on one it will not take long to understand why. The knives are beautifully made to exceptionally high tolerances.

Although the prices have dropped these are still far from cheap. Most people reading this probably think I am nuts to own a $400 knife, and that is OK. I’ll spare everyone the “value” discussion – either you want an XM (and are willing to pay for it) or you don’t. But at close to MSRP I think these are excellent knives, built extremely well, and I am surprised at how much I have enjoyed the 3″ XM. I bought it on a whim, and it has won me over. This is a great high end EDC option because it carries and cuts well, and oozes quality. I just wish the flipper actually flipped. That would be the cherry on top of this knife sundae. But as it stands there is still a lot to enjoy.

This is a rugged no-nonsense tool that will serve it owner well for many many years, and I think the 3″ version is practical for a normal guy to EDC if you can get around the price tag and sub-par flipping action. Recommended.

Rick Hinderer Knives XM-18 3″ – $425.00
From: BladeHQ

RICK HINDERER XM-18 3.0 SPANTO-WORKING FINISH

KnifeArt has a great selection of XM-18s, and occasionally they pop up on BladeHQ as well. And lately, they have been popping up on Amazon too. I recommend purchasing them at these retailers. Thank you for read.

Zero Tolerance 0808 Review

by Dan Jackson 9 Comments

Last Updated: August 3, 2019
Zero Tolerance has had some interesting releases in 2015. What especially intrigued me was their addition of a few smaller folders to the line up. The 0450, 0900 and 0808 all feature 3.25″ and smaller blades and come in under 5 ounces. This may not seem like much of an accomplishment, but considering the brand’s origins – monster folders like the 0300 and 0560 – these new offerings are much smaller and more pocket friendly.

Buy the Zero Tolerance 0808 at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

Of course there is still plenty room for monster truck knives in their roster. Designs like the 0999 assure us that ZT has no intentions of cutting short the freak show any time soon. But at least part their line up is trending towards smaller, more practical daily carry blades.

The 0808 was designed by renown custom knife maker Todd Rexford. Todd also designed the 0801, which was a successful knife, but seemed a little plain. The 0808 strikes me as a much bolder design.

When originally commenting on the knife on an episode of Gear Geeks Live, I said that it reminds me more of a surgical instrument than a pocket knife. I still feel that way. The spare design, shiny hardware, and monochromatic color scheme all lend a futuristic feel to the knife. It was one of ZTs more intriguing offerings for the year, and with 2016 fast approaching I felt like it was high time to examine the 808.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The 0808 has an overall length of 7.625″, a 3.25″ blade, weighs 4.3 ounces, and is made in the USA. It is a good deal smaller than the 0801 and is noticeably lighter. Personally, I like that, and the knife is bound to appeal more to the urban Every Day Carry (EDC) crowd then some of ZT’s older offerings. Still, the knife has some heft to it, thanks to full titanium construction. This isn’t a gent’s folder or ultralight EDC.

The blade of the 0808 is what I would describe as a modified clip point, although I think you could also argue that it is a modified wharncliffe. Regardless, it’s an atypical and angular blade shape that seems more at home on the set of Aliens than it does in my pocket. It has a very fine tip and a high flat grind. There is a non-functional swedge that adds to the visual appeal of the knife and follows the line of the handle. The grinds are all “belt finished” satin while the flats are lightly stone washed.

Zero Tolerance selected S35VN for the blade, a USA made steel forged by Crucible. I have taken a shine to S35VN over the past couple years. I like it more than its predecessor, S30V, largely because I have found it easier to sharpen. S35VN displays all of the other characteristics I am looking for in a higher end steel, including decent edge retention and corrosion resistance.

The 0808 cuts well. The stock is thick for a smaller knife, but the flat grind gets thin behind the edge and the needle fine tip is excellent for detail work. I had no problem breaking down boxes, although the absence of belly made it less ideal for food prep. I have had no issues with rust or corrosion. The edge is easy to maintain and so far all I have needed to do to strop the knife and occasionally run it on the fine stones of my Spyderco Sharpmaker.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The handle of the 0808 features titanium handle slabs, and a chunky polished titanium backspacer. Everything is held together with stainless steel hardware. I like the clean look of the 808 and the details are (mostly) subtle. The faceted handle and high polished pivot and backspacer lend to the knife’s futuristic look. I could do without the engraved “Zero Tolerance” logo on the show side, but it isn’t too bad and I suppose they have to place their logo somewhere. The handle slabs have been stonewashed, which helps hide wear. The fit and finish is excellent.

The ergonomics of the knife are simple and comfortable. I am able to get a full grip without any issue. There are no finger choils and there is no jimping except for 5 grooves on the flipper tab. Some may bemoan the apparent lack of traction. Admittedly, I have not used this knife to skin a deer or engage in hand to hand combat, but I had no issues with the knife slipping out of control under normal use. I didn’t notice anything in the way of hot spots either. But if you are looking for a serious “traction plan” then you will need to either bust out the skateboard tape or mosey on to stickier pastures.

I do want to mention that the titanium backspacer is substantial, and the knife does feel slightly off balance. This isn’t a chopper or a fighting knife, and it was not a big deal for me, but it is worth noting.

The pocket clip of the 0808 is not my favorite aspect of the knife. It shares some interesting similarities to the Hinderer XM-18’s clip, but leaves a lot of the knife exposed when it is in your pocket. That said, the handle looks like it will accept ZT’s deep carry flip found on knives like the original 0560.

I am not necessarily a deep carry clip snob, but I don’t like having a 3/4″ of a knife poking out of my pocket either. Retention is OK, but because this is a smooth titanium handle, and because we have a relatively heavy knife, I also have some concerns about the 0808 falling out of the pocket when the clip is used with lighter fabrics. While the clip isn’t a death knell for the review, it is my biggest gripe with the knife.

Deployment and Lockup

For my money, Zero Tolerance makes some of the best flippers. This 0808 is no exception. The knife comes with a caged bearing system and a dialed in detent. The blade flies open without fail every time, and is extremely secure in the closed position. My bearings are incredibly smooth and the blade falls shut upon disengagement. It is worth noting, that in the past ZT has used a blue nylon cage for their bearings. This time there is a metal cage – perhaps to accommodate the smaller footprint of the 808.

The 808 is a titanium framelock with a stainless steel lockbar insert. ZT makes a lot of titanium framelocks with steel lockbar inserts, and lockup is on my knife is early and secure. No blade play and no stick. This is how a framelock should be. My blade is not perfectly centered, but it is close.

Zero Tolerance 0808 Review – Final Thoughts

Once again Zero Tolerance has managed to deliver the goods. This is a design from one of the hottest knifemakers in the industry right now, and Todd’s design has been executed brilliantly with top notch materials and superior fit and finish. The knife is also priced reasonably when you consider that you are getting a USA made folder with premium materials and all the bells and whistles.

I like that Zero Tolerance decided to embrace smaller knives in 2015. Yet the 0808 isn’t short on quality or detail, and this is probably my favorite knife from ZT for 2015. The pocket clip is my biggest gripe, and that can be fixed with an aftermarket clip (I have seen some on Ebay for around $30, as time goes on the prices on these will likely drop). Besides that, I find little to complain about when it comes to the 808. I will be curious to see if Zero Tolerance continues in the direction of these smaller blades.

All in all, if you are at all interested in the 0808 I can safely recommend it. At the time of writing this review Amazon is selling these for around $150. At that price the 0808 is unbeatable if you are looking for a titanium framelock flipper. Not sure if that is a pricing error or what, but it’s a heck of a deal.

Zero Tolerance Kershaw KVT Pocket Knife, 3.25” Stainless Steel Blade with Manual Opening and Flipper, Titanium Handle with Deep-Carry Pocketclip, Small Folding Knife

FOLDING POCKET KNIFE: Made in collaboration with Todd Rexford, the Kershaw Zero Tolerance Titanium pocket knife is the perfect everyday carry. KVT ball-bearing system offers smooth function.
STAINLESS STEEL 3.25" BLADE: Made from S35VN stainless steel, the Zero Tolerance blade takes a sharp edge and is easy to resharpen when needed. Blade resists chipping and provides excellent edge retention.
COMFORTABLE, ERGONOMIC HANDLE: Textured and contoured for a secure grip, the Zero Tolerance’s titanium, stonewashed finish handle is prepared for any cutting action.
MANUAL OPENING mechanism and convenient flipper offers quick and easy access with simple, one-handed opening. Frame lock secures the blade when not in use.
ATTRACTIVE, INDUSTRIAL DESIGN: Stonewashed and satin finish on the blade and stonewashed finish on the titanium handle presents a stylish look. This EDC pocket knife is sure to turn heads wherever you go.

I recommend purchasing the 0808 at Amazon or BladeHQ.

Southard Knives Tolk Review

by Dan Jackson 5 Comments

Midtechs. If there was a single thread that bound Blade Show 2015 together for me, that thread would be midtechs. Specifically, midtechs offered directly from custom knife makers.

Midtechs are nothing new, and have been in the knife enthusiast’s vernacular for several years now, although it is admittedly a fuzzy term to define. But at the 2015 show it seemed like any custom maker worth his salt had a mid tech offering of some sort, and whenever I gathered with fellow show-goers it seemed like everyone had acquired at least one midtech at the show.

I don’t think this is a bad thing. I think this is an attempt to resolve an interesting problem in the market. Custom “tactical folding knives” are as hot as they ever were, and still show no sign of slacking off. While the concept of production company collaborations with custom knifemakers is nothing new, it seems like the bulk of the profits go to the manufacturer, and depending on the collaboration the knifemaker’s design is limited by the budget for the production knife. In some cases the result can be spectacular, but the flip side is that the product might be a watered down design with sloppy fit and finish, and inferior materials.

The advantages of producing a direct to consumer midtech is that the knife is more accessible than a full custom, allows the knifemaker to exercise greater control over materials and production quality, and builds in a bigger margin for the maker by virtue of the offering being higher end and the lack of middlemen. In a typical collaboration model with a big brand the production company takes a cut, the manufacturer takes a cut, a wholesaler takes a cut, then a retailer takes a cut. There isn’t much meat on the bone left for the designer.

But now it is possible for a custom knifemaker to essentially private label high end production knives, and offer them directly to the consumer. 10 years ago the technology wasn’t there to make this a viable business model. Today, the midtech model clearly has legs, and you don’t need a crystal ball to predict we will only see more of these hit the market – especially as custom makers take their designs overseas and offer there wares at lower and lower price points.

I was not immune to the powerful draw of the midtech phenomena, and ended up walking off the show floor with this Southard Knives Tolk midtech. Let me start by saying that Brad is a hell of a guy, and was a pleasure to meet and deal with. His custom offerings are among the most popular at the show, and between that and his tremendously successful collaboration with Spyderco might make a lesser man aloof. Not the case with Brad. He was warm, approachable, and it was clear he was proud of this midtech offering. I am happy to offer up this review today.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Southard Tolk has an overall length of 8.75″, a 3.87″ blade, weighs 4.7 ounces, and is made in the USA. This is the second midtech offering from Brad, the first being the Avo. He is dubbing his midtech line the Performance Series. The Tolk is a big knife with it’s near 4″ blade. Definitely a bit outside of what I usually gravitate towards, but given the length of the knife I will say it is lightweight and manageable. This could be an every day carry (EDC) piece for some folks. For me it’s a collectible.

The hump backed blade of the Tolk is reminiscent of the Spyderco Southard Flipper, and has been given a high flat grind and a bright satin finish. Brad also offers the Tolk with stonewashed flats if you care for a little more contrast. Blade thickness is about 3.5mm, which is generous for a thin profiled folder. There is a decent amount of steel traveling out to the tip, and the blade is thinly ground. There isn’t much belly and I find that the Tolk is well suited to slicing.

Southard went with CTS-XHP stainless steel for the blade. This is a proven steel in my book and I am happy to see it on this premium offering. I must confess that my Tolk has not seen a ton of pocket time (or cutting time). It has held up well under the light use I have put it through.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Tolk has a full bead blasted titanium handle. Subtle grooves have been milled into the face of the handle while deep lightening pockets have been milled on the inside. The hardware on this piece is especially interesting, with the show side featuring a decorative pivot and decorative hardware. The non-show side has a high domed pivot and oversize body fasteners. Rounding things out are blue anodized titanium standoffs. They compliment the lockbar stabilizer and thumb studs nicely. Fit and finish is everything I would expect from a high end custom knifemaker like Brad. The knife is highly refined.

I like the way the Tolk feels in hand. This is a generous knife and my fingers had no problem spreading out over the curves on the handle. Like a Cadillac sedan, there is room to spare, and the chamferred edges sink into your palm like a velour seat. The spine jimping stands in sharp contrast – literally – to the rest of the handle. It is aggressive and toothy. It is not as bad as the jimping on the SnG, but under sustained use it will irritate the skin. The jimping on the butt of the blade is even more aggressive, but since I rarely if ever use my knives in reverse grip I view it as decoration more than anything.

The pocket clip is relatively pedestrian compared to the rest of the knife. It is a simple bent titanium clip, and it integrates nicely with the handle. It is drilled and tapped for right side tip up carry only, and there is a recess milled into the handle like an XM-18 or Large Sebenza. The clip of the Tolk has good retention and is set up for relatively deep carry. It carries well in the pocket and is thin and manageable given its length.

Deployment and Lockup

The Tolk is equipped with both a flipper and ambidextrous thumb studs. The thumb studs are set close to the handle and I am unable to use them to flick the knife open. It is a good option for slowly rolling the blade open, but most people will be gravitating towards the flipper. And the flipper is definitely a good choice. The ceramic ball detent is dialed in and the blade pops open with a satisfying snap. The pivot is on bearings and the action is smooth.

For lockup, we have a titanum framelock. Like the Odino, the last framelock knife I reviewed, the Tolk bucks the trend of stainless steel lockbar inserts. I don’t have a problem with this provided that the titanium framelock works well, and I am pleased to report that is the case here. Lockup is early and solid. There is no blade play or lock stick to speak of. This is a titanium framelock done right. Rounding things out is a blue anodized titanium lockbar stabilizer. Blade centering is perfect.

Southard Tolk – Final Thoughts

The Tolk is basically everything I would expect from a high end midtech offering: top flight materials, exceptional fit and finish, and hand tuned details. The Tolk has all these qualities in spades. The packing is also worth noting. The knife comes in a foam lined embossed box and includes a certificate of authenticity signed by the man himself. This has been a fun knife to own and it is obvious that a lot of thought and care went into every detail of the experience.

Some scoff at the notion that this is “as close as you can come to buying a custom offering.” I think that subject should be explored on a case by case basis. The Tolk is obviously not a custom knife, but I think that in this case Brad has put a lot of time and thought into these. He and has apparently even created some of the parts (like the pivots). He was selling them personally, including each with a signed card of authenticity, and he was proud to do it. While this obviously isn’t a custom offering, in this case I believe it is a couple steps closer than a collaboration with a production knife company.

When I turn back to the practicality of the Tolk, the knife is a bit large and expensive to be a true daily carry for me, but I had a fun time meeting Brad at the show and walking away with something he had a hand in. Perhaps one day I will trade it in for something a little smaller, maybe even put the money towards a custom piece. Until then, this will be the closest I have come to owning a Brad Southard custom knife.

The Tolk is currently unavailable. If it were available I’d recommend purchasing it at BladeHQ or Amazon. I’d follow along on Brad’s website and perhaps he will release more models there. Please consider that buying anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.