Many Zero Tolerance knives are made with super steels like CPM-20CV and S30V that are renowned for their strength, toughness, and edge retention.
The unfortunate reality of this realization is that some users may be lulled into the false sense of security that these knives are bombproof or that the steel is maintenance-free. This is the “gateway mindset” into tool abuse.
Yes, “super” blade steels are generally very strong and corrosion resistant, and due to the fact that many of them have a consistent distribution of very fine carbides in the alloy, they are very hard and offer excellent edge retention.
But that doesn’t make them invincible, and what’s worse, some of these steels are so hard they’re a nightmare to resharpen.
So, keep the edges of your Zero Tolerance knives for longer with the following tips.
Avoid Hair and Paper
You can’t always avoid hair and paper, but make no mistake about it, these things will run down the edge of a knife faster than you think.
Obviously, if you use your knife predominantly for breaking down boxes, there’s no way around this. But for others, you can make a conscious effort to be more discretionary.
For hunters: if your Zero Tolerance knife is your main processing blade, take care not to cut through skin from the skin side, except at the initial incision. Always cut from the inside out to avoid contact with fur.
Don’t Use the Edge As a Scraper
This is probably the most important part of this list. There is a reason that some knives have squared spines. Use that as the scraper – not your edge.
The edge is designed to slice, not scrape. Scraping puts immense pressure on a very small amount of material, and can easily roll or chip your edge – super steel or not.
Don’t Throw or Baton with the Knife
Super steels are actually pretty well adapted for impulse and batoning – folding knives are not. And, since Zero Tolerance has made it in the folding knife corner, this is a problem.
Not only is it disastrous for the lock, but repeatedly pounding your edge through the end grain of wood (though less stressful than cutting across the fibers) is asking for trouble.
Use your Zero Tolerance knives for cutting and processing; save the hatchet or camp knife for the heavier stuff.
Keep It Sharp in the First Place
Finally, start with a sharp edge in the first place, and don’t assume your factory edge is perfect. Zero Tolerance is pretty good about it, but you never know.
If your knife isn’t hair-popping sharp, a few passes on a 3000-grit stone and then a light stropping should get it there.
A sharp knife will stay sharp longer because you won’t have to use as much force cutting – which is safer for you, too, come to think of it.
Adding to the Collection? Zero Tolerance Knives and More at White Mountain Knives
Looking for new Zero Tolerance knives to round out your collection? Get some new ZT knives designed by Rick Hinderer, Dmitry Sinkevich, Todd Rexford, and other industry elites, over at White Mountain Knives.
You can investigate their collection at WhiteMountainKnives.com or contact them at WhiteMountainKnives@gmail.com for more information.
