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| General Questions |
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| How can I get a catalog? How much do they cost? |
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We’d be happy to send you a FREE ZT catalog. Just call, write, or send us an email with your request.
If you’d like to browse the catalog online right now, just click on the ZT brand landing page and you’ll find a link to a PDF of our current catalog. |
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| What if there’s no ZT dealer in my area listed on your site? Where else can I purchase ZT knives? |
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If you don’t see a nearby ZT dealer listed on our site, you have a number of options. First, give us a call. We may know of authorized dealers in your area who have not yet been listed on the website.
You can also shop online. Check the information on our site for cities near you or in your state. Many authorized ZT dealers also sell our products through their websites. In addition, there are reputable dealers who only sell online; for example, Amazon.com. We urge you to take care in choosing an online-only retailer and do your homework to ensure you are purchasing from a reliable retailer. |
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| Can I buy direct from you? |
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| Yes, you may purchase ZT knives directly from us at Kai USA. However, we always charge the MRSP (Manufacturer’s Recommended Selling Price), which will normally be higher than what many of our dealers charge for the same products. We do this because we want to support the dealers who carry our quality products by not undercutting their prices. While we would be happy to sell you our products directly—just give us a call—you will usually find a much better price from one of our terrific dealers. And be assured that the ZT product you purchase through our authorized dealers will be fully backed by our famous Lifetime Warranty. |
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| Do you have an outlet store? |
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| No, ZT does not have an outlet store. However, if you live in the Portland, Oregon area, we do have a once-a-year Warehouse Sale (usually just after Thanksgiving). Look for our ads in the local newspapers. |
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| How do I become a dealer? |
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| Just click on the “Dealers” tab at the bottom of this page. There you will find the information you need about qualifying as an authorized ZT dealer. There’s also a phone number you can call to talk with us directly so that we can answer any questions you may have. |
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| How can I access high-resolution images of your products? |
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| Authorized ZT dealers can access high-resolution images of ZT products by contacting their customer service representative to obtain the necessary FTP site information. |
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| Products |
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| How can I find out about new products? |
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| We update this website with our new products several times each year so you’ll always have online access to information about our latest products. Just click on the link “What’s New” on the top of the ZT-brand landing page. |
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| Do you make left-handed knives? |
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| A number of our ZT knives feature ambidextrous opening. All ZT SpeedSafe® knives, for example, can be opened by pulling back on a blade protrusion with the index finger of either the left or right hand. These knives combine ambidextrous opening with a frame lock or locking liner that many lefties find is easy-to-operate with just a little practice. |
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| What do the 4 Xs on my blade mean? |
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| If the blade of your ZT knife has etched “Xs” on it, the knife was originally purchased at our annual Warehouse Sale as a factory “second.” In other words, the knife is not “first” or top quality. These knives usually look and work just fine; they are simply not up to ZT’s demanding standards. As a result, these factory seconds do not carry the ZT Lifetime Warranty. |
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| How do I measure blade length? |
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| When ZT measures blade length, we abide by the protocols of the American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI), of which we are members. The AKTI defines knife blade length as “the straight line extending from the tip of the blade to the forward-most aspect of the hilt or handle.” Given the variation in blade and handle shapes, this is a very useful and reasonable standard for blade measurement. |
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| How thick are ZT blades? |
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| The blade thickness of our knives varies according to style of the knife. Generally, ZT blades range from .121 inches (.307 cm) to .190 inches (.48 cm). Most are .156 inches (.40 cm) thick. These somewhat thicker blades are built to stand up to the demanding tasks for which our customers use them. |
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| Will the coating on the blade of my knife wear off? |
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| The technologically advanced coatings on the blades of ZT knives are designed to provide a non-reflective finish and to enhance specific performance features. Although these coatings are designed to stand up to continual knife use, in time, all coatings will show some wear. Scratches and other signs of wear should be expected and considered normal. |
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| Will you modify my knife? |
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| Sorry, no; ZT cannot modify your knife. |
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| Where are your knives made? |
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| Zero Tolerance knives are proudly made in the United States of America. |
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| SpeedSafe |
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| What is SpeedSafe®? |
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| SpeedSafe® is a patented system that assists the user to smoothly open any SpeedSafe® knife with a manual push on the blade's thumb stud or pull back on the blade protrusion. SpeedSafe® is built into many of Kershaw's best-selling knives. |
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| How does SpeedSafe® work? |
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| The heart of SpeedSafe® is its torsion bar. Closed, the torsion bar helps keep the knife closed, preventing it from being opened by "gravity." In order to open the knife, the user must apply manual pressure to the thumb stud or blade protrusion to overcome the resistance of the torsion bar. After the blade is out of the handle, the torsion bar moves along its half-moon track and takes over. The blade opens smoothly and locks into position, ready for use. |
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| Is a SpeedSafe® knife a switchblade? |
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| NO! There are many unique features of SpeedSafe® knives that make them quite different than knives that are considered switchblades. Unlike a switchblade, SpeedSafe® blades DO NOT deploy with the push of a button in the handle or by gravity alone. Instead, the user must manually overcome the torsion bar's resistance—using the thumb stud or protrusion on the blade itself—in order to engage the SpeedSafe® system. Because the user must manually overcome the torsion bar's resistance, SpeedSafe® knives fall fully outside the Federal definition of a switchblade. However, due to the complexity and constantly changing nature of these laws and regulations, it is impossible for Kershaw Knives to be aware of every restriction in every location in which our knives are sold or carried. It is the responsibility of the buyer to investigate and comply with the laws and regulations that apply in his or her specific area. |
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| Who are our SpeedSafe® customers? |
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| SpeedSafe® was specifically designed for sporting and work situations where one-handed opening is preferable and safer. Its safe, efficient opening has made it a popular choice for hunters, fishermen, and those who require the one-hand opening function on the job-site. |
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| How Safe is SpeedSafe®? |
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| Very. SpeedSafe® opens ONLY when the user manually deploys it using either the thumb stud or blade protrusion. Once deployed, a locking system secures the blade in position so that it cannot close accidentally. When releasing the lock, the blade does not snap shut due to resistance provided by the torsion bar. This bar also provides a bias towards the closed position, which holds the blade securely closed. New SpeedSafe® users can ensure safe use of the technology by practicing to proficiency. |
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| How long does the Speed-Safe torsion bar last? |
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| We test our torsion bar to 10,000 openings. However, at some point, the torsion bar may need to be replaced. We will gladly do this at our facility free of charge. See Warranty at the bottom of this page for information on this service. |
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| Use and Care |
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| What tools do I need to adjust my knife? |
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| ZT knives features a 3/8-inch hex head pivot shaft nut that can be adjusted using standard field tools such as pliers or an adjustable wrench. The ZT JB2 Shroud Cutter also has a built-in tank wrench that will fit the ZT pivot shaft nut. |
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| What’s the best way to clean and maintain my knife? |
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| Just wipe your knife down to remove surface dust and debris. If the knife is very dirty, wash it with soap and water, dry thoroughly, then oil it. Wiping a light coating of oil on the blade and hinge before storage is also important for keeping your investment in proper working order. Oils such as WD40, 3-in-1 oil, or gun oil will work fine for maintaining your ZT. |
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| Warranty Information |
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 WARRANTY SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS AND FORM
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Zero Tolerance products are guaranteed for the lifetime of the original owner to be free of defects when received from the factory. Any product we find to be defective in its original material, construction, or workmanship will be repaired or replaced with the same item or one of equal value at no charge. (Of course, normal wear, abuse such as prying with the knife, or neglect are excluded from this non-transferable warranty.) For warranty service, please return product via UPS or insured mail. Include your name, address, telephone number, and a short explanation of the warranty service requested to the address below. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
Kai USA ltd., Zero Tolerance Knives
WARRANTY DEPARTMENT
18600 SW Teton Avenue
Tualatin, OR 97062
Liability Disclaimer
Zero Tolerance Knives are intended and sold for legitimate use only. The purchase, use, and ownership of knives are subject to a wide variety of local laws and regulations. Certain knife styles, blade designs, and blade lengths are not allowed in specific areas. In light of recent events involving national security, knives may not be permitted in government buildings or on government property (such as court houses, federal offices, national monuments, and airports), and government officials may take the position that knives are “weapons” under applicable laws. Due to the complexity and constantly changing nature of these laws and regulations, it is impossible for Kai USA ltd., to be aware of every restriction in every location in which our knives may be sold or carried. It is the responsibility of the buyer to investigate and comply with the laws and regulations that apply in his or her specific area. You, and not Kai USA ltd., are solely responsible for any claims resulting from violation of these laws and/or regulations.
WARNING! Knives are extremely sharp tools and should only be used with the utmost care and caution. Any use other than cutting is considered misuse and abuse and will void your warranty.
Zero Tolerance Knives are made in the USA.
We reserve the right to change specifications, materials, or discontinue products at any time without notice. |
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| Where do I ship my knife for warranty service? |
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| Please see the Warranty Shipping Form Instructions and Form to send back any KAI-USA, LTD knives for warranty service: WARRANTY SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS AND FORM |
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| Can I ship my knife in a padded envelope? |
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| Please use a box. Padded envelopes are often ripped or torn open during the shipping process and your knife could be lost. We cannot be responsible for knives lost during shipping. |
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| Can I have my old knife back if you choose to replace it? |
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| We're sorry, but we cannot replace a knife and return the old one. |
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| I shipped my knife to you for sharpening or repair. Have you received it yet? |
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We encourage you to ship via UPS or Fed-Ex as these companies automatically provide a tracking number. The tracking number allows you to easily verify your knife’s arrival at our facility. If you prefer mailing the knife to us via the post office, we suggest insuring the package and using the Delivery Confirmation service. Again, this will provide a tracking number for verification of the arrival of the knife.
Please remember that shipping and mailing times vary greatly. Check with your shipping service for the approximate shipping time from their facility to ours. |
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| Can I have a part sent to me? |
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| Yes. However, we cannot ship a blade to you. If your knife needs a blade or you need more than one part, please send it in for FREE warranty service. If you want us to ship you parts other than the blade, just use the Contact Us form on the bottom of this page to request parts. Remember that parts are specific to each knife model, so please make sure the model number is included in your request for parts. You can locate the four-digit model number on the blade or handle. |
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| What is your turn around time? |
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| We process warranty requests as soon as possible. But please allow four weeks from the day you ship the knife before contacting us. |
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| Will you sharpen my knife? |
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| Yes, we sharpen every Zero Tolerance knife sent in for warranty service as part of our normal procedure. (In fact, we will sharpen your ZT knife even if it doesn’t need warranty service. Please see below.) We provide this additional service free of charge. Please note that we can only sharpen and repair Zero Tolerance knives. |
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| How will I know if my knife is covered under warranty? |
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| Please provide your phone number and the best time to call you in your letter of information. If there is any problem with your coverage, we will call you to discuss your knife. Otherwise, we will repair and sharpen your knife within our usual turnaround time. |
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| Do I include money for return shipping costs? |
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| No, we do not charge for the return shipping costs. (You will have to pay for the initial shipping costs to us, however.) Please note that in order to keep our costs down so that we can continue providing warranty service free of charge, we will return your knife to you via the US postal service only. We cannot accommodate overnight or other special shipping requests. |
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| Can I send my knife back to you for routine sharpening? |
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| Yes, we will happily sharpen any Zero Tolerance knife for you. There is no cost for this service, aside from that of initially shipping the knife to our facility. |
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