Zero Tolerance Hinderer Folder Pocket Knife (0566); 3.25” Stonewashed S35VN Steel Blade; Handle with G-10 Front and Steel Back, SpeedSafe Opening, Frame Lock, Quad-Mount, Deep-Carry Pocketclip; 5.4 OZ

This is my out of the box first impression review for the ZT0566. First impression? I am more impressed than I expected. The G-10 scales on the handle immediately felt good in my hand, the knife feels substantial and sturdy, but not overbearing. The first time I opened the knife the Speedsafe opening system did it's job and blade deployed almost instantly. Some reviewers complained how difficult it is to deploy the blade. I had no problems and the effort to open was nearly perfect.The Speedsafe assisted opening feature is very well done. I have a ZT which is a manual flipper and the effort to open the blade is the same as this knife. Given how well the manual flippers work, I don't believe it is necessary to have the assisted opening knife, but it absolutely does have cool factor given how quickly the blade deploys. I really like that solid click when the blade locks open.The stonewashed blade is way better than I expected. I prefer blades to have a polish or the black diamond like coating, but in this case it took less than five seconds to change my mind join the fans of stonewashed blades. Honestly I'm surprised how much I like it.The steel is SV35VN which for me is in the sweet spot for hardness, edge retention, and ability to sharpen. No, this is not Elmax steel or higher, but it doesn't need to be. This, in my opinion, is a very high quality steel that will last a long time with a reasonable level of care.This knife rides deep in my pocket - far better than other knives I've carried. The weight is reasonable for EDC, but what I really like about this knife is its size. The 0566 is more compact than other models, but I don't feel like I am compromising anything compared to the larger ZT's. I have medium sized hands and the overall feel is very comfortable. ZT did a great job with the jimping on the blade and handle.My nitpicks are few, but one is worth mentioning. When the blade is open, the assisted opening spring rattles. I found a video showing how to remove the G-10 side and pack the spring area with grease which eliminates the problem. Honestly, ZT should have done this at the factory or find a way to better retain the spring.Last item, and it is more of a suggestion to ZT. The shipping box is fine, but for a premium product don't just ship it in bubble wrap with an information sheet underneath. For a premium product use some foam and put in "congratulations" letter to the buyer. Put some shameless self promotion in the box, like a sticker or info about your products. After all, you are ZT and the packaging should be overbuilt too.Is this the perfect EDC knife? No, but I don't think you will have any regrets buying this excellent ZT model. It's the kind of knife that will take a beating and last a long time. Some say this knife is expensive, and that may be so, still this knife brings a lot of value to the table, so yes, it certainly is worth buying. All said, this knife ranks 4 3/4 stars, so let's round up to five stars.

Expected a little more. First off the knife has good components but the fit and finish leaves a bit to be desired. The flipper is somewhat tight as described in reviews. My biggest concerne was blade centering, If you want the blade centered you need to tighten the pivot to the point the blade does not want to flip. I did see a tutorial to correct this but to no avail. The factory edge is sharp but has severe micro serrations from the equpment used for the initial bench grind. right out of the box if you want a polished edge you will need a coarse stone to clean it up and remove a fair amount of metal to achieve this. Other knives from other manufactures in this general price range that I have came with a much better factory edge. If you are good at resetting an edge and have a spare 45 minutes or so then no worries, open the box and get started. Let me say that I am a fan of ZT and Kershaw and it is possible I received a product that did not pass QC. My review is not intended to dissuade you from a purchase, just to inform you of my experiance with the product.

So I've had knives for as long as I can remember, this is the first knife I've bought (for myself) that cost more than $50. When I was a teen the big knife to have was the Buck 110, bought one, and spent countless hours working the blade to have it snap open. It took two hands to close do to the lockback style. Closing this knife when new, requires two hands, the small manual recommends it as well. I'll have to work the blade to have it snap open, even though it is assisted. As I've read in numerous reviews of ZT knives, it is built like a tank, and that is a complement. I really love the G-10 grip of the handle. I also understand the complaints of the stainless steel of the frame adding overall weight. However were ZT to use titanium, I believe the cost would have increased well beyond the $200 mark. The Elmax stonewash blade is fantastic, I love drop points and the look and feel of the blade is very nice. Rick Hinderer has done a great job in designing this blade. If your in the market for a new blade, or EDC buy it, you won't regret it.