The ZT 0456 Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

[@LuvThemKnives]

I really love my ZT456. I actually love the thickness and heft. The design and blue clip and backspacer just make it better. This and the ZT452-CF are my favorite ZT knives. Good review Nick.

[@FearNoSteel]

Outstanding review Nick. Your killing it with these videos

[@kill3rkitt3ns]

I appreciate your honest review of this knife. I'm rethinking my stance on purchasing it now. Very compelling points, thank you for the review.

[@NickShabazz]

+kill3rkitt3ns I do my best. Real shame, this one.

[@davelentz7888]

Your review solidified my purchase. Thanks. Great, thorough review.

[@banditgriot]

I saw your review before trying it out at a local store. You are right about it being better suited for larger hands. However, I really appreciate the size and weight above the action on this knife. I can't wait to employ it in cutting something besides my thumb. Thanks for the review, keep up the good work!

[@cryingrocknathanaeledwards1828]

This is the best macro look at that milling on the handle. Thanks Nick!

[@thetacticalparadigm5331]

Love this review ! Still may buy one of these bad boys, just for awesomeness and collection. You honestly sounded depressed when you said “I really wanted to love this knife” .... carry on looking forward to more of your reviews ...Thank you !

[@stelios413]

Just got one of these beauties with goldie skull anodized scales today, and some titanium blued screws. It's gonna look so amazing ! I'll be posting it on my instagram when its together. Thinking of getting a customized pivot button for the backside too, to really complete the bad assery. This is the only ZT I've really liked and had to have, since 2012.

[@waveman0]

a deep carry pocket clip is available for this knife (the clip fits both the 0450 and 0456), it even is available in various colours including blue. I haven't bothered with buying one though I have found my 0456 rides low enough with the standard clip. Despite the 0456 dimensions and weight I find it carry's well and am entirely happy with the 'chubbiness' of it, they made it feel overbuilt, but not in a bad way.

[@CoolCforlife]

me too! I love this knife. One of my favorites and a keeper for me!

[@waveman0]

I just received a deep carry pocket clip from ZT for free. It is a clip from a ZT 0550 which shares the same screw pattern as the ZT0456, makes a great knife even better IMO.

[@CoolCforlife]

Thanks! I just called and got one too :))) I appreciate the info

[@shaunpearson7905]

replaced clip (powder-coated black) and put in blue ano stand-offs for that huge blue spacer. Added all blue ano for hardware. I like the change and it's a bit lighter. The spacer & clip are the two things on the ugly side here imo. And the deep pocket black clip isn't as I-have-a-knifeish as that neon blue.

[@photographiceye]

I really do like these no bull reviews. Waiting for someone to send you a ZT0220 to review, as I've had my eye on one of those for a while. Most stuff is either too tactical, too heav, too big in the blade, or too expensive. Keep up the great work, your reviews are one of my KZbin highlights.

[@gregshock]

Gotta love your blunt force honesty, Nick. I agree with you about the clip. Oughta be deep carry. I'm gonna buy one!

[@rickydo888]

I just bought it last week after many years waiting,because very hard to buy zt and other good knife in here. Love it and Good video Nick

[@spec2057]

Congrats on the new ZT. Just grabbed this one myself and love it. Thanks for sharing brother. Got another ZT coming today. Vid to come. Love the Norseman..Take care.

[@chickensodelicious]

I don't really understand why you need the edge to fully contact whatever you're cutting right to the back of the blade. The only cutting I can think of where that is a must is with a kitchen chopper. I've never had to cut anything with a folding knife that required me to lay the whole edge flat.

[@billt7283]

chickensodelicious yeah. I keep in mind that most of these guys don't do any real hard work with their knives. Most of these dudes are probably desk jockies and cut some envelopes and cardboard once in a while so they don't really know what cutting random stuff at a labor type job entails

[@dinodevan5727]

I love the way you do your knife reviews

[@NickShabazz]

+Dino Devan Hey, thanks! I'm doing my best to make them useful and enjoyable :)

[@Mrplacedcookie]

Thank' for a great review. agree on the size. and a CF scale on the showside would trim down on the weight. Cheers!

[@gosutuan]

That knife certainly belongs on a shelf! Most beautiful handle design I've seen. You're right about the oversize design and Spydie Techno resemblance. Definitely a collectors item though.

[@dfcvda]

got my 456 today, god I love this brand and this knifes detent is mind blowing.

[@singhda03]

Solid review, this is probably going to be my next ZT

[@blakeg4166]

I hope not.

[@pauldelasco]

Despite potato's resistance I bought one. After flipping it 6 times and Nick's review in the parking lot....i bought a second!!! Mine slices well. No potato's yet however. Great video Nick!!

[@roberthicks686]

Fantastic review!

[@Armithius]

I was able to fix two of your three bad points by getting an aftermarket deep carry clip that helps the...well...carryability. Been looking for something to kick it out of my pocket since I got it, but nothing has unseated it yet. Just ordered a Lionsteel KUR though that may, though. We'll see when I get it in hand. But I digress. Great review as always, sir.

[@allhss320]

Great point on the flipper keeping the part of the blade nearest the handle from being useful on flat cuts, something I wish more knife designers/companies would address. Also, don't forget ZT will send you a deep carry clip that fits the 0456 for free.

[@jerbearnone2012]

I have carried it for about two year in rotation. Thinner and milled out handles would make it a hall of fame knife.

[@555Gear]

Love your review style! Subbed

[@121dodgers]

"Ahh gawd zee teeh... Ya khillin mee!" Lolol. Yeah. Subbed. I enjoy your reviews! Thanks

[@zosonte129]

"nits to pick" I'm going to use that from now on.

[@murrayannandale]

I really love the perspective that Nick gives. The personal opinions and the cold hard facts. I still want this knife :/ One day when I am rich that is

[@hbburny12b81]

this video was the reason for me buying this knife and would love to see a video on taking apart and cleaning it.

[@NickShabazz]

I wish I had one to take apart. But it's a lot like the 0562, if I recall.

[@dfcvda]

I love the Norseman which I have no knowledge of.. until now.

[@JJtastic]

very good review. thank you for sharing.

[@Bischlarbo69]

THE POTATO SURRENDERED.

[@murrayannandale]

I also laughed at that

[@jasonf478]

I read this in beginning of the video. Im done watching now i get it 😂

[@marang1966]

The bad and the uglys don't bother me except the lack of a deep carry clip. I was all set to buy this this month but zt came out with the 0393...had to have it. The 0456 will be next months purchase. As always a great review, thank you.

[@StudioVoodooMusic]

Late to the game I know. One observation that you missed Nick (at least I don't recall you mentioning) this is definitely a right-handed knife. Now that I own one, I can see that the finger cutouts on the bottom of the frame are contoured for a right-handed grip. Trying to hold it in the left hand feels very different and less secure. It might be a deal-breaker for left-handed users. This is my favorite knife to hold. It feels great in the hand and has an amazing, solid action. Love your reviews! Keep up the great work Nick.

[@dcdriveinn]

"The Grimsmo..." *Everyone takes a drink*

[@threesons270]

I got this 2 weeks ago. I changed the pocket clip. It's a great edc knife that looks f'n awesome to. It's a bigger techno and does any job good. My top ZT are still 452cf and 562cf

[@jacobacostamasterscribe2200]

N weezy where did you get a different clip for it?

[@threesons270]

Jacob Acosta Master Scribe eBay it uses the same clip as the 0095 which makes it easier to find since I feel like the 0095 is more in demand

[@TheStabbyCyclist]

Great review. I like your thoughtful criticism. Also, glad to hear you calling out Benchmade because holy wow have they really fallen behind the curve these past few years.

[@rustyvavles6101]

I always have room in my harem for a beautiful women who can't cook, sew or hold an intelligent conversation.I have many others that can.

[@Jeckyll859]

That comment is pure genius!

[@shaunpearson7905]

Need a eunuch?

[@Boot2Ass24]

Your reviews are fast and FUNNY!!! 😎🤙🏽

[@MykeBatez]

Hey Nick, if I have a prodeal for this at half off would you recommend it to a newer knife collector for a good example of a flipping action? In love with that design & the look of the action, so is it worth the weight/size tradeoff at $150?

[@sixsixsix.]

Thanks Nick! Almost made the buy. I believe it's more a showpiece than function; which I'm more for the latter.

[@photoman12001]

Good review. Your description of various flipper actions (mushy vs snappy) is good. ZT is definitely the company to beat right now and I find myself lusting after many of their knives. I'm slowly picking more up and they rarely disappoint. Their fit/finish and features at a given price point are unsurpassed right now. Benchmade's new stuff seems to be pretty uninspired and their prices are getting too high for the fit/finish and features. The 928 Proxy is now $300! I got mine LNIB for $185 and that's about where I feel it should be. Given all the great titanium frame lock flippers on the market (ZT....), I would think that Benchmade could have come out of the gate stronger on this one. I'm really debating between the 0456 and 0909 for my next ZT.

[@stevewelborn8744]

Very good review. I've carried mine 2 days and I'm in love.

[@NickShabazz]

+Steve Welborn Glad you're loving it, the action really is great. Do you love overbuilt, chubby knives?

[@stevewelborn8744]

+Nick Shabazz not usually and 2 days is not long enough to know. I keep checking my pocket to make sure it's there so the weight is not bothering me. It will definitely stay in the rotation.

[@NickShabazz]

Hey, that's awesome. If you can carry this, I'm almost jealous. That action is just incredible.

[@brennenhudson7626]

I completely agree with everything u said on this one Nick. I've had mine since last summer and I've maybe carried it three times. It's just not a good slicer. I still have it tho lol. I've thought about trading it or selling it with my k2. But the action just keeps me coming back to it. Just to flip and look at. It definitely is just a nice show piece. Nice review tho!

[@GutiTheJ]

solid review nick

[@supertrickyrickyandtheslip1473]

I don't care. I'm buying it

[@supertrickyrickyandtheslip1473]

Correction: I have bought it

[@TautologyTechSystems]

SuperTrickyRicky And The Slippery SevenSevens ...Same

[@TautologyTechSystems]

SuperTrickyRicky And The Slippery SevenSevens Correction: Purchased.

[@supertrickyrickyandtheslip1473]

Dr. Tautology I've already got one and it's awesome. First thing I did though was remove the pocket clip. It didn't feel great in the hand with one so now it doesn't.

[@TONYSESLCAFE]

SuperTrickyRicky And The Slippery SevenSevens Yeah, it's practical. Killer knife in looks department...

[@teej361]

I wish it was similarly sized as a Spyderco Techno, I would buy it for sure.

[@richard66754]

+1 on the deep carry clip. (I hope ZT is listening to this review). My birthday is coming up next month. Maybe I’ll specifically tell the woman this is what I want.

[@anthonyp7051]

Great honest vid,I feel the struggle. So much great just not enough

[@MikeHoncho884]

Thanks for the great review! Great accent!

[@wakeride74]

Thanks for the balanced review! Have you had any time in hand with the 0220? I'm considering both.

[@auggieedc205]

I know this is basically a digital archaeological dig for an ancient video but I just wanted to say I got one of the new 0456TIBLU models and I'm sad I've been sleeping on this model for so long and on ZT in general. Definitely rivals my 600+ dollar Hinderers and Medfords and what not for less than half the price! Makes me wonder if I've been needlessly spendy over the years!

[@AKSD1985]

Can you please do a disassemble video of those knife? I own it and it would like to know how to properly torque the screws ad how to take this apart. If this is not too much to ask.

[@KnifeFiend]

just picked one of these bad boys up with alittle surprise ;)

[@Tbone42tx]

Wait for it.. wait for it, wait for it.... here it comes, BOOM! THE GRIMSMO!! LOL JK, i knew it was coming when I seen you flipping threw the knifes.. lol funny

[@beardedbassist8347]

Hi Nick. I just bought this yesterday. Got a great deal on it. Mine just falls shut no need to shake it at all. What size glove do you wear? That would help out with watching your reviews

[@freedomring6364]

Beautiful knife!

[@yogi919]

Good review!!....

[@NickShabazz]

It's always nice to hear from a fan!

[@SOUTHAFRICANKNIFEGUY]

They produced it as a sprint run a blackwash version, that the one I own, any idea how many were produced?

[@timm5358]

Hehe the potato surrendered. I like your videos a lot, I do wonder if the 452cf is still in your collection.. Kind regards from the Netherlands.

[@xRandorii]

The ZT 0456 - IT'S BONE SIMPLE! Hahaha great review my friend.

[@NickShabazz]

+x Randorii I'm going to have to just make that idiom a thing.

[@xRandorii]

+Nick Shabazz you better!

[@treycemccrery7581]

"the potato surrendered" best quote of the week

[@allenrhodes6657]

nice reviews . if I had one gripe it's comparing a Norseman to a ZT. Norseman being a custom or midtech whatever you want to call it . Attention to detail and handwork is reflected in the price .

[@NickShabazz]

+Allen Rhodes Yep, but you've gotta have some basis to compare, and ZT's at the top of the production flipper game.

[@allenrhodes6657]

+Nick Shabazz I agree . Just saying for those that don't know a Norseman starts around 600.00 right ? Do I have folders that flip better ? Of course I've been privelidged to be able to score some RJ martins. They are probably the best flippers on the market . Comparing those to a ZT just isn't fair. I get where your coming from and working with what you have . Not bashing you at all.

[@freqeist]

Love it

[@josepmariaaguascaribot9239]

The sheep's foot of the ZT-0456 is the one that convinces me the most.

[@xohmyheadx]

I'm all for things with pleasurable openings! :D

[@tantofan6481]

Not in blade shape, but I compare my 0456 to my Reate New-Torrents. I like the blade shape of the 0456 better. I actually like the weight of the 0456. Both are very well built full Ti frame lock flippers. They both flip incredibly. One of the Reate guys said his 0456 had to go back because the blade grinds were very asymmetric.

[@jamesjoyce2528]

Great review. The problems you note apply to a number of ZT knives, in particular the ZT350. Heavy, fat, not all that comfortable to hold or carry.

[@allenrhodes6657]

Also forgot to add. If the pocket clip is that big of a bother check out USA KNIFE MAKER IIRC . cheap clips . I believe the 0560 clip may could fit on that knife. USA knife maker might have a cheap clip to fit it . Used them a few times to get a better clip on a ZT

[@alisuperhornet]

Nick please review the 0220!

[@elephantricity]

A local store has this knife.. thinking about buying it. First thing I thought when handling it, was damn, this handle takes up a ton of room in the hand. The action is awe-inspiring though. I kind of like the chubbyness of the knife though, makes it seem indestructible. When I carry a knife, I want to feel it, and know its there. I don't want to "forget" its there ever, because thats when accidents happen.

[@roughroosterknifesharpenin5531]

I love this blade, I come over from birds channel

[@threesons270]

Nick. Since the Norseman is not in production. What would you recommend in the $400-$500 price range with the same action and fit n finish, smooth rounded shape. Obviously blade shape can be different. Not a fan of the look of the Razels style. Most importantly something that is more or less obtainable

[@lucacadianalbert]

I soooo wanted to love this knife. That blade shape was calling my name and I absolutely love the looks of it, but when I saw the weight I said "hell no". I would say that fasteners threading directly into the scales is a "bad". I personally think it's a bad design. I've had one go wrong in the past and had to replace the whole scale. Speaking of Spyderco - they are some pretty nice knives in the pipeline (see Spydercollector.com). I cannot wait for some of those to start showing up. You need to check the Spydiechef - oh man! Great review - Thanks Nick!

[@NickShabazz]

I didn't think of the screw holes stripping, that's a good point. But at the same time, I can't say I've had much trouble with screws into spacers and whatnot stripping out. I just loved the simplicity of not worrying about securing the other side of the screw. Great comment!

[@EasternGateGuardian]

ZT dominates 2016 the detants are different from knife to knife I think. my 562cf is very crispy like my 452, but 808 is not good, the detant is not strong and needs to be light switched open.

[@dawhitecastle]

Just ordered mine! Can't wait to get it in hand. That said... i have to disagree with you on the Benchmade comment. I have many Benchmades...and they have wonderfully smooth actions, excellent materials and I do love Benchmade...but I do love ZT also. :)

[@meson183]

I bought one of these on the back of your review. Most of your bad and ugly points relate to the practicalities of pocket carry. I bought it as a desk queen. Something that is snazzy looking and handles nicely that is way overkill for home desk duties, but is none-the-less fun. Beware any potatoes that cross my desk.

[@piperkennard1039]

I know this is an old video but i dont know why they very Ignorantly discontinued this knife. Enjoyed the video 👊

[@thebusinessend1]

does the blade get stuck if you press on the lock bar, like the 450 and 452 and all my other zt's do?

[@NickShabazz]

+Lemon Slush Loves Knives If you're actively pressing on the lock-bar and increasing the detent strength, it's going to be impossible to flip open damned-near-any flipper. I didn't check that specifically here, but I'm sure it's still the case.

[@Brunomills]

I thought that tool was a vernier caliper and not a micrometer.

[@sander.s4604]

im gonna buy it but replace the front scale with carbon fiber, either mill out the existing scale to have cf on top or just go bare cf.

[@hbburny12b81]

Ok thanks!!

[@paulhughes3961]

I bet it's not better than my 0095bw. I'm talking very snappy and the blade just falls into the handle, without any wiggle.

[@Squillaempusa.]

i love it.

[@TautologyTechSystems]

Vaudeville? Nice. Subscribed.

[@elboogy]

man if zt remakes this and refines it, it would be killer. Reduce thickness, milled inside to reduce weight, better bearings, cut out on blade for flicking. And this may be top 3 blade od 2022.

[@anthonyb2990]

Hey Nick do you by any chance know what drive the pivot is and the size?? I can't see what drive or size it is for some reason.

[@NickShabazz]

I want to say T8, but I forget exactly which. Sorry!

[@anthonyb2990]

Nah that sounds right, you have a ton of knives. can't expect u to memorize all the pivots lol, thanks.

[@NavySooner]

It seems like a left friendly version of the Spyderco Drunken

[@johnkennedy9078]

Anyone else buy the brown handle edition? My only complaints about the knife are the feel of the handle and the grinding sound it makes when I open it... think i'm becoming a knife snob 😒

[@poisoncobra7]

i guess this knife isnt for everybody, i don't like the thickness and length of it, as you said it would be a superb knife if it was a little longer, it's one of the best designs i have seen in a long time, and i love the blue titanium

[@shaunpearson7905]

That Norseman is beautiful, but why use it as a reference? How many people can relate to a very hard to acquire thousand dollar knife? And to be fair Nick, this knife was at no time meant to be a "slicer" - many ZTs have the flipper in the way. But your talking about it made me appreciate what Isham did with the Megatherium and the "edge below tab" flipper design. As always appreciate your videos.

[@MetalsForBrunch]

This is zt signature going bold thats why the weight is heavy.

[@pointb1528]

Have purchased one and carried for a while now. You definitely have personal feelings that come through in your reviews. How you can say that the Graham Rasel is great but this isn't because of weight and size just makes no sense. I have both too and if I was to say that about the 456 I would have to say the same about the GR. So I do find your review inconsistent and very subjective based on the fact that you probably like the GR more...maybe because it cost more?? Action blows the Rasel away.

[@NickShabazz]

You do realize, of course, that a review is nothing *but* one's subjective personal feelings? Of course they come through! And the Razel is a bit thinner, which I prefer, and fits my hand better.

[@nickybillou1327]

Dear Nick, great review. But I disagree with you on the bad and the ugly. The clip is great. The belly rocks. Its heft is what attracts me to it. And I love my 456.

[@mjgayle52]

"micrometer" or calipers? - shop was a long time ago so not sure :-)

[@NickShabazz]

+mjgayle52 mis-spoke!

[@mjgayle52]

i could never be on youtube - you do a great job - thanks!

[@NickShabazz]

Thanks!

[@jacobwalkup4592]

Did a spit take when you said "bone simple" 🤣

[@CenturianCornelious]

The thick handle is a requirement for men who do actual work with knives. Slender handles cause cramps after a while. The weight, though, yeah, that's an issue.

[@Code2142Loco]

Thanks, Nick! After listening to your review, I think I'm going to pass on the 0456. Also, it was easy to listen to your review. What do I mean? Well, it wasn't some murderess, SLOW, struggling, drone, that, in the end, I couldn't remember a damn thing the reviewer said.

[@NickShabazz]

+Code2142Loco Hey, thanks so much. I try *so* damned hard to get in, make the point, and get the hell out before people fall asleep, so I'm glad you appreciate it. This was one of my longer reviews, but this little guy deserved it. And yeah, I don't blame you on skipping this one. What a shame.

[@maxguitarhero]

Haha I will say it a thousand times, the Reate Hills (though it is 3.6" in blade length) is brilliant. It flips hard like a zt0450 but does not even hint at requiring as much force to flip out. It takes a bit of shake to get it to fall shut, but oh man it is amazing. It does not feel as big as it is, and literally is a bigger template to the 0450 but with the handle you mentioned you'd prefer (the hump at the hell gone) were you to change something on the grip of the 0450. The Reate Hills is a compromise between the 0452 and the 0450 in size and hard lines. I'd send you mine to review if I could manage to part with it (Get anxious and feel naked when it's not in pocket lol).

[@NickShabazz]

+Maxwell Super (Atomedge Sharpening) Lol. No need for separation anxiety. Reate is on my radar. :)