REVIEW: Zero Tolerance 0566 with Speedsafe (Elmax Blade)

Technical Specifications

• Speed Safe assisted opening System
• Frame Lock
• Lock Bar Stabilizer
• Blade Length 3.25 inches
• Closed Length 4.45 inches
• Overall Length 7.7 inches
• Weight 5.3 oz.

The blade of the Hinderer is made from ELMAX powdered steel.  Elmax has almost no impurities in the steel.  The 0566’s blade can be sharpened to extremely sharp levels and it also offers excellent edge retention.  Which equals less sharpening, this should lead to less work and more enjoyment of the knife. The Elmax steel is a high Chromium-vanadium-molybdenum-alloyed steel, which basically means the process which it went through and the components in it gives the steel these characteristics.   The steel has a high wear resistance, it has a high compressive strength,  good stability and it is corrosion resistant.  These qualities in the steel make for a great knife blade.  This steel will hold a great sharp edge and it has a lower risk of breaking or snapping.  That does not mean that this blade can be used as a prybar.

The handling of this knife is awesome.   The handle is made out of textured G-10.  The 3-D machined handle is the dimpled texture on the handle.  It is very comfortable to hold.  It provides a stron grip during heavy use.  Textured G-10 is produced by inserting continuous glass woven fabric impregnated with an epoxy resin binder while forming the sheet under high pressure. G-10 is used often because its water absorption is minimal.  Which  should come in handy for avid sportsmen.

Durability is always important when purchasing a new blade.   How long will it last? Will it be as solid after years of use?  With most Zt's the knife is always going to remain a solid blade as long as it is properly maintainced.  The Hinderer is constructed to last.  It has a tightly constructed handle that houses the powdered Elmax steel blade.   This knife is not going to fall apart.  The Hinderer is a great work knife for everyday use (edc).  With good care and cleaning the Zt 0566 Hinderer should last for a very long time.

Overall the Zero Tolerance 0566 Elmax does exactly what you have come to expect from ZT.  

Scales/ Grip: 10 out of 10  

Blade Sharpness:    9.25 out of 10

Deployment and ease of Use:  9.5 out of 10

Price:  9.5 out of 10

Overall 9.5 out of 10