The ZT 0450CF (and 0450) Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Re-Review

Today, we discuss the ZT 0450CF, and talk a bit about the 0450 lineup in general, to replace an earlier (not so well done!) review. Although there are a few small issues, by and large, the ZT 0450 knives are some of the very best choices out there for EDC

[@M3anBIMMER]

I bought one of these after watching this review. The day I received it I was so impressed that I binged watched a bunch of your other reviews and ended up buying a 0452cf and a 0562cf that same day because of your other reviews. Thanks, I'm now broke!

[@timedriverable]

LOL

[@grossi6330]

Good call buying the 0452! Wish i did the same.

[@girfalcon1]

Nick, I bought a ZT 0450 titanium and asked ZT's customer service to send me a deep carry clip and they sent me like 3 of them with extra screws for free. Great customer service :)

[@muhdilmi362]

do you contact them by email?

[@appalachiangunman9589]

I bought the same one about a week ago, I need to see if they will send me one. It’s the perfect “gentleman’s knife” IMO.

[@Frip36]

Shabazz just puts me in a good mood and that means a lot to me right now.

[@8dollars276]

Napier?

[@g.graham3810]

I really hope ZT watch your reviews and change their slogan to "ZT...huge and murdery."

[@The4cp]

G. Graham what if someone likes huge and murdery.......

[@marcophoto9677]

I think G.Graham might be one the ohhh that knife scares me people in Nick's lunch room,LOL. Nick is right, it depends on the job situation, what state you live in, what city, I personally can carry almost any size knife and not worry about freaking out the people around me, you just have to have some sense to you, if your working as a teacher or in a hospital, etc. you just have to be smart about how and what you carry.

[@The4cp]

Marco Photo At work it's a spyderco tenacious. Out side of work it varies by day. Could. be cold steel recon 1 or said or one if a few Kershaw. I just love when people freak over my knife when I my buddy open carries a gun.

[@dylanworkman5445]

Or even better: z-hunter

[@Gunma_garage]

With the accent. Love it all. Perfect adveetisement

[@SuperPeleke]

Thanks for doing a re-review Nick! It's always a good idea for viewers to see new content even if it's on a knife you are familiar with.

[@losdawg6265]

Ordering mine today after your review, Nick. I have purchased the PM2, Delica, Endura, and Rat2 under your recommendations. I love all of them. Keep up the well-researched, entertaining and transparent reviews. In a sea full of reviewers these days, your channel stands out like a shining freaking gem man!

[@frkshw_edc9887]

Great review. We have differing opinions on some things but I really like the detail in your reviews. Keep up the great work

[@buckwylde9567]

Nick I absolutely love your reviews they're spot-on on and you're funny as well which is great thanks

[@knife-wife586]

The action on this is by far the most addicting second to none in my humble opinion.

[@EricLS]

Yeah, I flipped it at my local shop, and said "Ah, shit" AKA "guess I'm spending $200 now"

[@myutube42]

This is (probably) my most favorite EDC knife - and I favor Spyderco as a brand, and don't really like flippers. This is THAT nice of a knife.

[@LetsDraw12]

In my opinion, the black on black on MORE BLACK is exactly the aesthetic I'm looking for on my EDC knife, keys, light, and wallet!

[@losdawg6265]

With reaffirmation from Nick, I just purchased my 0450CF. Thanks for the knowledgeable review!

[@Fun-cn7pf]

I purchased this knife in part from your review. It is just beautiful IMO. I haven't had a chance to use it for much of anything, but yeah. What a beauty.

[@bryanmchugh1307]

got the 452CF after a lot of deliberation and am flat blown away by it. Still as incredible as the 452CF is it is still freaking redonkulusly huge when open. A bit to big to really pull out around any non knife people thus I just ordered the 450CF with a new deep carry clip for it. I really like the thumb forward grip of these two(452CF/450CF)....

[@dewarner12]

I am in the process of deciding whether to buy the titanium version of this knife. I liked your video a lot, and it was really well done. It was not an infomercial, just an objective overview of the pros and cons of the knife. I subscribed and will be going back to look at some of your past videos. I agree that the best version of this knife would be one that has CF on just one side and titanium on the other. I wonder if ZT would ever sell just one of the scales as a part.

[@preelenede]

I picked up the titanium today and really appreciate it!

[@ChuckBeefOG]

Just bought one of these. Great edc blade with a great action. My first ZT, probably wont be the last one. I agree i would rather see a satin blade, but DLC has been proved as one of the toughest coatings in the blade world today.

[@WalterW]

Well dang. Now I have to get an 0450. Thanks a lot, Nick.

[@wastelanderdustin2890]

I just bought this today and i love it

[@northernninety7]

I have the titanium version of this and it's beautiful, light, smooth flipping and slicey. Only downside to me is the smooth gimping not being functional.

[@Unjustified_Bot]

"still a little murdery". you have the best reviews.

[@TheKnifeBeater]

I agree with you about the lack of color options. I almost wish ZT offered this with a 3.5in blade. That would be such a practical size.

[@pipcorona]

I feel exactly like you do about the coloring. I was lucky enough to find a ZDP version.

[@scotteger6271]

Companies make aftermarket standoffs for them. Could probably sell the green ones if you don't like them.

[@barmstrong25]

The blade geometry is outstanding!

[@mikebowser9268]

Tangram Amarillo deep carry clip fits great, works really well.(I keep my Amarillo in my tool box, so it doesn't need a clip)

[@evanacey1414]

Just bought this knife about a week ago and couldn’t be happier with it. It’s my first high quality pocket knife and I’ve definitely been bitten by the bug.

[@Brightside0208]

I've been on the verge of picking one of these up for a long long time. It would be my most expensive knife purchase, so it's a tough choice. Couldn't agree more about the colour/material choices. I'd snatch it up in a second! Even a ti version without the full "zero tolerance" stamped on the side would be better.

[@NoOne-ki3bm]

Absolute spot on review, but still the best production gentleman's carry knife if you like flippers. I liked my 0450 (titanium) so much in bought a second one. Imo, the all titanium is light enough, you don't need the carbon fiber. ..AND you really can't stress enough how crazy good the action is. Love your channel!

[@appalachiangunman9589]

I bought one the other day and it is plenty light enough. I think my all stainless Kershaw Leek is listed as three ounces while the ZT 0450 is listed at 2.9 oz, and it’s a tad longer and all around considerably more robust.

[@kerryrwac]

The 940's handle is only 1/4 inch longer but it doesn't have those points so it feels a lot bigger in hand . I removed the points on my 0450 and it feels bigger . A little black paint would cover the ZT logo on the clip .

[@MrGeerbear]

Nick- I knew you would come around on the 0450. It checks the boxes of what you like in a knife. I have the Ti model in anodized blue and just got a hold of the ZDP189 sprint run. Just sold my 0450 CF to buy it. ZT should always offer satin versions of their knives. Coatings too often wear away and can interfere with the action. Remember black is slimming, so I think many times satin blades stand out and can be more intimidating. I agree with you on the hardware. This a a great EDC knife overall.

[@renechavez870]

Dlc is definitely a buyers choice. When I first got into knives all were black “dlc” now as a more seasoned collector I tend to go stone washed but my fav is what shirogorov does in their finish which looks like a mix between stonewashed and blasted... Satin finishes look nice but not my fav, not even hand rubbed is my fav. I love the working finish hinderer does...... anyways I bring up dlc because I got my arius in black dlc and I love it, entirely my choice to go black out, I love what you said low speed low drag, mall ninja something like that hahahahaha- different strokes different folks... i my have to get an arius in your finish that mirror stone washed. Thanks for the vids and his is my rant on dlc finishing.

[@Deer3083]

I love this knife. Carries well and is fun to flick. Its stronger than it looks and cuts very well.

[@YourHandleHere84]

After watching Nick’s review on this I ordered myself one. I ended up with a bit of a QC lemon though (uneven grind, unfinished carbon fiber that actually gave my two cf splinters). In addition to that, while my hands are only just slightly on the larger side of medium, it’s such a small knife that in my brief experience, I found actuating the frame lock a little tricky. I’ve since returned it, but now I’m left wondering if I should try again…

[@anthonyp7051]

So many compliments I’m not sure how I’m gonna sleep tonight!

[@pzkpfw917]

Very good knife. Great review! Thanks, Nicky! Like ZT!

[@Tmankiller72]

Flipped my 0450cf while I watched the review!

[@raymaines5721]

Hey Nick, I think ZT is currently making the knife you wanted. The ZT 0450BLUCF / Magnacut is a regular 0450 with a CF show-side scale and an upgraded blade. I bought one and am loving it.

[@icwhatudont]

great review

[@dubasciver3234]

Nick I’d be interested in seeing you review ZT’s new 0609 when it comes out. Pre-order prices are $220. I wonder if the price is worth it.

[@JRKhoury18]

think you would consider a re-review of the 0808 too? especially with a factory deep carry clip and with the chrome backspacer replaced by standoffs?

[@skoolynugenator1802]

I love the all black look.

[@gregwalker4236]

thanks! i wanted the carbon fiber version of the 450 but not the blackout version, i think they want you to get the 450 and the 452, or feel that if you got what you wanted in the 450, you might drag heels on the 452 ( and they might be right)...

[@waveman0]

I love the looks of the ZT0450CF, but it just doesn't fit my XXL hands well. I wish ZT would make a intermediary model between the 0450 and the 0804 (in the same CF/black DLC ti theme), that is to say a ZT0804CF baby brother (probably end up being in the region of the size of the ZT0808) and in CPM-20CV blade steel.

[@scuzzbecuzz]

I like the black. I think it is absolutely beautiful! I would prefer not to have the clip but not sure it would be easy to take off. But as usual, Nick your reviews are spot on you weenie you

[@jacobs.7205]

I 100% agree on the 0450 cf/silver/black choice. Probably would have bought one if they made that knife.

[@davidlmatteson]

Bought one too. Great knife

[@TZOID08]

I just bought one of these and my initial thoughts are I like it but I have to be conscious of how I'm holding it due to the frame lock and strong detent. The small frame of this knife may lose it's shine fast if I have to retrain myself to deploy the blade because of the aforementioned issue.

[@tecnotrog1]

Finally!! A ZT I like!! ..size and weight wise will work for me thanks Nick!!

[@SurvivalistMedia]

Get a hinderer deep carry clip and it’ll fit in those holes. I bought the clip for about 40 on eBay and got the knife for 150 from Bi Mart. It’s well worth 190 to get the combo. May be my favorite next to the para 3 and the 940. I own the super freek now though so it may kill them all.

[@zilch7116]

I own pm3 and the freak and the 940 and the pm3 just holds a special spot in my heart

[@Swoop180]

It's a beautiful thing!

[@chrisfan8199]

".......Really huge, really MURDERY sorts of knives" HAHAHHA this is gold. Just got into the knives game and your reviews have been helpful.

[@mattm9621]

Hello I like your reviews and value your opinion, I Also have a question. This knife is in my local store for 149.99, I'm in Oregon so there's no sales tax. do you think this would be a good knife at that price?

[@desmoface]

Thanks for the review. Do you prefer the ZT over the Benchmade 940? Thx in advance.

[@Daniel_DiSanto]

Nick, whats your opinion on another favorite Star Wars EU character that we forgot in the ask the Nick live stream: Grand Admiral Thrawn!

[@c158paa]

I purchased a new 0450CF based on your reviews, and the blade grind was atrocious, so I sent it in under the warranty. Easy fix, but only if you have good customer service. What they did in this case was to tell me I should be happy with the knife the way it is. I talked to Elizabeth in customer service who transferred me to Dan who transferred me to Josh. Josh is apparently the manager of the warranty department and he told me anyone would be happy to buy that knife. He said he could see the difference in grinds from one side to the other but the badly ground blade was within tolerance for them. I'm thinking they should change their name to Massive Tolerance. I asked him if he would be happy receiving that knife as a buyer and he had to lie through his teeth to say yes after stuttering about "well, not everyone would notice that", and "knife people have higher expectations than normal people" and that if he had bought that knife he'd just return it. Why? Why would he return it if there is nothing wrong with it? No integrity and poor customer service.

[@ScottyBennitone]

0450 is one of my favorite knives in my collection .now to get an 0900 to compliment it :)

[@JTDavis]

Anyone wondering the exact weight of the 0450 in titanium: 2.90 ounces

[@Cry42]

One question: how close is the tip to the back for the handle when closed? My dad decided to pick up the 0452CF, but he's pricked his finger twice because of how close the tip is to the end of the handle. Does the 0450 have the same issue?

[@loganweber7488]

The 0560 clip should work for it I think, and that's pretty deep carry. I've been considering getting one for my 0450. I bought the 0450 primarily for the action, however I do use my knives and the thickness behind the edge has been kinda bugging me. I've been thinking of trading it for a Mantra.. what do ya think?

[@loganweber7488]

Need some flipping knife advice, I have an 0450 and I like the action a lot, but I don't like the thickness behind the edge. I've been considering selling the 0450 to recoup some funds for a 0562 or Mantra1. My question is how does the 0562 compare to the 0450 as far as action is concerned? Do you recommend one over the other? I'm looking for more of a fall shut action.

[@leoarmstrong3650]

the zt 630 is my favorite!

[@mikaeo23]

It's funny you mentioned aftermarket clips, I had the video paused and had just ordered one from Etsy before hearing that 😂 I do love this knife though. Absolutely zero blade play and good centering, with smooth action. Mine was sorta dull from the factory, but sharpening it was easy enough.

[@grumpyoldwizard]

The “0” designs are a bit to small for my hands; the “2” are perfect. I now have a 452CF and a 460; my next purchase will be a 462, which fits my hand better. I just seem to be hooked on Sincovich (thanks to...YOU). I got lots of wife agro but it is worth it. I just let her get some things she liked :)

[@CoolCforlife]

Wow! I just got a full titanium 0450.. and the action is incredible.. and it already bit me lol right out of the box fall shut. I would love to have a CF scale on the display side though! Great little knife though. I would of gone with the 0452cf its just so damn big. Already aggressive looking enough, even in this size

[@jordanf4064]

Chris Gennin the titanium any good?

[@micTaconator]

So good I had to cop 2...

[@saul78oldrite]

Great review! You've got a new follower!;-)

[@rogie888]

Hey Nick, I have the zt450 and am having a lot of trouble. It sticks and will not open sometimes with as much pressure from my index finger as I can muster. I watched your video, opened it, cleaned it and oiled it and put it all back together. I was surprised there were no extra parts. I will work OK at best for a while then really stick again. Any suggestions? It even feels tight as I try to drop the blade.

[@michaelniedorf8046]

Love the 0452cf but can’t seem to get into the 0450cf I like the 0609 rj Martin blue black

[@TheWetCanadian]

15 minute knife review video without even cutting a single thing. But I’m not even mad. Great review. I love my ZT knife :)

[@syndicate4417]

If you want a deep-carry clip, ZT makes them, on other knives, with the same configuration of screws, and you can buy a replacement, but at $25, you may as well buy the kershaw grid, with the deep clip, and just steal that off of it, PLUS, then you have a decent knife too! That's what I did 😂

[@sergeyishenin673]

My local bimart has them for 150 cf version!

[@joebishop7909]

Nick, do you plan on reviewing the new ZT 0801ti ?

[@mastodonxrp5314]

Great. Now I have to buy one or two.

[@JTDavis]

You could also say its "frankie sized"

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

I need one!!!

[@brycewalts2444]

Just buy both and put the CF SCALE ON THE TI ONE. Haha that's what I did but it leaves an ugly duckling behind

[@scotteger6271]

Could, if you have both, do what I'm considering...taking the black blade and hardware/screws and putting in the titanium version and vice versa.

[@Chinookman]

Is it correct to point out the CF on the 0450 isn’t as chamfered or rounded at the edges as the 0452? Hard to tell from the video and not mentioned at all. Thanks!

[@nordicomsystems8841]

Does this model have a ceramic detent?

[@attercopattercop]

Heads up Nick, the Kershaw Vedder has a black DLC deep carry clip that (even though has the Kershaw logo), they will probably send it to you for free. The Kershaw Grinder has the satin version.

[@JRKhoury18]

Joseph D You can ask for the 0550 clip too

[@Frip36]

I returned my 0450cf. It just left me cold. Too perfect.

[@Mridgwell]

Great review Nick I dig the murderous nature of this knife then went to Pete's channel and the s35 is not so good to go , so it's just a cool looking knife .

[@JayBagwell]

Recon 1 is selling a Sprint run of the 0450 with stainless blade and black G10 for $144 a real steal

[@squintygreeneyes]

anyone take one of these and strip the black * off the blade and/or clip with a dremel? i'm thinking about it, did it on a previous ZT 0350 with hideous shark stripes, did not come out too bad but i prob should have taken it apart first

[@45DJ65]

What is the sharpening angle of the ZT 0450CF?

[@EdenOpher]

Nick we can't be content until you have a ZDP CF version

[@mrleechapman7615]

First thing I did on mine was piss off the clip and put on a deep carry clip from MXG Gear

[@rexczi6299]

6:45 hahahaha never heard such a good on a knive video before 😂😂 hahahaha bloody amazing 😂😂

[@todaysgrailtomorrowsbeater]

You can pick up one of each and switch the scales and hardware.

[@joshbo9501]

So your saying the 452 has better action than the Neon? Both are production.

[@davisssamuel]

I want to buy a Benchmade 32, but I have no real (physical) stores in my area that sell knives (and I live in Kentucky, our knife laws are so loose!). My question is should I take the risk and buy one online? And if so, what site should I buy it from? I don't know if I would trust Amazon's quality control; I'm thinking about buying from BladeHQ, hoping that because their focus is knives they are going to sell quality controlled knives.

[@zleggitt1989]

Bladehq and knives ship free are excellent choices

[@jwalz_5737]

One similarity between the 940-2 and 450cf is the z hunter green backspacers😆

[@rcmast3rtract0rking]

I love my 0450 but afraid to use it because it’s a pig to sharpen. I have a lansky system and it just struggles to hold it 😥

[@bryanstone654]

There's an issue with the holes on the factory pocket clip being a little too large allowing the clip to slide over and cover the lock bar, even with the screws fully tightened, interfering with deployment. There was a thread recently on Bladeforums about this. Did you notice this on the models you reviewed?

[@Darksjeik]

I see you whipping out that 0452cf quit a lot Nick, bet it’s one of your favorites.

[@Jcestanley]

If I put any finger pressure around the flipper it’s near impossible to open. I have to position my hand more to the rear of the knife to flip it.

[@miketheknife3506]

The detent on my knife is really hard after a few flicks it hurts your finger I handed my knife to a girl and told her I bet you can’t open it and she had a hell of a time trying to open it and I really don’t like how late the lockup is on a brand new knife

[@martinfortier]

on the market for a new knife since my 0452cf just got stolen :( Looking to zt0801, zt0450cf, benchmande mini bugout

[@rodrigoteresa7944]

Was this filmed after CedricAda's steel test?

[@NickShabazz]

It's difficult to gauge what to do with information like that. Peter does great work, I totally believe him, and that raises questions. But we don't know if that was a bad knife or batch, or how widespread the issue is. Kizer's had similar issues in the past. The steel is probably still "good to go", even if run softer. And I doubt most folks will notice the difference in practice. But it does seem to mean that ZT needs to up their heat-treat game.

[@westcoastlife7885]

Do you still carry the 450CF?

[@thomaslanders1162]

The 450 is too small in my hand and kind of awkward to deploy..I own all the BM 94Xs, even the black/satin blades. Those are somewhat awkward to deploy especially the 940-2 with smooth G10 and no contouring. They are good in hand though...