Zero Tolerance 0470 Breaks Trends with a Mesmerizing Design
The Zero Tolerance 0470 pocket knife is a stunning Dmitry Sinkevich design boasting premium materials. CPM 20CV steel and a titanium handle form the foundation of a folder with a new take on carbon fiber overlays.
PROS
- Beautifully designed with mesmerizing carbon fiber pattern on the handle
- Tough, durable CPM 20CV steel blade
- Handsome, lightweight titanium handle
- Smooth deployment
- Prominent piercing tip
CONS
- Finger flipper could be a little taller
- The lock is solid but doesn’t sit in the middle of the blade
Recommendation
While Zero Tolerance bills the 0470 as an EDC, it’s design (and price) fit better in my gentlemen’s pocket knife collection as something a bit more classy with its premium materials and gorgeous design. If you’re a defensive-minded carrier, try the finger flipper before you buy it to make sure it’s secure enough for you. The CPM 20CV steel is high-end but a bear to sharpen, so consider ZT’s sharpening service when it comes time.
Features
Blade
Crucible’s CPM 20CV Steel constitutes the business end of the Zero Tolerance 0470 Pocketknife. This alloy has better edge retention than S30V and S35V steel – and both of those have pretty solid edge retention already.
Corrosion resistance is comparable among the three, but CPM 20CV is more difficult to sharpen. Unless you’re really comfortable with a whetstone, this is a good steel to send back to ZT for their sharpening service when it comes time.
As a tougher steel blend, the force it takes to break the ZT’s blade is greater than S30V and on par with the S35V.
The shape is classic drop point with a shallow clip point on the top. There’s a reasonable slicing belling but it’s not as prominent as other drop points. The tough steel will help keep the piercing tip from breaking the way it’s liable to with a weaker alloy.
At 3.4 inches long (7.8-inch total open length), the Zero Tolerance 0470’s blade may be prohibited in some areas of the country. New laws in Canada prevent its sale in Canada completely. Check your local regulations to avoid an uncomfortable conversation with local law enforcement.
Handle
The 0470’s beautiful titanium handle is inlaid with carbon fiber in an unusual marbled pattern. It’s almost hypnotic. ZT achieves this effect by dropping carbon fibers randomly onto the plate and covering them with resin. It makes each Zero Tolerance 0470 unique and breaks away from their recent trend of checkerboard carbon fiber patterns.
ZT puts jimping for grip on the back end of the blade to help with your grip. It’s shallow – not as much as you’d find on military, law enforcement, or other tactical knives.
The handle has the same shallow angle in the top that’s become characteristic ZT designs instead of a gentle curve. The total weight is just 3.2 ounces and it’s a very comfortable knife to hold and use in a variety of grip positions.
Closed, the ZT 0470 is 4.4 inches long and uses a deep carry 2-position clip. You can switch between left and right in the tip-up carry position. While flipping the clip around is more convenient for lefties, know that you have to put it over the carbon fiber and break up the look.
Deployment and Lock
Deployment gets an assist from ZT’s KVT ball-bearing opening. It’s a smooth enough operation that I don’t feel the need for a spring assist.
One thing to note though – the finger flipper is a little on the small side. I don’t have any issues deploying for general use, but I have to be a bit more intentional to get a solid flick out of it. If you carry primarily with a defensive mindset, be sure to try this one before you buy it to make sure you feel secure deploying it the blade quickly.
A frame lock secures the blade when deployed. Like the finger flipper, I haven’t had any issues of the blade slipping. However, I notice that the lock isn’t sliding over as far beneath the blade as most of my frame locks. Since I can push it over further, I’m hoping it will get better with more use.
Price
While Zero Tolerance bills the 0470 as an EDC, it’s classy (and pricey) design fits better in my gentlemen’s pocket knife collection as something a bit more classy with its premium materials and gorgeous design. If you’re a defensive-minded carrier, try the finger flipper before you buy it to make sure it’s secure enough for you. The CPM 20CV steel is high-end but a bear to sharpen, so consider ZT’s sharpening service when it comes time.
The Bottom Line
The Zero Tolerance 0470 Pocketknife is a beautiful EDC that you’ll more likely use as a gentleman’s knife, even though it’s a tad big for that category. I’d prefer a taller flipper and wish the frame lock was closer to the center of the blade when deployed. But all told, the 0470 is a masterful achievement.
Zero Tolerance 0470 Pocketknife Specifications
- Made in the USA
- KVT ball-bearing opening system
- Flipper
- Reversible clip (left/right, tip-up)
- Titanium frame lock, hardened steel lockbar insert
- Steel: CPM 20CV, bead-blasted & machine satin finish
- Handle: Bead-blasted titanium, marbled carbon fiber front insert
- Blade Length: 3.4 in. (8.6 cm)
- Blade Thickness: 0.121 in. (0.307 cm)
- Closed Length: 4.4 in. (11.2 cm)
- Overall Length: 7.8 in. (19.8 cm)
- Weight: 3.2 oz. (92 g)
- Prices:
- MSRP: $325
- Online: $260 (Amazon)
