There are a lot of fantastic EDC folding knives out there and I figured it’s time I narrowed down my list a bit.
I’ve tested and carried knives from all the reputable manufacturers but I find examples from Zero Tolerance in my pockets more often than others. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship and materials are just a couple of reasons I prefer ZT.
Quite often, Zero Tolerance will produce collaboration knives from some of the most prolific knife designers of our time.
Although they can be a bit pricey, I’ve found through time and repeated use that they are worth the price of admission. Below are my Top 5 Zero Tolerance EDC Knives in no particular order.
ZT0450CF
While visiting Shot Show, I was fortunate enough to stop by the ZT booth and handle several new knives.
One that stood out to me was the sophisticated Zero Tolerance 0450CF, with its striking carbon fiber front handle. For its weight, carbon fiber is stronger than steel and is downright sexy.
Spending part of my life in some sort of wheeled racing machine, I have grown an affinity for this dark matter. To keep weight at a minimum, the back half of the handle is made from Titanium, another lightweight space-age material. The published weight is 2.72oz however, I recorded 2.4oz on several different scales.
ZT0223
When Zero Tolerance showed me their upcoming knife offerings at SHOT Show, the Tim Galyean designed ZT0223 jumped off the page at me.
It oozed with the classic lines of past military style knives. In fact, the knife didn’t even look like a folder at first glance.
Partly because of the handles semi closed back design mimicking the stacked leather handle of the K-BAR. Packed with premium materials and features, I knew I had to get my hands on one when available.
ZT0022
When I look through my collection of folding knives, I notice a lack of variety in the size department.
With many of them falling into the more common 8″ to 8.5″ overall length. In fact, the smallest knife I own is the ZT0450CF at 7.4″ and 2.4oz. Hardly a mini. That’s why I was intrigued by the utter tininess of the new offering from Zero Tolerance. The ZT0022.
Designed by famed knife craftsman, Tim Galyean, and built right here in the good ‘ole US of A by Zero Tolerance. This micro knife packs one hell of a punch for its size.
ZT0850
Recognizing the artistic genius of legendary knife builders, Dmitry Sinkevich and Todd Rexford, Zero Tolerance saw no other choice than to commission a custom collaboration.
And with that, the ZT0850 was born. I’m not sure if this is a daily use knife or a collector’s item so bear with me. Priced at $400, this thing of beauty is a knife to behold. Much like my ZT0450CF made from lightweight materials like carbon fiber and titanium, the ZT0850 has my number.
Although no longer available from ZT due to its limited production number, I’ve only seen it available on Amazon.
ZT0393GLCF
While the ZT0393GLCF might not have the catchiest name, it boasts a lot of impressive features.
Starting at the front, we’re looking at a 3.5″ “Spanto” harpoon style, CPM-20CV steel blade with a stonewashed finish. This steel is excellent for use in knives, with skillful edge retention and great wear resistance.
The “flipper” spins on a KVT ball bearing, and offers considerable leverage over using the thumbstuds.
Read the full review from my Ranger buddy Rex Nanorum here
ZT0350 (Honorable Mention)
“Premium-built by Zero Tolerance in the USA, the G-10 Folder 0350 is versatile and powerful created durably for razor sharp cutting.
With a compact precision blade, the 0350 is the perfect EDC for any outdoor activity, delicate and accurate cutting or household task. Non-reflective black Tungsten DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coats the extremely durable, corrosion and wear resistant S30V stainless steel.
Speed Safe Assisted Opening allows the blade to deploy quickly and easily using the ambidextrous thumb stud or flipper. The high-performance blade is paired with textured black G-10 scales for a secure grip and excellent mechanical strength under the roughest conditions.
The quad-mount pocket clip is convenient for left or right handed, tip-up or tip-down carry. The liner locking system prevents the blade from closing during use and provides a secure way to safely fold the knife. With a utility design to conquer any task, the 0350 is the ideal EDC for any user, anywhere, any time, for any job.” –zt.kaiusa.com
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