Zero Tolerance 0707 Features a Sleek, Lightweight Design

As a tool guy, my EDC pocket knife does a lot of dirty work in less than ideal conditions. While that’s not the kind of environment I envision taking the Zero Tolerance 0707 into there’s a lot to be said for this sleek, lightweight knife.

Pros

• Sleek look with carbon fiber handle scales
• Titanium handle (frame lock side)
• CPM 20CV drop point blade
• Tuned Detent System (TDS) ensures smooth deployment even with pressure on the lockbar
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Narrow tip has a higher risk of breaking if dropped or abused
• Flipper could stand to be a little larger

Zero Tolerance 0707

The Handle

The Zero Tolerance 0707 handle has a two-faced personality. One side is a black/charcoal carbon fiber that has a sleek look against the silver pivot and blade.

The opposite side is made from titanium with textured edges. A 3/4 length frame lock splits the handle through the middle.

Just before it hits the extra deep pocket clip, there’s a notch that cuts in. If you’re right-handed, your ring finger sits there, making your deployment grip more comfortable. I like having it there to secure my grip while letting me reduce the pressure on my forefinger and, by extension, the release detents. If you’re left-handed, it’s just eye candy.

The pocket clip looks very minimal, but it’s tougher than it looks. In fact, it resists bending out better than many clips two or three times the size on other knives I own.

On the surface, it doesn’t look likes it’s reversible, but it actually is. There’s an inlay cut into the carbon fiber for it to fit. You just need to remove the rear backspacer, make the switch, and replace it.

The Blade

Once again, Zero Tolerance turns to Crucible’s CPM 20CV steel for the 0707’s blade. It has outstanding edge retention and corrosion resistance. However, it’s a tougher steel blend to sharpen.

At 3 1/2 inches long and just short of 3/4-inch tall, it’s a very slender drop point design. That gives it an outstanding piercing tip with a nice, long slicing belly. The downside is that the tip is very narrow and the overall blade width is on the thin side, so the tip at greater risk of breaking if you drop or abuse it.

Blade deployment is easy thanks to ZT’s KVT bearing system. It uses a flipper that, in my opinion, is a little too small. I’d like to see it rise up maybe another 1/8-inch just to get a little more secure against my finger.

This is ZT’s first knife to take advantage of TDS—Tuned Detent System. TDS simply lets ZT allow for extra pressure on frame lock knives and still open smoothly—and it works beautifully. I tried a variety of grips with varying pressure on the lockbar and got a smooth opening every time. You can certainly force it into a tougher opening, but it’s not going to be a with a grip you’d actually use.

Price

MSRP on the Zero Tolerance 0707 is $310 and it’s selling at most retailers for $248. That’s right in line with what we expect from this material selection and Made in the USA construction.

The Bottom Line

With an overall length of 8 1/4 inches, the Zero Tolerance 0707 is a bit larger than we’d expect for a knife we classify as a gentleman’s pocket knife, but that’s where we’d put it. It has a sleek, classy look to it and uses premium materials to ensure a long life with fewer sharpenings. At less than 2 1/2 ounces, it wears well on dress pants if you’re carrying in a professional office environment. Of course, it wears just as well for those of us with jobsite-stained jeans as our “professional” workwear.

Zero Tolerance 0707 Specifications

• Blade Style: Drop Point
• Blade Edge: Plain
• Opening Action: Manual KVT ball bearings
• Opens With Flipper
• Lock Type: Titanium frame lock, hardened steel lockbar insert
• Pocketclip: Reversible extra-deep-carry (right/left, tip-up)
• Made in USA: Yes
• Hardware Bead-blasted steel pivot nut, bead-blasted steel tube spacers, black-oxide steel screws
• Price: $248

The post Zero Tolerance 0707 EDC Folding Knife Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Premium Quality ZT Knife with an Affordable Price Tag

We’re pretty well-acquainted with Zero Tolerance at this point, having reviewed a number of these knives already. The ZT line always uses quality components and top-quality stainless steel. We feel the brand consistently designs rock-solid EDC knives that look good and just work. However, when getting the kind of quality that comes with the ZT name, the price tag can wind up proportionally high. That’s why, upon inspecting the Zero Tolerance 0357, we found ourselves a little surprised this knife retails for under $150.

Pros

• Under $150
• Black G10 machined on both sides for solid grip
• CPM20CV steel holds edge well
• SpeedSafe assist feels very lively

Cons

• Liner lock feels pretty stiff even after a few weeks of use

Zero Tolerance 0357 Blade Design

The Zero Tolerance 0357 features a 3.25-inch drop point blade that has enough of a belly to tackle any slicing applications with ease. Around the shop, it’s among our favorite blade shapes. The tip comes to a fine point that does make it good for piecing, though you’ll want to be careful to avoid drops as tips this fine—regardless of the steel used—are prone to breaking.

CPM 20CV Blade Steel

Speaking of the steel, ZT uses a CPM 20CV steel for this blade. This is a hard steel that resists corrosion and wear. It also holds its edge really well. If you’re a steel nut—here’s the breakdown:

• Carbon 1.9%
• Chromium 20.0%
• Vanadium 4.0%
• Molybdenum 1.0%
• Tungsten 0.6%

This mix comes in with the same hardness of 440C but with considerably more wear resistance and additional corrosion resistance. The downside is that it can be a bear to sharpen, but with the right sharpening tool and enough time on your hands, keeping an edge won’t cause you too much of a headache. ZT has given the 0357 a working finish, which hides any scratches you’ll put on it.

At the blade’s spine, it measures in at 0.121″ thick. This gives it a sturdy feel without making it super beefy. It also keeps the overall weight of the knife to 4.3 oz. I’d say it feels solid without feeling heavy.

For those of you who need to adhere to carrying laws, when the 0357 is open, it measures 7.625 inches long. Check with your local ordinances to make sure you can legally carry it.

Black G10 Handle

One of my favorite things about this knife revolves around the handle. The ZT 0357 features black G10 on the front and back of the handle. This is a dent-resistant, moisture-resistant material made from compressed fiberglass sheets and epoxy resin.

In this case, it’s been machined for a texture that feels similar to 320-grit sandpaper. It’s not so rough that it’s uncomfortable to handle, but it has enough texture that using it with damp hands won’t cause it to slip. It has something like a matte black finish that I find a lot more attractive than something shiny and flashy.

The Zero Tolerance 0357 has a lanyard hole in the butt end of the handle so you can tether it, minimizing your chances of dropping it from heights. The pocket clip, which feels robust, can be swapped to the left side for southpaws. You are limited to tip-up deep-carry, however.

The handle design feels good ergonomically, with the clean lines matching the shape of my hand. Gentle indentations guide my fingers to where they ought to be rather than forcing them to a particular location. Some jimping on the back of the blade gives my thumb or pointer finger a secure place to press when I need to bear down on something.

Opening & Closing

The Zero Tolerance 0357 features SpeedSafe, the brand’s spring assist system for opening the blade. Pressing down on the flipper results in blade practically jumping out of the handle. While I generally prefer a knife with a bearing in the pivot, the spring-assisted open on the ZT 0357 feels very lively. It snaps open quickly and without requiring an inordinate amount of applied pressure.

You are, however, limited to the finger flipper at the back of the knife. Personally, I don’t usually care for thumb studs or a blade hollow, so I don’t miss that they’re not here.

The 0357 features an inner frame-style liner lock to keep the blade in place while in use. When it drops into place, the whole width of the liner lock butts up against the back of the blade, securing it against inadvertently folding over on my fingers while the knife is in use.

When disengaging the lock, we have noticed that the liner lock feels pretty stiff and requires a bit of wrestling to fold the blade back home. We’ve been using this ZT for a few weeks, and it hasn’t loosened up yet. We can close the blade with one hand, but it’s a little uncomfortable to do so. Still, all things considered, we’d prefer the knife err on the side of having a stiffer blade lock over a flimsy one.

Price

You can pick up the Zero Tolerance 0357 for around $148. Considering the vast majority of the ZT catalog generally retails for $200 or more, this price makes it feel like I’m getting the employee discount or something.

And, of course, Zero Tolerance offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturing defects. They also offer free sharpening service if you’re not willing to do that yourself. For more information about warranties, replacement parts, or sharpening your Zero Tolerance knife, click here.

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Recommendation

The Zero Tolerance 0357 has the kind of design that I find particularly appealing: it’s not flashy, it feels exceptionally solid, it has an effective grip, and it features a blade design that’s useful for a lot of tasks I take on on a daily basis. The fact that it retails for around $50-$150 less than most of the other knives in the Zero Tolerance catalog makes it an especially compelling option.

Zero Tolerance 0357 Specs

• Blade Steel: CPM 20CV
• Blade Length: 3.25 in. (8.25 cm)
• HRC: 60-62
• Blade Finish: Working finish
• Blade Thickness: 0.121 in. (0.31 cm)
• Closed Length: 4.4 in. (11.2 cm)
• Handle Material: G10
• Handle Thickness: 0.47 in. (11.2 mm)
• Overall Length: 7.625 in. (19.4 cm)
• Weight: 4.3 oz. (122 g)
• Price: $148

For more information about the Zero Tolerance 0357, click here.

The post Zero Tolerance 0357 Hands-On Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

As the Smallest Knife in the Line, the Zero Tolerance 0022 is Growing on Me

Every knife in my collection earns its place with a combination of genuine functionality and unique design. When the Zero Tolerance 0022 showed up, its miniscule size made me see its uniqueness right away. But functionality? I was skeptical. After carrying for a couple of months, there’s no chance I’m giving this one up!

Pros

• Highly concealable
• Incredibly lightweight
• Outstanding edge retention
• Excellent corrosion resistance
• Excellent hardness and toughness
• Highly useful clip point blade design
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Tougher steel to sharpen
• Size takes some time to get used to

Size Matters

I normally start my knife reviews with a focus on the materials, and we’ll get there shortly. However, the size of this knife is what’s going to make or break your decision to buy one.

Closed, it’s 3″ long and the blade adds another 1.75″. With the blade deployed, it’s smaller than many folding knives are closed. It’s no surprise that it’s lightweight at this size. You’re looking at just 1.7 ounces, making this one of the easiest knives to carry and conceal when you don’t want to advertise you’re carrying one.

Another upside is that it’s an option in states that have blade length restrictions.

There’s no doubt the Zero Tolerance 0022 takes some getting used to with its size. I never really hated it, but I didn’t think I’d learn to enjoy it. 2 months later, it’s in an elite few knives that I prefer to carry.

Deployment

It’s a matter of learning how to make the shift from a medium or full-size handle. When you deploy the blade, the butt of the knife sits much higher against your palm. The natural move is into the fat part of your palm instead of resting to the side of it. In fact, as I was learning how best to open the blade, I gave myself a small cut in that area.

Ideally, shift the handle against your thumb. That gives you plenty of clearance from your skin and great traction for your forefinger to accelerate the flipper.

Because of the blade’s size, it doesn’t have as much mass as most blades. ZT includes a bearing to assist the opening and that gives it enough momentum to snap securely in place with the frame lock.

Blade Design

It’s tempting to look at the size and think it’s the big story. However, there’s much more that makes the Zero Tolerance 0022 special. The blade is formed from CPM 20CV steel—a blend we’re seeing more often from ZT.

This is a tough, hard steel that has outstanding edge retention and excellent corrosion resistance. The trade-off is that it’s a tough steel to sharpen. If you’re not super-confident in your sharpening abilities, take advantage of ZT’s sharpening service.

Designer Tim Galyean makes the perfect choice in blade shape. 1.75″ isn’t a lot to work with and Tim gets the most out of it with a clip point that offers excellent piercing characteristics and a full-length belly that’s great for slicing. There’s almost nothing I run into on a day-to-day basis that it’s a bad choice for.

It’s not a replacement for larger blades in every environment, though. There are still others that I prefer for my outdoor adventures. But it’s amazing just how many times a day I pull the 0022 without wishing for something else.

Handle Design

The Zero Tolerance 0022 has a somewhat unusual combination of titanium and carbon fiber for the handle. We’re used to a carbon fiber overlay, but this model uses full carbon fiber for the front side and titanium for the rear.

In addition to reducing the overall weight, it also gives dual personalities depending on which side you’re looking at. The carbon looks sleek and modern with a blue pivot ring that pulls off a very handsome look.

The opposite side is very utilitarian with its frame lock and native clip position. You can flip the clip to the opposite side for left-hand carry at the cost of breaking up the carbon fiber’s look. Both clip positions are tip-up carry.

Price

Zero Tolerance lists the 0022 at $250 and we’re seeing prices closer to $200 and even lower on Amazon. That’s on par with what we expect considering the materials ZT uses in the build and the fact that it’s a Made in the USA knife.

The Bottom Line

It takes a little time to make the shift from carrying a standard length knife to one as small as the Zero Tolerance 0022. Once you do, you’ll find a blade that’s incredibly versatile for day-to-day tasks around your home and office. It does its best work as a gentleman’s pocket knife that’s among the most concealable you can hope for.

Zero Tolerance 0022 Specifications

• Blade Steel: CPM 20CV
• Handle Material: Carbon fiber front, titanium rear
• Locking: Frame lock
• Opening: KVT bearing
• Blade Length: 1.8″
• Closed Length: 3″
• Open Length: 4.75″
• Weight: 1.7 oz
• Price: $200.00

The post Zero Tolerance 0022 Knife Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Zero Tolerance 0223 Blends Classic Military Style with Premium Modern Materials

The Zero Tolerance 0223 is a military-inspired design from Tim Galyean. It’s a large EDC made from premium materials right here in the USA over in Tualatin, Oregon.

Pros

• CPM 20CV blade steel with DLC coating
• Titanium handle with DLC coating and G10 overlay
• Military-inspired design
• Frame lock
• Left or right-hand tip-up carry
• Butter smooth deployment
• Made in the USA

Cons

• 3.5″ blade may be too long to carry in some areas—check your local laws

Blade

Material

The Zero Tolerance 0223 continues ZT’s trend away from the S30/S35 steels with CPM 20CV on this premium model. It has outstanding edge retention with very good corrosion resistance and toughness. The tradeoff is that it’s a bear to sharpen and you might want to take advantage of ZT’s sharpening service when the time comes.

Compared to the S35VN, you get better edge retention, but it’s quite a bit tougher to sharpen.

The blade gets a black DLC treatment (Diamond Like Coating), giving it a hard outer coating that’s also low friction.

Design

Tim Galyean’s overall design goes for a Bowie-style look and has its classic clip point blade at the business end. The top features aggressive squared jimping to help with your grip. The edge moves from the clip point’s piercing tip straight into a section of slicing belly before straightening out for the last 2/3 of its length.

With a blade length of 3.5″, be sure to check your local knife laws before carrying this one.

Deployment

The 0223 uses a finger flipper and KVT bearing system for deployment. I highly prefer a finger flipper to a thumb disk, so that’s a big win in my book.

The blade is 0.156″ thick and has a solid amount of mass, making it butter smooth to open with the bearing system. You could add a spring assist, but it’s really not necessary on this knife.

Handle

Material

Zero Tolerance sticks with premium materials for the handle, going with a black DLC coated titanium and brown G10 overlay. The G10 gives the knife a visual look similar to a Bowie with a leather strap for a handle. It doesn’t look nearly as good as an actual leather strap handle, but I do like the contours that help with the grip.

Locking

The blade snaps securely in place with a frame lock that partially hides behind the G10 overlay. Personally, I like the aggressive, all-business look of a fully exposed frame lock. If that’s something you’re not crazy about, the extra attention to the handle’s aesthetics should help.

Clip

ZT’s deep-carry clip leaves roughly 1/2″ of handle exposed out of your pocket. You can flip it between the left and right sides in a tip-up carry position only. With the exception of folks who prefer tip-down carry, the design hits most everyone no matter which side you like to carry on.

Price

The Zero Tolerance 0223 has an MSRP of $375 and retail prices are currently running right at $300. With the amount of CPM 20CV steel and titanium being used, it’s not a surprising price point in the premium knife sector, especially for a Made in the USA knife.

The Bottom Line

Once you take the Zero Tolerance 0223 out of your pocket, there’s nothing subtle about it. It has an aggressive look with a highly functional design, just like its military foundation. As a folder, it works great as an EDC on the larger side that’s comfortable with a life full of day-to-day tasks or as a defensive carry.

Buy it if you prefer an EDC with military history in its blood, an aggressive look, or an “I don’t give a **** what the day throws at me” attitude. Pass if you need something on the subtle and smaller side or have laws restricting blade lengths to less than 3.5″.

Zero Tolerance 0223 Specifications

• Model: Zero Tolerance 0223
• Blade Steel: CPM 20CV
• Blade Length: 3.5″
• Opening: Finger flipper with bearing assist
• Handle Material: Titanium with G10 overlay
• Lock: Frame lock
• Closed Length: 5″
• Open Length: 8.6″
• Clip: left/right reversible, tip-up only
• Weight: 4.7 oz
• Price: $375 $300

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The post Zero Tolerance 0223 Review: Military Inspiration for Every Day Carry appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

ZT Adds Some Flair To Their Already Succesful 0393 Model

When ZT introduced the 0393 last year, it was an instant success. This time around, the Made in the USA Zero Tolerance 0393GLCF brings the same Rick Hinderer design, premium steel, and build quality as the last model, with a couple of new features as well.

Pros

• Rick Hinderer design
• Made in the USA
• High-quality CPM 20CV steel
• Titanium handle has glow-in-the-dark carbon fiber overlays
• Hard-use “working finish”
• KVT ball-bearing opening system
• Reversible clip
• 5 oz. total weight

Cons

• Glow-in-the-dark needs sunlight to charge – something that doesn’t happen in your pocket

Features

Blade

The ZT 0393GLCF uses Crucible’s CPM 20CV steel. CPM 20CV steel is exceptionally hard, resistant to corrosion and wear, and takes quite a bit of force to break. It also holds an edge really well.

There’s both good and bad news with this: your knife stays sharper for longer, but sharpening it can be a real pain in the neck. If you have experience with a whetstone, it’s a time-consuming process compared to other steels.

If you’re a novice in the sharpening department, you’re better to send it back to ZT for sharpening to get it done right. Use your lower-grade steels to hone your craft for now.

This Rick Hinderer-designed knife features a harpoon-style “spanto” blade – a cross between a tanto blade and a spearpoint. This means that it offers solid slicing abilities as well as a good tip for piercing. Additionally, the blade punches in at 0.156″ thick, which offers a bit more “meat” than the typical folder.

The blade features a “working” finish. This means that an abrasive material was used to tumble the blade, similar to a stonewashed blade. This finish is great at hiding scuffs and scratches.

A word of caution though: before ordering the ZT 0393GLCF, double-check with your local laws to make sure that owning this knife isn’t breaking any laws. It has a 3.5″ blade, and when opened, this knife measures in 8.25″. Sorry, Canada, this one’s off the list for y’all completely.

Handle

The standout feature of the handle is undoubtedly the glow-in-the-dark carbon fiber overlay. ZT opts for a phosphorescent handle on this edition of the 0393, with the idea being that if you take it into a dark room, you’ll still be able to see it.

Phosphorescent materials need to be charged—either by the sun or some other light source—to be effective. Assuming that your knife spends the vast majority of its time in your pocket, access to sunlight will be sparse at best. It’s debatable if it will have had the requisite charging time to glow when you move into a dark room. There’s no doubt that it looks pretty freaking sweet, though.

Back to the practical: the rest of the handle is also legit. ZT has opted for a titanium handle with a working finish that matches the blade steel. It includes a titanium frame lock with a hardened steel lockbar insert. The result is a knife that feels very secure in the open position. The frame lock takes a little more effort to unlock than liner locks, but I like the extra security.

In its closed position, the ZT 0393GLCF measures in at 4.75″ and fits into my front right pocket really well, despite my also using that pocket for my cell phone. Perhaps I opt for jeans with a lot pocket space, but the knife feels unobtrusive when stored away. In any case, the sturdy clip can be reversed to store away in your left pocket as well, though you are limited to a tip-up carry for this one.

The 0393GLCF weighs in at 5 oz. This is a little bit beefier than, say, ZT’s 0470‘s 3.2 oz. This is just a generally beefier knife. Even with the extra heft, this knife is comfortable to hold onto with its contoured handle and it has good balance. While it doesn’t ever feel heavy, it does feel… present, if that makes any sense.

Jimping

One of the things I really appreciate about the 0393GLCF is the amount of substantial jimping around the handle to help with your grip. There’s some on the spine of the blade for your standard carry, as well as some on the front side of the bottom of the handle in case you need to use a reverse grip.

Deployment

ZT uses a KVT ball-bearing opening system which has a smooth enough opening action that you don’t really need a spring assist when using the finger flipper. It has enough substance to provide the leverage to flip out the blade quickly without needing to enlist the help of your wrist.

Using the thumb studs doesn’t feel quite as smooth and actually takes a little bit of effort. However, those thumb studs do double as blade stops here, which adds to the overall build quality of the knife.

Price

The ZT 0393GLCF has an MSRP of $350. We’ve managed to find it around $280 with a minimum amount of research, but it’s still priced where you might think twice about using it as your every day carry. Whether you’re adding it to your collection or for a premium EDC it’s not overpriced—it’s a premium knife at a premium price point. It uses a fantastic, durable steel alloy, and has a really solid, balanced build with a smooth, easy open.

The Bottom Line

The upgrades that make the ZT 0393GLCF what it is are halfway helpful. The working finish looks nice and hides wear and tear, and it adds to what the original 0393 was. The glow-in-the-dark handle, on the other hand, will probably be nothing more than a novelty for most of us. It could be a nice feature to have, but if it spends the day in your pocket, don’t expect it to light up when you drop it at night.

That said, the Zero Tolerance 0393GLCF, at its core, is an exceptional folding knife. ZT doesn’t make crappy knives in our experience and this won’t be the knife to break that particular mold. It will stay sharp, looks great, feels comfortable, and opens smoothly and easily. It’s a little pricey, and you might not want to horse around with sharpening it yourself, but it won’t disappoint you.

Zero Tolerance 0393GLCF Specs

• Model Number: 0393GLCF
• Steel: CPM 20CV, working finish
• Handle: Titanium, working finish
• Blade Length: 3.5″
• Blade Thickness: 0.156″
• Closed Length: 4.75″
• Overall Length: 8.25″
• Weight: 5 oz.
• MSRP: $350 $280.00

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The post Zero Tolerance 0393GLCF Glow -in-the-Dark Pocket Knife Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Zero Tolerance 0470 Breaks Trends with a Mesmerizing Design

The Zero Tolerance 0470 pocket knife is a stunning Dmitry Sinkevich design boasting premium materials. CPM 20CV steel and a titanium handle form the foundation of a folder with a new take on carbon fiber overlays.

PROS

• Beautifully designed with mesmerizing carbon fiber pattern on the handle
• Tough, durable CPM 20CV steel blade
• Handsome, lightweight titanium handle
• Smooth deployment
• Prominent piercing tip

CONS

• Finger flipper could be a little taller
• The lock is solid but doesn’t sit in the middle of the blade

Features

Blade

Crucible’s CPM 20CV Steel constitutes the business end of the Zero Tolerance 0470 Pocketknife. This alloy has better edge retention than S30V and S35V steel – and both of those have pretty solid edge retention already.

Corrosion resistance is comparable among the three, but CPM 20CV is more difficult to sharpen. Unless you’re really comfortable with a whetstone, this is a good steel to send back to ZT for their sharpening service when it comes time.

As a tougher steel blend, the force it takes to break the ZT’s blade is greater than S30V and on par with the S35V.

The shape is classic drop point with a shallow clip point on the top. There’s a reasonable slicing belling but it’s not as prominent as other drop points. The tough steel will help keep the piercing tip from breaking the way it’s liable to with a weaker alloy.

At 3.4 inches long (7.8-inch total open length), the Zero Tolerance 0470’s blade may be prohibited in some areas of the country. New laws in Canada prevent its sale in Canada completely. Check your local regulations to avoid an uncomfortable conversation with local law enforcement.

Handle

The 0470’s beautiful titanium handle is inlaid with carbon fiber in an unusual marbled pattern. It’s almost hypnotic. ZT achieves this effect by dropping carbon fibers randomly onto the plate and covering them with resin. It makes each Zero Tolerance 0470 unique and breaks away from their recent trend of checkerboard carbon fiber patterns.

ZT puts jimping for grip on the back end of the blade to help with your grip. It’s shallow – not as much as you’d find on military, law enforcement, or other tactical knives.

The handle has the same shallow angle in the top that’s become characteristic ZT designs instead of a gentle curve. The total weight is just 3.2 ounces and it’s a very comfortable knife to hold and use in a variety of grip positions.

Closed, the ZT 0470 is 4.4 inches long and uses a deep carry 2-position clip. You can switch between left and right in the tip-up carry position. While flipping the clip around is more convenient for lefties, know that you have to put it over the carbon fiber and break up the look.

Deployment and Lock

Deployment gets an assist from ZT’s KVT ball-bearing opening. It’s a smooth enough operation that I don’t feel the need for a spring assist.

One thing to note though – the finger flipper is a little on the small side. I don’t have any issues deploying for general use, but I have to be a bit more intentional to get a solid flick out of it. If you carry primarily with a defensive mindset, be sure to try this one before you buy it to make sure you feel secure deploying it the blade quickly.

A frame lock secures the blade when deployed. Like the finger flipper, I haven’t had any issues of the blade slipping. However, I notice that the lock isn’t sliding over as far beneath the blade as most of my frame locks. Since I can push it over further, I’m hoping it will get better with more use.

Price

While Zero Tolerance bills the 0470 as an EDC, it’s classy (and pricey) design fits better in my gentlemen’s pocket knife collection as something a bit more classy with its premium materials and gorgeous design. If you’re a defensive-minded carrier, try the finger flipper before you buy it to make sure it’s secure enough for you. The CPM 20CV steel is high-end but a bear to sharpen, so consider ZT’s sharpening service when it comes time.

The Bottom Line

The Zero Tolerance 0470 Pocketknife is a beautiful EDC that you’ll more likely use as a gentleman’s knife, even though it’s a tad big for that category. I’d prefer a taller flipper and wish the frame lock was closer to the center of the blade when deployed. But all told, the 0470 is a masterful achievement.

Zero Tolerance 0470 Pocketknife Specifications

• Made in the USA
• KVT ball-bearing opening system
• Flipper
• Reversible clip (left/right, tip-up)
• Titanium frame lock, hardened steel lockbar insert
• Steel: CPM 20CV, bead-blasted & machine satin finish
• Handle: Bead-blasted titanium, marbled carbon fiber front insert
• Blade Length: 3.4 in. (8.6 cm)
• Blade Thickness: 0.121 in. (0.307 cm)
• Closed Length: 4.4 in. (11.2 cm)
• Overall Length: 7.8 in. (19.8 cm)
• Weight: 3.2 oz. (92 g)
• Prices:
  • MSRP: $325
  • Online: $260 (Amazon)

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The post Zero Tolerance 0470 Pocket Knife Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

The Zero Tolerance 0220 is a knife from a relatively new name on the scene – Jens Anso. This is a beefy design with a thicker handle and blade than most of my ZT knives. While I wouldn’t use a premium knife like this to pry things on the jobsite, it’s certainly more capable than most of filling that need.

The real story behind the 0220’s initial appeal is in the materials. Jens went with an S35VN blade and titanium handle. Those material choices make it superior in nearly every category most knife enthusiasts consider, but it also puts it at a higher price point – $285 retail.

Beyond materials, the knife has a very clean look to it along with just the right amount of color to keep it classy. An orange aluminum backspacer and blue ZT medallion offset the silver/gray handle, giving the knife a subtle nod to my beloved Florida Gators. As much as I’d love to say that it’s intentional to my sports considerations, it’s more likely a tip of the hat to Jens Anso’s Dutch heritage.

While the look carries with it a certain gentlemanly quality, the size will prevent it from living in the gentleman’s pocket knife class and this is really better suited as an EDC when you’re not wearing a suit.

Deployment is butter smooth thanks to ZT’s KVT bearing system and the blade locks open solidly with a frame lock that’s just as stout as the rest of the design.

There’s a lot more to talk about with this knife, so check out the video or our full written review for more details!

Zero Tolerance 0220 Key Features

• Made in the USA
• KVT ball-bearing opening system
• Flipper
• Reversible deep-carry clip (left/right, tip-up)
• Titanium frame lock, hardened steel lockbar insert
• Custom aluminum backspacer with built-in lanyard attachment

Zero Tolerance 0220 Specifications

• Model: ZT 0220
• Steel: S35VN, stonewashed finish
• Handle: Titanium, bead blast finish
• Blade Length: 3.5″ (8.9 cm)
• Blade Thickness: 0.156″ (0.396 cm)
• Closed Length: 4.9″ (12.4 cm)
• Overall Length: 8.4″ (21.3 cm)
• Weight: 6.2 oz. (175.8 g)
• Price: $285, $228 (Amazon)

The post Zero Tolerance 0220 Video Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

The Zero Tolerance 0220 is the result of a collaboration between ZT and Danish knife maker Jens Anso. At first glance, the 0220 has a look that fits right in with the ZT line. The reality is that there are some significant differences to talk about that set it apart from your typical premium EDC.

I am an unabashed fan of Zero Tolerance’s 0095BW. The combination of materials, handle design, blade design, and finish have endeared it as my favorite EDC folder. The ZT 0220 shares a couple of my favorite characteristics while adding a touch of class and personality through color.

Let’s dive in and take a look at what this premium folding knife has to offer.

Handle

The Zero Tolerance 0220 has a handle made from titanium with a bead blast finish. It’s shaped very similar to the 0095, with a slightly more angular peak coming closer to the midpoint along the back of the handle.

There is a decorative pivot and a blue ZT medallion on the smooth side of the handle. On the reverse side you’ll find the frame lock but no decorative pivot cover.

Impossible to miss is the bright orange back spacer. This is made from anodized aluminum with an integrated lanyard hole cut into it.

Clip

The clip is a deep carry style with plenty of holding strength. It’s reversible to either side of the handle but only in a tip up carry configuration. I personally like the clean look of the smooth side of the handle and prefer the clip on its pre-installed side next to the frame lock.

Blade

The Zero Tolerance 0220 features a modified drop point style blade made from S35VN steel with a stonewashed finish. Up a notch in quality compared to S30V, S35VN features additional niobium and vanadium carbides that offer what every knife user wants – the ability to grind a sharper edge with greater edge retention.

While there is a some recurve curve to offer a belly on the blade, it’s closer to a true drop point than you might see with some of the curvier designs like we expect from Ken Onion. This blade design gives it excellent slicing characteristics with reasonable piercing ability and a strong tip.

Deployment

Deployment is accomplished easily with a combination of finger flipper and ZT’s KVT ball bearing system. The weight of the blade and bearing system really work well together to create a deployment experience that is very smooth. While there will always be people who prefer an assisted or automatic opening, the Zero Tolerance 0220 is so smooth that I don’t think either are warranted.

The Bottom Line

What I haven’t really hit on so far is the size and weight of the Zero Tolerance 0220. This is a thicker, beefier knife that I normally carry. Even though it has a classy look on the smooth side, the size and weight will prevent it from being considered a gentlemen’s pocket knife.

Now that we’ve oversome that hurdle, we can talk about the benefit of this knife’s bulk. The extra thickness in both the handle and the blade make for a knife system that is ridiculously strong. I wouldn’t want to use any of my premium knives for prying or digging around tough stuff. However, of all the knives I own (aside from the Kershaw Barge which actually has a handle designed for prying), the 0220 would be able to handle it better than any other.

The material choice of S35VN steel for the blade and titanium for the handle make the Zero Tolerance 0220 a high quality folding knife that also comes at a premium price. The stonewashed finish of the blade paired with the bead blasted finish of the handle and orange back spacer offers contrast that gives the 0220 a touch of class and personality often missing in many EDC knives, premium or otherwise.

If you’re a knife collector, the differences you’ll find in the 0220 warrant bringing it into your fold. For those who prefer a premium knife as an EDC option, you’ll find that the 0220 offers a different look and feel from other options as long as you don’t mind a little extra weight. The materials ensure that it’s up to any task and will hold a sharp edge for a long time.

At the end of the day, the Zero Tolerance 0220 belongs clipped to a pair of jeans, fatigues, or work pants over a business suit and will inspire some serious knife lust in your colleagues.

Zero Tolerance 0220 Key Features

• KVT ball-bearing opening system
• Flipper
• Reversible deep-carry clip (left/right, tip-up)
• Titanium frame lock, hardened steel lockbar insert
• Custom aluminum backspacer with built-in lanyard attachment
• Made in the USA

Zero Tolerance 0220 Specifications

• Model: ZT 0220
• Steel: S35VN, stonewashed finish
• Handle: Titanium, bead blast finish
• Blade length: 3.5″ (8.9 cm)
• Closed length: 4.9″ (12.4 cm)
• Overall length: 8.4″ (21.3 cm)
• Weight: 6.2 oz. (175.8 g)
• Price: $285 $209.95 on Amazon

The post Zero Tolerance 0220: A Touch of Color and Class appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

As some of you may already know, I recently suffered a retinal detachment that has taken me out for a bit. While that puts all of my current review projects on hold, I’m undaunted in my attempts to at least make fun of myself along the way. In honor of my current look sporting an eye patch in the post-operative state (can you honor yourself? Sounds narcissistic.), I’ve decided to take a look at the band of pirates we call the Pro Tool Reviews crew.

Manning the Pro Tool Reviews Ship

A pirate is only as good as his ship. Remember Johnny Depp (AKA Jack Sparrow) sinking his on the way into the dock at the beginning of Pirates of the Caribbean? That’s not the first impression you want to make. Anyway, the PTR crew mans a 2015 Ford F-150 that’s received several upgrades. Forget about speed though, these are all about entertainment and jobsite ruggedness.

Handy with a Blade

A pirate can hardly be intimidating without his blade. While I have several to choose from, you’ll most likely find me sporting the Zero Tolerance 0095 whether I’ve come ashore trying to make an impression or getting work done on the high seas. Their aluminum tactical pen also happens to come in nicely when the local authorities insist we leave the blades on board.

It’s a Long Voyage

Spending days out to sea between ports means we need to keep the food from spoiling and the drinks cold. With non-slip feet and the ability to lock it down from scurvy would-be food thieves, there’s no better choice than the Yeti Tundra 45. I’d be remiss if I didn’t say it makes a handy casting platform for when we move onto those Caribbean flats where bonefish swarm by the hundreds.

Fire the Cannons!

Wondering how we can possibly defend ourselves against attack, particularly at night? It’s no problem with both starboard and port positions decked out with the Ridgid Gen5x Light Cannon. 2500 lumens from each of the four LED chips are more than a match for any battle out to several hundred yards.

Maintaining the Ship

For general maintenance around the ship when the captain’s trying to get some shut-eye, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Surge drives the screws and light to medium lag screws we need to keep the rig together. With much less noise than an impact driver produces, the captain can sleep through the whole process.

The captain is a stickler for only carrying as much as we need to get the job done – that’s what makes Klein’s 15-in-1 Classic Multi-Bit Screwdriver so popular with the maintenance crew. 15 separate drivers all stored on one hand tool makes those light maintenance tasks easier to manage. As a bonus, Klein’s headlamp helps them work around dark spaces without losing a hand to hold a flashlight.

We run a much tighter and more technologically advanced ship than ol’ Blackbeard ever dreamed of. That also means we’ve got more high tech maintenance to cover. Our on board electrician is able to make use of Southwire’s 15190T MaintenancePro MultiMeter for diagnosing issues and preparing reports for the captain right on his smartphone.

Pirate Tunes

If you’ve ever heard the PTR crew get together over a few pints of mead and start singing, it’s not so pretty. Since can’t carry a tune in a bucket, we keep the entire ship rocking with the DeWalt ToughSystem Music + Charger to drown us out (except Clint – he can actually sing).

When the Winds Die Down

When we hit the doldrums, most captains expect the crew to row themselves out of it. Not on my watch! We’ve packed the EGO 56V Backpack Blower with its 600 CFM and 145 MPH air flow to move us back into fair sailing weather.

Storing our Booty

It’s no good to store our treasure in the ground. Every person living on the coast has access to a metal detector these days! That’s why we pack our Knaack Heated Piano Box full to keep our booty secure. Why do we need a heated box? To keep the rum from freezing over the winter, of course!

The Bottom Line

As I sit here looking straight down and trying to follow my surgeon’s orders, I hope you’ve enjoyed this humorous (and rather disturbing) insight into my cabin fever stricken mind. Seriously though, these are some great products that we at Pro Tool Reviews highly recommend for Pro users.

Click on the links to read the reviews on each one before deciding for yourself. Then head over to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to tell us all about your pirate related tools – it’ll help me get through the initial recovery period and we can all have a laugh at the same time!

The post Pro Tool Reviews: A Pirate’s Life for Me appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Events going on around the world and around our country make people wonder what the world is coming to. Each story is tragic in its own right and people process them in different ways. Many people wonder how they can protect themselves and their families. These people see the world differently – they’re always on guard and ready to act. They also know how to use the tools at their disposal, and it isn’t always a firearm. Sometimes the best tool is the one you carry everywhere, everyday. I don’t know about you, but I never leave home without a pen on me. In this case, it’s the Zero Tolerance Tactical Pen.

Ask most guys what’s in their EDC loadout and you’re likely to hear about a subcompact hand gun, a knife of one form or another (I carry ZT’s 0095BW by the way), and various other items. Most of the guys are simply happy and even honored to take the responsibility of defending themselves, their families, and any innocent bystander nearby. It’s not always convenient or legal to carry all your gear. I travel a lot for Pro Tool Reviews and I’d rather not leave my gear behind, but I also respect the law and those whose job it is to defend it.

Whether I’m on the jobsite or checking in through TSA at the airport, you’ll find the Zero Tolerance Tactical Pen on me. There are several reasons I prefer it over other writing utensils and they might just be solid enough for you to pull the trigger.

How It’s Made

Zero Tolerance built their tactical pen from 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum for the same reasons we see it used in other industries – it’s strong and lightweight. Knowing that this isn’t a pen likely to live in an office building, Zero Tolerance prepared it for the outdoors by sealing the cartridge compartment with an o-ring.

A quick look will immediately draw your eye to grooves in the body reminiscent of rifling. The pen tip is non-retracting so you’ll be pulling the cap off to use it. It fits securely on the tactical end and should reduce the risk of it going missing.

The clip is as solid as I’ve seen. Held in by two bolts, it’s tough and I have a hard time seeing that you’ll bend it or break it off anytime soon.

A Pen Has to Write

First and foremost, the Zero Tolerance Tactical Pen is a writing instrument and a pretty nice one. They include a Rite in the Rain cartridge that lets you write upside down and in any weather. You can replace it with a new one when it runs out or select your favorite Parker or Fisher Space Pen refill. Your ability to write smoothly has everything to do with where the pen touches the paper and the refill compatibility offers excellent options.

A Pen in the Hand

Beyond the cartridge point, ergonomics are a huge deal for writing instruments. ZT’s model is a little wider than I normally prefer on the grip. I got used to it pretty quickly though. Grooves cut into the grip keep it from slipping even though it’s a straight up metal surface. I also have the titanium model (it’s been discontinued, but you can still find it around). It’s on the heavy side of things, but the 0010BLK’s aluminum gives it a solid feel without tipping the scales over the edge.

What About the Tactical End?

While the Zero Tolerance Tactical Pen lives most of its life as a writing instrument, its part time job is defense and egress. A glass breaker tip is built into the end. This directs all the energy you can muster into a small tip that can shatter glass in the event you need to get yourself or someone else through a window or glass door.

The tip is also plenty sharp enough to penetrate skin as a defensive tool should you need it. However, the rigidity of the entire build is solid enough that it can be used as a blunt instrument from the opposite end. It’s also great for applying force to pressure points.

The Bottom Line

ZT’s Tactical Pen is an all-around winner. The build quality is outstanding as is the Rite in the Rain ink cartridge it comes with and your refill options. Price is on the upper tier with an MSRP of $125, though you can find it online under $100.

Whether you’re on the jobsite, traveling by air, or just want some security without carrying a firearm or knife as a defensive tool, the Zero Tolerance Tactical Pen is a high quality option. Tactical considerations aside, first responders that need to have a glass breaker nearby at all times can carry it lieu of a separate tool. With Christmas on the horizon (sorry for mentioning that in September), it makes a great gift for just about anyone that would like a little more peace of mind.

Zero Tolerance Tactical Pen Specifications

• Model: Zero Tolerance 0010BLK
• Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
• Length: 5.3 inches (closed)
• Weight: 1.3 ounces
• Compatible Refills: Rite in the Rain (included), Parker, Fisher Space Pen
• MSRP: $125
• Online Pricing: $97.58 (Amazon)

The post Zero Tolerance Tactical Pen 0010BLK Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.