- Joined
- Jan 28, 2007
- Messages
- 2,155
I recently acquired my first ZT fixed blade, the RJ Martin designed Zero Tolerance 0170.
I thought I'd share some photos of it while it is fresh out of the box.
As you'll see from the comparison pics, it is a pretty big chunk of steel.
As a matter of fact, its the biggest knife made of 14C28N I have handled.
The blade is DLC coated and according to the ZT catalog, 5.7 inches long.
That measurement must be along the spine, because from the tip to the choil the blade measures about 6.26 inches.
Overall length is 11.625 inches.
On my scale it comes up as 12.6 oz. (without the sheath).
The handle is composed of two 3D machined slabs of G10 bolted through with 4mm hex head screws. (No I did not take it apart.)
The only thing I'd change is rounding down the transition from the 3D machined sides to the belly of the finger grooves (especially the forefinger groove). I can see the potential for hot spots there. Fortunately that is something that is easily corrected to your preference with a few minutes and some sandpaper. Honestly though, I suspect anyone with longer fingers or larger hands will not have an issue as it is.
The MSRP is $150 and it seems to street for anywhere from $95 to a ridiculous $233.
I believe that using the 14C28N was an attempt at bringing A ZT quality fixed blade at a more affordable price, and from what I have seen, I think they have been quite successful.
Edit: The use of 14C28N in a ZT also shows KAI's confidence in the steel and that it should be considered a premium steel. The cost savings in using 14C28N is most likely due to it being fine-blankable and the fact that KAI purchases very, very large quantities of it.
Just noticed ZT lists 14C28N as being hardened to 50-60 Rockwell.
Compared to the Groove and the Zing (I think you can see the family resemblance).
Compared to the 0551.
I thought I'd share some photos of it while it is fresh out of the box.
As you'll see from the comparison pics, it is a pretty big chunk of steel.
As a matter of fact, its the biggest knife made of 14C28N I have handled.
The blade is DLC coated and according to the ZT catalog, 5.7 inches long.
That measurement must be along the spine, because from the tip to the choil the blade measures about 6.26 inches.
Overall length is 11.625 inches.
On my scale it comes up as 12.6 oz. (without the sheath).
The handle is composed of two 3D machined slabs of G10 bolted through with 4mm hex head screws. (No I did not take it apart.)
The only thing I'd change is rounding down the transition from the 3D machined sides to the belly of the finger grooves (especially the forefinger groove). I can see the potential for hot spots there. Fortunately that is something that is easily corrected to your preference with a few minutes and some sandpaper. Honestly though, I suspect anyone with longer fingers or larger hands will not have an issue as it is.
The MSRP is $150 and it seems to street for anywhere from $95 to a ridiculous $233.
I believe that using the 14C28N was an attempt at bringing A ZT quality fixed blade at a more affordable price, and from what I have seen, I think they have been quite successful.
Edit: The use of 14C28N in a ZT also shows KAI's confidence in the steel and that it should be considered a premium steel. The cost savings in using 14C28N is most likely due to it being fine-blankable and the fact that KAI purchases very, very large quantities of it.
Just noticed ZT lists 14C28N as being hardened to 50-60 Rockwell.














Compared to the Groove and the Zing (I think you can see the family resemblance).

Compared to the 0551.

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