Zero Tolerance Knives is a brand of knives from KAI that focused on building professional-grade combat knives designed to survive harsh conditions. These are tough, high quality knives with high end steel, overbuilt locks, assisted openings and all sorts of other cool goodies that tactical knife enthusiasts enjoy.
I recommend buying Zero Tolerance knives at Amazon.
Zero Tolerance Knife Reviews:
I have had the pleasure and fortune to review a number of ZT knives. What follows is all of my Zero Tolerance reviews:
Zero Tolerance 0308 Review
I got a little silly with my knife purchases in the last few years. If it wasn’t an automatic knife, my purse strings got tight. I’m not saying I’m a cheapskate, but I was ignoring some great knives in the premium market if they didn’t have a button to flip them into action. A friend ...
Zero Tolerance 0470 Review
Reviewing the Zero Tolerance 0470 is about as safe as it gets. We have reviewed countless Sinkevich / Zero Tolerance designs. It is well within our comfort zone of review material. Buy the ZT 0470 at BladeHQ So why review the 0470? Well, it’s a beautiful knife, it appears to be built differently than the other ...
Zero Tolerance 0609 Review
This is a reader request. Proof that if you twist my arm hard enough I’ll review the latest full titanium Zero Tolerance flipper. Only for you guys. Buy the Zero Tolerance 0609 at BladeHQ The Zero Tolerance 0609 is an R.J. Martin design, and is another step in ZT’s trend of releasing smaller, more EDC friendly ...
Zero Tolerance 0450CF Review
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I lust after knives for months, or even years, before pulling the trigger. That was the case with this Zero Tolerance 0450CF. The original 0450 was cool, but the carbon fiber version put me over the top. It’s a little lighter and sleeker, and the choice of green ...
Zero Tolerance 0055 Review
Continuing on with my recent interest in reviewing unusual knives, the Zero Tolerance 0055 caught my eye for obvious reasons. This is an unusual looking knife. Designed by acclaimed Brazilian custom knifemaker Gustavo Cecchini of GTC Knives, the 0055 is a collaboration fusing the practical with the fantastical. Buy the ZT 0055 at BladeHQ I think ...
Zero Tolerance ZT 0450 Review
Despite positioning itself as a maker of hard use tools for hardcore individuals, Zero Tolerance has always had more universal appeal than its marketing would suggest – and I don’t think the company’s appeal has ever been wider than it is today. Unlike sister brand Kershaw, there isn’t any internal division between ZT products: there aren’t ...
Zero Tolerance 0900 Review
Last Updated: May 20, 2019 Alright, peer pressure, you win. You finally got to me. After holding out for god knows how long, I finally jumped on the titanium-flipper-framelock (henceforth TFF) bandwagon. Not just any TFF, mind: if I’m challenging my own tastes, I’m going all the way. Full bore. Thus, I decided to pick up ...
Zero Tolerance 0888MAX
First of all, this is not really a review. The 0888MAX is a pure collectible for me. A collectible I was able to acquire through a trade with my good friend Andrew of the Edge Observer. The knife has been admired and “fondled” (as much as I hate that word – it’s right up there ...
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 ...
Zero Tolerance 0808 Review
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
Zero Tolerance 0620CF Review
Last Updated: August 3, 2019 I have given Zero Tolerance over the past year. So I actually had to pause and think when my pre-order for the 0620CF popped into my inbox. I try to feature a variety of knives from different manufacturers. Would I purchase and review this knife? I slept on it for a ...
Zero Tolerance 0562CF Review
Last Updated: July 14, 2019 By this point we have seen quite a few of Hinderer / KAI collabs hit the market, and I have covered them extensively on the blog. We started with the heavily built 0550, moved to the critically acclaimed 0560, a knife that raised the standard for high end production pieces, spent ...
Zero Tolerance 0801 Review
Last Updated: August 7, 2019 Titanium framelock flippers. Are we sick of them yet? No? Great, because I’ve got another titanium framelock flipper review for you today. Given the rapid influx of titanium framelock flippers on the market, I initially thought that I would pass on the Zero Tolerance 0801. The wide shape, chunky build, and ...
Zero Tolerance 0454 Review
Last Updated: July 27, 2018 Every so often as a knife collector I have had my expectations taken up a notch. For purposes of this introduction I’ll call them “game changing blades.” Making the jump from a $25 knife to a $65 knife was one such moment – my move from a CRKT M16 to a ...
Zero Tolerance 0566 Review
Last Updated: July 13, 2019 I have recently been making regular appearances on the GearGeeksLive podcast with Tony and Andrew. Tony and I recently had Thomas Welk from KAI (Kershaw/Zero Tolerance) on the air for an episode about KAI. I found it fascinating to get inside the head of a prominent representative of a major cutlery ...
Zero Tolerance 0560 Review
Last Updated: July 27, 2019 Finally! A Zero Tolerance 0560 review. It feels like forever ago since the 560 was first announced at the 2011 BLADE Show. Buy the ZT 0560 at BladeHQ Since then I have heard the rumors, ogled the pre-production photos, and even caught a glimpse or two of the knife in some 2012 ...
Zero Tolerance 0350 Review
Last Updated: April 5, 2020 My Zero Tolerance 0300 got a lot of looks when I carried it around. At over 9″ long and with a weight of 8.6 ounces, it definitely raised some eyebrows. The excellent S30V blade was a force to be reckoned with, and I really enjoyed the loud “thwack” of the assisted ...
Zero Tolerance 0550 and 0551 Review
Last Updated: August 3, 2019 Today I am taking a look at the Zero Tolerance 0550, a special collaboration between ZT and Rick Hinderer of Hinderer Knives. Rick has been making knives and self defense weapons for over 20 years. He started out specializing in Damascus and art knives, but over the past decade has ...
Zero Tolerance 0300 Review
When Zero Tolerance first came on the scene the 0300 is one of their knives that really caught my eye. The graceful curves reminded me of some deep sea mammal while the construction reminded me of a semi truck. So I wasn’t surprised to learn that the 0300 was a collaboration between Ken Onion and ...
Zero Tolerance Knives – Company History
Zero Tolerance (ZT) has only recently appeared on the knife scene. I want to say this line is just a couple years old, but they have already made a big impression on the knife world. ZT partnered up early with famed designer Ken Onion to come up with some wicked designs. Ken has since moved on to CRKT, so it will be interesting to see what direction ZT goes into.
My guess is whatever Zero Tolerance does, they will do great. They have recently done some collaborations with another knife industry legend, Rick Hinderer of Hinderer knives. Between their collaborations with Rick Hinderer and Ken Onion, Zero Tolerance is coming out with some seriously heavy duty folders. I love the thick framelocks and ultra-high end steels ZT keeps using. This is definitely a brand to watch, and I will be doing many more ZT reviews in the future.
Zero Tolerance is also a proud partner with the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). ZT donates a portion of the proceeds from every sale of a ZT knife to the PVA. This is super cool in my book and makes purchasing a Zero Tolerance blade just a little more rewarding – they couldn’t have picked a more worthy cause.
Best Zero Tolerance Knives
For those that don’t want to sift through a bunch of reviews and simply want the best Zero Tolerance knives, I’ve gone ahead and made a list for you here. If you are looking for in depth reviews, then scroll up to our review section.
Zero Tolerance 0562CF – Without a doubt ZT’s collaboration with Rick Hinderer is their most successful collaboration, and the 0562CF is at the top of the heap. It’s a streamlined and modernized version of their original 0560, the knife that arguably revolutionized the titanium framelock flipper craze with a strong detent, bearings, and a milled out titanium framelock. The 0562CF takes it up a notch with a slimmer, sleeker design, M390 Blade Steel, and the classic Hinderer styling that dominated the production knife world for years.
Zero Tolerance 0620CF – The 0620CF is a collaboration with another iconic knife maker: Ernest Emerson. What makes the 0620CF so cool is that it gives you a Emerson design without all the weird Emerson idiosyncrasies. You get a V grind, a V edge, a swappable pocket clip, a robust titanium frame lock with a steel lock bar insert, M390 blade steel, and ZT’s impeccable fit and finish. All at a price comparable to a regular Emerson! It’s truly an amazing knife for Emerson fans or those seeking out a high end hard use folder.
Zero Tolerance 0452CF and the ZT 0450CF – This is another collaboration. This time with Russian knifemaker Dmitry Sinkevich. Sinkevich is the guy who brought us the covetable 0454, one of the most bad ass knives I’ve ever reviewed. Of course the 0454 is a limited edition piece. The 452CF and 450CF are mass production knives. Still beautiful in their own way, but commonly available and good choices for daily carry. There is nothing else like the low slung profile of a Sinkevich design.
Zero Tolerance Knives Design Influences
Here are a few themes that I think help to define Zero Tolerance knives:
Big Name Collaborations – Zero Tolerance has built its brand on collaborating with high end knifemakers. It all started out with their collaborations with Ken Onion. When Ken moved to CRKT and stopped designing for KAI, Zero Tolerance turned to Rick Hinderer, Ernest Emerson, Todd Rexford, Dmitry Sinkevich, and many other top tier makers. Zero Tolerance’s manufacturing skills combined with these top shelf designers is a big part of ZT’s success.
USA Made Products – Zero Tolerance knives is all about making their knives in the USA. Thats on all their packaging, and is featured prominantly on their marketing materials. The idea is not to compromise, and for ZT that means making their stuff stateside rather than overseas.
Premium Materials – Zero Tolerance is KAI’s premium line, and they source the best materials for their builds. Carbon fiber, super steel, titanium, custom hardware. This is standard issue on many ZT knives. Their limited releases get even fancier, with composite steel blades. They are always trying to push the envelope.
Zero Tolerance Knives – Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with a Zero Tolerance knife. They are all super well built to high tolerances with top shelf materials. And if you are a fan of titanium frame lock flippers then you will have a hard time beating a ZT with a framelock flipper at this price point. They are always amazing flippers.
I think one mistake you can make is going too big. If you like big knives then go right ahead, but if you are looking for an urban or suburan EDC, then a lot of ZTs are just too big to be practical. But stuff like their 0450, the 0900 and even their mid sized offerings like the 0808 are practical options for daily carry.
And if you like the big bold knives, and high end limited editions, then Zero Tolerance has you covered. I think their recent limited releases are a little less exciting than offerings like the 888 and 0454, but they are still cool, and who knows, they may have something equally interesting around the corner.
I recently picked up a ZT 0301 and can’t say enough good things about this knife. I’ve carried an Emerson for the last twenty years, and as much as I still love my Emerson blades, I’m now a die hard ZT fan and have upgraded my fixed blades to ZT’s as well. I’m a law enforcement officer and combatives instructor with a heavy emphasis on edged weapons, and this knife is ideal for both heavy use and self-defense purposes. Well done by the ZT team, I recommend your products to everyone.
Regards,
Kerry Sauve
This is one of the finest knives I have ever seen.
I had a difficult decision between this and the Fallkniven F1.
It was important to inform everyone of the weakness with this knife and it is the sheath. The sheath has a plastic insert that is far too big for the knife, so big in fact that with every step the knife bounce around in it.
I phoned Zero Tolerance and spoke with Ensley, a very nice woman and she knows of this issue. I asked why they have a very expensive incredible knife with a bubble gum sheath and she suggested I speak with a “sales manager.”
Have you ever been bs’d by a salesman and call them on it? That was my experience with Pat O’Donnel.
He’s as slippery as hillary.
First he said that they don’t make many of these knives, their focus was on folders. I retorted then he had plenty of time for quality control. He quickly retracted and said they sell too many to check each sheath and that they were high quality sheaths. I again stated that they are not high quality on this planet, but perhaps where he was they might be and that he should read the reviews that most others have written about this conundrum.
He lamented and said they are looking into doing something but had no plans firm yet and that the equipment to produce their own was far too extravagant.
I suggested he do some research and mimic the sheaths found on the Gerber LMF II which provided a fit so tight that the knife could literally be worn upside down and not fall out as well as having a sharpener built in for half the price of this knife.
He is not interested, so I have an incredible knife, but no sheath for me to carry it with.
I went on to share with Mr O’Donnel that if zero tolerance went so cheap on the sheath it makes one wonder where else they went cheap!
I sold my folder the next day and am now selling this knife and buying the Fallkniven F1 which is at least equal to the zero tolerance, comes with and incredible sheath and for less money.
I simply have zero tolerance to people that attempt to BS me and make a half assed product.
It’s a damn shame.
Check out Fallkniven.
“Lifetime warranty for manufacturing defects!!” “If your blade breaks for ANY reason, we will replace it for $30.00.” “Sorry, your knife is out of production and we don’t have replacement blades so you are SOL.”
GO ELSEWHERE!!! THEIR WARRANTY SUCKS!!!!
I got a ZT301 from Amazon. Great in every respect save one. I somehow got the older model which doesn’t have the reinforcing bar that makes the frame stronger.
How can you tell if you have the bar or not? Easy, look at the frame lock. If you see a circular washer with a Phillips head on it, you have the bar. When I called ZT, they said it is an adjustable tensioner for the reinforcing bar. I asked if they can send me the item to put on my older model. Nope, they said. It has to be milled out.
I tried asking if I sent it, could they install it and send it back? Nope. Okay. Beyond that, impressive knife. Still new enough that I haven’t used it hard yet. I will, in time.
I don’t understand the big deal about the weight that I keep seeing comments/complaints about. Within 3 months, I got a ZT301 and a Kershaw 6034/CQC-6K and every review about either knife says the manufacturer should do something to reduce the weight. Really?
CQC-6K is 5.1 ounces. ZT301 is 8.6 ounces, a shade over half a pound. Is that heavy? But then, I’m used to carrying something on my hip that’s maybe 2 or 3 pounds, depending on which one rides there, that day. So far, not heavy at all.
Both knives feel good in your hand, nice solid feel. Reviews say they are both tough enough to use them hard and that’s why I have them. Any lighter and they wouldn’t be so rugged and therefore, they’d be less useful to me. Things break around me. I need tough tools and I’d buy either one again tomorrow, especially the ZT301.
Yeah, I saw the cool knife on NCIS and the more I researched it, the more I wanted one, so one came home with me. Coolest knife I have, next to the massive Swiss Army knife I got for Christmas and the Case 3-blade folder I got for Valentine’s Day, both from my mom, both over 30 years ago. Thanks, Mom!
Correction: Washer on the frame lock side appears to have a Torx head, not Phillips head.
0350ST
The Worst purchase I have ever made.
Blade is rolled will not hold an edge.
Sent knife back for repair service. All they did was re sharping the blade.
I will be listing this awful knife on ebay
10-15-16 I will not have a reserve I figure any money will be worth getting rid of this crap.
185.00 done the drain
Don’t fall for there claim. These knives don’t make the cut. Save yourself lots of money and buy a BUCK!
Purchased my first zt 452 first day approx 20 flips the knife got stuck. Blade and screws where loose. Sent in to ZT figured everyone has a bad day. Just received back after almost a month. Screws falling out AGAIN! Talked to a Dan. His only option send back do it all over. I asked can I please just exchange for a new same model. No we don’t do that. I can send you postage and you can send back. I said that being without a knife for 2 months that’s brand new never used is completely unexceptable . His answer was that’s all they would do.
I told Dan that I would warn others of this experience. I will sell the knife and move on to better more reliable brands . The materials sound great but the execution is clearly poor. I have a Koenig , Benchmades , spiderco, etc… never this poor service or chain of events . They failed twice with documentation to prove and did nothing besides give lame answers. This knife will not hold up to any of the above mentioned clearly Buyer beware
Hi Eric, Sorry to hear about your poor experience with ZT. Frankly I’ve owned dozens of these knives and have never had an issue, and know lots of other people who had similar experiences. Sounds like you got extremely unlucky here. I wish ZT handled this better.
Dan
My wife bought me a zt and first impression was really liked the knife but, 2nd time carrying the knife the pocket clip broke. Emailed them twice, no response.. returned the knife bought a knife from a much better company benchmade known for standing behind their products
My first and last ZT product is a red black carbon scale 462 after 4 Benchmades. I pocket carry daily for 2x years. All of the resin on the red colored fiber weave is disintigrating exposing carbon strands while the black resin part of the weave looks like brand new, not a scratch. The 2 different carbon fiber colors are wearing completely different, the red resin is defective. I was told this is normal wear and ZT would not warranty the $40 carbon scale on a $300 knife with 50% of the resin eroding and 50% looking new. I own many CF material items including a money clip I’ve had for 10 years in my pocket which is not wearing like an uneven checkerboard. I explained all this to a ZT customer service rep over the phone. ZT lifetime warranty is garbage and they dont care about keeping customers or standing behind their product. Buy a Benchmade!