Zero Tolerance’s Model 0392 “factory custom” collaboration with Rick Hinderer is not only a new knife idea, it might be an entirely new knife category.
Here’s how it works: Hinderer makes and supplies the knife parts such as the pocket clips, screws, spacers, filler tabs, standoffs and other furniture and Zero Tolerance employs them in the manufacture and assembly of the resulting knife—thus the name, ‘factory custom.’ The initial parts will be titanium anodized cool blue.
According to a ZT news release, “While we’ve often worked with custom knifemakers … we’ve never had this kind of partnership before. Now, working together, we can create knives with true custom details, while producing quantities that would be impossible for a custom knifemaker.”
The resulting factory custom knives will also offer “after-market customization.” Customers will be able to buy the furniture from Hinderer with different finishes, anodized in different colors, etc. The furniture may even come in different materials, including copper, to go with the standard titanium. The different finishes, anodizations, etc., apparently will come later.
An award-winning custom knifemaker out of Shreve, Ohio, Hinderer is best known for his XM-18 folder, and his knife lotteries are always among the best attended. He also has been expanding his knife operation to offer semi-production-type knives. He had a booth at the recent BLADE Show, where he celebrated exhibiting at his 25th consecutive rendition of the event.
A flipper folder, the 0392 will feature M390 blade steel, a titanium handle and the KVT ball-bearing opening system.
For the time being, the factory custom project is in the formative stages. Exactly how many of the knives will be made or when they will be available remains unknown. Stay tuned to Zero Tolerance and blademag.com for more details.
