First Look: Zero Tolerance ZT0456

The ZT0456 arrived today courtesy of RECOIL HQ. It's obviously far too early to give it any sort of proper overview, but I will say this — it's as pretty as a pony with four white stockings*. Though I'm usually a form over function guy, the aesthetics of this flipper/folder demand immediate mention. I'm not overly concerned with construction quality at this stage, if for no other reason than I have yet to put hands on a ZT that disappointed me — which isn't to say it couldn't happen someday.

First Look: Zero Tolerance ZT0456

Body and blade are done in a two-tone finish, stonewashed on the flats and satin on the grinds, then accented with a nice contrasting blue on the pivot hardware, pocket clip and (aluminum) backspacer. The fore-mentioned pocket clip can be switched to either side of the body, enabling you to carry on either the left or right side of the body.

It is not reversible longitudinally however, which is to say you can't change it from tip-up to tip-down. This doesn't bother me, I prefer tip on a folder (I'm not sure how they could do it with that pivot anyway), but it will be an issue for some.

It opens using the ZT KVT ball-bearing system, has a steel lockbar insert and a titanium frame lock, and a lanyard hole for those who want to dummy-cord it (or maybe put a fancy chain on, like an old school pocket watch). She's a beefy thing that will fill your palm, but the lines are smooth and somehow lean despite the size. ZT and Belarusian knife designer Dmitry Sinkevich (@sinkevichdesign) did a great job on this.

Here's what ZT has to say about the 0456.

Zero Tolerance ZT0456

Zero Tolerance and Belarusian custom knife maker Dmitry Sinkevich have teamed up to produce the 0456. The 0456 offers the premium cutting power for which ZT is well known in a knife with standout looks that are just waiting to be shown off.

Based on Dimitry’s popular custom knife, The Pole, the 0456 features the 3-D rayed handle contours and custom blade shape that defined the original design. The high-quality CTS-204P blade steel is wear and corrosion resistant and takes an exceptional edge. The blade’s premium quality is matched only by its good looks—with an appealing two-tone finish that’s stonewashed on the flats and satin on the grinds. The 0456 opens with ZT’s KVT ball-bearing system for a quick, easy blade release. A titanium frame lock, with a hardened steel lockbar insert, firmly secures the blade open during use.

The 0456 deftly balances handsome appearance and solid utility. On the appearance side, the pivot hardware, custom aluminum backspacer, and left/right reversible pocketclip are finished in a brilliant blue. On the utility side, the 0456 offers top cutting capabilities and excellent edge-holding performance making it the perfect tool to take along with you on any bold adventure.

I'm a little too old now and a little too fond of my amenities to be volunteering for bold adventures, but I'll report back in a few months and let you know what I think.

(*That was a compliment when I was a kid, back when my family raised horses. It was one of my great grandpa's phrases.)

ZT o456 Specs:

•Made in the USA
•KVT ball-bearing opening system
•Flipper
•Reversible clip (left/right, tip-up)
•Titanium frame lock, hardened steel lockbar insert
•Custom blue backspacer, clip, and pivot hardware
•Steel: CTS-204P, two-tone finish
•Handle: Titanium, stonewashed & satin finish
•Blade length: 3.25 in. (8.3 cm)
•Closed length: 4.5 in. (11.4 cm)
•Overall length: 7.7 in. (19.6 cm)
•Weight: 6.6 oz. (187.1 g)

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