A Beloved Brand’s Latest USA-Made EDC Knife Is Its First-Ever with This Popular Lock

Kershaw’s high-end sister brand returns from a months-long hiatus, dropping an especially spectacular pocketable cutting tool.

Zero Tolerance 0203 EDC Knife handle closeup

By Sean Tirman

Published May 27, 2025

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Updated May 27, 2025

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Although 2025 has been a pretty major year for Kershaw knife releases — the brand has seen two multi-product drops already — it’s been relatively quiet for its big sister brand, Zero Tolerance.

To date, Zero Tolerance has only released three knives this year. To be fair, the first two were pretty spectacular (especially the 0044).

But the third (and most recent), the Zero Tolerance 0203, marks a significant first for the brand.

Zero Tolerance 0203 EDC Knife — In both its materials and styling, this knife is unmistakably a ZT.

Cross your heart

What’s so special about this Zero Tolerance EDC knife? A lot, actually. But the biggest thing is that it is the first-ever ZT knife to utilize a crossbar lock.

Called the DuraLock, Kershaw, ZT’s sister brand, has employed this version of a crossbar lock on several knives. However, Zero Tolerance hadn’t ever utilized it until now.

[The 0203] is the first-ever ZT knife to utilize a crossbar lock.

Not only is the DuraLock incredibly strong and reliable, but it’s also more ergonomic and convenient than other locks with similar strengths. It’s also fully ambidextrous, making this knife easier to use for right- and left-handed people.

Pair that with its reversible pocket clip and dual thumb stud deployment, and this is one of the most lefty-friendly knives ZT has ever launched. It certainly doesn’t hurt that it’s an excellent knife outside of this, either.

Zero Tolerance 0203 EDC Knife closed — This knife is fully ambidextrous thanks to its crossbar lock, thumb stud deployment and reversible pocket clip.

Reliable, robust and rich

Obviously, the employment of the DuraLock mechanism is a big deal, but this knife would be spectacular even without it. From tip to tail, it’s an excellent pocket-friendly cutting tool.

That starts with its blade, a drop point with a wide cutting belly and piercing point. It’s built from premium CPM M4 steel and boasts a black PVD coating that adds extra durability, protection and some stealthy style.

That blade is mated to a fully machined G10 handle that’s stable, grippy and strong while remaining lightweight. And its steel liners only add to that strength and stability.

Best of all, the whole thing is proudly made in the USA. If you want a cutting tool that you can turn to for years and years to get the job done right, you can’t go wrong here.

Zero Tolerance 0203 EDC Knife blade closeup — The M4 drop-point blade is exceptional by itself, but the PVD coating adds extra durability and style.

Available now

The Zero Tolerance 0203 EDC knife is now available from the brand’s site for $296 (down from $370). It is also available on Blade HQ for the same price.