I often get requests for high-end folding knives, that our readers want to have me review. It is no small task requesting samples of expensive knives, but our friends at Kershaw Knives/Zero Tolerance (ZT), always come through with something new and exciting to test. Today we’re checking out the sleek model 0460Ti, and here’s one definition of the word sleek: “having an elegant, streamlined shape or design…” And, you’ll see why I agree with this description of the particular folder.
During a visit to Kershaw many years ago, to tour their (then) new plant they had just moved into, I was shown several brand-new knife designs, that they were going to put into production. I was quite impressed with the high-quality and designs. However, I was sworn to secrecy. So I couldn’t report on the new knives and the new “Zero Tolerance” line-up from KAI International. I was promised that samples would be coming, that I could test and write about, and true to their word, Kershaw got those knives into my hands in short order.
First things first: Zero Tolerance knives are made 100% in the USA, I know this is important to a lot of our readers, and ZT only uses the finest materials available to produce these knives, and they are advertised as being for “professionals”. I believe that. This line-up was originally intended for military and law enforcement use – and to be sure, many of these pros use ZT knives. However, savvy “civilian” knife users, also want the best cutlery they can find, and I’m betting more ZT knives are sold to us civilians than to the law enforcement and military communities.
I’ve toured the Kershaw factory several times over the years, the old plant as well as the new one, and have been astounded with the growth that has taken place with each subsequent visit. Plus, I’m more than a little impressed with the folks who manufacture the Kershaw and ZT line-up, from the blank blades, to the finished product. Equally impressive every step along the way includes the hard working crew who sharpen each blade, and those who do a final inspection before the knives are shipped out. Quite honestly, I’ve examined quite of few of the “rejects” that don’t leave the factory, and I couldn’t find any blemishes or defects myself in those knives. I’ve had their inspection folks point out the flaws, but if they hadn’t, I wouldn’t have spotted them on my own. So, they are very meticulous. And at every station along the way, those employees can reject a knife that made it to their station and/or return it to the previous station for correction in the assembly process.
Dmitry Sinkevich Design
Okay, let’s take a look at what the ZT0460Ti is all about. First of all, it is one of the most popular knives in the ZT line-up. It features front and rear handles that are made out of Titanium – super tough stuff to work with, and it makes for a super tough knife handle. This knife is designed by custom knife maker, Dmitry Sinkevich, and is based on his larger Polychotky Jr. folder. The handle and blade itself are ergonomic – sleek – in the way it is formed and fit together. It kind of reminds me of something out of old Persia. It is no small task to get that curved blade to fit neatly into the curved handle scales, and the knife just feels fantastic in the hand. There is also partial 3D machining on the handle itself that adds a very secure grip on this folder.
The blade on the 0460Ti is 3.25-inches long and is made out of one of the new stainless super steels, that takes a great edge and seems to hold it just about forever, this is called CPM 20CV. The blade also has a two-tone finish, stonewashed on the flats and machine satin on the grinds. This is also very cool looking.
The knife opens with a flipper, and the blade has the KVT ball-bearing operating system. We are talking butter smooth when you press on the flipper to open the blade. There is just a single position pocket clip for right pocket carry, tip up. The frame lock is made out of Titanium – again, expensive stuff. It also has a hardened steel lockbar insert for added strength. The handle itself is also stonewashed for a nice subdued finish. The entire knife only weighs-in at 2.9-oz, so you don’t even know that it is in your pants pocket. There is a matte black anodized Aluminum spacer in the butt of the handle, and the black spacer compliments the black hardware. The pocket clip is also anodized black. The entire knife is more than a little handsome if you ask me – very classy!
Regular readers will know that I like folding knives with a blade between 3.5-inches and 4-inches. However, the 3.25-inch blade on the 0460Ti and the design aspects of this folder, makes the knife look bigger and it fits the hand perfectly. I showed this knife to a LOT of folks, and every last one of them commented on how great this folder felt in their hand.
Tough CPM 20CV Stainless Steel
As already mentioned about the CPM 20CV stainless steel, about how tough it is, and what a great edge it takes and holds. The blade’s edge resists chipping. I’ve seen many lesser stainless steel blades easily chip – and I returned them to the source they came from – for a replacement. I did some light chopping on a 2X3 hunk of wood with this folder, and the blade’s edge did not chip – not even close.
Of course, my usual testing includes chopping through super tough blackberry vines, and we have some thick ones for a testing media. The 0460Ti easily sliced right through this stuff with a single swipe – if a knife isn’t sharp, it won’t cleanly slice through one of these vines with a single swipe. Never lack for cardboard boxes to cut up, or cut open for testing, and this folder easily cut the thickest boxes – and to be sure, cardboard is tough stuff, it will dull a knife is short order – no problems with this folder – it held an edge. Poly rope is a real challenge – even for many sharp knives, but I easily cut right through this material.
My wife used the 0460Ti around the kitchen and loved the way it felt in her hand – she made short work out of veggies, as well as some tough meat. I used the knife at the kitchen table to cut up some of my meals. We had no problems at all, with any of those tasks.
I Forgot It Was There
I carried this ZT folder for close to a month in my right front cargo pants pocket, and often forgot it was there. In fact it got washed several times in the washing machine – no damage to the knife at all – thankfully. I didn’t even realize the knife was in my pants pocket when carrying it – it slipped right in, and came right out when I drew it out of the pocket. Titanium is lightweight stuff, and there is plenty of it in this folder.
The ZT 0460Ti retails for $275 – if you can find one in-stock. I shopped around, and I found a few on Amazon.com — a couple for around $220, and just one for $196 – but they were selling out fast.
This folder is very classy looking in all respects, and more importantly, it is tougher than it looks. Check one out. I’ll bet you’ll fall in love with it.
There is a knife for every wallet with cash.
In reply to my own comment, IMHO our community on SurvivalBlog would benefit more on a review of knives across the monetary spectrum, $50, $100, $150, etc. I personally don’t spend $300 on a pocket knife. I have spent $560 for a hunting/survival knife with accessories. Just my opinion.
Buy once, cry once! I like reviews at both ends of the price spectrum. I want to see if spending the extra $ will get me corresponding value. Also, if we prefer not to buy from overseas, we need to expect to pay more. American workers have a much higher salary than Chinese workers!
I agree with Gregory. That’s just outside of realistic for a pocket knife. There are several made in the USA knives out there that are fantastic. I carry a kershaw blur and it is the best pocket knife I’ve ever carried and I use it daily, 5-10 times a day. I got the green blur. Just beautiful and I have a ton of pocket knives. I like it so much I’m going to buy a couple more and put them in storage because I’m afraid they’ll go out of production someday and you can pick them up for around $60-75. Ken Onion design. That’s my 2 cents worth
I will agree with the Buy once cry once. I have this knife in a different handle variation (Bronze Carbon fiber) and it has lived in my rotation for the last two years. The design is way beyond what most people think about it. you can cut things on a flat surface with out hitting your knuckles. It is a very quick to open. It is also very light. The version I have is the S35V blade steel. I have reduced my collection by a few knives because of this little folder. One of the many nice things about it is that it weighs very little and if you have to wear a shirt and tie, it will not weigh your pockets down like many other choices.
I know a lot of people complain about spending more than $100 for a knife. I explain it like this. This is a knife that is part of your legacy. It will be around for your entire life (if you do not lose it). If you use it or not it will still be there. You are not going to wear out the titanium handles even less likely so on the steel unless you put it to a grinding wheel. The steel in the blade is one of the super steels that do not need to be sharpened every week, they can go months if you use it and run it across a strop every month or so. One thing as an IT worker I test all knives is after sharpening it is to cut a piece of Cat5E cable with it. Then use/abuse it to see how they stand up. None of my ZT knives have ever disappointed me. most of the Benchmades I have purchased in the past have passed this test as well, (I am on hold for BM for now as I disagree with some of the things they have done recently and I am not selling off knives that were given to me as gifts.)
Like I said above if you buy this knife knowing full well your kids or grand kids will be able to use it after a life time of you using it, they will more than likely be able to use it their entire life as well. It is a legacy, keep it sharp, show them that it is a tool, let them see you use it. Make sure they know what a pocket knife is used for. Pass it on to your next generation. Create your legacy. How much is a knife worth that will last 2+ generations? $250 seems like a h**l of a good deal. Divide it by 10 years $25 a year. Divide it by 30 years, less than 10 bucks a year. Quit thinking short term, think long term. You don’t buy Harbor Freight tools to last a life time, why do you expect them to last longer than Snap-on?
Enough of my rambling on about buying quality made in the USA tools.
The last three knives in a row that I’ve owned were Kershaw knives made in the USA. As long as they keep making us American knives I will be a steady customer.
Thanks much Pat. I appreciate your consideration for those of us who desire good old American quality over Chinese imports. Please keep up the good work and don’t forget that many of your readers will find value in paying a bit more, but in the end owning a product that lasts a lifetime. Bottom line, you get what you pay for! You do a fine job presenting the facts for all of us.