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Expert Advice / Knife News / Gear Up: Zero Tolerance and Kershaw Unveil 2025 Knife Lineup

Gear Up: Zero Tolerance and Kershaw Unveil 2025 Knife Lineup

March 27, 2025 By: Howard Korn Categories: Knife News
Gear Up: Zero Tolerance and Kershaw Unveil 2025 Knife Lineup

Knife enthusiasts, get ready! We’ve got an exclusive first look at the brand-new knives from Zero Tolerance (ZT) and Kershaw for 2025. The buzz around these new releases has been building, and we’re excited to share the details. We are here to explore the innovative designs and high-performance features that these knives offer. Let’s dive in!

ZT’s Fresh Vision: Knives for Every Task

ZT is embracing a new philosophy. They aim to provide a diverse range of knives for various needs, mirroring Kershaw’s successful approach. What does this mean for us? It means more specialized tools with the quality we expect from ZT.

Here are some of the emerging categories that ZT is aiming for:

  • Outdoor/Bushcraft Knives: Designed for rugged use in the wilderness. (Example: ZT 0004)
  • Urban EDC Knives: Perfect for everyday carry in the city. (Examples: ZT 0556)
  • Heavy-Use/Premium Work Knives: Built to withstand demanding tasks while offering a premium feel. (Example: ZT 0512)

For those eager to explore the full range, check out the KnifeCenter ZT collection.

ZT Enters the Button Lock Arena with the 0044

Zero Tolerance 0044 folding knife held open in hand

The ZT 0044 marks a major milestone. It’s their first manual button lock knife, bringing them into a popular trend. The action is incredibly smooth, thanks to ceramic ball-bearing washers. Details like the titanium button cap and weight-relieved handles add to the premium feel.

Here are some key features of the ZT 0044:

  • Blade Steel: S45VN
  • Blade Length: A little over 3 inches
  • Handle Material: Titanium
  • Pocket Clip: Reversible, deep carry

The blade’s slicing geometry makes it ideal for everyday carry. The price is $340, and they are available now so you can experience ZT’s first slice of USA-made button lock perfection for yourself.

Back to ZT Roots with the Heavy-Duty 0512 Auto

Zero Tolerance 0512 folding knife held open in hand

The ZT 0512 is a rugged automatic knife that brings us back to ZT’s roots. It features an overbuilt design and robust construction. The thick blade stock, high grind, and steel liners under micarta ensure durability. CPM CruWear steel provides both toughness and ease of sharpening. The materials and color scheme are similar to the ZT 0450 fixed blade.

Key features of the ZT 0512 include:

  • Blade Steel: CPM CruWear
  • Handle Material: Micarta/Titanium
  • Action: Automatic with a button accent
  • Other: Titanium tube spacer, weight relief pockets

Like all Zero Tolerance knives, the 0512 is made in the USA, specifically in Tualatin, Oregon. The expected price point is around $320. Check out the product page for availability.

Kershaw Iridium Goes Auto and Made in the USA: The Launch 21

Kershaw Launch Iridium switchblade held open in hand

The Kershaw Launch Iridium (The 21st knife in the Launch series!) is the automatic version of the popular Iridium design. What makes this even better? It’s made in the USA. It features aluminum handles and a backspacer with a lanyard loop.

Here are the key features:

  • Blade Steel: MagnaCut
  • Blade Length: 3.43 inches
  • Handle Material: Aluminum

The Launch series is known for its excellent action and great value. Combined with the Iridium’s captivating design and MagnaCut steel, this was easily one of our favorite new Kershaw knives on the table. The Launch 21 is priced around $168.

Kershaw’s Button Lock Entry: The Kindred

Kershaw Kindred folding knife held open in hand

The Kershaw Kindred is a great, affordable EDC option with a button lock. It features a 3-inch D2 steel blade with a full flat grind. The comfortable, contoured aluminum handles add to its appeal.

Here’s a quick rundown of its features:

  • Blade Steel: D2
  • Blade Length: 3 inches
  • Handle Material: Aluminum
  • Lock: Button Lock
  • Pocket Clip: Deep carry, reversible

If the design proves popular, future versions may feature different handle materials. Because of the innovative way the button lock mechanism is encapsulated, even materials like Micarta may be on the table, so keep your fingers crossed! The Kindred is priced around $58. Check out the product page for more details.

Livewire Gets a Reverse Tanto Blade

Kershaw Iridium switchblade held open in hand

The Livewire OTF is already a popular choice. Now, it’s getting a new blade shape—we can’t decide whether to call it a modified Wharncliffe or a reverse tanto, but whatever its name, the slicing geometry and precision-oriented tip makes it well-suited for EDC tasks. It also features MagnaCut blade steel and a handsome two-tone finish.

The debate on blade shape names will continue, but regardless, here are its key features:

  • Blade Steel: MagnaCut
  • Blade Shape: Reverse Tanto (modified wharncliffe)
  • Handle Material: Aluminum

Priced around $240, these should be a popular addition to the successful Kershaw Livewire family.

Iridium Family Adds Reverse Tanto and New Colorways

Kershaw Iridium folding knife held open in hand

The Iridium and Mini Iridium are expanding with a new blade shape option and new blacked-out color variations.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Blade Steel: D2
  • Blade Shape: Reverse Tanto
  • Handle Material: Aluminum
  • Lock: DuraLock (crossbar lock)

The Mini Iridium is priced between $60 and $64, while the full-size version is around $67.

Kershaw Broadside: A Dependable EDC for Hard Work

Kershaw Broadside folding knife held open in hand

The Kershaw Broadside is a beefy, overbuilt DuraLock (aka Crossbar lock) design. It features a comfortable handle, highly functional jimping, and a reversible pocket clip.

Here’s a quick look at its features:

  • Blade Steel: D2
  • Blade Shape: Drop Point
  • Handle Material: Textured G10
  • Lock: DuraLock (crossbar lock)

It has a high flat grind for a good combination between strength and slicing efficiency. It’s priced around $80.

Kershaw Leek Gets Patriotic and Outdoorsy

Two Kershaw Leek folding knives held open in hand

The Kershaw Leek is a classic for a reason. Now, it’s available with unique graphic designs: the US flag and a rainbow trout.

Key features include:

  • Steel: 14C28N
  • Made in the USA
  • Spring-Assist flipper deployment.

The Leek is one of the longest-running (and best-selling) Kershaw knives of all time. This Ken Onion classic keeps on kicking because it’s still an awesome everyday carry design. The new models are priced around $80.

Rainbow PVD Returns on the Outcome and Misdirect

Kershaw Outcome folding knife held open in hand

The popular rainbow PVD finish is back on the Outcome and Misdirect models. They feature simple, solid designs and assisted-opening frame locks. The Misdirect is priced around $32, while the Outcome is about $45.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Kershaw and Zero Tolerance lineup offers something for everyone. From button locks to automatics, and rugged work knives to stylish EDCs, there’s a knife to meet every need and preference.