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Zero Tolerance Knives – Complete Resource

Written by: Kyle Hoogervorst

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Published on

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Time to read 7 min

What you can expect

If you want to know everything you need to know about Zero Tolerance knives and the ZT knives company this is the place. This page is going to be the central hub for all of our ZT content being published. Some sections may be blank so far but that is only because we are working behind the scenes writing everything for you.

 

Why you can trust us:

  • 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.

About Zero Tolerance Knives

ZT 0556 being held in front of a hiking trail

Where does the name Zero Tolerance Knives come from? Well, the answer describes exactly what the company itself stands for and the quality of their product. ZERO TOLERANCE FOR ANYTHING LESS THAN THE BEST. Zero Tolerance Knives continues to produce top quality knives with premium-quality materials that their customer demand and can depend on every day. For the full history or Zero Tolerance Knives please read our other blog article.


Started in 2006 ZT made it's first appearance as Made-in-USA hard use knives to meet the needs of professionals in law enforcement, military, firefighters, emergency medical personal, and other first responders. Over the years the line has expanded to include a variety of general use EDC knives, fixed blade bush craft knives, slipjoints, and other types of pocket knives but they have ALWAYS had the same amazing top-of-the-line quality.


Zero Tolerance Knives are made with premium materials such as 20CV, S30V, or S35VN blade steel and carbon fiber, titanium, or G10 handle scales. Their quality control is next to none and every knife is assembled in their Tualatin, Oregon USA factory under the scrupulous eye of the most skilled workers in the industry.

Explore the Zero Tolerance Knife Categories

Zero Tolerance Knives has it all covered, they make knives for everyday carry, outdoor, work, or tactical. Plus they came in a variety of options including assisted opening, manual opening, fixed blade, and most recently as of 2024 automatic.


Not only do they have their own in-house designers, they partner with some of the best knife designers in the industry.

Zero Tolerance Knives Designers

  • Jens Anso - Danish custom knife maker
  • Tim Gaylean - High end tactical knife maker
  • Rick Hinderer - 30 years of high-quality knife making
  • Ken Onion - One of the most well known knifemakers in the industry. 
  • Dmity Sinkevich - Belarusian custom knifemaker (and one of my favorites)

Most of the Zero Tolerance Knives have a drop point blade but they do also have clip point models, spear point, drop point with recurve, and a sheepsfoot style blade.

Knife Steel used for Zero Tolerance Knives

Zero Tolerance Knives is known for their premium over-built tank knives made with high quality premium steel. CPM 20CV and CPM S35VN are the #1 choices and they also have knives made from Cru-Wear, MagnaCut, S30V, S45VN, M4, and 3V

Zero Tolerance Knife Steels

  • CPM CRU-WEAR
  • CPM S45VN
  • CPM 20CV
  • CPM 3V
  • CPM S30V
  • CPM S35VN
  • CPM MAGNACUT
  • CPM M4

You can't go wrong with any of these choices, you just have to pick the right one for the job that fits your needs.

ZT 0562TI closeup shot of the knife steel while sitting on a post

How to Choose the Right Zero Tolerance Knife

This is a decision that is not taken lightly. Getting a premium blade means you are spending premium money so you will want to take some time when searching for the perfect Zero Tolerance knives that fits you needs.


Some key features to consider when choosing Zero Tolerance knives is blade style, opening system, opener, lock type, blade steel, blade edge, and handle material. Taking all of these into account can be a little overwhelming, but with this kind of investment it is best to take a look at all the options and made a confident decision. After all, this knife will probably be with you your whole life unless you lose it at the TSA for the 3rd time like myself.


Are you looking for an EDC gentleman's knife? A bushcrafting knife? strong dependable work knife? Zero Tolerance has them all and they are of the highest quality that will last a lifetime.


We'll be adding buyers guides to this article to help you breakdown each of the features of a Zero Tolerance Knife so you can find the perfect one.

"This is my second 0350..the first was purchased last year as a gift. I was impressed then and am now by the quality of materials and workmanship..USA!!!"

badger f

Warranty & Service for ZT Knives

After reading through the entire warranty & service information on the Zero Tolerance Knives website I can say that it is a really good warranty. They offer a limited lifetime warranty on your knife that guarantees your knife against manufacturing defects in the construction and the materials used.


If your blade is damaged due to a manufacturer defect or a defect in the construction of the knife, it is either getting repaired to like new quality or completely replaced with a brand new ZT knife. This is an extremely solid warranty from a great company that clearly stands behind their products. Anyone that can warranty their product for a lifetime is good in my book.

Zero Tolerance Knives Manufacturing

Precision and expert craftsmanship is guaranteed when a ZT knife comes out of their Tualatin, Orgegon USA facility by the hands of their supremely skilled workers. They produce over 1,000,000 Kershaw and Zero Tolerance knives per year, all of them with a fit and finish that is 2nd to none.


Having a limited lifetime warranty on their ZT brand is a testament to how skilled this company is at making a premium pocket knife. You could not back a product with a warranty like that if it kept falling apart or had problems constantly. That alone speaks for itself about the care and precision put into each knife from each individual in the manufacturing process.

Zero Tolerance Knives manufacturing plant
Image from zt.kaiusa.com

Why Choose Zero Tolerance Knives?

Great question, well, after everything we have just read. Zero Tolerance is known for its premium material, craftsmanship, designers, manufacturing, and warranty. Most knife brands have one maybe two of the qualities above, but not Zero Tolerance Knives, they are everything all wrapped into 1 amazing piece of art.


The material used is the best in the industry and with each new release they don't just stick to what has worked in the past. They innovate and try the newest and best material on the market like MagnaCut or CPM Cru-Wear.


They team up with some of the best designers in the industry to make some of the most cutting edge designs available on the market. Not too mentioned their own in house designers have come out with some pretty amazing models. Most of their newest releases are all in-house designs and have done very well in the market.


Their USA manufacturing plant and the Zero Tolerance Knives workers involved in that plant are the best in the industry. Plus if anything is to go wrong with any of their products it comes with an amazing limited lifetime warranty so you can rest assured you are taken care of.

Premium steels like CPM 20CV, S30V, S35VN, MaganCut, and S45VN.

USA made craftsmanship, everything is proudly made in their Tualatin, Oregon factory.

Innovative designs from some of the best designers in the industry and in-house Zero Tolerance Knives designs.

One of the best limited lifetime warranties in the entire industry.

Where to Buy ZT Knives?

Adept Knives is an authorized retailer of the Zero Tolerance Knives brand and we carry every single model available plus limited editions. We offer free shipping and monthly payment options are available for anyone that wants to use them. 


We are family owned and operated so your business means the world to us. Shop the full line of Zero Tolerance Knives on our online shop.

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.

Shop Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Best Steel for Zero Tolerance Knives?

All steels used in Zero Tolerance Knives are of premium quality. There is no 1 best steel. 4 qualities make up steel characteristics, toughness, edge retention, corrosion resistance, and sharpening ease. Depending on what you are looking for your choice may change.

Is Zero Tolerance Knives and Kershaw Knives the Same Company?

They are both owned by KAI USA and their knives both come out of the same USA factory in Tualatin, Oregon.

What is an Authorized Dealer?

An authorized dealer is a business that Zero Tolerance themselves have vetted and deemed to be worthy to sell their products and represent their name in the marketplace.

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