The S35VN Blade: Thick Stock, Stonewashed Finish, and a Belly That Keeps Cutting
Zero Tolerance equips the 0220 with a 3.5‑inch blade forged from Crucible's S35VN stainless steel, an alloy that incorporates niobium to refine the grain structure and improve toughness without sacrificing the excellent wear resistance that made its predecessor, S30V, famous. The blade on the 0220 is notably thick—0.156 inches at the spine, which is significantly more than the typical 0.12‑inch stock found on most EDC knives. This thickness gives the blade a rigid, unyielding feel during cutting and provides the strength needed for hard‑use tasks like notching wood, cutting heavy strapping, or piercing tough materials. The trade‑off is that a thicker blade does not slice as effortlessly as a thinner one; the 0220 is not the knife you reach for when you need to make feather‑light, precise cuts in delicate material. It is the knife you reach for when you need to cut something substantial and you do not want to worry about chipping the edge or flexing the blade. The drop‑point profile features a generous belly that provides ample slicing surface, and the plain edge is razor‑sharp out of the box, with the slightly toothy finish that is characteristic of ZT's factory edges. The stonewashed finish on the blade is even and consistent, and it hides scratches exceptionally well—an important quality for a knife that is likely to see hard use.
The Titanium Handle: Bead‑Blasted, Sculpted, and Accented With Orange
The handle of the 0220 is a solid slab of titanium on the lock side and a sculpted titanium scale on the presentation side, both finished with a bead‑blasted texture that is matte, uniform, and resistant to fingerprints. Titanium provides an ideal combination of strength, lightness, and corrosion resistance, and on the 0220 it is machined with subtle contours that fill the palm without creating hot spots. The handle thickness contributes to the knife's overall beefy feel, and the balance point is slightly forward of the pivot, giving the blade a lively, authoritative presence in the hand. The backspacer is machined from aluminum and anodized in a vibrant orange—a nod, perhaps, to Anso's Danish heritage (orange is the color of the Dutch royal family, though Anso is Danish, the Netherlands and Denmark share a history of maritime trade and cultural exchange). Alternatively, for this Florida‑based reviewer, the orange backspacer and the blue ZT medallion on the pivot evoke the orange‑and‑blue of the University of Florida Gators, a coincidence that I choose to interpret as intentional, regardless of the designer's actual intent. Regardless of its inspiration, the splash of color adds personality to an otherwise monochromatic design and serves as a visual anchor point that draws the eye along the knife's lines.
Deployment: KVT Bearings, a Smooth Flipper, and a Frame Lock That Could Stop a Truck
The 0220 opens via Zero Tolerance's KVT (Kershaw Velocity Technology) ball‑bearing system, which uses caged bearings around the pivot to provide a smooth, fast, and consistent deployment. The flipper tab is generous and textured, providing excellent purchase for the index finger. Overcome the detent, and the blade glides through its arc with a fluid, hydraulic smoothness that is characteristic of well‑tuned KVT pivots. There is no spring assist—the 0220 is a manual flipper—and none is needed. The blade's own mass, combined with the low‑friction bearings, carries it into lockup with authority. The frame lock is substantial, with a hardened steel insert on the lock bar that prevents the titanium from galling or wearing over time. Lockup is bank‑vault solid, with zero blade play in any direction and no tendency to stick or fail under spine pressure. The lock bar is positioned for easy disengagement with the thumb, and the blade drops smoothly when the lock is released, allowing one‑handed closing without placing fingers in the path of the edge. The deep‑carry pocket clip is reversible for tip‑up carry on either the left or right side, and it slides onto a pocket seam easily while holding securely during activity. The clip is positioned such that the knife rides low in the pocket, with only a small portion of the handle visible—surprisingly discreet for a knife of this size and weight.
Carry and Ergonomics: A Heavyweight That Carries Lighter Than It Should
At 6.2 ounces, the 0220 is not a lightweight knife. It is heavier than many full‑sized tactical folders, and it will make its presence known in the pocket of lightweight pants or shorts. However, the deep‑carry clip and the slim profile of the titanium handle mitigate the weight to some degree. The knife sits flat against the thigh and does not swing or bounce during walking, and the clip holds it securely in position. In the hand, the 0220 feels like an extension of the arm. The sculpted titanium fills the palm completely, and the forward choil, combined with the flipper guard, provides a secure index finger position that inspires confidence during aggressive cutting. The jimping on the blade spine is adequate, providing a tactile reference for the thumb without being abrasive. The knife is comfortable in a standard hammer grip, a forward saber grip, and a reverse grip, making it versatile for a range of cutting and utility tasks. This is a knife that rewards a firm grip and a willingness to use it hard; it does not feel dainty or fragile in any way.
Zero Tolerance 0220 Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | ZT 0220 |
| Steel | S35VN, stonewashed finish |
| Handle | Titanium, bead‑blast finish |
| Blade Length | 3.5 in. (8.9 cm) |
| Blade Thickness | 0.156 in. (0.396 cm) |
| Closed Length | 4.9 in. (12.4 cm) |
| Overall Length | 8.4 in. (21.3 cm) |
| Weight | 6.2 oz. (175.8 g) |
| Deployment | KVT ball‑bearing flipper |
| Lock | Titanium frame lock with steel insert |
| Clip | Reversible deep‑carry (left/right, tip‑up) |
| Price | $285 (MSRP), ~$228 street |
Who Should Carry the Zero Tolerance 0220?
The 0220 is a knife for the enthusiast who appreciates substance over style, who values a thick, rigid blade and a handle that fills the hand like a handshake from a blacksmith. It is not a knife for those who prioritize lightweight carry or who want a discreet, office‑friendly EDC. It is a knife for hard use—for the outdoorsman, the ranch hand, the construction professional, the first responder who needs a blade that will not flinch when asked to cut through seat belts, thick plastic packaging, or heavy rope. It is also a knife for the collector who appreciates Jens Anso's design philosophy and wants to own a production version of his custom work without the multi‑year wait and the multi‑thousand‑dollar price tag. At $285 retail—and significantly less at street price—the 0220 offers a combination of premium materials, American manufacturing, and distinctive design that is difficult to match at its price point. It is a heavy knife, both literally and figuratively, and for those who embrace its heft, it is one of the most satisfying folders in the Zero Tolerance catalog.
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