Zero Tolerance 0609 Final Diagnosis - Good ZT, Bad ZT

My final thoughts on the 0609. A nice adaption of the RJ Martin design, but now in an ideal EDC size. Unfortunately it comes with a fatal flaw...the same one as the 0606.
What do you think?
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[@SOUTHAFRICANKNIFEGUY]

Oh shit you are a real doctor!!!! 😂😂😂 I had no idea! No wonder you can afford any piece you want!!!

[@RedderThanAres]

Awesome review! I personally feel like you hit one important point after another, great use of the time you allotted for this video. I especially like that you show the size right between the PM2 and Para 3 as reference.

[@davidgray6622]

Thank you for a great review! I love this knife. Definitely one I will buy... as soon as the tool is included in the box.

[@aaronmulcahy2004]

Great video! I love the knife even though it has the proprietary Pivot. The size and weight are perfect for me and the blade slices through material smoothly. Thankfully I was able to pick one up that was centered and I will definitely be ordering the deep carry pocket clip. Thank you!

[@jimm244]

Handled one at my LKS. I was surprised by how thin it feels in hand. I love everything about the blade: thin stock, broad taper, excellent finishing along the spine. I agree that the proprietary pivot without including the necessary tool (gratis) is a huge fail. I’ll be picking one up anyway, AFTER the tool hits the street. I can’t deny love.

[@montyhockey99]

Love the review! New sub! May I ask, what kind of surgeon are you?

[@magicdave93]

Basically they shouldn’t release a knife until they have the tool to service it, WE did why can’t ZT. Great video!

[@faretheewell3711]

I noticed that ergonomic improvement with the 0450 deep carry mxg clip also

[@CedricAda]

Great review man. I love the direction they’re going. Would love to see them go further towards slim knives

[@19Bearsfansince79]

Nope...don't like slimmer knives....I have man hands...not little boy hands

[@christopherfletcher4900]

Links in the video description to these companies that you reference would allow me to locate exact product and provide additional revenue to you. I'd love to support your channel this way!

[@joetee5105]

Love this little knife. I was lucky enough to score its big brother the 606 what a knife.

[@SOUTHAFRICANKNIFEGUY]

Yes the only knife that will not make dr frunkey’s operating table anytime soon!!

[@SilverStackers]

100%agree..needed to be about 10% bigger, deep carry clip and have the tool available at launch....i will get one second market because it looks great other wise, but i wont pay full price now and wait for a tool that MIGHT come out.

[@MartinPeterWhitney]

Great diagnosis! Think I would get this knife in hand before I decided get it!

[@carlstanland5333]

Doctor Frunkey’s sweaty and funky corrosion test.

[@mitchelldelmar9682]

Your hardware additions did wonders for your example. Much nicer than the stock. No pivot tool is a self-inflicted wound, but the knife has sold well so maybe the target market doesn't care. Maybe ZT sees it selling and doesn't want to dedicate additional resources for the tool.

[@chrisfranks2215]

I bought one of these based on your initial review. I even got the same screws from Blades We Love! Great knife. My detent is really stiff though. Not sure if yours is like that too.

[@Pro_Vs_Con]

Where did you get the bronze torx screws? And what sizes are they by chance? It looks amazing! Thanks for the video!

[@SOUTHAFRICANKNIFEGUY]

A couple of comments doc, first I love this production piece very very smooth! However I feel I was wrong to release the knife without the pivot tool, second one of my favorite knives is the discontinued zt 0900 I heard zt will never again release a small knife in that size I don’t know if it’s true because like you said there is a market for small knives

[@SliceyDicey]

Also... The 0450 doesn't fit my hands at all or I'd still own one. The 0609 works way better for my hands.

[@petergalione9704]

Slicey Dicey The lip at the end of the handle ruins the ergos on the 0450 for me. Plus the blade grind bothers me.

[@SliceyDicey]

Peter Galione Yep. Exactly my issues.

[@EDCwithAaron]

Yep, 0450 ergos are atrocious for me. You either need XS or XL hands for that knife.

[@codyflood6995]

I know this is an old post, but where did you get the bronze hardware frunkey?

[@bobsaffron8284]

Thanks for the review. It's a very attractive model. Does if suffer from ZT lock failure if spine tapped?

[@dillon10b14]

Hey I know this is a super old vid but I was wondering your opinion, since you’re one of the few people I’ve seen that had the kizer lancer 2 how do you feel about that vs this zt? Would you sell the lancer 2 for this zt or perhaps the 0562? Thanks

[@michaelniedorf8046]

I think this is one of my favorite knives I have the blue black version

[@jonathanchamblee7863]

What would you get between the 609 or the benchmade 940- 1501 (knifeworks ex. )? Obviously if you could only get 1

[@slidetek]

The thing that would tick me off the most is they announced a tool. Without one, this pivot is a failed experiment. I too was shocked when this wasn't the same size as the original, unlike the 0393. I have a 0450, and TBH form me it's just a bit on the small side for a frame lock flipper, but I'm a big guy. I'm not keen on low voltage anodizing either, but it makes for a good deep color in photographs and is relatively durable. So, would you benefit from a Medtronic O Ring and ditch the radiation & lead apron?

[@sethprice241]

Good news bro, I found that tool you're talking about on ebay! 😁

[@bigshoe84ify]

What's the scale you used in the video? Looks like a simple, hopefully affordable ounce scale. Thanks

[@stevebaar]

Great review Doc. 100% agree with you. I'm on my 2nd 0609. I was lucky (or unlucky) to snag one right when it dropped, it had blade play and back and forth movement when closed. I was able to return it for store credit, but had to wait several months for the replacement which came fully functional and centered. I absolutely enjoy this knife, but I also HATE!!! the way zt has handled this entire release of the 0609! We were show this brilliant golden bronze ano on the scales at shot show which I loved! And then we got the dull boring low volt ano upon finality. And then the damn pivot tool situation which is such an ugly slap in the consumers FACE!!! I've had that freakin tool on pre-order from knifecenter since it first showed up on their website! I've even called and emailed zt / kai ind. multiple times and not once have they responded to me. NOT ONCE!!! I think I'm breaking up with you ZT!!! Frank, keep up the good work and have a great weekend bro!

[@mikem4259]

You carry this in your scrubs? You don’t use it in surgery do you? This is a great knife. I don’t mind the pivot tool issue because I only take apart my Chris reeve’s. I kinda wish the handle was a hair longer, but otherwise, it’s perfect, for me.

[@magicdave93]

If WE can supply the pivot tool for their knives (free)why can’t ZT? It’s such a gorgeous design let down by that one thing. Great review!

[@111111111Tiger]

I have two 0450's and one of these. I'm not loosing sleep over the STP Tool. It will appear at some point and the street price will be $10-$15. Mine came centered with a great flipping action. I wish the knife had lanyard hole. I prefer a lanyard over a clip.

[@jpbernie72]

111111111Tiger you were right! Right on the money!

[@mattszymanski4684]

Is this a blank pallet to be Frunkdafied?

[@jerryhague6861]

Nuff said!

[@12345678927164]

Did you use this on the patient?

[@garyjacobs2484]

Great reveiw as always. I like the knife but don't love it. I'll pass on this one. Excuse my ignorance but what do you mean when you say you wear lead when you're in the operating theater. Is it some kind of protection from radiation or something?

[@DoctorFrunkey]

gary jacobs yes exactly. I wear a lead vest and kilt to protect me from the xrays during spine surgery.

[@robertlefeaux]

@@DoctorFrunkey So you protect your heart n' balls but not your eyes and brain? Semi serious question here, I only get the apron when I get xrays.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

@@robertlefeaux it is important to cover tissues with high turnover rate, like the thyroid, lungs, internal organs, and reproductive organs. Tissues without high turnover are less affected by radiation like the brain and eyes. Over time, xrays can have a stochastic effect on the lens of the eye and can produce early cataracts.

[@mannyz5307]

It works for me. I have smaller hands. I like the bronze accent.

[@abc456f]

After seeing some videos and reading forums regarding zt lock failures, I decided to test my nine zt's. With only light spine taps, six of nine frame locks failed. Would you consider these knives unsafe? I'm torn between keeping them and never carrying them or selling.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

This has been coming to the forefront recently. I am not sure it is unsafe, as a sponge whack is not an accurate assessment of EDC use. But I am disappointed that the lock issue is happening.

[@abc456f]

@@DoctorFrunkey ZT has been my favorite brand since I started collecting. I didn't pay much attention to the lock failure stuff, partly because I just didn't want it to be true. Now that I've proved it, it's extremely disappointing! I won't buy another zt unless they come out and publicly admit the problem. I consider zt all show and no go.

[@Barphammer]

I don't think it's an issue at all. Never have I needed to beat something with the spine of my knife. Anyway when you grip the knife you add strength to the lockup. I would be much more concerned with the stop pin strength than lock strength.

[@SteveKluver]

Thanks Doc. I smelled this coming at launch. When we didn't see the tool right away. I passed. And all this misery, for what? A *decorative* pivot, with proprietary hardware. The idea, from the very beginning. Was flawed. Real Steel, a few years back got it right. On their Sea Eagle. This is not new ground they are breaking here.

[@MichielVanhoudt]

IMO it's impossible to do an RJ Martin design without the iconic pivot. I talked to them at IWA and including the STP Tool would just up the price with 20-25$. Not everybody takes apart their knives, so I don't mind it. As far as comparing it with the 0450, both are slim small knives, but the 0609 is a better slicer imo being thinner behind the edge. ZT got back to me last week, saying the tool will be available in august. This knife has been, in my pocket most of the days since I got it 2 months ago.

[@cyphersuit1]

Btw we are still waiting for the tool for the shiro sigma. They said on their forums it will be around 300 dollar.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

ouch

[@SOUTHAFRICANKNIFEGUY]

Yeah that’s the thing mine came perfectly centered too you can’t help but think ZT paid special attention to have this knife perfectly centered on each and every one but even still this is a production piece that’s not possible

[@SOUTHAFRICANKNIFEGUY]

The reality is if you are just perfectly centered and mine is perfectly centered we just got lucky the people who owned these knives especially someone like myself who is just now learning how to take knives a part and be comfortable doing it they really cannot cut us off and not allow us to maintain our own knives as we see fit I agree with you this is wrong of ZT

[@jcb6713]

...I have the 0609BLK/S35VN/MXG Black clip...no issues at all...does tick me off about waiting for the pivot tool...have a great week...

[@frankbutta9344]

The handle looks like my CRKT Eros Ti knife. The color change is wacky!

[@larryliao8957]

it's on ship now......

[@jacobmanalang8162]

i dont really understand using the same knife for cardboard cutting, box opening, and food prep...i mean i would wash it before and after use especially since its been in my pocket...but i guess im weird? if its dedicated for food im not going to use it for other tasks. but i guess if you dont work in the food industry it doesnt really matter. i dont work in food anymore. i know youre a doctor so i dont doubt you sanitize your knife when necessary. i just hear a lot of people say they use their folders for food prep and all that stuff and i should stop being a pansy. im not perfect when it comes to hand washing so i cant judge. in a pinch, yes. ive done it before. cutting salad with a microtech ultratech dagger sucked ass... anyways i really enjoyed the review. because of your 0393 review i pulled the trigger on it and have carried it for the last...2 months? love it. it actually replaced my 0450 for edc so this review was super helpful. i almost bought this knife over the 0393!

[@DoctorFrunkey]

jacob manalang happy that this review helped guide your decisions. I do clean my knives after use. And certainly before a food prep situation. As a "reviewer", I will often use my knives for things that are wholly unnecessary like making food.

[@nathanandrade876]

You're not alone! I can't stop shaking my head when I hear the same thing...people cutting whatever AND food... Same reaction with people eating without washing hands...it's disgusting. Lack of hygiene brings baterias and sometimes diseases. (Yes, I'm imune to a lot of stuff, since I'm never sick ;) so no argument there)

[@jacobmanalang8162]

glad to see im not alone on this! i know everyones like IT SLICES! IT DICES! IT MAKES FIRE! look what it did to this box! now rope! now a tree! now an apple! now back in my pocket! NOW I PUT FROG LUBE ON IT. YUM! WHO NEEDS RANCH? all the while im just like ughhhh....did you wash that? guess im not a real man hahaha

[@19Bearsfansince79]

@@nathanandrade876 I'm not saying washing hands is bad, but the more the immune system is exposed to germs the stronger it gets....

[@nickkazarian3334]

Very cool and honest review. I personally hate proprietary hardware. ZT dropped the ball on this one. Thank you for sharing, Doc.!

[@93tedd]

It's got a lot taller grind than the 0450, it looks like. the 0450 really isn't good for apple slicing, which is important to me. this one could very well be. Is it? It should be... While ZT REALLY dropped the ball with this whole pivot affair, no doubt, I actually still feel compelled. I would make the tool myself either way. When will you be selling it? I hope I can jump on that, would be really cool to have a knife once owned by one of my favorite reviewers!

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Ted Dahlqvist sorry man this knife has been sold and now lives in Ireland.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Ted Dahlqvist but thanks for the comments!

[@Gaston-Monescu]

It’s great for apple slicing. By my very inexperienced assessment, the thickness behind the edge is about 0.023 inches, and it came extremely sharp from the factory. This is one of the best EDC blades I’ve seen. Fortunately mine came perfectly centered with great detent and action and has stayed that way, so I’ve had no desire to adjust the pivot yet.

[@Bad_Rattle]

😂😂😂 DLC knife... Should've bought the Ultimate edition

[@petergalione9704]

Josh P “The knife of the year” edition will be out next year. It will include all the DLC.

[@floydsaban4897]

It’s not “low voltage” bronze, it’s actually closer to gold and is much higher in voltage if you take the time to look at the titanium anodizing voltage spectrum. The reason yours looks dingy is because you don’t clean your body oil off of it which will interfere with the refractory effect of any anodized item. If you take the time to understand the physics behind how that works you will realize that there is nothing ZT or anyone else could do to change this. Wipe it down with any alcohol pad in the hospital and you will see the refraction return. Similarly to caring for the blade itself, this is just part of the cost of owning ANY anodized item. Separately the blade is already 3.4 inches, do you really think 0.1 inch would significantly change how it feels to you?

[@carlosmatos9848]

Dr. Frunkey in surgery "Nurse hand me the forceps. Scalpel. Nevermind, 0609 will do"

[@SOUTHAFRICANKNIFEGUY]

Can u give me the site where you get your anodizing done, I asked them a question awhile back and they didn’t answer, I take it you actually have to fill out the form and send in your stuff before they give you a quote??

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Send him a message on IG or an email. He will respond. www.fanaticedgeknives.com/contact-us/ instagram.com/fanatic_edge2.0/

[@ReadyAimFire_]

Tool or no tool i dont care, gonna buy it because its fbeautiful.

[@Rivy_ID]

Completely agree, the 0450 is a better knife and better buy.

[@jpbernie72]

1,000,000% on the deep pocket clip? Wow. I think I will buy it but only at 100% of the cost.

[@cyphersuit1]

Its the 609 right?!

[@DoctorFrunkey]

oops, fixed, thanks!

[@jacknemo8021]

Shabazz is right. You should have simply mentioned the knife and your refusal to review it and the reasons therefore. We absolutely do not need a DLC format in this area. It has poisoned the gaming arena, we don't need that.

[@Foxrock321]

Yeah one year later they do have the tool.for 18 bucks..eh!

[@SliceyDicey]

A tale of two ZT's? See what I did there? Eh??? (I am also 100% sick of waiting for this freaking pivot tool to get produced. They should have held the knife back until it was ready. I would have waited if I'd have known how long it was going to take for the tool.)

[@totschopper]

I'll take it

[@jtucci5711]

Sounds like the typical arrogance I associate with the ZT Brand, the fact that you are unable to operate on your 0609 breaks my heart Doc.

[@Foxrock321]

Yeah the 0452 and 0801 is the size your shooting at

[@waltermiller7505]

Looks just like a crkt ripple

[@brianfollett687]

Thats a really great knife , but the pivot cituation is bullshit . All they had to do was stamp a torx head on the top of the pivot hole , on both sides , and problem solved . I have a Real Steel Sea Eagle with a similar pivot and thats what they did , it works great. I love ZT , but this seams to be some type of hidden greed on their part , I really hope this isn't the way they are going , I'd hate to have to stop buying ZT's , I am not going to pay $50 - $75 for a little metal tool , that should have come with my $220.00 knife anyway , I'll just make one . So , I'll just hope for the best , wait for their apology and the free tool . YEAH RIGHT , whats the chances of that ....

[@RebelForce8]

its a CRKT Ripple!

[@Scorpiomaj27889]

The tool is now available on the website for the low price of $24.99, what a scam.

[@MetalRush666]

Proprietary pivot gets a 👎, no tool with the knife-👎, after a month they release a sprint run still no tool-👎and another 2 months still no tool. Even if I wanted it I wouldn't do it I don't think. Just bad decision making on their part.

[@schlaghappy]

Messed up the title a bit my dude.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

How so?

[@schlaghappy]

The knife you're reviewing isn't the 0606.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

oops, thank you!! I missed that ;) fixed it!

[@5OclockSharp]

I’m just not a fan of ZT anymore.

[@saiyanprince7325]

wait your like a legit docter

[@petergalione9704]

DLC 🤣🤣🤣

[@joelribeirof]

Aqui caralhool

[@LoveLife-xy9ir]

The Lock up on this is Terrible. Half a mm ...or 1mm max ! A danger. That blade is awesome but a danger. Its a design flaw with this one Im being honest. Returning mine. The seller is unhappy but its not my fault.

[@VicariousReality7]

5:00 You dont have a fucking spanner..... mate....

[@don0giorgio]

IMHO this ZT is an abomination. Like if i would want to make the most ugly piece of crap, that one would be it

[@19Bearsfansince79]

This blade is almost as bad as some of the Sinkevich designs...not for me I prefer to carry a blade made for men....not metrosexuals lol

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I find it amazing this blade brings out such introspection.