Best Zero Tolerance Knives Reviewed & Rated

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Zero Tolerance 0562CF
Test Winner: Zero Tolerance 0562CF
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When you think about a pocket knife, the most common assumption is that it is a weapon for self-defense. While that is an accurate assessment of the product a pocket knife is more useful than a weapon you may never use in self-defense. Aside from the obvious benefits of being able to cut open difficult boxes or cases, many pocket knives can be used as tools. A pocket knife built with harder steel could be used to pry and the sharpest knives, while not recommended, can even be used to shave. The high quality and well-designed pocket knives Zero Tolerance, a member of the KAI group family, develop some of the highest quality precision pocket knives that are available today. Here are the best Zero Tolerance knives you can purchase.

Standout Picks

Zero Tolerance 0562CF
Coming in at first place is the epitome of the Zero Tolerance knife line up. The Zero Tolerance model 0562CF hinderer slicer, this is a 5.5-ounce knife with a 3.5-inch blade. It has sported a carbon fiber front handle and a KVT ball-bearing opening system that is extremely easy to open and used on a great many of there knife systems. This knife is a perfect solution to your everyday carry, EDC, needs.
Amazon Link
$280.00
Zero Tolerance Sinkevich
The Zero Tolerance Sinkevich model number 0450CF is an obsidian colored knife that made it to the second place on this list. This knife has a stylish carbon fiber front plate and a lightweight titanium rear plate. This knife conforms to the natural contours of your hand and has a very balanced feel to its weight.
Amazon Link
$249.95
Zero Tolerance 0350TSST
The Zero Tolerance 3.25 inch blade model number 0350TSST use a longer and wider tiger striped tungsten blade that is coated in a DLC ( diamond-like carbon ) material. This knife weighs in at 6.2 ounces and has a G-10 textured handle to prevent this knife from slipping from your hand during use. The blade has a serrated base which allows you to cut more difficult fibrous materials.
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 Zero Tolerance 0801
The ZT 0801 Titanium Flipper is a knife that uses ELMAX powdered steel. This steel is a high vanadium, molybdenum-alloyed, and chromium steel composition that offers a highly compressive strength, superior corrosion resistant, and will retain its form even with the most rigors use.
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 Zero Tolerance 0460
The ZT 0460 stainless steel knife features an eye-catching bronze carbon front plate and titanium scale back plating that bring a distinct and appealing quality to the knife. The 0460 uses the KVT ball-bearing opening system that can be considered to be a little too smooth. This knife seized upon the opportunity to use the S35VN steel in the production of this knife for its amazing resilience to wear and metal composition.
Amazon Link
$249.95
Zero Tolerance 0350Ts
While similar to the 0350TSST this model is a smaller one that doesn’t include a serrated edge at the base of the blade. This knife uses a shorter and wider design compared to the TSST alternative model. The 0350Ts weigh is at just about eight ounces making it a heavier knife on this list.
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Zero Tolerance 0770CF
The Zero Tolerance 0770CF is a knife that has a carbon fiber handle and features the cherished reversible pocket clip that is featured in many other knives in the ZT line up. This handle is built with a secure inset liner lock that allows the blade to open easily and when the blade is opened the secure lock liner snaps into place preventing the blade from closing until it's moved out of the way.
Amazon Link
$199.41
Zero Tolerance 0566BW
This well-designed knife is a reimagining of the original 0556 model knife and has a blackwash color coating. This blade uses the infamous S35VN steel to provide a high-quality blade that is synergetic with the Zero Tolerance brand. This blade uses a frame lock and a lock bar stabilizer to keep the blade firmly in place when opened or closed.
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Zero Tolerance 0095BW
The 0095BW model produced by ZT is one of the higher quality and priced products produced by the ZT brand. This all-inclusive knife sports their KVT ball bearing easy open system, S35VN high-quality steel composition, a solid titanium handle, and a durable frame lock with a hardened lock bar insert that fastens the blade into place while open during use.
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Zero Tolerance ZT0301
The Combat Folder knife is an impressive model to include in the ZT roster. This blade sports the ZT speed safe system that allows the user to open the knife easily with any hand with a simple-to-use switch that is featured on the top of the knife near the blade. For added protection the 0301 uses a thumb stud to prevent any sliding and help with the smooth opening of the blade.
Amazon Link
$188.00

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Ease of Use

Many of the knives I selected for this list utilize a KVT ( Kershaw Velocity Technologies ) ball bearing system that allows for the blade to open smoothly with minimal resistance. These ball bearing systems use no springs or torsion bars and instead use a group of bearings that surround a pivot point at the base of the blade. These ball bearings will rotate when combined with either the Speedsafe easy flip open or the thumb stud opening mechanism.

The thumb stud flipper is a manual opening mechanism found on a variety of the knives included in this best of the list. This easy to use system is found on near the base of the knife and can be employed by simply applying a small amount of pressure with your thumb. This opening system will force the blade open and allow the frame lock to fall into place ensuring your blade will remain open until you free the lock and close your blade.

The Speedsafe system is used in both the thumb stud and spine switch opening mechanisms. The system was designed to stay closed unless there was enough force applied to the thumb stud or the spine stud. When enough pressure is placed on either of the opening mechanisms the blade will slowly ease into the completely open position.

Responsiveness

Another aspect that these knives needed to conform to was the ability to ensure that no matter the need, the knife would open every time you pulled it out. While not its only function yet its prime function, in the event that you need this knife for self-defense the blade getting stuck when you need it most could prove to be a fatal flaw. The Zero Tolerance brand does an amazing job of not only ensuring their products will open, but they assist in the opening of the knife,  making it possible to achieve it in a swift single fluid motion.

Most knives are commonly being used to open tough plastic packaging or other equally annoying packaging products, and a dull knife is about as useful as your fingernails to open the packaging. While everyone loves the thought of a challenge you need to pick and choose your battles. In order to make your life easier, I featured blades that would retain a sharp edge and would be easy to sharpen when it becomes necessary.

Durability

No matter the purpose or intent while carrying a knife a major concern for every buyer is how well the product can withstand corrosion caused by moisture. Anyone that carries a knife regularly can tell you that somehow the knife in their pocket still ends up with the slightest bit of moisture coming in contact with it during hot days or should they be doing physical activity. The knives on this list are made with the highest quality steel composition you can find for a pocket knife. They are extremely resistant to corrosion caused by moisture and will endure the trial of time.

Even the most expensive knives in the world will someday require a sharpening. It is the inevitable price we pay for the use of high-quality steel. While it can be a challenge with many blades you won’t find that with any of the Zero Tolerance knives featured in this list.

With often use and regular opening and closing of your knife, hard particulates can and will end up with your blade and the frame when closing. These small and hard particulates can damage the finish on your knife. Many of the knives featured on this list use coated steel that will work to prevent any blemishing or tarnishing of your knife’s blade.

Having to carry a knife every day can become a bit of a task. From ensuring you have easy access and that it can be concealed in any outfit,  you already have a lot on your plate to manage. While not all of the knives on this list are as forgiving, a few of these options are nearly maintenance free. No matter your choice every blade needs to be sharpened occasionally, however, aside from that many of these options will require no additional maintenance.

10 Best Zero Tolerance Knives

1. Zero Tolerance 0562CF

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$280.00
Zero Tolerance 0562CF
Amazon Link

Coming in at first place is the epitome of the Zero Tolerance knife line up. The Zero Tolerance model 0562CF hinderer slicer, this is a 5.5-ounce knife with a 3.5-inch blade. It has sported a carbon fiber front handle and a KVT ball-bearing opening system that is extremely easy to open and used on a great many of there knife systems. This knife is a perfect solution to your everyday carry, EDC, needs.

Reversible Carry Clip
The hinderer slicer comes with a reversible deep carry pocket clip to accommodate both left and right-handed users. This clip positions the knife in a tip-up position. The positioning of the tip of your knife generally only matters based upon your preference and can be adjusted to either directionality.

Corrosion Resistance
Whenever a knife maker decides to make a new knife, the steel that is used in the production of the blade will make a crucial component that will determine the success or failure of a product line. CPM 20CV steel is of high quality and extremely corrosion resistant and uses chromium in order to resistant the elements.

Cost and Value
Considering the superior design and complex engineering the knives on this list will be considerably more expensive than your standard pocket knife. Even with that in mind, the Zero Tolerance 0562CF is one of the higher priced products and well worth the price tag with the amazingly well thought out knife design.

Amazon Link
$280.00

2. Zero Tolerance Sinkevich

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$249.95
Zero Tolerance Sinkevich
Amazon Link

The Zero Tolerance Sinkevich model number 0450CF is an obsidian colored knife that made it to the second place on this list. This knife has a stylish carbon fiber front plate and a lightweight titanium rear plate. This knife conforms to the natural contours of your hand and has a very balanced feel to its weight.

Carbon Fiber Handle
The carbon fiber front plate featured on this knife is a stylish addition that adds eye appeal and functionality to this high-end knife. The carbon fiber front is lightweight and durability. Additionally, carbon fiber is corrosion resistant, moisture resistant, and is heat stable.

Improved Edge Protection
The CPM-S35NV steel used to produce this knife is commonly referred to as the best steel to use in the production of a knife. This top grade steel is a mixture of stainless steel, vanadium, niobium, and carbon. When these are mixed result in a high-quality blade that is extremely easy to sharpen and will hold an edge for a very long time to come.

Cost and Value
The pricing point on this knife falls toward the mid ranged however that lower price shouldn’t cause anyone to presume this is a second-rate knife. This knife is made of high-quality materials and ingenious design and is well worth the price tag associated with it.

Amazon Link
$249.95

3. Zero Tolerance 0350TSST

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Zero Tolerance 0350TSST
Amazon Link

The Zero Tolerance 3.25 inch blade model number 0350TSST use a longer and wider tiger striped tungsten blade that is coated in a DLC ( diamond-like carbon ) material. This knife weighs in at 6.2 ounces and has a G-10 textured handle to prevent this knife from slipping from your hand during use. The blade has a serrated base which allows you to cut more difficult fibrous materials.

Textured Handle
The 0350TSST model knife uses a G-10 textured handle to provide superior handling regardless of moisture or hand positioning. G-10 is a composite high-pressure fiberglass laminate. G-10 is a resin based laminate that is renowned for its high strength and low moisture absorbency.

Tungsten DLC Coating
A Tungsten Diamond Like Carbon is also known as amorphous hydrogenated carbon is a class of material that has excellent tribological, biological and mechanical properties. This hard coating provides increased protection against corrosive conditions and high operating temperatures.

Cost and Value
As the most cost-effective option featured on this ten best list the ZT 0350TSST is the lowest priced product on this list. While lower in cost there is no bad option on this list, each of these knives is manufactured with the highest quality design and materials.

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4. Zero Tolerance 0801

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Zero Tolerance 0801
Amazon Link

The ZT 0801 Titanium Flipper is a knife that uses ELMAX powdered steel. This steel is a high vanadium, molybdenum-alloyed, and chromium steel composition that offers a highly compressive strength, superior corrosion resistant, and will retain its form even with the most rigors use.

Manual Opening
The 0801 Titanium flipper uses the KVT ball bearing system in tandem with the quick flipper function of many other knives. This allows the user to easily and seamlessly open and closes the knife with a single hand and with little to no resistance.

Titanium Handle
This 0801 model is a remastered knife from another line. The blade is the exact same blade as the older model and the new handle uses a bead-blasted finish to provide a grippable texture. This new handle uses a Teflon coated clip that will hold the knife firmly in place.

Cost and Value
The 0801 model is a mid-priced knife that includes many of the best features that the ZT brand implements. From the new titanium handle to the easy to open quick flipper this knife really feels like a high-quality production product.

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5. Zero Tolerance 0460

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$249.95
 Zero Tolerance 0460
Amazon Link

The ZT 0460 stainless steel knife features an eye-catching bronze carbon front plate and titanium scale back plating that bring a distinct and appealing quality to the knife. The 0460 uses the KVT ball-bearing opening system that can be considered to be a little too smooth. This knife seized upon the opportunity to use the S35VN steel in the production of this knife for its amazing resilience to wear and metal composition.

Two-Tone Finish
The two-toned bronze carbon fiber and titanium scale front and back plates on the handle add a breath of fresh air to the design of this knife. When held in a well-lit area the bronze will glitter and without a doubt draw in observers from afar that notice the shimmering.

Compact for EDC
With its 3.25 inch blade, 4.25-inch handle, and resounding 2.3-ounce weight this knife is seemingly non-existent as it rests in your pocket. This lightweight and small design which allows easy concealability make this knife the ideal choice for an everyday carry option.

Cost and Value
With a middle ranged price point this knife truly lives up to the ZT brand name. The is one of the best sellers from the ZT bullpen and with its compact stature and unique two-tone design this knife is highly valued to any that purchase it.

Amazon Link
$249.95

6. Zero Tolerance 0350Ts

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Zero Tolerance 0350Ts
Amazon Link

While similar to the 0350TSST this model is a smaller one that doesn’t include a serrated edge at the base of the blade. This knife uses a shorter and wider design compared to the TSST alternative model. The 0350Ts weigh is at just about eight ounces making it a heavier knife on this list.

Tiger Stripe Paint
The 0350Ts knife features a tiger stripe knife coating that alternates from a deep gunmetal gray to a black bead blast finish that gives it a duller look but increases its resistance to scratching from hard usage.

Wear Resistant
The ZT model 0350Ts knife uses an S350V metal that is martensite ( or extremely hard ) and powder made metal that extremely wear resistant. This metal promotes the formation of vanadium carbides that are harder and more effective than the chromium counterparts. These vanadium carbides provide the steel with a refined grain that improves its toughness and resistance to wear.

Cost and Value
The 0350Ts like its similar model the TSST is more in the lower end of the cost when it comes to the ZT brand. This lower cost is most likely due to the use of the S305V metal over the more expensive S35VN composition.

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7. Zero Tolerance 0770CF

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$199.41
Zero Tolerance 0770CF
Amazon Link

The Zero Tolerance 0770CF is a knife that has a carbon fiber handle and features the cherished reversible pocket clip that is featured in many other knives in the ZT line up. This handle is built with a secure inset liner lock that allows the blade to open easily and when the blade is opened the secure lock liner snaps into place preventing the blade from closing until it's moved out of the way.

Protection Against Chipping
The 0770CF knife uses the higher quality S35VN steel that was designed specifically to prevent chipping, and in fact, this material will fold over before chipping. This makes a knife that is particularly useful when working with them often.

Inset Liner Lock
While not uncommon in the design of knives the 0700CF uses an inset liner lock that allows the user of this blade to open the knife with extreme ease and once the blade is in the upright position know that it will stay there safely with this lock in place.

Cost and Value
With the utilization of the S35VN high-quality metal composition, this blade comes in near the higher pricing point. That higher price point comes with the assurance that you are buying a knife that is using high-performance materials and will accomplish your task with minimal wear.

Amazon Link
$199.41

8. Zero Tolerance 0566BW

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Zero Tolerance 0566BW
Amazon Link

This well-designed knife is a reimagining of the original 0556 model knife and has a blackwash color coating. This blade uses the infamous S35VN steel to provide a high-quality blade that is synergetic with the Zero Tolerance brand. This blade uses a frame lock and a lock bar stabilizer to keep the blade firmly in place when opened or closed.

Quad Mount Pocket Clip
The most noteworthy aspect of this knife is its quad mounting pocket clip. This design trait includes 4 different sets of symmetrical holes for mounting a pocket clip. With this setup, you can adjust the positioning of your pocket clip to allow for left and right handed use, as well as to accommodate either a tip up or tip down positioning depending upon your preferences.

SpeedSafe Opening
The speed safe system is a patented function that allows the user to open smoothly any knife with the use of a manual push on the blades thumb stub or it can be found on the pullback as a flipper. This system is built into the best knives that ZT offers.

Cost and Value
The 0566BW model by ZT is on the cheaper side of the knives featured in this list. The adaptable pocket clip, speed safe opening, and high-quality steel composition along with the lower price tag make this a higher value knife.

Amazon Link

9. Zero Tolerance 0095BW

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Zero Tolerance 0095BW
Amazon Link

The 0095BW model produced by ZT is one of the higher quality and priced products produced by the ZT brand. This all-inclusive knife sports their KVT ball bearing easy open system, S35VN high-quality steel composition, a solid titanium handle, and a durable frame lock with a hardened lock bar insert that fastens the blade into place while open during use.

Abrasion Resistance
Any hard particulates that cross the surface of a blade can and will often cause blemishing and abrasions on the blade of your knife. The S35VN steel used in the production of this knife feature larger chromium carbides that resist the most prevalent abrasion problems.

KVT Ball Bearing System
This and other ZT brand knives use a KVT ( Kershaw Velocity Technology ) ball bearing opening system. This easy to use opening system puts to use ball bearings that allow the blade to slide out of the handle with ease.

Cost and Value
With its sleek design and blackwash finish, this is a higher priced knife offered by ZT and it looks like it. This knife was assembled and designed for the most dedicated knife aficionado.

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10. Zero Tolerance ZT0301

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$188.00
Zero Tolerance ZT0301
Amazon Link

The Combat Folder knife is an impressive model to include in the ZT roster. This blade sports the ZT speed safe system that allows the user to open the knife easily with any hand with a simple-to-use switch that is featured on the top of the knife near the blade. For added protection the 0301 uses a thumb stud to prevent any sliding and help with the smooth opening of the blade.

Ambidextrous
Everything from the SpeedSafe opening assistance to the titanium frame lock ensures that this knife can be used in both or either of your hands.

Thumb Stud
Common in the design of the ZT knives, the 0301 model knife uses a thumb stud which allows you to open the knife nearly as quickly as the KVT ball bearing models.

Cost and Value
This knife is by far the most expensive product that can be found on this list. With the features like the KVT ball bearing opening assist or a serrated base, it is hard to tell if this model is worth the extreme price tag that accompanies it.

Amazon Link
$188.00