Zero Tolerance ZT 0900

The ZT 0900 is an offering in a new spirit for Zero Tolerance. ZT used to be a division dedicated to the overbuilt and the oversized. The smallest knife they had at one point was the not-so-small 0350. Then last year, the company released two models that somewhat bucked that trend. The 0566 and the 0770 were two knives that were smaller and more pocket-friendly than the established group. I'm willing to bet those models were very successful for ZT because this year we have knives like the 0900 and the 0450. 

The 0900 is the shortest knife ZT has ever produced. With a blade length of 2.7", it is significantly smaller than the previous record holders, the 0770 and 0566 (both around 3.25"). The knife is interesting, though, in that it is not necessarily small. Yes it is short, but it is pretty heavy for that length (4.3oz) and is much thicker than, say, the 0770 for example. It is firmly in the "little-big knife" category. That is not a bad thing, though, as similar models (like the Spyderco Techno) have been favorites in the knife community. 

The 0900 is designed buy Les George of Les George Knives. Les is known in the knife community for his customs, "mid-tech's", and production collaborations. For the 0900 he brings his Harpy model. The blade shape is purely Les' with a simple drop point with a good amount of belly and a spine that meets a row of thick cut traction. The chunky jimping pattern is a signature of his designs. The blade material is Crucible S35VN, a fine powdered steel that is great for EDC uses. Going along with the overall theme of the knife, the blade stock is a hearty 4mm. Taking 4mm down to the edge and tip of such a small blade using a flat grind is naturally going to result in a relatively thick cutting edge and tip. Filet knife, this is not. 

The handle of the knife is composed of two titanium slabs with a frame lock cut out for right hand use. The lock cutout does have a unique pattern that adds a little something to the design. The handle is larger than the blade and enough to get a good solid grip on the knife. 

There is a little milling on the slabs that break up the flatness and It looks good. Going along with ZT's new more sterile look is the addition of the words "ZERO TOLERANCE" on the show side of the handle along with the subtraction of any markings on this side of the blade. I like. 

The pivot  closely matches some others we have seen but this one is not black but satin. In fact, the hardware on the knife is all the same satin. I prefer this to the black coated parts as it will wear much better over time. 

The action..... The action is amazing. The combination of a great flipper design, smooth pivot bearings, and lightweight blade make this a rocket of a flipper. 

With pressure, it will fire with authority and without is just as addicting. My "touring test" for flippers is if my wife can operate it. She carried this knife for weeks and absolutely loved it. Not only could she flip it, but could do so effortlessly (My wife is 5'4" 105lbs). This is one of the best designed flippers I've ever used, it's really that good.

Rumor has it that Les is working on another offering with ZT and I really hope is is a larger version of this knife. That would be a home run if this knife is any indication. I think the trend towards smaller designs is a good one for ZT. I love my 0452cf and I wouldn't trade that knife for this, but I appreciate the design and function of this knife so much, I want them to keep doing it. 

Zero Tolerance ZT0392

The ZT0392 is the latest collaboration between Rick Hinderer and Zero Tolerance Knives. The 0392 is a limited edition piece that is currently sold out. According to ZT, they will not be producing any more of these for sale (a little bird may have mentioned another model based off this design coming soon). The 0392 is based off Rick Hinderer's Eklipse model and is the first of the line ZT calls their "Factory Customs". I'll get into what that means along the way. 

The 0392 sports titanium on the show side and the lock side. The handles are nicely finished with no perceivable machining marks. The handles are stonewashed but have a bit of a darker color like a bead-blast. I believe ZT/Hinderer call this a working finish. This should do very well at hiding any wear over time. The handles are thick but not overly so. I like the balance they strike with them.

The standoffs, LBS, pocket clip, filler tabs, and pivot on the 0392 are all supplied directly from Hinderer's shop. On this model, they are anodized a nice subtle blue. The ability of ZT to manufacture the handle slabs to such a tolerance that Hinderer's hardware fits so well is a true testament to their manufacturing prowess. In fact, the only machining flaw on the knife is on one of the filler tabs by the pivot. I'm not saying Hinderer's quality is bad, it just says a lot about how good Zero Tolerance is. You can purchase replacement hardware on Rick's site to further customize your 0392. 

The Eklipse design leads to a fairly narrow package compared to the XM line and I find that this knife carries very well. The pocket clip is mounted high and hold the knife securely. I was unsure about the cutouts for your thumb and first two fingers but after holding it, I think they really add to the ergonomics.  There is a run of traction at the bottom of the handle but nothing on the spine. I appreciate this as there is no worry about hurting your finger during flipping. This knife also sports a stainless lock bar insert that acts as an over-travel stop in addition to the lock bar stabilizer. I think there is not a good reason for this other than ease of design. They were probably going to add an insert anyway and figured they might as well keep it congruent with their product line.

And it does flip. This has the heaviest detent of any knife I've owned (the previous record went to the 0801s110v). It took a minute to get used to but once you get it, this things has a fantastic action. The flipper tab is a bit pointy but if you use it like a light switch, there is no issue there.  It deploys with authority and locks up solidly using dual stop pins seated into the blade that directly contact the Ti handles. The stop pins are located in the place where thumb studs normally reside but they are not designed to be used to open the blade. As this is the intended design, I have no issue with them. 

The blade is a very attractive drop point design with a harpoon swedge. The blade profile is thinner than that of the XM series of knives and it gives the 0392 a sleek fast look. There is no choil on the blade which I appreciate as it gives more usable edge. I find that when a knife with a choil is inserted into material to cut, if your not there to stop it, the material will ride into the choil. The blade steel on the 0392 is CTS-204P. This is a carpenter steel analogous to Bohler M39 and DuraTech 20CV. It is a highly corrosion resistant steel with great wear resistance and good toughness. It's one of my favorite cutlery steels. 

The 0392 is one of the best knives to come out of the ZT factory that I've owned. I appreciate the lack of dress on the knife and it makes for a great EDC. It's a bit unfortunate that they are limited to what has already been sold but that doesn't detract from what is a fantastic knife. 

Zero Tolerance Knives ZT 0801

The ZT 0801 is a collaboration piece between custom knife maker Todd Rexford and Zero Tolerance Knives (ZT) a subsidiary of KAI USA Ltd.. All ZT knives are made in the USA using premium materials and top notch craftsmanship. The 0801 is not different. Here is a link to Amazon where it can be purchased.

I have owned a few 0801's and it is one of my favorite designs. Simple and elegant with a useful blade shape and grind. It may be a bit thick for some people but I think it is perfect. There is a pointy tip with a good belly that transitions smoothly to a flat portion before the heel. I would argue that the grind is a mix of a drop point and a spear point with its large swedge.  The length is just right at 3.5 inches which I think is perfect for me. 

The model I currently own is a limited edition using CPM-S110V blade steel. This model also forgoes the grooves milled into the handle scales for a cleaner stonewashed look (of which I prefer). S110V is a high vanadium stainless steel with excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance. It, however, is not as tough as some other steels. This is a good steel for a pocket knife in that it will spend most of its time in a pocket (corrosion resistant) and cutting things (wear resistance) rather than chopping or prying (toughness). The standard 0801 uses Elmax stainless steel. Elmax is a powder metal steel from Bohler Uddeholm. Elmax is a good general purpose steel but is not as wear resistance as S110V. 

The knife features all titanium construction and utilizes the frame lock mechanism. ZT has upgraded their design over the years to include a stainless steel insert that mounts to the frame lock tab. This insert is what contacts the tang of the blade instead of the raw titanium. This is a great update to the design as titanium is much softer than steel and will wear and gall against a hardened steel surface. The steel insert prevents this and increases the life of the lock (although, there are many plain Ti frame lock knives that will last a lifetime). 

Another great feature of this knife is the way it opens. The 0801 uses a flipper tab to deploy the blade. This in conjunction with Kershaw's KVT (Kershaw Velocity Technology) washer bearings, make for a very fast and smooth deployment. A bystander may even confuse this knife for an auto. Flippers have become somewhat ubiquitous but ZT still makes some of the best. I have owned several (my first was the Tilt) with this set up and each one has been just as impressive as the next. The flipper shape on the 0801 is perfectly designed for it's intended use. There is a run of jimping to aid in purchase but it is not sharp or rough. There is also no jimping on the back of the handle to contact your finger when flipping the knife. This is just very well designed and executed. 

One thing of note; The 0801 has a unique detent setup. When disengaging the lock and closing the knife, there is a noticeable "half-stop" when the detent climbs the tang of the blade. It's not a huge issue but it is something to note. If your fingers are out of the way as they should be, you'll be just fine. But get it wrong and leave you finger in the way, and it can slam shut. What i'm saying here is that if you are not paying attention and are going to get cut, this knife may cut you deeper. So be safe. 

Overall, I really love this knife. I sold my regular 0801 only because I have the S110V version. Otherwise, it would be a regular carry for me. You can pick them up for just under $200 which is a great value for a USA made, full titanium, frame lock knife with bearings. Kuddos ZT.