Zero Tolerance, or ZT, as it is commonly known, produces some extremely popular, albeit niche pocket knives. They’re known for working with some of the best knife designers in the field and using only the highest-end, premium materials in the quality of their knives. All wordplay aside, there really is Zero Tolerance for suspicious quality in a Zero Tolerance pocket knife.

You won’t find a single dud in their catalog of pocket knives, and money spent on a ZT knife is money well spent, regardless of your personal taste. These are dependable knives, and ZT had its beginnings producing knives for paramilitary personnel, first responders, and law enforcement officers.

But since we broached the topic of personal tastes, that begs the question - which is the best Zero Tolerance pocket knife?

Realistically, we can’t make hard claims because everyone’s tastes can differ. We would like to throw a name in the ring, though - the 0762 Zero Tolerance Pocket Knife.

Let’s take a closer look at this gem of a Zero Tolerance pocket knife.

General Specifications
The 0762 Zero Tolerance pocket knife is a handsome, USA-made pocket knife with attractive silver-tone, black carbon fiber and bright blue furniture.

Overall, it tips the scale at only 2.9 ounces. Closed it measures 4.75 inches. It is 8.1 inches overall when opened, with a 3.4 inch blade with a sheepsfoot profile (ZT calls it a tanto point but it’s definitely throwing sheepsfoot vibes), a modified sort of swedge along the spine of the knife behind the point, and a tall, flat grind that doesn’t reach all the way to the spine, so it can’t be considered a full-flat.

Bearing, Lock Mechanism, Carry
The 0762 Zero Tolerance Pocket Knife deploys via the aid of a flipper mechanism. It deploys readilty and smoothly, and the action is amazingly fluid.

Lockup is sure, sound, and immediate. The 0762 features an attractive blue anodized titanium sub frame lock that boasts a hardened steel lock bar insert for added durability and reliability. Open, there is absolutely no play in the blade in any direction - remember, there’s zero tolerance here.

Thanks to the knife’s exceptionally strong frame lock mechanism, this folder hits in a class of its own, and lands blows well outside of its expected weight class. It carries almost like a fixed blade. Don’t abuse the lock - just know it’s built to a remarkably high standard of quality and is very strong.

As far as carry options are concerned, this knife comes with a reversible anodized blue titanium clip that allows for right or left-side carry, although the only option is tip-up; tip-down fans, too bad. However, we can only feel they’ll make an exception if they ever get their hands on an 0762.

Handle Materials

Since we covered the lock mechanism and deployment first, it’s only natural to cover the handle next. First, let’s just say that this is a handsome knife. Its carbon fiber scales are, on their own, quite attractive, but they are semi-skeletonized, allowing some attractive blue hardware to shine through. It’s also worth noting that the scales are nearly impervious to the elements and exceptionally lightweight. The clip and frame lock are also given an attractive, nearly electric blue finish that catches the eye. This is also evident in the skeletonization of the scales

In terms of ergonomics, this knife wants little. It indexes naturally and lacks hot spots or sharp corners or edges. Though it lacks a proper coil, the graceful sweep of the knife’s profile helps the user to instinctively orient the knife in the standard or saber grip, and use is comfortable, even when exerting pressure. The knife indexes fairly comfortably in a reverse grip as well.

Aesthetics aside, the carbon fiber scales are lightweight, exceptionally tough, and effectively impervious to the elements. That’s a ten out of ten on both form and function from us.

Blade Steel
Now let’s talk about this blade, which is made from 20CV steel. This is a crucible particle metallurgies steel; these steels are produced using a special process that delivers uniform, homogeneous composition and an even distribution of carbide particles throughout the steel.

This even distribution of the steel enables superior heat treatments and tougher blades that offer greater edge retention and durability. It also has the potential to positively impact corrosion resistance.

This steel, in particular, 20CV, has 1.9% carbon, along with 20% chromium, 4% vanadium, 1% molybdenum, and just a smidge of tungsten, at .6%. The high carbon allows for an excellent heat treatment and high hardness; chrome offers corrosion resistance and tungsten, vanadium and molybdenum add strength and toughness.

In a word, this is an exceptionally high-end steel that offers great corrosion resistance, fair toughness, and exceptional edge retention, despite the fact that it’s on the harder side when it comes to resharpening. It’s where terms like “super steel” come from.

The blade profile has also been carefully thought out. The adequate length of straight-edge with its flat grind is excellent for slicing tasks and there’s plenty of stock behind the blade to stand up to a little bit of hard use. The graceful sweep of the blade’s belly only helps out in slicing and separating, and it should come as a surprise to absolutely no one that the stout point of the tanto profile of the blade is amazingly resistant to damage - not chip or break-proof, but as good as it gets.

Final Thoughts
It’s also worth noting that the unique design and eye catching features are mated to high quality materials here effortlessly, and that the fit and finish of this knife are top-tier. It gets extremely high marks on quality of components, heat treatment, blade design and profile, aesthetics and of course, fit and finish.

If you’re just looking for another knife to throw into your EDC rotation, the ZT 0762 will not disappoint you - just don’t make it an afterthought. It’s worthy of anyone’s first choice for EDC, and we can recommend it with no qualms whatsoever.

Don’t forget that here at White Mountain Knives, we offer free shipping on all U.S. orders and we also carry a wide range of ZT knives in addition to the 0762, some of which have been designed by legendary knife guru, Dmitry Sinkevich. Check out our collection of Zero Tolerance knives via the previous link, and if you have any questions, get in touch with us at WhiteMountainKnives@gmail.com.