Knives are not the kinds of tools that I pick and choose lightly. I have had mixed experiences with Zero Tolerance knives, not because they’re bad, but because each model has a different personality. And sometimes a knife’s personality just isn’t compatible with my preferences.
The 0801 flipper folding knife is a collaboration between Zero Tolerance and Todd Rexford, a custom knifemaker. It’s one of several new knives that Zero Tolerance introduced late this year.
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It’s a relatively new model, and so there’s not too much feedback available on it yet. So I decided to order one for testing and review, using a gift card I was saving for the holiday season.
Knife reviews typically take me a while to do, and the Zero Tolerance 0801 Rexford flipper isn’t any different. That’s why this isn’t a review, but a holiday gift recommendation.
The holidays are a time to treat yourself, or to be treated. If you’re anything like me, you don’t want to buy or receive tools you’re going to buy for yourself anyways. Right? You want something special.
In no uncertain terms, the Zero Tolerance Rexford flipper folding knife is the best knife I have ever used. It’s not the most expensive, but it is quite simply the best nonetheless. Not that I have tried or used dozens upon dozens of knives, but among all those I own or have used, this one is clearly superior.
So what makes this knife so marvelous?
Effortless blade deployment, an elegant look, perfect feel, zero blade play, and sturdy titanium frame lock. It’s an absolute masterpiece. Zero Tolerance says this knife has a handsome look, and I find that to be a perfect description.
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The 0801 has a premium alloy blade made from Elmax powdered steel, which gives it an excellent combination of sharpness, edge retention, strength, and toughness. The handle is machined from titanium, and the bearing system is Zero Tolerance’s KVT ball-bearing system. They say the bearing allows for glass-smooth blade deployment, and they’re right. The ease of blade deployment mechanism rivals that of even spring-assisted knives.
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Technical Specs
- Made in the USA
- Manual flipper, KVT ball-bearing system
- Frame lock locking mechanism
- Reversible (left/right), deep-carry pocketclip
- ELMAX steel blade with stonewashed finish
- Titanium handle
- Blade Length: 3.5 in. (8.9 cm)
- Closed Length: 4.7 in. (11.9 cm)
- Overall Length: 8.2 in. (20.8 cm)
- Weight: 5.8 oz
Street price: $192.
If you’re put off by the price tag, don’t worry, there are a couple of other very awesome but less expensive knives that will be featured in this month’s holiday gift guides and recommendations.
The 0801 knife I have been testing and will review was purchased from Blade HQ at its full retail price.
JR
I just purchased one of these on a now expired close out deal. What a fantastic knife. Todd Rexford has designed a brilliant knife and ZT has done a brilliant job bringing it to life. It seems to have been designed for my hand.
Your review is spot on, IMO.
Clayton
ZT is kind of an odd bird as they have some pretty polarizing designs. Everything they make is excellent quality, but they have some pretty different blade shapes and scale choices across their line. For instance, I like the design of this knife, it looks excellent, but I wouldn’t buy one because I don’t like titanium or most metallic scales – I would rather have G10 or something. I realize this can be said about many manufacturers, but ZT seems to stick out to me for some reason.
I am rabidly awaiting the actual arrival of the ZT0566 however.
Stuart
Polarizing is a great way of putting it. Everybody was saying great things about the 0550 and 0560 knives, so I picked them up last year for testing and review. The 0550 grew on me, but the 0560 has been a lot slower to gain favor. It’s a great knife, but not great for me.
It wasn’t until I tried Zero Tolerance knives that I understood why so many knife and EDC enthusiast buy, sell, and trade knives all the time.
JR
Don’t both models of ZT Hinderer designs have one G10 and one metal scale? 0550 & 0560, that is.
JR
Looks like the 0566 is the same, one G10 one stainless steel scale.
Stuart
Technically, yes. They both (and similar variants) have a titanium framelock and handle body on one side (back), and changeable G-10 scale on the outside of the handle on the other side (front).
The 0566 has a steel handle.
hung
men try to say money for any body, why my comment was deleted,let me know
Stuart
We have seen multiple spam posts from first-time commentors plugging the same seller and leaving for-sale advertising comments. These types of comments are not permitted.
hung
i am sorry.
James Woodlief
I bought a new Zt 0801. The blade would not center. I sent it in for warranty and they centered the blade and sent it back to me. When I opened the box, I noticed scratches on both sides around the pivot bolt, that were not there when I sent it in. After using the flipper to open for about an hour, the blade went back to the same side as before.
I sent the knife back to warranty. I asked them to replace the handles that they scratched and they refused. If you have a mint knife and they scratch it, you are out of luck. Thanks for nothing Zt. A ” 0 ” warranty does me no good.
I will stick with Benchmade. Buyer Beware !