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The History of Zero Tolerance Knives

Written by: Kyle Hoogervorst

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Published on

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Time to read 6 min

The Historic Rise of Zero Tolerance Knives

From premium niche knives for military, law enforcement, firefighters, and other first responders, all the way to BLADE show's coveted Knife of the Year award. The history of Zero Tolerance Knives is nothing less than ground breaking. And a story that needs to be told...

 

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  • We are authorized Zero Tolerance knives dealers since 2016.

  • We've fulfilled hundreds and hundreds of ZT knife orders.

  • We are at the forefront of the knife industry and follow closely what every manufacturer is doing.

Introduction

Historic Zero Tolerance 0100 Military
image from zt.kaiusa.com

Zero Tolerance Knives have always been known as a premium brand with premium materials Made in the USA. Even from the beginning they were known for their overly built tank knives or more fondly recognized by the community as "real beasts" or "proudly overbuilt". Zero Tolerance Knives makes knives for professionals and first responders, collectors, and knife enthusiasts of all kinds.


In this articles well be going over the origins, milestones, and the history of Zero Tolerance Knives in the knife industry.

"I abused this knife for 5 years with out any issues. Opened railroad switch crates , pried open spike kegs . Thing is a beast."

Rick M - ZT 0350TS

Origins of Zero Tolerance Knives

Zero Tolerance Knives was founded by KAI USA Ltd. in 2006, the parent company also behind Kershaw Knives. Their Made In USA hard use knives quickly garnered the attention of professionals in the military and first responders. The brand quickly built a strong following and fanbase even amongst non military and first responders due to their hard use designs and premium materials. The history of Zero Tolerance Knives started here and continued for years to come.


It wasn't until 2009 that Zero Tolerance teamed up with designer Ken Onion to create one of the most prolific ZT Knives to date, the Zero Tolerance 0350. The ZT 0350 was overly built with premium materials just like their other knives but it was a bit smaller compared to the other ZT Knives we know and love. This made the 0350 appeal to a larger audience of non professional and really helped propel the history of Zero Tolerance Knives to where they are today.

Key Milestones in ZT's History

  • 2006 - This is the year that Zero Tolerance launched it's first heavy duty folder the ZT 0200.
  • 2009 - Upgraded manufacturing and starting creating knives with premium materials like CPM S30V.
  • 2010 - Rick Hinderer and Zero Tolerance start working together leading to the ZT0560 series which some may regard as the greatest models in the history of Zero Tolerance Knives.
  • 2011 - Knife of the Year is awarded to Zero Tolerance at Blade Show.
  • 2016 - 10 Year anniversary models are released
  • 2020s - Zero Tolerance start expanding into lightweight every day carry models with tactical grade materials.

The Evolution of ZT’s Design Philosophy

Zero Tolerance has always been known for their overly built heavy use folders and fixed blades but recently over the past 4-5 years they have transitioned into more sleek every day carry pocket knives that hold the same history of Zero Tolerance knives traditional of premium high end materials.


Some of their original fan base have definitely not embraced the new era of Zero Tolerance but I do think this move has probably brought in a lot wider customer base and is ultimately a great move for the company to reach a wider audience and grow their business.


At one point it seemed like every single new Zero Tolerance model launch was followed by forum and social media posts saying ZT Knives has lost their way, and have abandoned their fans who wanted those heavy hard use folders. The first launch of 2025 was a different story, sticking to true Zero Tolerance fashion they launched 2 heavy duty hard use folders with premium material and I would say it has been a very very well received new model launch.

ZT’s Collaborations with Industry-Leading Designers

One of the things that makes Zero Tolerance stand out from the crowd is their commitment to partnering with some of the best designer in the industry to create some of the most memorable designs in the industry. It is knife designs from the following list of designers that create a lasting history of Zero Tolerance Knives.

  • Jens Anso - Danish knife maker and industrial design expert.
  • Tim Gaylean - Sets the standard for quality and craftsmanship, considered to be one of the first truly high end tactical knife makers.
  • Rick Hinderer - Designs inspired by his work as a first responder that are great looking and comfortable to use.
  • Ken Onion - Credited for changing the face of pocket knives by working with KAI USA to create the SpeedSafe assisted opening system.
  • Dmitry Sinkevich - One of the most celebrated knife designers that has collaboration with KAI, Spyderco, and Shirogorov.

ZT's Awards and Industry Recognition

Probably one of the biggest awards and what set the history of Zero Tolerance knives on the map initially is their 2011 Knife of the Year award for their Zero Tolerance 0777 folding knife. This award projected ZT into the spotlight and helped fuel their growth over the next 10+ years. 


2016 was a great year as well with Zero Tolerance winning best factory folder with their amazing 0456 model. This is the model I personally carried for years until it got lost and I could not recommend this knife enough. I saw a blue anodized custom one online at one point and almost overpaid hundreds of dollars, that is how much I love this design.


These awards are only given to the best of the best and reinforces how Zero Tolerance is a leader in the industry and a trend setter.

Conclusion: A Brand Built for Performance

From their first appearance in the industry providing hard use knives to first responders and military to where they are now, ZT has garnered a huge fanbase. Not only just the heritage fans who love the heavy duty premium materials but regular every day carry enthusiasts love the Zero Tolerance brand for their attention to detail in the manufacturing process and the status a Zero Tolerance knife brings to their lives.


Numerous awards, amazing collaborations with some of the top designers in the industry, and top notch production make the history of Zero Tolerance Knives cemented into the history books for some of the greatest knives ever made and designed to date.

Made in the USA hard use knives for professionals in military and law enforcement.

"Real Beasts" and "Proudly Overbuilt" is what customers say when referring to Zero Tolerance Knives.

2011 - BLADE Show's Overall Knife of the Year award for the ZT 0777.

Known as one of the most trusted premium brands to date.

Kyle and his family

Kyle Hoogervorst, Founder

When you choose Adept Knives, you're not just shopping for high quality knives, you're supporting a small family business. That's me, Kyle, my amazing wife, and our little adventurer, and we thank you for your business and support.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The First Zero Tolerance Knife ever Made?

The first tactical folder in the History of Zero Tolerance Knives was the 0200 and the first fixed blade was the 0100.

Who is Zero Tolerance Knives Made for?

Zero Tolerance Knives were originally manufactured for military, law enforcement, and first responders. But now they are readily available to anyone and everyone that values a premium quality hard use knife.

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