The ZT 0452CF Pocketknife: the Full Nick Shabazz Review 

Before I buy a knife of any value, I almost always check out your review (if there is one) first.

3 years later... its finally mine!

So I'm rediculously late to the party, but I just bought one of these beauties for about 180 new.(at a wallmart of all places, I've done the necessary research and it's not fake) I couldnt be happier with it. It's the best quality knife I own now and damn I finally see what I've been missing out on.

I just got the ZT 0452CF and ZT 0562CF. Had wanted them both for awhile and finally got them.

Just got this the other day and I must say I am in love with it. Thanks Nick, without your video I would have never gotten this beautiful gem. It falls shut and every time it does I just think, 'this is what Nick was talking about'.

I just received this knife in the mail today and I freaking love it. Thank you for another great review and for once again pointing me in the direction of amazing steely goodness. This would make knife number 9 based on your opinion and so far I haven't been let down.

it's the only knife i actually lusted for. i really wanted a 0770cf and i got one, and 2 weeks later THIS came out and waited a year and a half until it was in my budget. but it was worth every penny, and the 'scary murder knife' aspect is a part of it's appeal. if i ever owned a folder that screams *f*ck right off and keep walking, buddy* this is it

Started my collection with a Benchmade my wife got me back in high school, and picked up a Crooked River a while back. Wanted to step up my next purchase and chose this one after finding you and going through your videos. Can’t wait for it to get here! Thanks for the great content!

I finally have one of these on the way, I cant wait! And this review made me even more excited

I'm pretty sure this guy voiced a cartoon series in the 90s. Like the Wacky Racers or something like dat.

Love this knife so much I bought two. I really didn’t like the pocket clip at all so I replaced it with a titanium clip made by MXG GEAR it helps the knife ride a little deeper in the pocket and matches perfectly in case anyone is interested.

Nick I really love your reviews and this knife especially I've always bought and carried Kershaws and other budget knives. But I literally just decided to change that and I bought one I can't wait for it to get here! Thanks for the videos nick keep up the good work.

Great video nick as always. I love this knife and carry it daily. With anything in life if your responsible and have common sense, know your surroundings carry whatever you want. I've carried a 4" Brous for 2 years used it lots never did i feel anyone was intimidated. I don't show off. I can't stand immature show offs who usually are the ones who get in trouble for something so avoidable. Most people have common sense and are fine. If we start giving about certain practical edc tools. Those who don't want us to have them will take advantage and try to prevent us from having them. Be responsible and use common sense. Those who don't will use it against you. Sorry to preach but I'm sick of the notion that someone else dictates ur own safety. Nick as always ur video was great

The 452 and 462 are my two favorite knives ATM. The ZT has taken my heart. I prefer them to my Chris Reeve Large Sebenzea and Strider SNG (my other two favorites). The ZT’s are expensive but only half of the Reeve and Strider yet they feel and look just as good.

I installed a longer clip because I belt carry this knife. A pleasant side effect was that It made the knife even more comfortable to hold. Very fast draw off the leather belt. But during the hot summer it was a favorite carry in my shorts not in the pocket. Because the knife is thin, it works well clipped right in your shorts giving a lot more flexibility in carry. Action? After a couple clean and oils this knife rivals the big name customs and certainly has the best action and a super lockup of any factory knife I've ever encountered. This knife was used to evaluate Private Label Oil ...for Knives. One drop on each bearing, pivot and detent gets it done. This is ZT's best knife.

My little knife collection is up to 10 knives and the 452cf is the most expensive and most loved. This knife taught me what a quality knife is all about. I prefer larger blades so I don't have an issue with its "murderyness". Worth every penny of the $220 it cost me. Speaking of large blades, I just got a spyderco resilience. For $45 I think it's a great value. Haven't found you do a review of it, would enjoy one if you did. Love your vids, always informative and entertaining.

I have big hands and this is my favorite knife I own, though im getting some new ones soon that will probably surpass it, it's slightly thin but the length makes it sit quite well in my hand.

I WANT this knife - Thanks again Nick for helping push me over the edge :D

This review is the one that got me from being a fence rider on this knife to purchasing it. I now eagerly await for its arrival...

Have wanted this knife ever since I saw it on one of your other videos and finally was able to buy a custom anodized one this year! The size doesn't effect me thankfully because of where I live, so I don't have to worry about carrying this guy around without a weapons license. However, I did find out the hard way that the blade edge comes way too close to the back of the handle when closed, as I managed to split my fingertip open on it once when reaching into my pocket for my phone. Other than that though, it's hard not to love this knife.

Excellent review!!!

Just bought this knife, I can't want for it to come!!

Just ordered mine overnight, we have no length restrictions here in MA. Thanks man!

I just got one yesterday, fantastic knife!

Nick! I bought the 0452CF based on your review, and some others. Mine had a really stiff detent, and was tearing the flesh off my index finger. I tried to live with it for a few days, but was baffled because my ZT 0562's flipped effortlessly. I've watched many of your knife videos, and the 0452 kept coming up as a gem, so I had Amazon send one overnight. The new 0452 flips even easier than my 0562's, and even my wife flips it with ease. I now have a properly functioning marvel of engineering ZT 0452CF! Keep up the great work!

I have this knife in the sprint run M390BLU ....it's fantastic!

This guy could sell horns to the devil lol

I'm gonna pick one of these up after I sell my Benchmade 51. It definitely looks like my kind of knife, and it being huge isn't a concern for me since there's no folding blade length limit where I live. That and I'm 6'2 so it probably won't be too big for me

Just picked up the sprint run with blue titanium scales. My only murder knife, but it does carry like a much smaller knife.

I bought this knife 2 years ago thinking I was going to buy a benchmade. I ended up absolutely loving this knife I carried it every single day, until it went through a wood chipper. I just picked up a 0562cf still don’t know if it will replace the 0462cf. I will say if you wear jeans all day or carhartt pants it fits amazing in the pocket and if you are thinking about buying it, I’d say do it.

Great review. Subscribed!

@Nick Shabazz : Hey Nick! I currently deciding which way to go ZT 562 CF (CTS-204P or CPM 20CV) / G-10 (with S35VN) OR ZT 0452CF (S35VN) or limitied edition ZT 0452 G-10 (with M390) steel. But i might ask you only which way do you recommend to go with ZT 0452CF (S35VN) or ZT 0452 G-10 spring run with M390 steel , G10 handle / gold titanium. Difference in price between two is about 20 USD. Also ZT562 is on my list and basically what i like on ZT452 compare to it is less weight. But blade looks long on ZT 452, but i blade for me looks equally murdered on ZT 562 (where more height) or ZT 452 (longer and thinner). Thanks in advance for help any your time. Price difference bezdi

You make me laugh homeboy! Great videos!

Hey Nick big fan of your channel your big reason I just bought this beauty

nick i have a bit of problem with this knife the lockbar is super stiff. not sure if i have weak fingers but no way i can close it back with one hand ,.. i have to use the other hand to press it hard and than it closes. any idea about that ? is it normal when it comes out of the factory ? maybe it needs couple of thusand of openmings ?

I bought this knife because it's gorgeous , but the detent , man , it took a lot of flipping to break in , wish i'd thought to take it apart and oil the bearings , and if you sneeze on the lockbar , the knife locks up solid . I have the 0450 and it has the same issues with the lockbar , touch it and it locks up solid . The 0450's handle is a half inch too short and the point on the butt digs into my pinkie , so i rounded it off , and the finger choil point as well . I don't carry either one , as ones too small and the other is too big to be practical , and both are too fussy on how you hold them when you open them . Good review , cheers .

I too have fallen under the ZT0452CF's spell - so much so, that I just bought the ZT0452TI as well. I still can't decide which one I like the most. So until I do, I have a two knife EDC...

Is the carbon fiber sturdy and stable enough, even without a liner underneath?

Mine turned up today. I'm already in love with it even though it's *completely* ridiculous, especially in the UK where you absolutely cannot even think about carrying it. The action is flat out superb right out of the box. I bought mine because, well, the Spyderco Delica is all the knife I'll ever need around the house and for DIY (you can't carry that sucker either, but I have a UKPN on the way), but it's not all the knife I'll ever want. And so I figured, if I'm going to buy a knife that I'll be limited to using only around the house I may as well go all out. So I got this, and it's awesome. (Yeah, I know Grimsmo make better flippers but I'm not *really* a knife guy. I think they're cool, but I'm not a collector, so a Grimsmo just felt like several indulgences too far.)

I farm and I carry this knife. The other day my son wraped a hose into an axle of a side by side and I had to cut the hose out/off the axle. By the time I was done i had broken the tip and it had the worse case of lock stick you could imagine BUT i got the hose out and got the machine moving again. No toy knife could have done that. So peeps can laugh all they want about "pocket swords" on that day this was the knife I needed. Thanks ZT.

Debating putting my Reate Horizon C up for trade on one of these. I have wanted one since I first saw it. Someone talked me into try the horizon b/c there was a good sale on them and I love it but man I want a 0452cf

How sharp does it come out of the box ? Just sharp, or nearly scary sharp ?

Would LOVE a video of how to "clean & oil" this knife. LOL!!!! I was writing this comment towards the end of your video and, as if you could read my mind, the video I just asked for wants to play next!! That's NEVER happened to me before. 😀 Thanks for the video! Take care, -E

your shit is the best edc commentary hands down, thank you

I was wondering if anyone knows if the new full ti version sprint run are numbered?I love this model and don't know if i would want full ti since this knife is fabulous.This review is spot on with what i think about this knife love and i don't mind the clip my finger lands in indent on the ti side which if the clip was longer may change that.There is no ugly for me because i love big blades (BUT) It's huge! good video keep them coming.

My edc is a Boker Plus Urban Trapper, the ZT 0452cf is next on my list

What are your thoughts on the 450, the smaller titanium version of this knife?

at 6'5".... thank you zt..... thank you.

I picked up one of these but it's not nearly as smooth as Nick's. It's also very difficult to flip open; as it requires an inordinate amount of force. Is there some QC variations with ZT, or are there some adjustments I need to make to this knife in order to get the blade to fall shut?

Thanks for the Reco Dr! I love it. Definitely different than the rest of my collection, but sleek and smooth like butter! (@SupremeUppercut)

Nick, you forgot to mention one crucial bad of this knife. The blade when closed. I can touch the blade where the tip and the sharpening choil is when the blade is closed. Out of that, the thing is an absolite beauty.

Bought 2 0562s in last couple weeks but thinking I need a 452.

haha just got this 'cuz i was bored and Gander Outdoors is the only store open... They had is listed for $240... got to the counter and they only charged me $175 - I didn't think that it would be this good ( I have lots of high-end knives)... couldn't be happier with it

Great vid nick! this knife seems very promising but from what ive read zt has terrible lock geometry... apparently you can push the lockbar to 100% with moderate force :(

Lockbar stabilisers are absolutely needed, I just accidentally assassinated my friends crkt swindle by over extending it cause I'm used to having stabilisers and stronger lockbars

As a larger than average guy with larger than average hands, i like this knife a lot. It looks and feels normal sized in my hands while most knives i have feel on the small side. Not to mention the build quality of course. But yeah, the very shiny finish on the blade does give off a scary first impression to people who aren't familiar with knives at all. I just tell them they should view it the same way as a hammer because both knives and hammers are tools that can easily be used in deadly ways.

I finally got this “gem”, and it is a miracle of engineering. Fantastic. Unfortunately I figured out I am not a fan of frame locks or flippers... gonna have to sell mine off.

"Design flaw of my life" 😂😂 oh i love you mr Shabazz

Just ordered one👍🏻👍🏻

I have always loooooved this knife, but DE carry laws and practicality will keep it out of my hands for the foreseeable future. Keep it because it's awesome, and sort of different between anything else you own. Nothing wrong with just having a "fun" knife.

good info here Nick!

08:10 Sir Mixalot sized but! Hilarious - dude your a comedian. Great knife review.

Hey nick so I know you said you never really check the factory edge on most knives. But I just got my ZT0452 cf today and it really is everything you said it was. I love it! But the blade was surprisingly dull. The $25 Kershaw ferrite I got had a better factory edge than the $220 ZT. Was yours as dull as mine or has anybody else had this experience?

just got mine i love it

Hey Nick! Another great review.. Love your stuff!! So I know this video was made before the North Arm Skaha review, but i'm curious out of this ZT0452CF and the Skaha which you think has the best action. Since you mentioned this having the best action for any production knife, Since the Skaha is now in the picture does that change things? They are both great obviously.. just wanted to know your thoughts on that. Thanks!! :)

Just picked one up for $178 hoping it's worth it. Currently carrying a PM2.

I have this knife. USA Blades anodized it purple,,, it's AWESOME !!! 🔪💗

I just got the ZT0452GL the other day. Number 253 from House of Baldes.

STOP, the PM, what was that handle. I had a blue one with little hex cuts on it...Your's is very interesting...

So expensive around here, but I think you made me get this thing. So expensive.

Permanent collection knife?

This dude sounds like a prohibition-era radio announcer

Small sword, sir mixalot big, scary murder knife, that kind of mouth watering discretion forces me to buy one now!!! damn u nick 😁

Great video. I agree with you about the ZT logo on clip. ZT stop that shit! I carry this blade all over the world and I don’t want to draw attention or advertise the knife.

It was helpful, I want a pocket sword, purchased :D

The resistance wears off. I've never disassembled mine, and the blade falls under its own weight.

Does anyone know the blade angle for this knife? I tried sharpening at a 20⁰ angle and just ended up dulling the hell out of this knife, and now idk what to do

Sweet review buddy! I need to decide between this 0452CF and the Benchmade 940-1 Carbon Fiber! What do you recommend for me between the two? I'm ok with either a 3.4 inch blade or 4.1 inch blade for EDC. I mainly carry it for every day uses as well as emergency self-defense as I am a delivery driver and have been accosted in the past. What do you think??

This knife is similar to the ZT0600 RJ Martin, but it costs twice less and is made of tougher steel. So, it's a good value for the money, and it's an excellent tactical knife. The S35VN is not brittle like most steels (CPM 20CV, S30V, M390, etc.) used on expensive "boutique" knives. So, you won't break it on a tin can. That's what good knives should be made of. This steel is similar in toughness to Elmax, another great steel but this list is short. Most knife steels are just brittle stainless stuff not suited for hard use but suited for collectible knives that hardly see any resharpening or hard use. I also have a ZT knife (ZT 0560) out of tough steel (Elmax) but the ZT 0452CF has more reach with a 4.1 inch blade. It's an advantage for a tactical knife. A budget solution in this category would be the Cold Steel Luzon 4", which is also a good value. Unfortunately none of these knives have grippy G10 handles or proper jimping that tactical knives should have. An Emerson Supercommander is also an option in this knife category. However, the ZT has a higher level of quality/workmanship + KVT bearings for very smooth opening and closing. The greatest advantage of the tactical knife ZT 0452CF is blade length/reach. Most knives are either short or long (Cold Steel often has only 5.5 or 6 inch blades on larger knives failing to provide 4-4.5 inch tactical blades - I mean blades that have guards for fingers, but they do have a few good tactical knives nevertheless: Luzon and Recon 1 versions with 4'' blades).

Hi Nick, thx for all your nice reviews! I carry this ZT for over a year now, as a collector for over 40 years I have hundreds of knives but this is one of my top 10 knives...top quality. Just ordered the ZT0707...I am curious?! Kind regards from the Belgian Ardennes, stay healty...Yves.

Funny the size was the thing that attracted me to this knife.

Just scored one of these for $100 at a Gander store closing sale!!!!

Gorgeous knife. If I were to buy a ZT it would be the 0452.

I've carried his knife for a while, and honestly I don't get as many weird looks as when I carry a mini division even though this knife is significantly longer. Must be because it looks like it's a kitchen knife.

Bought one, was awsome.. did have to get used to the grip, then I sold it because I thought the 0562 would be even beter. I was wrong, its also good.. but after using this as my edc for some time now, I start to mis the elegance of this knife. I am going to buy it again.. its just the knife for me.

First thing I did was install a MXGGear clip, the shorter version.

Just ordered mine from SMKW!!!

scary murder knife lol...im gettin one

I think the 0452 Is one of my favorites but I want a Todd begg bodega

Hey Nick, would you be interested in selling that 0452CF? Thanks

"A scary murder knife" LOL I love it!

A little late to the party but I just ordered mine from BHQ today

What lube are you using or one you can recommend

EDC my 0452CF more than any other. My MKM Isonzo when a baby knife is needed gets the ride.

Would you like to review a Zieba double tap? Lmk.....

i have the smaller 450 and love it. i was thinking i wanted this 452 but how would you compare it to a spyderco military? i love my pm2 as well and want a bigger blade so the military and 452 have caught my eye. i had a spyderco police before but it didnt open as smooth as my pm2 or 450

I LIKE IT BIG

Oh Nick, what have you done to me!! I guess my wife will divorce me now. I have been looking for a knife with this type of blade from a quality manufacturer for years. When I beheld it, it captured my soul! So I ordered it. Any storm I have to weather will be worth this beauty.

I like it way better then the 0450cf not because of size I really like the 0609 I have the blue black version

Blade thickness. I'd love to see ZT put out a "slicer" e.g. as thin as a Benchmade Bugout. Or close to...where it's less than 20/1000 behind the cutting edge and using "thin stock". Why not put out a "slicer" or two instead of only giving us "over-built knives"? Variety. I'd think any company would want to make both beefy and ultra-thin bladed knives.....why ingore that segement of the market?... Only "ding" on this knife is the cost....a little more than a 0562 Ti....wiat, no...it's $5 less...LOL...so for any one trying to decide between this knife and the 0562 Ti....best of luck :) Might come down to something as simple as "how the knife feels in the hand"...