About Zero Tolerance Knives

Zero Tolerance for Anything Less Than the Best

Founded in 2006, Zero Tolerance Knives (ZT) was created to fill a gap in the market for hard-use, Made-in-the-USA knives that professionals could depend on. Designed to meet the uncompromising standards of military personnel, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders, ZT quickly established itself as a brand synonymous with toughness, reliability, and precision craftsmanship. From the very beginning, ZT knives were built to handle the most demanding situations. Early models like the ZT 0100, 0500 M.U.D.D., and 0610ST reflected this rugged military heritage — heavy-duty tools that lived up to the company’s name: Zero Tolerance for anything less than excellence.

From Combat to Everyday Carry

While the first ZT knives were designed for professionals, it wasn’t long before everyday users took notice. Collectors, outdoorsmen, and knife enthusiasts were drawn to the brand’s combination of premium materials and overbuilt quality. In 2009, ZT introduced the ZT 0350, a slightly more compact assisted-opening folder that balanced strength and practicality. This model became an instant success and helped bridge the gap between hard-use field knives and high-performance everyday carry (EDC) tools. Throughout the 2010s, Zero Tolerance evolved its focus — continuing to support professionals while welcoming a new audience of users who appreciate craftsmanship, innovation, and American-made quality in their daily gear.

Innovation and Award-Winning Design

ZT is renowned for pushing the limits of design and technology. In 2011, the revolutionary ZT 0777 debuted, featuring the patented Sub-Frame Lock and lightweight carbon-fiber construction — innovations that redefined what a production knife could be. The 0777 earned Blade Show’s Overall Knife of the Year, placing ZT among the most respected names in modern knife making. Subsequent models such as the 0770CF, 0450, 0393, and 0562 continued that legacy, blending functional design with striking aesthetics. Each ZT knife embodies a philosophy of precision engineering, premium materials, and meticulous craftsmanship. Common blade steels include CPM 20CV, S30V, and S35VN, paired with handles crafted from titanium, G10, and carbon fiber. Every knife is built, tuned, and tested by hand at Kai USA’s facility in Tualatin, Oregon.

Proudly Made in the USA

Zero Tolerance Knives are more than tools — they’re a statement of quality and integrity. Each piece reflects the dedication of skilled American craftspeople who take pride in producing knives that perform flawlessly and last a lifetime. Whether it’s a rugged fixed blade or a refined flipper for daily carry, every ZT is engineered to exceed expectations in strength, smoothness, and finish. The result is a knife you can rely on in the field, at work, or in your collection.

Experience the ZT Difference

At Reliks, we’re proud to offer Zero Tolerance Knives — a brand that continues to set the standard for premium, American-made performance. Whether you’re a first responder, outdoor professional, or discerning collector, ZT delivers uncompromising quality, innovation, and reliability in every blade.

Add a Zero Tolerance knife to your collection today!!