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ZT Slip Joint Knives
Zero Tolerance slip joints were the brand's first move away from tactical overbuild and into gentleman's carry territory. The 0230 launched the platform in 2019 as ZT's first non-locking folder, followed by the 0235 a year later, both designed by Danish knifemaker Jens Ansø and built in Tualatin, Oregon alongside the rest of the ZT catalog.
The Double Detent System
The defining feature across the ZT slip joint lineup is the double detent system. Two steel detent balls, one on each side of the blade, hold the blade securely closed for pocket carry and again at a half-stop position for controlled opening and closing. That second detent is the key difference between a ZT slip joint and a traditional nail-nick folder. It gives the blade a deliberate, deliberate feel on the way open and prevents accidental closure during use without adding a true locking mechanism. The result is a non-locking knife that carries legally in jurisdictions with blade-lock restrictions while still delivering controlled, confident deployment.
Blade Steel and Handle Construction
Both platforms run CPM 20CV, the same powder-metallurgy stainless that anchors ZT's premium folders. It delivers the edge retention and corrosion resistance buyers expect at this price point, finished with a stonewash that hides carry wear over time. The 0230 wears a sheepsfoot blade with a full-width flat grind, tuned for slicing and controlled cuts at the tip. The 0235 carries a spear point for more piercing capability. Handle options span carbon fiber, black G-10, and olive green G-10, each paired with an anodized aluminum backspacer in blue or orange that doubles as a lanyard attachment. Both platforms ride under two inches closed in some variants and stay under three inches open, keeping them legal in most municipal ordinances.
Choosing a ZT Slip Joint
The 0230 is the pick for utility-leaning buyers who want a workhorse slicer in a compact non-locking package. The 0235 suits the gentleman's carry buyer who wants a finer tip for letter opening, package work, and detail cutting. Both deliver ZT fit and finish in the lightest carry profile the brand offers.