Zero Tolerance Knives

About Zero Tolerance (ZT)

2006 was the year Zero Tolerance first made its appearance in the knife market. Initially, ZT knives were designed for law enforcement, military personnel, and first responders who needed heavy-use knives suited for demanding environments.

From 2006 to 2008, ZT manufactured a mix of fixed blade and folding knives.

In 2009, Zero Tolerance solidified its position in the everyday carry (EDC) market with the introduction of the ZT 0350, a smaller assisted folding knife that was beefy but also convenient for pocket carry.

Today, there's a ZT knife for everyone, no matter your background, profession, or lifestyle.

Zero Tolerance is a brand of KAI USA, a subsidiary of the Japan-based KAI Group, a manufacturer of surgical tools, disposable razors, and housewares. Other famous knife brands under the KAI umbrella include Kershaw and Shun.

What are Zero Tolerance knives?

Zero Tolerance knives are premium, high-quality, precision-engineered knives that are famous among knife enthusiasts and everyday users for their hard-use designs and premium materials.

A Zero Tolerance knife can be any of the following types:

• Fixed blade: Made for rigorous use, Zero Tolerance fixed blade knives are suitable for various environments, including the great outdoors, survival applications, and tactical use. Popular ZT fixed blade models include the ZT 0006, ZT 0180 (discontinued), and ZT 0121 (discontinued).

• Folding: Zero Tolerance carries a wide range of folding knives, which are designed for EDC, tactical use, and heavy-duty tasks. Popular folding ZT knives include the Hinderer-designed ZT 0562, the compact ZT 0350, and the thin and light ZT 0770CF.

Zero Tolerance doesn't offer switchblade knives; its focus is on manually operated folding knives. However, its sister company Kershaw produces a wide selection of automatic knives, primarily under the Launch series.

What materials are used in ZT knives?

ZT blades feature the following:

• Blade steel: CPM-20CV, S35VN, S30V, ELMAX, CPM-S110V, CPM-3V—high-quality steel known for their edge retention, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and toughness

• Blade style: Clip point, sheepsfoot, drop point, reverse spanto, trailing point, scimitar style, spear point

• Coatings and finishes: Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating, bead-blasted finish, black finish, satin finish, stonewash finish, Cerakote finish

• Handles: Titanium, G-10, carbon fiber, anodized aluminum

• Sheaths: Kydex

Where are Zero Tolerance knives made? Are they made in China?

Zero Tolerance knives are not made in China. They're proudly manufactured in the USA, in Zero Tolerance's Tualatin, Oregon facility.

Who makes Zero Tolerance knives?

KAI USA, Ltd., which also owns the Kershaw brand, manufactures Zero Tolerance knives.

Are Zero Tolerance knives made by Kershaw?

Zero Tolerance and Kershaw are knife brands owned by KAI USA, a subsidiary of the Japan-based KAI Group. ZT knives are manufactured by KAI USA.

Is ZT better than Benchmade?

Comparing knife brands can be difficult, but ultimately, the better brand boils down to factors like your needs, preferences, and budget.

Compared to Benchmade, Zero Tolerance is pretty brand-new, while Benchmade has been making waves since the early 1980s. Both brands, however, have a loyal fanbase and deliver high-quality, premium knives that can last for years.

What is Zero Tolerance 0562?

The ZT 0562 is a popular folding knife designed by renowned knifemaker Rick Hinderer. Made from CPM-20CV steel, it's rust-resistant and stays sharp longer. It features a KVT ball-bearing opening system for rapid deployment and a robust frame lock with a hardened steel guard for securely locking the blade.

ZT 0562 variants include:

• Zero Tolerance 0562TI: 3.5-inch drop-point blade with tiger stripe, full titanium handle, reversible tip-up pocket clip

• Zero Tolerance 0562CF: 3.5-inch drop-point blade, textured carbon fiber handle, a reversible tip-up/down pocket clip

What is Zero Tolerance 0350?

The ZT 0350 is a compact folding knife with the patented SpeedSafe® assisted opening system. It's about 10% lighter and smaller than the Zero Tolerance 0300 (discontinued). This ZT 0350 currently on sale at Northwest Knives features an S30V steel blade, a textured G-10 handle, and a reversible pocket clip.

What is Zero Tolerance 0006?

The ZT 0006 is a full-size fixed blade knife that's perfect for various outdoor activities. It has a full tang, a clip-point blade in CPM-3V steel, textured G-10 olive drab (OD) green handle scales, and a black Kydex sheath. The blade has a bead-blasted and Cerakote finish for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance.

Are Zero Tolerance knives available for sale internationally?

Yes, ZT knives can be purchased from authorized international dealers and distributors. Find one here.

Do Zero Tolerance knives come with a warranty?

Yes, they do. ZT knives are covered by a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing and material defects. The warranty is non-transferable and doesn't extend to normal signs of wear or breakage due to accidents, misuse, or improper maintenance.

ZT knives purchased from authorized international dealers are eligible for warranty support.

Zero Tolerance also offers free lifetime sharpening on all ZT knives.

Where can I find Zero Tolerance knives for sale?

Northwest Knives is a proud distributor of Zero Tolerance knives. We also offer knives from other reputable brands, including Kershaw, Benchmade, Hogue, Boker, Spyderco, and Bradford.

Zero Tolerance knives we currently have on sale:

• 0006 fixed blade (clip point blade, OD green G-10 handle)

• 0022 small flipper (designed by Tim Galyean, titanium with carbon fiber handle)

• 0230 (carbon fiber 20CV slip joint)

• 0235 (carbon fiber 20CV slip joint)

• 0308 (20CV tiger-striped blade, black G-10 handle)

For models marked "sold out," leave your email address, and we will alert you as soon as they're back in stock.

For any questions or concerns, please reach out to our support team.