Zero Tolerance 0556 Automatic Pocket Knife Review
Zero Tolerance knives are what initially got me interested in pocket knives. It was 6 years ago that I picked up my first USA made ZT the 0462 and then spiraled into the world of pocket knives. Ever since then I have turned a hobby into a business by opening up Adept Knives selling and reviewing the knives I love. We have hundreds and hundreds of orders and over 100,000 visitors to our website and growing.
When my rep at Zero Tolerance sent me the info on the Zero Tolerance 0556 auto pocket knife I initially thought wow, ZT is making an auto? I am a big fan of the Kershaw Launch autos so I know it was going to be good quality. BUT, is it really what Zero Tolerance is known for?
I was under the impression this was their very first auto but after reading the forums and Facebook groups I found out there was 1 other auto before this one. The first of its kind ZT auto stigma faded away after that but I was still pretty hyped to see an auto because I love autos.
The community did not embrace this new ZT launch well at all. Every post I saw was ZT has lost their way veering away from the overbuilt tank folders they are known for. "This is just a Kershaw Launch with a ZT logo on it". It was not pretty, but as far as I'm concerned this knife is damn pretty and made with great materials.
ZT 0556 Auto Specifications & Features
Features
- Status NEW
- Edition Engravable
- Type Automatic, Folder
- Use Everyday, Tactical
- Style Pocketknife
- Designer ZT Originals
- Blade Style Drop Point
- Blade Edge Plain
- Opening Action Automatic
- Opens With Push button
- Lock Type Push-button lock
- Pocketclip Reversible extra-deep-carry (right/left, tip-up)
- Made in USA Yes
- Hardware Ceramic bead-blasted pivot nut, screws, and pocket clip
Specifications
- Blade Steel CPM MagnaCut
- Blade Length 3.35 in. (8.5 cm)
- HRC 60-63
- Blade Finish/Coating Stonewashed finish flats, satin finish grinds
- Blade Thickness 0.09 in. (2.3 mm)
- Closed Length 4.4 in. (11.2 cm)
- Handle Material Titanium, carbon fiber
- Handle Color Black & Gray
- Handle Finish/Coating Ceramic bead-blasted finish
- Handle Thickness 0.4 in. (10.2 mm)
- Overall Length 7.75 in. (19.7 cm)
- Weight 2.4 oz. (68 g)
Of course we have MagnaCut, it seems like any new hot knife is going to be MagnaCut these days. Add in a titanium handle and you have the premium combo that has been hitting shelves like crazy this last year. Even though it is everywhere, that does not mean its bad. Those two materials together plus carbon fiber inserts on the handle make 1 killer knife, and when its an automatic mixed with ZT's USA manufacturing plant in Oregon you know it is going to be a winner.
The 0556 auto has a powerful opening where you really need to wedge it between your palm and end fingers. If you don't it definitely jumps forward a bit from the momentum of the opening. The only problem is the frame is pretty skinny so it did feel a little awkward for me since I have some larger hands. The opening is not as strong as most ProTech autos but it is really close.
Once open it does feel really good in the hand and the jimping at the top of the blade base is in a very natural position so you can put a lot of force pushing down and it feels like it will hold up just great without slipping even being this skinny and lightweight.
This knife has a much larger cutting blade than a lot of other pocket knives in it's overall length range. The handle to blade ratio is really good with almost 3.5in of cutting edge compared to Spyderco knives that have a much smaller cutting edge that are similar in it's overall length range.
The trapezoid shaped button to launch the knife is actually pretty nice. It does feel a little more comfortable than just a regular circle button. Especially after fidgeting with it for a really good while when I first got it, the button is nice and smooth to press and does not feel out of place or inconvenient.
Would I EDC the ZT 0556 Automatic?
I would not, I actually see this knife as an amazing high end gift or a great knife to add to a ZT or automatic collection but I do not see this as an every day carry. It's a gentleman's folder, for special occasions or just those rare days when you want to impress some friends. But for me not an every day carry.
I do get the appeal to own something so fancy and nice looking to impress but I lean more towards the functional side of things and would have liked to see a knife that held more true to the Zero Tolerance heritage.
Who is the 0556 Auto for?
If you like a lightweight titanium automatic knife with a nice thin MagnaCut edge, you are going to like this. It is extremely well built and does justice for each type of material that was used.
If you are a die hard ZT man like myself and many others out there, it may be a knife you want to put in your collection but it does not really get my blood going. It is a solid knife for the material and the price but does stray a little far from the ZT heritage we all know and love.
Adept Knives is an authorized dealer and carries the full line of Zero Tolerance knives at great prices, with FREE shipping, no hassle return policy, low monthly payment options and more. Check out the Zero Tolerance 0556 today and order yours!
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