Any thoughts on the Zero Tolerance 0121?

O

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Sep 6, 2007
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I'd really like to read some reviews or opnions on this fixed blade before pulling the trigger.

Thanks in advance.:thumbup:
 
Howdy! You'll find a few threads on it in the Kershaw sub-forum, and the youtube links in this thread are really interesting.
 
SPXTrader said:
Howdy! You'll find a few threads on it in the Kershaw sub-forum, and the youtube links in this thread are really interesting.
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Thanks man! But I have already watched everything YouTube had about Zero Tolerance. I am looking for some "Blade Forums" type of imput. YouTube is full of nerdos cutting newspapers, plastic bottles and doing truly stupid shit...
 
Well, I really wouldn't call Steven Michels from Kershaw/ZT specifically talking about the ZT fixed blades a nerdo, but it's your decision.
 
SPXTrader said:
Well, I really wouldn't call Steven Michels from Kershaw/ZT specifically talking about the ZT fixed blades a nerdo, but it's your decision.
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I wasn't talking about MilSpec Monkey folks nor about the ZT guy, I was reffering to other YouTube vids I found... MilSpec Monkey is awesome.
 
General observations:

Although shorter and heavier than I expected, it's not too short or heavy...just built like a tank! It fits my hand perfectly with the handle curves and swells in all the right places. This knife feels immensely secure in-hand, like a natural extension of the arm and hand into a blade, and it's alot of sharp blade! There's enough belly with sufficient blade thinness for decent slicing (helped by the extra bite of the recurve)...plus enough heft and length to handle chopping chores when necessary. Balance point is at the center of the choil. It's bigger than the norm for a PSK but would still fit the bill and EDC just fine for those that can. 2 thumbs up!

Actual measurements and specs:

OAL: a smidge over 8"
Blade length, handle to tip: 4.25"
Blade length, start of edge to tip: 3.75"
DLC black-coated S30V blade, 0.190" thick, integral cord cutter
9.375oz
Ranger Green G10 handle scales
Thermo-molded Kydex sheath with American Systems belt clip

What's in the box (besides warranty/descriptive info)?
All.jpg


Left.jpg


Right.jpg


Sheathed.jpg



In the hand:
InHand1.jpg


InHand2.jpg



Edge and spine views plus handle curves:
Edge.jpg


Spine.jpg



The only possible con I see is a chance of snagging the cord-cutter on a long, deep draw cut.

I like it! :D

Ray :)
 
I'm bringing this thread back because I just discovered this knife. Is this cool or what? My opinions and questions: As far as the cord cutter, I don't think it would be a problem getting hung up on anything. The cord cutter serves three purposes - to cut cords (fishing nets as well), it serves as a Spanish notch for knife fighting, it makes a mini-choil in the blade configuration which facilitates sharpening. I have not seen one of these live and it will probably never arrive in the shops in Brazil, but I see a lot to like in this knife. Cool design with a cool looking blade. I normally don't like recurves but I'd like to try this one and see how it works as a canoe knife and for wilderness jetboating. I think it would be perfect. The blade material is tops. S30V is one of the best steels ever. It should be great to hold an edge. The blade is coated like a Chris Reeve knife. It looks handsome. The handle material is G-10 which is about as tough as you can ask for. The handle shape looks really well planned, unlike some skinny custom knives I've seen. The color of the handle is nice, too. The sheath looks adequate and ready to roll on hard-core expeditions. It probably wouldn't be necesssary to make a custom sheath for it. My question is - How is the heat treat on this knife? Does Kershaw do as good a heat treat as the custom makers. I normally only use custom knives but I am really tempted to buy the ZT0121 because it looks so great. The grinds and blade shape is really smooth on this one. Please share your opinions and thanks.
 
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Alex p. Schorsc said:
I'm bringing this thread back because I just discovered this knife. Is this cool or what? My opinions and questions: As far as the cord cutter, I don't think it would be a problem getting hung up on anything. The cord cutter serves three purposes - to cut cords (fishing nets as well), it serves as a Spanish notch for knife fighting, it makes a mini-choil in the blade configuration which facilitates sharpening. I have not seen one of these live and it will probably never arrive in the shops in Brazil, but I see a lot to like in this knife. Cool design with a cool looking blade. I normally don't like recurves but I'd like to try this one and see how it works as a canoe knife and for wilderness jetboating. I think it would be perfect. The blade material is tops. S30V is one of the best steels ever. It should be great to hold an edge. The blade is coated like a Chris Reeve knife. It looks handsome. The handle material is G-10 which is about as tough as you can ask for. The handle shape looks really well planned, unlike some skinny custom knives I've seen. The color of the handle is nice, too. The sheath looks adequate and ready to roll on hard-core expeditions. It probably wouldn't be necesssary to make a custom sheath for it. My question is - How is the heat treat on this knife? Does Kershaw do as good a heat treat as the custom makers. I normally only use custom knives but I am really tempted to buy the ZT0121 because it looks so great. The grinds and blade shape is really smooth on this one. Please share your opinions and thanks.
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I've read that both Kershaw and their ZT subdivision do all the HT "in house", following Crucible Materials Corporation's own heat treatment specifications on how to obtain the very best out their proprietary steels. You really can't go wrong with Zero Tolerance, these guys are not joking when it comes to making the toughest high-quality production knives in the market. ZT is nothing but custom quality at production prices.
 
Yeah, and it's a load off one's conscience to leave the the 500 and $700customs at home. Mind you the ZT's aren't very cheap. Just a bit cheaper the Chris Reeve Knives. I definately want to buy one to take with me when I'm out in a boat or hiking. They look great.
 
Many people used these? They look like a hell of a lot of knife for very few dollars? Any more reviews out there??
 
Excellent pics Reholli. They make me want to get the 121 to go with my 0100 in 3V. I love ZT knives and their ergonomics which to me, is unsurpassed. I guess that comes with having an excellent design team. Joe
 
I like the 0121. I plan on getting one in the not-too-distant future. I'm hoping somebody will have one at the next Indy 1500 Gun/Knife show. There's usually a lot of knife dealers there.
 
Sorry to bring this up again but it really is a great post (thanks to the great photos) but there is one piece of info missing. Does anybody know the blade thickness on this model? It's not in the stats in any of the information that I've found on the official manufacturer's and dealers' sites. Anybody know? I'm hoping it is 3/16" because I think 1/4" would be overkill for a knife of this length. Thanks.
 
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