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.
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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More Info(via Zero Tolerance)
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.