By Rod Hoare 

Zero Tolerance (ZT) knives have gone back to their roots with the ZT0203, producing a large hard-use folder. While more recently making smaller knives, the ZT0203 is a welcome return to their more robust designs. This isn’t your average folder; it’s a serious, no-nonsense tool. 

Field testing performed to gauge edge retention, strength, comfort and durability.

With a full 100mm CPM M4 blade, a tool steel known for its toughness and edge retention, it’s a chunky and purposeful piece. The drop point profile boasts a sweeping belly and discretely integrated swedge for added slicing ability and piercing control. The blade’s black PVD coating not only offers stealthy styling, but adds a durable protective layer against the elements. During testing, this coating held up exceptionally well. 

The olive G10 3D machined handle is solid and tactile, offering a secure comfortable grip even with sweaty, dirty or gloved hands. PVD coated steel liners reinforce its frame, giving that reassuring thickness and resilience you want in a large workhorse blade. After prolonged use, the handle was still comfortable and presented no hot spots. 

ZT’s debut DuraLock crossbar mechanism, made from solid steel, is a standout innovation here; it’s the brand’s first model to offer this style of lock, something you would normally see on a Kershaw or Benchmade knife. The ambidextrous, textured lock release makes closing both safe and intuitive with little chance of accidentally triggering. Combined with dual thumb studs, it ensures smooth one-handed opening and user-friendly operation whether you’re left- or right-handed. While the Duralock is secure and locks solid during normal to hard use, while lightly battening through hardwood, the lock did release a couple of times. Upon testing this further, the lock could be released by hitting on the back of the blade with not a lot of force, something to keep in mind (I have asked ZT for their thoughts on this). 

Designed with maintenance in mind, the open build makes cleaning after use straightforward. While CPM M4 isn’t stainless, the PVD coating gives it plenty of protection. A quick wipe-down and oiling preserved performance after some solid tests. Though CPM M4 can be a bit stubborn to sharpen, the blade held its edge well across all tasks, with a few swipes on a diamond stone and a stropping to get back to a good sharp edge. The pivot is also easily adjustable with a 5/16” wrench. 

BESS professional sharpness test performed to test edge retention and ease of sharpening. 

At 187g, the ZT0203 is noticeably weighty, yet feels balanced in hand. It isn’t for the fainthearted or dress-carry crowd; it’s a bold, professional grade blade for serious use. Its rugged build and tactical aesthetics deliver all-around reliability. The premium materials used bring a higher price tag, with a current retail price of low AUD$500. This may put some off, but for those wanting a larger folding knife that won’t back down, it’s well worth considering. 

Verdict 

A rugged, dependable companion for Aussies heading bush; engineered to withstand hard use and built for reliability, edge retention and comfort, with no damage sustained during testing. While the Duralock lock releasing while lightly battening is concerning, it’s a tough folding knife and when battening like that, I have always used, and recommend, a fixed-blade camp knife. This was performed purely for testing purposes.  

You can view the YouTube video of this testing and review in more detail at Aussie Knife and Gear Reviews.  

The ZT0203 is available direct from the Australian Zero Tolerance distributor, Aussie Outback Supplies: aussieoutbacksupplies.com, email: info@aussieoutbacksupplies.com, 08 9274 1997, or through their ZT distributors throughout Australia. 

Aussie Outback Supplies are currently offering a bonus ZT Challenge Coin with purchase of the ZT0203 knife (while stocks last) and a shipped to-your-door price in the low AUD$500 range. See this link for the deal: https://tinyurl.com/2ukre658 

Specifications & Features:  

Blade steel: CPM M4 with black PVD coating  

Blade length: 102 mm 

Blade thickness: 4.1 mm 

Overall length (Open): 235 mm 

Closed length: 133 mm 

Weight: 187g 

Handle material: Olive G10 with full steel PVD coated liners 

Locking mechanism: DuraLock crossbar PVD coated lock 

Opening mechanism: Manual with thumb stud, phosphor bronze washer pivot 

Pocket clip: Reversible deep-carry (right/left tip-up) 

Pivot adjustment: 5/16″ combo wrench compatible 

Made in: USA  

Our standard tests and results: BESS (Brubacher Edge Sharpness Scale) tests are performed on an Edge On Up Pro BESS certified professional machine to use a standard test and ease of comparison for edge retention. 

Sharpness out of the box, BESS: 253g, good sharpness for a new edge on this style of knife. 

Test: Perform 40 cuts of thick cardboard, 10 cuts of 24mm three-strand sisal rope onto timber board, cutting (battening) of timber, timber shaving, 10 nylon rope cuts onto timber board. Passed everything except battening kindling, where the lock released twice while performing test. 

Sharpness after performing above tests (edge retention):  
BESS: 395g, no damage to blade.  

Sharpness after field sharpening and stropping, BESS: 269g, moderate ease for field sharpening.