It looks THIN (for a ZT)-both the blade and the scales. Nice! The “overbuilt” crowd is probably going to hate it but It’s a must buy for me. I always appreciate it when ZT tries new things. There is a nice niche in my collection for this one. I don’t mind the pivot, but it would look better if it was mate or stonewashed.
The pivot is a form over function inclusion and earns a ding from me (for what that's worth). Plus, the right/left side carry option uglies up the handle and is sort of pointless on a frame lock which is essentially dedicated to righties. Billboarding on the clip is ding #3. Like the design and size and blade. Thanks for the overview, DF!
Although I love a larger blade, I realized that most of my cutting is done with the first half inch of the knife. Man that knife is a beauty. Great video!
Mine arrives tomorrow and I'm sitting here refreshing the USPS tracking and watching this video for like the third time along with you and Epic Snuggle Bunny's.
Thanks for the review. I also bought one at Blade show and got a free mirror polished edge demo from Wicked Edge. I'm a leftie and have no problem manipulating the knife one handed. For me, it is a prefect size and functioning edc. USA made !!!! Enjoyed meeting you at Blade Show. You have such great , uplifting and positive reviews.
It's also exciting that they will sell you a tool to open the pivot. Because I sure wouldn't want it included, it could scratch the knife. /sarc That aside, this really does come into perspective as a mini version next to the 0920. The first photos I saw I assumed it was the same size as the 0606, I should know better for $240. Yes, specs can be deceptive, I've gotten small knives that seem bigger smaller than I expected. Glad to see you can get a full 4 on this thing. We're so spoiled these days, this kind of milling would have been a pretty big deal 2 years ago. I'm still pretty impressed. The gold/blue never did anything for me, but that black one you had was very nice. Lots of potential for enhancing. Look forward to your diagnosis.
I had to choose between Zero Tolerance 0850 sprint run carbon fiber and the Zero Tolerance 0609 sprint run purple at my local dealer. Got the 0850 which is an amazing blade. But I think I will get the 0609 eventually. It seems like a fine gentleman folder :)
This is the one that I wanted the most also. I've been shopping for a higher-end production EDC and this MAY be it. I didn't realize they were out yet.
I finally saw and handled a 0609 today. It is a much better looking knife in person than it appeared in all of the videos I have seen. The knife does seem smallish by ZT standards. I think I could carry without raising much fuss.
Great review Doc, have had mine a couple days, I must say I love everything about it. Pics I’d seen made the handles look more gold in color. I much prefer this dark bronze, very nice. I will be looking for a nicer aftermarket clip. Nothing wrong with the one supplied, just wanting something fancier. Really enjoy all your reviews.
i like it. well done blade, great contrast in finishes, unique pivot design. looks like a winner. down fall though is these pocket clips. i would pay more for milled pocket clip, but i think ZT is really trying to stay in the current price range.
What's up Doc ? The Real Steel Sea Eagle has a "see through pivot" also , not sure when it came out , but I've had mine for about a year. They stamped a hex head on the top of the pivot , on both sides , so you don't need to "buy" a tool from them . Its a great idea , and it works good. The knife also has a "see through " bolt on the butt of the knife , and thats all that holds the knife together , the see through pivot and the bolt , that's it , its a really cool design . You should check one out ...
I just got mine today as well I love the look but it is a little small I will say I set the blade down on a wood cutting board and mine has no recurve maybe your got a funkie grind haha. Love the vids please keep them coming I can’t wait to see your 393 I wish I had cf for mine. 😍
Is it just me or is the "see through pivot" nothing but a stylized chain ring bolt? That's not really very special since they have been widely used for years. Not good or bad, just an observation. Looks like the perfect size EDC rendition to me.
MrWdabeast there are currently a few guys making them. RC bladeworks and Shepard CC are the two I can recommend off the top of my head. Mine are with Shepard right now.
Still pretty much on the fence with it. I wish they'd kept the size closer as well, maybe 3.6 - 3.75 in range. Waiting for the 0462 to drop here for now, no rush on a 0609.
Great unboxing video! Still waiting on my preorder. Have u seen the gpknives pic on instagram where they polish one with green cleaning rodico? Your thoughts on that? And your thoughts of the more subdued bronze finish that is the final product?
How does ZT do with 20CV heat treatment compared to other manufacturers like Spyderco / Benchmade? I recently just got my first ZT knives. (0460 titanium & 0450 carbon fiber ). Have not used them enough yet to warrant buy this model but I do love the design & look of this knife.
When I read the specs I actually got super excited. I love my ZTs, but I hate the stock thickness. I'm only concerned with the custom pivot (no biggie, I can make that tool myself and the thumb jimping under the flipper tab. I had a Kizer Alter ego which I got rid of for the very reason. The landing zone of the index finger should not be a rocky road. The spine of the knife is fine, even a slightly extruding spine with jimping would be better than this.
It would make sense that somebody like RJ Martin would have that figured out. I'm actually pretty stoked about this knife now! Definitely on my radar for a small slicy ZT EDC.
How does it fit in your hand, given that it's a relatively small knife? I believe you and I may have similarly sized hands (AKA pretty darn big lol), so I appreciate getting info from your videos about size and ergos before I make any decisions to purchase.
After 3 mins before you quit complaining about the knife not bigger. 3.4" is not that small since EDC concealed is often 3.5 or less in many states to be legal. Next, why do you need a tool? Never heard the reason why, only more disappointment. Otherwise good info and camera work.
I prefer about 3.5 to 3.75". That is subjective, and may not be the case for all. Also, I would not want to damage my knife with an improper opening tool.
Doctor Frunkey Me too. I saw a pic of the 0393 compared to this one, and the difference is quite noticeable indeed. Enough for me to go with the 3.5" 0393. The knife did look much bigger than just the blade too.
Good thing you can buy the tool , though it should be included , because that colour has to go , and as per usual the bill boarding is ugly , as is the pig's snout on the show side . The overall size and designs very nice but 220 + 16 shipping plus the exchange rate = 305.10 Cdn , ouch .
The Lock up on this is Terrible. Half a mm ...or 1mm max ! A danger. That blade is awesome but a danger. Its a design flaw with this one Im being honest. Returning mine. The seller is unhappy but its not my fault.
![Oasis - Oasis Live '25 [Official Trailer]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gol_JnuEtKM/mqdefault.jpg)
It looks THIN (for a ZT)-both the blade and the scales. Nice! The “overbuilt” crowd is probably going to hate it but It’s a must buy for me. I always appreciate it when ZT tries new things. There is a nice niche in my collection for this one. I don’t mind the pivot, but it would look better if it was mate or stonewashed.
The pivot is a form over function inclusion and earns a ding from me (for what that's worth). Plus, the right/left side carry option uglies up the handle and is sort of pointless on a frame lock which is essentially dedicated to righties. Billboarding on the clip is ding #3. Like the design and size and blade. Thanks for the overview, DF!
Mitchell Delmar agreed on all points!
Although I love a larger blade, I realized that most of my cutting is done with the first half inch of the knife. Man that knife is a beauty. Great video!
Blaze thank you. Most EDC cutting tasks can be done by a 2.5in blade. But its always nice to have options.
Mine arrives tomorrow and I'm sitting here refreshing the USPS tracking and watching this video for like the third time along with you and Epic Snuggle Bunny's.
Thanks for the review. I also bought one at Blade show and got a free mirror polished edge demo from Wicked Edge. I'm a leftie and have no problem manipulating the knife one handed. For me, it is a prefect size and functioning edc. USA made !!!! Enjoyed meeting you at Blade Show. You have such great , uplifting and positive reviews.
Mine will be here Wednesday. Can't wait!
Jesse Ojile 🍻🍻🍻
it's quickly becoming number 2 favorite in my edc lineup spyderco slysz bowie is number 1
It's also exciting that they will sell you a tool to open the pivot. Because I sure wouldn't want it included, it could scratch the knife. /sarc That aside, this really does come into perspective as a mini version next to the 0920. The first photos I saw I assumed it was the same size as the 0606, I should know better for $240. Yes, specs can be deceptive, I've gotten small knives that seem bigger smaller than I expected. Glad to see you can get a full 4 on this thing. We're so spoiled these days, this kind of milling would have been a pretty big deal 2 years ago. I'm still pretty impressed. The gold/blue never did anything for me, but that black one you had was very nice. Lots of potential for enhancing. Look forward to your diagnosis.
slidetek sometimes im able to kniw the size by reading the specs. This one was thinner and lighter than i was expecting.
The pivot tool should come with the knife incorporated into the price. And their clips need improving who doesn't adjust their pivots FFS!
Hello Doc., I am late to the party but it’s nice to ZT not always making giant knives.
Excellent review, I like the detailed walkthroughs! Thanks!
I had to choose between Zero Tolerance 0850 sprint run carbon fiber and the Zero Tolerance 0609 sprint run purple at my local dealer. Got the 0850 which is an amazing blade. But I think I will get the 0609 eventually. It seems like a fine gentleman folder :)
This is the one that I wanted the most also. I've been shopping for a higher-end production EDC and this MAY be it. I didn't realize they were out yet.
Slicey Dicey this may be the very best of the 3 this year so far.
If you keep costing me money, I'm going to stop watching your videos. Where did you get yours? (I'm impatient)
Well it's official... You cost me $220 lol. I got one from Smokey Mountain. Now to stare at the shipping notification...
I finally saw and handled a 0609 today. It is a much better looking knife in person than it appeared in all of the videos I have seen. The knife does seem smallish by ZT standards. I think I could carry without raising much fuss.
Great review Doc, have had mine a couple days, I must say I love everything about it. Pics I’d seen made the handles look more gold in color. I much prefer this dark bronze, very nice. I will be looking for a nicer aftermarket clip. Nothing wrong with the one supplied, just wanting something fancier. Really enjoy all your reviews.
Favorite ZT released this year by far.
Did they accidentally make a knife that cuts well?
i like it. well done blade, great contrast in finishes, unique pivot design. looks like a winner. down fall though is these pocket clips. i would pay more for milled pocket clip, but i think ZT is really trying to stay in the current price range.
alfred rodriguez yeah that would drive the price up. There will certainly be some aftermarket clips made.
Been waiting for this one.
PAUL ROBSON 👊👊👊
What's up Doc ? The Real Steel Sea Eagle has a "see through pivot" also , not sure when it came out , but I've had mine for about a year. They stamped a hex head on the top of the pivot , on both sides , so you don't need to "buy" a tool from them . Its a great idea , and it works good. The knife also has a "see through " bolt on the butt of the knife , and thats all that holds the knife together , the see through pivot and the bolt , that's it , its a really cool design . You should check one out ...
I just got a couple Megalodons in hand. I may need to expand.
Doctor Frunkey I really like the Sea Eagle CF , wicked smooth , the detent is a little weak though .
Thanks! I can’t wait to see your next video big fan of the customizing videos!!!
I just got mine today as well I love the look but it is a little small I will say I set the blade down on a wood cutting board and mine has no recurve maybe your got a funkie grind haha. Love the vids please keep them coming I can’t wait to see your 393 I wish I had cf for mine. 😍
Bryce Walts thanks! I'm not sure if it's recurved or not still haha
Damn I am so freakin jealous that u have that gem . It’s on my wish list. Can’t wait to buy one .
I handled one a few weeks ago- loved the size.
Holy crap I'm lusting after this knife so hard.
Matt K it's very well done.
Great video! Can't wait to pick one up. It's a shame they don't include the pivot tool.
Circlip pliers would work on the pivot, wish it was a little smaller 3" or a little less! Nice review.
Chris Wood I feel this is an ideal size
Quite understandable, I would guess you live in a very knife tolerant area? I need to carry knives that are a little discrete.
I like it doc looks great weight is right. I gotta try something different this may be it. Thanks Doc
Rodney Pearson this is a winner
Is it just me or is the "see through pivot" nothing but a stylized chain ring bolt? That's not really very special since they have been widely used for years. Not good or bad, just an observation.
Looks like the perfect size EDC rendition to me.
Baz on Blades its a bit of a gimmick. But it works.
Great review! You mentioned carbon fiber scales for the 0393...where did you find those? Would be very interested in a set myself
MrWdabeast there are currently a few guys making them. RC bladeworks and Shepard CC are the two I can recommend off the top of my head. Mine are with Shepard right now.
Doctor Frunkey Thanks so much for the reply. Been searching for a way to take this knife to the next level
Prognosis looks good! What is your final evaluation?
Still pretty much on the fence with it. I wish they'd kept the size closer as well, maybe 3.6 - 3.75 in range. Waiting for the 0462 to drop here for now, no rush on a 0609.
I think the highlights for me is a rather larger blade in a compact handle!
Great unboxing video! Still waiting on my preorder. Have u seen the gpknives pic on instagram where they polish one with green cleaning rodico? Your thoughts on that? And your thoughts of the more subdued bronze finish that is the final product?
steve baar the oils from one's hands will change the color of the bronze. This is a well known phenomenon on low-voltage bronze and blue anodizations.
steve baar the knife can be cleaned and brought back to a brighter color.
Thinking about doing my Slysz Bowie!
How does ZT do with 20CV heat treatment compared to other manufacturers like Spyderco / Benchmade? I recently just got my first ZT knives. (0460 titanium & 0450 carbon fiber ). Have not used them enough yet to warrant buy this model but I do love the design & look of this knife.
When I read the specs I actually got super excited. I love my ZTs, but I hate the stock thickness. I'm only concerned with the custom pivot (no biggie, I can make that tool myself and the thumb jimping under the flipper tab. I had a Kizer Alter ego which I got rid of for the very reason. The landing zone of the index finger should not be a rocky road.
The spine of the knife is fine, even a slightly extruding spine with jimping would be better than this.
Ted Dahlqvist the jimping does not hurt the index finger, unlike the XM18 and the J-Cape.
It would make sense that somebody like RJ Martin would have that figured out. I'm actually pretty stoked about this knife now! Definitely on my radar for a small slicy ZT EDC.
Hey man Rike Thor 5 integral. Check out the backspace area.
Nice looking blade....
Great review.. 👍👍👍👍👍
Очень красивый нож!
I really wish zt wouldn't put their logo on the blade like that, should be smaller and further into the corner.
How does it fit in your hand, given that it's a relatively small knife? I believe you and I may have similarly sized hands (AKA pretty darn big lol), so I appreciate getting info from your videos about size and ergos before I make any decisions to purchase.
Lance Leon there is a few moments in this video where I discuss that exact question
Doctor Frunkey my mind must've wandered; I didn't notice that part. I'll go rewatch the video. Thanks.
Is the blade ground thin enough behind the edge to be a decent slicer?
I have a purple one and the bronze 801
And the blue 920
How can you go wrong with a ZT? Nice review.
Jameson Cross thank you!
Now that you've handled all 3, how would you rank them? I think I'm leaning towards the 0462.
Chris Allison for me, 0393, 0609, then 0462. The ergos on 0462 are a bit weird IMO.
Zt already has way to many large knives, they need more edc knives this size. Can't wait to get one.
Nice. It's my size. Reminds me of a Rike 1503 in size and scale. I need to get one. Carbon fiber scales for the ZT 0393? From where?
Does anyone else's make a rattle sound in the bearings when you shake it? I am wondering if I need to send mine back to fix it
A little. I spoke to another dude about this. I think it has to do with the pivot tightness. I am waiting for the tool.
i love my 0920 =)
Final Diagnosis coming soon!
Does the milling add traction? I’m really looking forward to this knife. I prefer smaller knives that have a handle length around 4”.
Jesse Allen yes it does!
Doctor Frunkey awesome. Thank you for the reply.
Which one do you like better so far, 0393 or 0609?
cameron utt tough call but probably 0393. Let's give it a month.
I am never preordering from bladehq ever again
azraelsblade they usually get ZTs early. Just a few days behind kershawguy.com
azraelsblade
Ditto, still waiting on mine...
👏👏👏👍
Lane Howard 👊🍻
My heart breaks a little each time you show the 0392.... :-(
Frank Butta why?
Doctor Frunkey
I’ve wanted that model ever since I saw one last year. I’ve seen them on eBay, but that’s a gamble I’m not willing to take.
Just a little to small but Cool looking knife👊🏽🗡
After 3 mins before you quit complaining about the knife not bigger. 3.4" is not that small since EDC concealed is often 3.5 or less in many states to be legal. Next, why do you need a tool? Never heard the reason why, only more disappointment. Otherwise good info and camera work.
I prefer about 3.5 to 3.75". That is subjective, and may not be the case for all. Also, I would not want to damage my knife with an improper opening tool.
Doctor Frunkey Me too. I saw a pic of the 0393 compared to this one, and the difference is quite noticeable indeed. Enough for me to go with the 3.5" 0393. The knife did look much bigger than just the blade too.
Good thing you can buy the tool , though it should be included , because that colour has to go , and as per usual the bill boarding is ugly , as is the pig's snout on the show side . The overall size and designs very nice but 220 + 16 shipping plus the exchange rate = 305.10 Cdn , ouch .
I really wanted this one until I saw the size of it, it's just too small for me very disappointed.
Great edc
its too damn small for me. Its sharp as hell, but fragile. Too fancy for EDC imo.
Looks like fancy CRKT Ripple. $220, smallish 3.5 blade............ugh.
you are not the only one who feels this way
The Lock up on this is Terrible. Half a mm ...or 1mm max ! A danger. That blade is awesome but a danger. Its a design flaw with this one Im being honest. Returning mine. The seller is unhappy but its not my fault.
ZT lockup has been a bit of a quiet prolem recently. I may need to make an expose...