Zero Tolerance ZT0450 Review: Stunning Form -- Adequate Function

Here's my comprehensive review of the new for 2015 Zero Tolerance ZT0450. It's a sleek, sexy and stylish High-End EDC blade that has proven quite popular in its first year of existence. Let's break it down and see if it lives up to its reputation...

[@northernninety7]

Just got this knife. Love it. So far it's the only knife I have that doesn't have production flaws like an uneven grind, off centering etc.

[@donnellis8865]

I bought the 0450 about 4 months ago and like it very much, but I have small to medium hands and the different grips feel good to me. I was going to send the knife to you for sharpening and thought you might review it, but someone beat me to it. Thanks for your truthful review as always.

[@MrEunderwood]

I really appreciate your knowledge and opinion of knives. I always check out your reviews before I buy a new blade. As a machinist, I know that when a man speaks the language of thousandths that he knows what he's talking about.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

another good review been interested in picking one up for review my initial thought is the bigger brother is the way to go but your changing my mind.

[@dickerson89]

I have been carrying this knife for a couple of months now and I agree out of the box the Detent was really strong.. However as this knife has gotten broken in It has gotten so much smoother and turned into one of my favorite flippers.. With time and flipping.. the detent will get softer.. mine has gotten to the point that i can put a lot of pressure on the lock bar and it still flips with ease. One thing i could helpful in breaking this knife in is to move the pocket clip to the left more where it is not placing as much pressure on the lock bar especial if your like me and rest your fingers on the clip when flipping! I enjoy your reviews! and good luck with moving

[@blanebiondolillo430]

that choil is a real handy cap,and thank you for pointing it out,as not alot of people would no how to fix that problem.

[@jrevs7360]

So I've had this knife for a while and lately it's been hard to flip with my middle finger on the clip. After watching your video I realized that the clip had slid over to the lock, so I loosened the clip and slide it over where it is supposed to be and tightened it down.. Works perfectly! Thanks!

[@convoku]

wow very comprehensive and fair. i use my blades for simple EDC (nothing tougher than the occasional cardboard box or plastic package), i think this will be a great knife for me. thanks!

[@CampfireTalk]

When this knife was released I was enthusiastic about it. I thought for it's efficiency of size it could compete with 940. Always good to hear your thoughts on the pros and cons. Thanks!

[@TheApostleP]

+CampfireTalk It definitely has that 940-like size efficiency, but that's where the similarities end, really. It's nowhere near the 940 in ergonomics, or even cutting ability. It is better looking though ;)

[@CampfireTalk]

***** Benchmade 940

[@knifesketch101]

Thanks for your knowledgeable take on knives. I appreciate the video.

[@Cherokie89]

Ive been looking at this lately. Conveniently timed video. They took the 808 and made it lighter and cheaper.

[@patriotbill1156]

Your edge work is beautiful. Good job. :)

[@cwrowe]

When you said similar to Chris Reeve heat treated blade....that was what pushed me to order one.....I agree unbelievable quality for the money

[@gfbriden]

Very good insight, into the brand image, and this particular (beautiful) knife's flaws.

[@SolosKnifeReviews]

Thanks for the shout out, 15:50 I can sharpen this knife stock on a stone with zero frame problems. Love freehand for this very reason, you are able to adapt and overcome

[@carlosmatos9848]

Both ZT and Kershaw do a great job of placing that indentation on the pocket clip. On the opposite side you've got the Para 3 with that hourglass clip in tip down config which just feels like the knife could slip right out of your hand.

[@everydayjonny4105]

I've been waiting for you to get your hands on one of these! I've been torn between the 0808 and 0450. The weight of the 0450 almost sells it for me still, but I think I might enjoy the 0808 more. For now I'm happy with my recently aquired Spyderco Techno which for about a year I did not buy because it seemed like a southpaw's nightmare. After handling one I can say I enjoy the spydy middle finger flick on it and I love the design.

[@Happyland_Motel_Gamer_Cat]

Awesome Review!

[@Below-Average_Joe]

It's been my EDC since the summer, and I love it! It sharpens nicely on my DMT Diamond rod. I use for all sorts of utility, and to honest, it is never uncomfortable. Mine has been flipped a lot, and it is very smooth and broken in. I think it is very practical.

[@dinodevan5727]

I also use a sharpening rod and love the knife.

[@eli1882]

I like DMT lol

[@abc456f]

Just ordered a limited edition zt 450 with g10 on one side. My first zt knife. My next zt will be the 452cf in a few months. Got a little crazy and ordered a Benchmade griptilian 553bk, and a new limited edition RAT 1 with D2 steel in carbon fiber. I only have about a dozen knives but I definitely caught the bug. I enjoy firearms as well but knives are less expensive. And I think I have all the guns I really need. But we all know there's a difference between need and want!

[@danmartin4552]

You have mentioned the spinning pivot problem with the 0562cf, I have owned mine for 3 months now, and so far so good, centering and lock up are still perfect. However I have yet to take it apart. I just got a 0770cfM4 (hell yeah CPM M4) has the oddly far forward jimping problem as well I am liking the look of this one, I thought I was going to go for the 0808, but something about the lock bar side just does not look right to me. This 0450 seems like this would be a great for a small/gentlemanly EDC.

[@1113jackson]

I did the finger choil mod on mine, per your recommendation. Much better.

[@edged_mindset]

Love the look of this one! Just so dang small!

[@scuzzbecuzz]

Great review. I had a ZT 450 and lost it so I bought a ZT 450CF OF course after I bought the 450CF I found the 450. The pictures of the 450CF do NOT give it credit. It is a beautiful piece of art Your knowledge of edge sharpening blows me away!

[@neroknives1828]

I sharpened mine all the way to the back on stones as it came from zt. Didn’t get a flare at the plunge either

[@carlosmatos9848]

Looks good. My 0450 was like a hatchet out of the box, 26 dps in some spots, and had a slight recurve in front of the heel. Ended up taking it down to 23 dps, but it still isn't that great of a slicer, so I'll probably go to 20 dps next time.

[@lumspond]

I don't understand why designers can't make the sharpening choil correctly. It's perfect on my large 21, out of the box. CutleryLover just uploaded a new video on a new Brous knife. Once again, same issue (although the lockup is much better). That choil is the first thing my eye goes to on a knife. Ugh.

[@dbtrackz33]

I was about to pull the trigger on this knife before seeing the flaw you mention about resharpening. How much do you charge to modify the edge?

[@jseden]

I love this knife but it just wasn’t a great fit for me as an EDC.. my first issue was the lack of cutout on the right scale, making it hard to unlock with changing my grip. The next was the flat grind.. I never knew I’d miss the hollow grind that I’d carried for years so much. Beyond that, it’s just a little large for my tastes. It’s basically the absolute maximum size I’ll carry. The construction, fit, finish, action, aesthetics and ergonomics are excellent but despite eyeing it for years, it just didn’t quite gel with me. I’ll still keep it and use it for stuff but my ideal EDC it is not. It was actually this knife that made me realize that a small, plain, standard sebenza was what i really wanted. Prior to the ZT, I’d carried a sanrenmu 7010 for years. I loved it and still do but I wanted something higher end. The ZT seemed like the perfect compromise between the sanrenmu and a sebenza.. it’s close, but it just confirmed that I needed to get another crk. Losing my first crk was what led to me carrying the 7010 for so long.

[@joeMopar412]

Did you put the secondary mirror edge or was that an out of the box edge?

[@totschopper]

Is there any way to cut out a relief to access the lock bar better?

[@drivingmuffin]

As you are flipping the knife open and closing it, it reminded me of something I have thought about many times. Does the actual edge slam against the inside of the handle when you are doing that? I'm always reminded of that when I play with my pocket knife, but don't know if it's such a big of an issue as I make it out to be. It doesn't seem to have affected the sharpness when I check, but the thought of it kind of bugs me. I really like your videos, btw! :-)

[@hyssean12]

no way man the edge doesn't hit. most likely the base of the blade hits a stop pin when closed. It will never hit the edge.

[@vxgas]

+Andris Kompelien If it does, it's a defective blade. This was what happened to my new version cold steel code4 and I returned it immediately.

[@Schroeder_-yh4sq]

funny story I went to court on 2 separate occasions. the first was on a 9/11 day and the second was December 7. they just loved to make me go on bad days in our history.

[@cwrowe]

Question Rob: I was doing some heavy cutting and the lock bar got stuck on this knife. How would I fix that so it wouldn't happen again? It is working fine but sort of made me angry that occurred......

[@TheApostleP]

+cwrowe That's kind of a freak occurrence I think. That steel on steel interface should preclude that from happening under normal use. I'd probably leave it alone unless it happens with regularity.

[@masonorr2334]

Review the zt 0460

[@Frip36]

Have you reviewed the SOG Tomcat? If so can you give me the link. I can't find it. Thanks. Always loved your reviews.

[@dbtrackz33]

How much to give it a finger choil, and your awesome edge? Do you have an email you handle these inquiries through?

[@TheApostleP]

+dbtrackz33 $35 plus 7 return postage for the full meal deal, including sharpen, spa and finger choil. Email me at [e-mail]

[@vrp87]

Or some of us own one of the many belt sharpeners on the market...

[@twiceborn_by_grace]

Are the thumbstuds of the Benchmade 950 Rift supposed to spin or move around?

[@TheApostleP]

Only if they're loose... T6 Torx.

[@DavidLowry1]

+Nate Rivera Nope. They are not T6 Torx either. They are a 3/16 standard 12 point socket.

[@twiceborn_by_grace]

***** and how do i tighten them?

[@DavidLowry1]

Do you have a small socket set or a driver that you can put a 3/16" socket on the end? If so, just hold one side tight with a 3/16" socket and tighten the other with a driver and another 3/16" socket. If you don't have 2 of them just use one and hold the other side with your fingers. Most of the time that works.

[@twiceborn_by_grace]

i just have a torx set

[@maxguitarhero]

i.imgur.com/VCZOxqM.jpg It's not too bad to do freehand and get all the way up to the base. Though you won't get a scratch pattern that lends to push cuts at the base (obviously haha) it won't push cut anyway since the handle gets in the way, so it is a good way to start a slice by having to angle the edge and sweep the whole blade diagonally. Good for slicing, shitty for deep push cuts.

[@IrishDevil78]

I think the 808 is a much better knife than the 450. The handle design just doesn't make the grade in this size, I love the 452.

[@canadianhangover]

All cons u mentioned for this knife.... Sounds like they're pros for smaller handed ppl. Maybe they're just meant for ppl with smaller hands 🤷‍♂️.... It does look awfully tiny in ur hands

[@ctaber2011]

Thanks for mentioning 911 Rob, what a terrible day that was. At least they have gone on to a happier place. Thank God for that.

[@abc456f]

Chris RTW You state this as a matter of fact when it is not.

[@atheismrules7344]

I love my 0450, BUT i just cant stop grabbing by Sabenzas on the way out the door. I have a beater small 21 and I think I would rather scratch and get snail trails on that then damage my 0450. The 0450 is such an amazing knife though.

[@lawrencegill4505]

that milky intro tho

[@D00MTR33]

I hate having an incredible strong detent. Kershaw can do it right, im playing with my Tilt right now and I can push as hard as I can on the lockbar and it still rockets out. Thats one heck of a knife with an incredible steel, gets stupid sharp (must be all that nitrogen). I'm disappointed with most of the high end knives coming ouf now, im glad to know a few makers who make great knives that I enjoy and most spydercos still strike my fancy (after I regring them).

[@lenzielenski3276]

I take exception to the 'ergos not great' comment. Ergos ARE great..if you hold the knife properly. Don't hold it in the center of your palm like a Manix, its NOT as tall, hold it at the base of your fingers and it is very, very comfortable.

[@panzerfaust5119]

too small for my likein.To expensive also.good review tho

[@vxgas]

You've made an incorrect statement, sir. I am sure you won't have any problem to sharpen this knife all the way to the base of the edge by a spyderco sharpmaker.

[@TheApostleP]

+vxgas While I'm sure the geometry of the Sharpmaker is well suited for getting to the base of the edge, unless you have the diamond rods and several hours, you wouldn't enjoy getting the base of the edge sharp with that device. It requires some serious hogging of material.

[@Below-Average_Joe]

+TheApostleP I use a diamond rod on mine for touch ups, and I have had no problems at all.

[@jertzy]

Tiny and overpriced with their usual horrible clip and logo. I do like them, but if you buy something from lionsteel, for example, these feel a bit sorry. Mostly they're overpriced.

[@JohnBarrow1961]

Lionsteels aren't, though. They're a real bargain.

[@jertzy]

John B you are correct sir. I love zt's all the same, wish they'd use the excellent pocket clip from the 0562cf

[@DenisHauser]

Change the clip, use a ZT0560 clip.

[@NMBSUMMER]

why not just leave the 3/16" on the blade, instead of wasting the time removing it? just reducing your factory cutting edge length for the cause of simply "sharpening" a brand new knife.., sounds like just nit picking... I did like how you said the heat treat could rival a sebenza... CR would charge $385 for a small sebenza flipper this size.. I was forced to carry this knife for 3 months and its been great.. Only hit I can say is... The holes on the pocket clip are too big for the screws!!... so even if the clip has 2 screws the clip can travel left and right over 1/4" if the screws aren't tightened down good... pivot hasn't loosened any, blade is centered... embarrassingly more than I can say from some of my Benchmades

[@TheApostleP]

Jonathan Kelly Well, Jonathan, I do that for three reasons. First, you're going to have to sharpen it someday, so when I sharpen for a customer who is going to do his own touch ups, it won't do him any good to have the back 1/4" of cutting edge sharpened at 30 degrees per side (factory geometry), and it won't cut very well at that angle anyway. Second, most customers wouldn't like having the 17 degrees per side edge I apply widening to 1/4" at the base (which would look horrible). So I put in a proper sharpening choil for future maintenance. Third, the back 1/4" of cutting edge is virtually unusable because it's under handle. Oh, one more... fourth, the handle really lends itself to a forward Grip, so some of my customers like a full forward finger choil. Guys who don't "get" that are generally people who never sharpen their knives, and probably don't cut much with them either. Length of cutting edge doesn't mean much if some of it resides under the handle and has an angle so obtuse that it won't cut. But it looks nice on a spec list.