- Joined
- Jun 20, 2006
- Messages
- 456
I picked up a ZT 450 about 6 months ago when I decided to get serious about sharpening and trying out some "better" knives.
Even though I have been a member here for around 10 years, knives were not really a hobby for me and I sharpened freehand. I have a had a half dozen "good" knives for specific purposes- for hunting (field dressing, breaking bones/breaking down a carcass, and general field use), 2-3 for EDC, 1 for home protection in a state (NJ) that will arrest you for shooting a prowler in your own home, 2 good kitchen knives.
In the past year I've gone through a couple dozen knives and am preparing to get rid of all but a few. The Zero Tolerance 0450 is a keeper. Mine is came in S35VN with red standoffs, but otherwise I think it is stock. I haven't done anything but oil it.
I like the long blade because it's good enough for filleting fish, but no doubt it's also about 1/2" long enough to raise eyebrows for people that don't regularly carry and view a knife as a tool.
The main reason I want to post something is because the action on this one is so amazing- it is the fastest deploying knife I have by far- and the fit and finish is perfect, along with the fact it seems like they got the steel right on this. It stays sharp, and even though it's satin and been carried a bit, not to mention that I got it used, it's still in like new condition as far as looks go.
Finally, the fact that it's all titanium means you can experiment with anodizing which is something I plan to experiment with eventually.
This knife is a winner, definitely made the final cut of what I am holding onto vs. selling. I was surprised to see that people have complained that it isn't smooth, usually there is some variability with a particular model but this at the extreme end of slick and quick, reliable, satisfyingly snappy opening! I don't think I have posted praising any other knife like this for what that's worth- great knife!
Even though I have been a member here for around 10 years, knives were not really a hobby for me and I sharpened freehand. I have a had a half dozen "good" knives for specific purposes- for hunting (field dressing, breaking bones/breaking down a carcass, and general field use), 2-3 for EDC, 1 for home protection in a state (NJ) that will arrest you for shooting a prowler in your own home, 2 good kitchen knives.
In the past year I've gone through a couple dozen knives and am preparing to get rid of all but a few. The Zero Tolerance 0450 is a keeper. Mine is came in S35VN with red standoffs, but otherwise I think it is stock. I haven't done anything but oil it.
I like the long blade because it's good enough for filleting fish, but no doubt it's also about 1/2" long enough to raise eyebrows for people that don't regularly carry and view a knife as a tool.
The main reason I want to post something is because the action on this one is so amazing- it is the fastest deploying knife I have by far- and the fit and finish is perfect, along with the fact it seems like they got the steel right on this. It stays sharp, and even though it's satin and been carried a bit, not to mention that I got it used, it's still in like new condition as far as looks go.
Finally, the fact that it's all titanium means you can experiment with anodizing which is something I plan to experiment with eventually.
This knife is a winner, definitely made the final cut of what I am holding onto vs. selling. I was surprised to see that people have complained that it isn't smooth, usually there is some variability with a particular model but this at the extreme end of slick and quick, reliable, satisfyingly snappy opening! I don't think I have posted praising any other knife like this for what that's worth- great knife!
