Kershaw/ZT 2023: New Fixed Blade, New Lock, New OTF and More

Kershaw and Zero Tolerance, the KAI twins, each dropped product announcements today, showcasing their first 2023 releases. ZT’s bringing out a new fixed blade, while Kershaw gets its first ever OTF automatic and debut a new lock mechanism.

ZT 0006

The first new Zero Tolerance knife since 2021 is the 0006, a full-size fixed blade that references a long-gone ZT model the ZT-9. That knife, designed by Mick Strider, was actually a bayonet, but the in-house 0006 moves away from that format into a more generalized outdoors role. It has a 6-inch drop point blade made from CPM-3V steel for resiliency in high impact chores. The OD green G-10 scales and guard provide all necessary grip, and the ZT 0006 comes with a Kydex sheath. Worth noting: ZT has said that they have more new stuff on the way; they chose to show off the 0006 by itself because it is already on its way to dealers.

Livewire 9000

On the Kershaw side of things we’re seeing several firsts, chief among them the Livewire, their first ever OTF automatic knife. The Livewire has a 3.3-inch spear point blade, deployed by sliding the spine toggle forward, and retracted by pulling it back. The blade steel on this premium, US-made Kershaw is CPM-20CV, and the chassis made from aluminum.

Launch 15

Kershaw’s single action automatic line, the Launch series, grows this year with the Launch 15. Evocative of Italian stilettos with its nearly symmetrical profile, the Launch 15’s single edge spear blade measures 3.5 inches and is another first: the Kershaw debut of CPM-MagnaCut.

Duralock Knives

The DuraLock is a new lock from Kershaw based on a time-tested principle: a solid steel cross bar moves up into a notch in the blade tang when the knife is opened, a la the Axis Lock and its progeny. Four incoming models will be equipped with a DuraLock, including the Heist [pictured above], which has a 3.2-inch drop point blade. The rest of the inaugural DuraLock class, the Iridium, Covalent, and Monitor, all fall into the same size category, providing curious enthusiasts with four different options to try out the new mechanism. All these DuraLock knives come with D2 blade steel.

Strata Cleaver

The Strata Cleaver sees the formally navaja-esque knife reborn as a big cleaver. The blade measures a formidable 4 inches, but it does have a spacious forward choil to help keep that sizable edge under control while working.

Frontrunner

Kershaw says the Frontrunner was inspired by the ZT 0999, and, like that knife, this one makes quite the impression visually. A handle comprised of multiple parts, each with its own detailing and colorization, houses a 2.90-inch drop point blade that opens via flipper, and secures up with a frame lock.

Flyby

While there’s no explicit reference to a ZT knife with the Flyby, there’s something about the profile that brings some of Kershaw’s sister brand’s releases to mind. The Flyby’s D2 blade measures 3 inches on the nose, and it has an elongated, upturned wharnie shape that screams EDC.

Conduit

Alongside the premium and middle price bracket knives above, Kershaw is bringing out a clutch of knives in the budget category. One such is the Conduit, which is clean and compact with a 2.9-inch 8Cr13MoV blade and all black stylings.

Radar

The Radar’s darkwashed, all stainless steel handle construction evokes the Cryo in our mind, although it is an in-house design. The 2.9-inch blade is done up in a no-nonsense drop point blade shape, and its stainless steel frame lock benefits from a pivot-situated overtravel stop.

Outcome

The Outcome is just a skoche smaller than the Radar, with a 2.8-inch blade length, but it fills a very similar role as an accessible, all stainless steel EDC design. The knurling on the backspacer and lock disengagment point keep users’ hands where they should be on this 3.4 oz. working knife.

Lateral

Maybe we’re making connections that aren’t there, but the Lateral’s arcing profile reminds us of the good old Kershaw Knockout, although this new knife falls into a lower price bracket than that one. Available in standard satin/black trim or completely blacked out with partial serrations, the Lateral’s 3.1-inch 8Cr13MoV blade sports a mid-size recurve.

Shoreline

A 3-inch blade, opened with a flipper and powered by spring assist – it’s a classic Kershaw format, and it looks like it’s been implemented as well on the Shoreline. Along with the Conduit, the Shoreline is one of only two liner locks on offer this year.

Knife in Featured Image: ZT 0006

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