If you were following the BladeBarrelBezel.com Facebook page during the last few days, then you saw this photo.  I went to BLADE Show 2015 with an empty pocket.  I credit this to hurried packing, not a conscious agenda.  Because I “needed” a knife and I was at a knife show, it was akin to being hungry in a deli.  Salivation began.

At this time, I cannot afford a custom folder.  Hell, semi-custom was not really in the budget.  The currency in my wallet would have to suffice.  A bit less than $200.00 could be spent and still leave me enough to get home.  And time was growing short.  I had to be on I-75 in under an hour.  Fretting began.

I circled like an uncertain bird of prey.  Then, my mind was made up at the Knifeworks display.  I saw decent prices on their wares.  Zero Tolerance Knives stood-out.  I had pawed quite a few at both BLADE and SHOT Shows.  They are upscale, yet obtainable–meaning inside my financial limitations.

The 0566CF has three things my collection lacks:  a flipper, carbon-fiber, and a blade of ELMAX steel.  Check, check, and check!  Rick Hinderer spec’ed the design.

Made in the USA
SpeedSafe® assisted opening system
Frame lock, lockbar stabilizer
Quad-mount (tip-up/tip-down; left/right hand), deep-carry clip
Steel: ELMAX®, stonewashed finish
Handle: Carbon fiber front, stainless steel stonewashed back
Blade Length: 3.25 in. (8.25 cm)
Closed Length: 4.5 in. (11.4 cm)
Overall Length: 7.7 in. (19.6 cm)
Weight: 5.3 oz. (147.4 g)

Oh, one other thing made this deal happen.  Free laser engraving with every Knifeworks purchase at BLADE Show!  I knew what had to be done.  A nice lady named Melissa helped me with my order.  BBB was going to be etched on the blade.  A bold font was close to my logo.

After deploying the blade several times, and examining both the very nice CF scale and frame lock engagement, I was sold on the 0566CF.  It was the right size for me and built solidly.  “I’ll take it!”

Business was brisk at the KW’s counters.  Melissa said I had to come back since the laser machine was backed up.  Dang it.  I hovered around some other tables, but I had to have the ZT and hit the road.  When I returned 15 minutes later, no luck.  Tick tock, busy people.

Shortly thereafter, a girl brought me the knife.  I scanned the spelling. Awesome!  Did I want it packaged?  N-no, it should go home clipped in my pocket.  I scurried away, smiling.

BLADE Show 2015 was very enjoyable.  On a short turn-around, I did not see everything I wanted, but I was glad to have made it at all.  And I have a little treasure by which to remember the experience.

Wilson