The Zero Tolerance 0801 knife is a fantastically good folder. I purchased one a while back, and it has proven to be a solid performer.
Minuteman has partnered with Zero Tolerance to produce an exclusive black DLC-coated version of the 0801 knife that is also tumbled to give it a stonewashed finish. The Minuteman mod of the knife, model MM01K, also lacks any branding on the blade, giving it a cleaner look.
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The Minuteman MM01K is currently available for pre-order for $225, which Minuteman says is $54 less than its retail price. Minuteman has pledged to donate 25% of profits to charities that assist with US veterans and their families. The stock version of the knife is also still available for $169-192.
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As with the stock ZT 0801, the MM01K is made in the USA and features a 3.5″ Elmax knife blade, KVT ball bearing pivot, titanium frame lock, and deep-carry pocket clip.
Personally, I think it’s a better buy to go for the plain-Jane version of the ZT 0801, which is currently $169 at BladeHQ. If you want to help out US veterans, you can send $20 to Wounded Warriors or another organization at anytime, and your donation would probably be higher.
But if you’re into blacked-out and stonewashed knives, the MM01K looks to be a decent price compared to the stock version.
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Clayton M
On the ‘flip’ side, though more expensive, I think the 0801 looks much better in the Blackwashed finish. At least some of the premium goes towards a good cause!
Koko the Talking Ape
Great looking knife, and supporting a good cause! Also the blade steel is top-notch and the handle looks comfortable.
I will say, though, that a titanium handle is far more durable than I will ever need. G-10 or even fiber-reinforced nylon (FRN) makes a perfectly adequate handle that is maybe easier on the hands and makes for a lighter knife. I have an FRN handle knife that is decades old and doing fine. Also, I personally prefer lockbacks (or “mid-backs”), partly because when you hold down the lock, there is no pressure on the blade and you can often just swing the blade open with a flick of the wrist. Not as quick as assisted-opening, but cheaper and less complicated.
Stuart
Framelock knife handles must be at least half-metal. Stainless steel might be too heavy, do they use titanium.
The 0801 isn’t any more expensive than some of Zero Tolerances knives that have half titanium and half G-10 handles.
Koko the Talking Ape
That makes sense. In fact, that is one reason why I prefer lockback knives, because the handle doesn’t have to be at least half metal.
Titanium handles are cool, macho, good-looking, and whatever else, all of which is perfectly fine for spending money on if you should so choose, but they aren’t more durable in actual use.