Zero Tolerance 0004: Another fixed blade

It's noticeable at first glance into the current range of the US manufacturer Zero Tolerance, founded in 2008, that the focus has shifted more towards pocket knives. Since its inception, it has been part of the KAI Group, which is also home to another well-known brand, Kershaw.

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However, Zero Tolerance takes a different approach, as the name suggests. It's all about strong, solid knives for tough tasks and professional use. Tools that can and should be used by first responders. You can definitely feel that in both their folding and fixed-blade knives.

CPM-CruWear should not be exposed to moisture for too long. The Cerakote coating protects against corrosion. Photo: Zero Tolerance

Last year, the Model 0006 was released, a hefty survival knife weighing nearly 300 grams, and even though many critics labeled it more of a showpiece, it was clear that Oregon wanted to focus more on fixed blades in the future.

Why the 0006 is now followed by the 0004 isn't entirely clear, however. What is certain, though, is that they want to distance the new model at least a little bit from last year's criticisms. To put it briefly: The model number is smaller, the knife is too, but it's much better suited for everyday carry than its larger predecessor.

Andrew Keel, product designer at KAI and thus also at Zero Tolerance, describes the 0006 in a presentation video as follows: "This is a fixed-blade knife made from high-quality materials and designed for tough use." This was also the main reason for the choice of steel, as they now use CPM-CruWear instead of CPM-3V like the 0006.

Of course, steel enthusiasts will argue that CPM-3V would have been the better choice. This steel is particularly known for its exceptional toughness, making it highly resistant to breaking and chipping, even under heavy use.

In contrast, CPM-CruWear offers higher wear resistance and hardness, which means this steel stays sharp longer and is better suited for precise cutting tasks. It contains more carbides, especially chromium carbides, giving it superior abrasion resistance. However, this increased carbide content reduces toughness compared to CPM-3V, meaning CPM-CruWear is more prone to cracking or breaking under extreme stress.

According to Zero Tolerance, the sheath made from vegetable-tanned full-grain saddle leather is of high quality. Photo: Zero Tolerance

The big advantage of CruWear, however, is the price. By opting out of CPM-3V, Zero Tolerance can turn the price screw a little. As a reminder: The MSRP of the Model 0006 is a whopping 420 US dollars, a price that very few are likely willing to pay for a knife. Even with the compromise on steel, the new 0004 still starts at 350 US dollars. Still no bargain, but with the expected retail discounts, at least a bit closer to the mass market. In addition, the blade is protected against wear and corrosion by a black Cerakote coating.

The handle is made of brown Micarta and, combined with the two handle screws, resembles the design of the Schnitzel TRI. The blade is skeletonized beneath the handle scales, both to achieve good balance and to reduce weight. At 173 grams, the Model 0004 is much less noticeable in your hands than the 0006.

Thanks to the jimping on the spine and the finger choils, the 0004 allows for much more precise work than its predecessor. The flat grind is definitely the right choice here, making carving firewood a breeze.

The knife comes with a custom-fit leather sheath that is well-made and suitable for both left and right-handed users. Thanks to the retention strap, the 0004 is also secured against accidentally slipping out of the sheath.

All in all, the new Model 0004 is a step in the right direction, but that's about it. Especially in direct comparison with a Schnitzel TRI Special Edition, which also features Micarta scales and, despite a significantly lower MSRP of 199,99 euros, even comes with CPM-3V steel, it becomes clear: The US production of the knife is priced very high here. But for those who can look past the price, the 0004 is a solid workhorse.