Minimalist design meet maximum performance in the new ZT0230 from Danish designer Jens Ansø
When I first received the ZT0230 for review, I had mixed feelings on this design. Up until now, all of my folding knives have one form of locking mechanism or another. This slip-joint design is a non locking pocket knife. This minimalist design from Danish Designer Jens Ansø features a 2.6″ Sheepsfoot blade with a double detent. The detents are located at half open and fully open insuring a controlled open and close. With no assisted open mechanism nor blade flipper, this pocket knife is a throw back to early pocket knives with merely a nail nick for opening. Making it a two handed operation.
Although mechanically a throw back knife, the carbon fiber handle and CPM-20CV blade steel keep it relevant in todays high-tech knife market. CPM-20 offers exceptional wear and corrosion resistance as well as a bombproof edge. The unique sheepsfoot blade design features a full-width flat grind providing excellent slicing ability. Initially, I had issue with this knife when slicing open cardboard boxes. I have a tendency to place my index finger on the spine of the blade when slicing. Not the best move as the blade will close once there is no opposing pressure from the box. I quickly realized that I need to keep my digits off the blade and simply grasp the handle as it’s intended.
ZT0230 Specifications
- Blade Length: 2.60″ (6.6 cm)
- Closed Length: 3.70″ (9.4 cm)
- Overall Length: 6.20″ (15.7 cm)
- Blade Material: CPM-20CV Stainless Steel
- Blade Thickness: 0.121″ (3.1 mm)
- Blade Style: Sheepsfoot
- Blade Grind: Flat
- Blade Finish: Stonewash
- Handle Material: Carbon Fiber
- Locking Mechanism: Slipjoint with Double Detent
- Pivot Assembly: Washers
- Pocket Clip: None
- Weight: 1.8 oz. (51 g)
- Designer: Jens Anso
- Blue Anodized Aluminum Backspacer
- Made in the USA
- MSRP $225 / Amazon $156.00
Final thoughts:
With the lack of a locking mechanism, blade flipper, assisted opening and pocket clip, I was initially put off by this knife. So why do I have it buried in my pocket more often than any other knife lately? Probably because of all the reasons just listed. Let’s be honest, I’m opening amazon boxes more than anything else this time of year. And the sheepsfoot blade is ideal for this. The ZT0230 is a minimalist design and I need a minimal amount of features to accomplish the daunting task of box opening. I love how small and light it is, especially when I wear my favorite pants from 5.11 or LIVSN which both feature a dedicated knife pocket. Just be careful not to place any pressure on the spine of the blade when slicing and dicing.
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This is a very high quality knife. I really like the detents. It is my gentleman’s knife. It goes with me when I need to be civilized. It is big enough to be useful but certainly no threat to anyone who sees it. My EDC is a frame lock with an S35VN blade. Fairly durable and easy to sharpen. This steel is a great compromise.