FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I become a dealer?

Just click on Become a Dealer under About at the bottom of this page. There you will find information for contacting a representative in your area who will be happy to speak with you about becoming an authorized Zero Tolerance dealer. Please call or email so that they can answer any questions you may have.

Do you have an outlet store?

No, ZT does not have an outlet store.

Where can I find an authorized ZT dealer?

The best place to buy Zero Tolerance Knives is from authorized dealers.

Please use our Find a Dealer locator to find a vendor near you. Purchasing ZTs from these dealers ensures genuine quality. We cannot guarantee your knife will be genuine if you purchase from an unauthorized dealer.

If you don’t see a nearby ZT dealer listed on our site, please contact us. We may know of authorized dealer in your area who have not yet been listed on the website.

Can I get a catalog? How much do they cost?

We’d be happy to send you a FREE ZT catalog. Contact us with your request; be sure to include your mailing address so we know where to send it. You can view all of our current products online under “Shop”. Or download a PDF of our current catalog.

Is there a different style of pocketclip that will fit my knife?

We're sorry, but the only style of pocketclip that will fit your knife is the pocketclip that was on it when you purchased it. We can replace your pocketclip, but it will be with the same style that was originally on it.

Will you modify my knife?

Sorry, no; ZT cannot modify your knife. Modifying your knife voids your warranty.

What if my knife shows signs of wear—like scratches in the blade coating or fading?

The technologically advanced coatings on the blades of some ZT knives are designed to add beauty to the products and to enhance specific performance features. Although Zero Tolerance coatings are designed to stand up to continual knife use, in time, all coatings will show some wear. Scratches, fading, and other signs of wear are not defects; they should be expected and considered normal. The warranty does not guarantee the esthetics of a product after it has been used. We are sorry, but ZT cannot recoat a blade for you, even for a fee.

Where are your knives made?

Zero Tolerance knives are proudly made in Tualatin, Oregon in the United States of America.

How do I measure blade length?

When ZT measures blade length, we abide by the protocols of the American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI), of which we are members. The AKTI defines knife blade length as “the straight line extending from the tip of the blade to the forward-most aspect of the hilt or handle.” Given the variation in blade and handle shapes, this is a very useful and reasonable standard for blade measurement.

What does XXXX on my blade mean?

If the blade of your ZT knife has etched “Xs” on it, the knife was originally purchased at our former annual Warehouse Sale as a factory “second.” In other words, the knife is not “first” or top quality. These knives usually look and work just fine; they are simply not up to ZT’s demanding standards. As a result, these factory seconds do not carry the ZT Limited Lifetime Warranty and are not eligible for blade replacement.

Do you make left-handed knives?

A number of our ZT knives feature ambidextrous opening. All ZT SpeedSafe® knives, for example, can be opened by pulling back on a blade protrusion with the index finger of either the left or right hand. These knives combine ambidextrous opening with a frame lock or locking liner that many lefties find is easy-to-operate with just a little practice.

How can I find out about new products?

We update this website with our new products as they become available so you’ll always have online access to information about our latest products. Want to know faster? Sign up for our newsletter and check us out on social media.

What is assisted opening?

ZT's assisted opening system assists the user to smoothly open a knife with a manual push on the blade's thumb stud or pull back on the flipper. Many of ZT's best-selling knives feature assisted opening.

How safe is assisted?

Very. ZT's assisted opening helps the user to open the knife when the user overcomes the resistance of the torsion bar. Once opened, a locking system secures the blade in position so that it does not close accidentally. When releasing the lock, the blade won't snap shut due to resistance provided by the torsion bar. Since the torsion bar provides a bias towards the closed position, it will normally hold the blade securely closed. New assisted users can ensure safe use of the technology by practicing to proficiency.

How long does the assisted torsion bar last?

We have tested our torsion bar to 10,000 openings. However, at some point, the torsion bar may need to be replaced. We will gladly do this at our facility free of charge.

Who uses assisted opening?

ZT's assisted opening was specifically designed for sporting and work situations where one-handed opening is preferable and safer. It's safe, efficient opening has made it a popular choice for hunters, fishermen, and those who require the one-hand opening function on the jobsite. It's also a popular option for casual users who find it easy to flip open the knife. This feature makes these ZTs an excellent choice for everyday carry.

Is an assisted knife a switchblade?

No. There are many unique features of ZT assisted opening knives that make them quite different than knives that are considered switchblades. Unlike a switchblade, ZT's assisted blades DO NOT deploy with the push of a button in the handle or by gravity alone. Instead, the user must overcome the torsion bar's resistance in order to engage. Because of this, ZT's assisted knives fall fully outside the Federal definition of a switchblade.

However, due to the complexity and constantly changing nature of these laws and regulations, it is impossible for ZT to be aware of every restriction in every location in which our knives are sold or carried. It is the responsibility of the buyer to investigate and comply with the laws and regulations that apply in his or her specific area.

How does assisted opening work?

The heart of ZT's assisted opening is its torsion bar. Closed, the torsion bar helps prevent the knife from being opened by "gravity;" it creates a bias toward the closed position. To open the knife, the user applies manual pressure to the thumb stud or flipper to overcome the resistance of the torsion bar. After the blade is out of the handle, the torsion bar moves along its half-moon track and assists the user to open the knife. The blade opens smoothly and locks into position, ready for use.

What’s the best way to carry a ZT knife in my pocket?

All ZT folding knives feature a pocketclip. To ensure the knife remains closed until you open it, put the knife inside your pocket with the clip to the outside. The blade side of the knife should be snugged up against the seam of the pocket. A tight clip, combined with placement against a seam will help ensure your knife does not open accidentally during carrying. Find more information on ZT pocketclips.

What tools do I need to adjust the screws on my ZT?

The screws on most Zero Tolerance knives require a Torx bit T6 or Torx bit T8. The T6 fits most pocketclip screws and the T8 fits most pivot and handle screws. Be sure to use a Torx bit and not an Allen bit. The slight difference in shape will strip the heads of the screws. Torx tools are available for purchase at both online and brick-and-mortar hardware retailers at relatively inexpensive prices. It may be a good idea to have your knife with you when you are shopping to ensure you purchase the correct size bit/s. We offer bit sizes T6 and T8 in our TX tool.

If screws on your knife come loose frequently or you think the holes may be stripped, try using some blue Loctite and let the Loctite set up for 24 hours before using your knife. Please feel free to contact Zero Tolerance Warranty Service if you have any questions.

Learn more about caring for your ZT in Product Care.

To what angle should I sharpen my ZT blade?

When sharpening a Zero Tolerance knife blade, maintain an angle of 18°–22°.

What’s the best way to sharpen my ZT?

The easiest and surest way to make sure your knife stays sharp is to send it back to us for free sharpening when the knife becomes dull. Just pay for shipping to and from our facility and we’ll sharpen it for free for as long as you own the knife. For more information on this service, see the warranty questions below.

If you wish to sharpen your knife yourself, we can recommend the Kershaw Ultra-Tek sharpener. You can also successfully sharpen your knife on a whetstone or other specialty sharpeners.

What’s the best way to clean and maintain my knife?

Just wipe your knife down to remove surface dust and debris. If the knife is very dirty, wash it with soap and water, dry thoroughly, then oil it. Wiping a light coating of oil on the blade and hinge before storage is also important for keeping your investment in proper working order. Oils such as WD40, 3-in-1 oil, Kershaw Knife Oil, or gun oil will work fine for maintaining your ZT.

I accidentally broke my knife blade. Can you replace it?

Accidents happen. If you accidentally broke your Zero Tolerance folding knife's blade, we have good news. We can replace your knife's blade for you, returning it to good working order for $40 (effective 11/1/21). Simply send your knife in according to warranty instructions. We'll replace the blade for you and return the knife. We are sorry, but the original, broken blade will not be returned to you. Please note that we cannot replace fixed blade knives.

Knives with XXXX on their blades are factory seconds and are not eligible for repair or replacement. We also cannot replace blades for discontinued knives or limited-edition knives. ZT blades that have broken due to a manufacturing defect will be replaced under warranty, free of charge, as always.

Will you sharpen my knife?

Yes, we will happily sharpen any Zero Tolerance knife for you. We also sharpen every ZT knife sent in for warranty service as part of our normal procedure. If you do NOT want your knife sharpened, please state that on the Warranty/Service Form when you send it in.

Please know that we can only sharpen and repair ZT knives. If you have a serrated ZT, we will be happy to hone it for you, but we cannot sharpen it.

How will I know if my knife is covered under warranty?

Please provide your phone number and/or email address on your Warranty/Service Form. If there is any problem with your coverage, we will call you to discuss your knife. Otherwise, we will repair your knife within our usual turnaround time.

I shipped my knife to you for repair. Have you received it?

We encourage you to ship via a carrier that provides a tracking number. The tracking number allows you to easily verify your knife's arrival at our facility. Please note that ZT will not notify you of the arrival of your knife at our facility; having a tracking number from your carrier will enable you to check with your carrier to ensure your package’s arrival.

I added aftermarket parts to my knife, can you still service it?

Kai USA understands that many users enjoy modifying their knives. However, to ensure we can repair your knife correctly and in a timely manner, please remove any third-party parts and reinstall the factory parts prior to sending your knife for repair or service. If we receive a knife with aftermarket hardware, we will remove the parts and replace them with factory hardware to ensure we can adjust the knife to factory specifications. Kai USA will not be liable for damage or loss of aftermarket parts during the process of servicing your knife, but we will do our best to return the aftermarket parts with your knife. In the event we cannot remove the aftermarket hardware, we will be unable to repair or service the knife. Additionally, if the blade or handles have been modified, we may not be able to restore the knife to its intended factory function.

Can I have a part sent to me?

We can send a selection of parts for free as well as some ZT premium parts for a small fee. For complete information see our warranty page and use the Parts Request Form here. We cannot send you a replacement blade. Learn more about replacement blades here. Please check the Available ZT Replacement Parts in the accordion on our warranty page.

Can I ship my knife in a padded envelope?

Please use a box. Padded envelopes are often ripped or torn open during the shipping process and your knife could be lost. We cannot be responsible for knives lost during shipping. You will find safe packing tips here.

Where do I ship my knife for warranty service?

Please send your knives to Kai USA Ltd. You will need to complete our online Warranty/Service Form, print out a copy, and include it with your package. The information you need can be found here.

I live outside the USA, Canada, or Mexico. Can I ship my ZT to your for warranty service?

We're sorry, but we can only provide warranty service to customers who purchased their products in the USA or Mexico. If you purchased your products elsewhere, please contact the authorized dealer from who you originally purchased. For Canadian customers, please contact our partners at Kershaw Canada (kershawcanada.com) for all warranty, parts, and service requests. With the current state of international customs, this will significantly reduce time and cost all around and eliminate the risk of your knife being held at the border. All ZT customers in Canada will be referred to Kershaw Canada until further notice.

Can I have my old knife back if you choose to replace it?

We're sorry, but we cannot replace a knife and return the old one.

How is shipping calculated?

When you order, you will be able to choose from one of three shipping methods: Ground Shipping, UPS/FedEx Secound Day Air, or UPS/FedEx Next Day Air. These are flat rates anywhere within the continental US.

When will I receive my order? Order processing and shipping timelines.

Generally, we will process and ship your order within 1-3 days of receiving your order, excluding weekends and holidays. Delivery time depends on the shipping method you select. See approximate delivery times here.

Which payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards: Amex, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.

How do I cancel my order?

You may cancel your order at any time prior to Kai USA processing your order by calling 1-800-325-2891, Monday-Friday, 8 am to 3:00 pm, Pacific Time, or emailing customerserviceWEB@kai-usa.com. Unfortunately, we are not able to cancel orders once they have been shipped. You may, however, return the order once it arrives.

How do I access my order history?

If you have an account, just login to your account on this website and view My Orders. If you don't have one, you can register quickly and easily or enter your order information in the form here.

How Do I Return My Order?

It's easy to return a product purchased from our website. You may return anytime within 30 days of when the order was placed. Please contact Customer Service to request a Return Authorization for products purchased from our website: 1-800-325-2891 (M-F, 8 am-3:00 pm, Pacific Time) or email us at customerserviceWEB@kai-usa.com.

Be sure to have the information from your packing slip available. You will receive email instructions for returning your product. Ship your unused product, in its original packaging, to the address identified in our email. Kai USA is not responsible for returned items until they are received by us. We recommend that you insure/track your returned items. Find more information here.

How long do I have to return my order?

If you aren't delighted with your purchase from our website, you can return an unused product, in the original packaging, and with a copy of our website email receipt, within 30 days and we will happily refund the purchase price. Original delivery fees are refunded only if returns are for defective products, products that were not described accurately, or incorrect orders.