2013 Overall Knife of the Year ZT0454
TUALATIN, OR—The new Zero Tolerance 0454 from Kai USA ltd has been named the 2013 Overall Knife of the Year during the 2013 Blade Show.
The annual Blade Show awards represent the pinnacle of knife-industry awards. The winners are selected by an overwhelming vote of industry members (including representatives from Kai USA’s competitors). Winners are judged on a range of criteria—from design, innovation, and function to craftsmanship and quality.
“We are very proud to be recognized by our respected peers in the knife industry for our ability to create top-quality knives and innovative designs,” said Jack Igarashi, Chief of North American Operations, Kai USA Ltd., and Managing Director of Kai Corporation.
Winning ZT 0454 is a Collaboration with Custom Knife Maker Dmitry Sinkevich
The winning knife is the limited edition Zero Tolerance 0454. The new knife was born from a partnership between Zero Tolerance and Belorussian knife maker Dmitry Sinkevich and is based on Sinkevich’s “Cardinator.”
Sinkevich’s personal emphasis is on knives that incorporate intelligent design, state-of-the-art materials, and have a strong emphasis on quality fit and finish was a natural fit with Zero Tolerance’s own dedication to innovation, premium materials, and tank-like quality.
Blade Show judges were impressed by the striking design and advanced materials Zero Tolerance used to build the new 0454. Among the knife’s innovations is the first three-part Composite Blade. This Kai USA proprietary process combines several steels into a single blade. In this case, Zero Tolerance put CPM D2 on the cutting edge and spine while 14C28N stainless steel forms the angular design in the middle. The three parts are laser cut like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, then permanently braze welded together.
This remarkable Composite Blade is paired with 3D-machined carbon fiber handles that are lightweight, yet incredible strong. For reliable blade lockup, the 0454’s Sub-Frame Lock has a titanium lockbar with hardened stainless steel lockbar insert. The blade opens with a flipper and moves on the KVT ball-bearing system. Strong blade detent gives the opening a powerful, professional feel. Every detail of the 0454 is sculpted—from pocketclip to backspacer. A handsome, oversized pivot is the final touch on this impressive knife. No information on availability date or final number of knives that will be manufactured is currently available. The 0454 will retail for $500.
“The Zero Tolerance 0454 is a strong example of the high level of quality consumers can expect from Kai USA products,” said Mr. Igarashi. “Our ultimate goal is to create a deep connection with the knife user and a sense of pride in owning our products, whether that product is from Zero Tolerance, Kershaw, or Shun.”
About Kai USA Ltd.
Kai USA Ltd. has built a worldwide reputation for quality and innovation. The company prides itself on using the highest quality materials and state-of-the-art techniques to produce knives and other cutting tools that are prized throughout the world. Brands established and managed by Kai USA Ltd. include Shun Cutlery, fine kitchen knives and housewares, Kershaw Knives, sporting and everyday carrying knives, and Zero Tolerance Knives, premium and professional knives. Kai USA Ltd. is part of the Kai Corporation headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The Kai Corporation is celebrating its 105th anniversary this year. The Kai USA website is: www.kaiusaltd.com