In an advance release exclusively for KnifeNews readers, KAI-USA Ltd. announced that it has collaborated with Gustavo T. Cecchini of GTC Knives on new for 2017 Zero Tolerance and Kershaw knives. According to the company three GTC designs, one Zero Tolerance knife and two Kershaws, will debut at SHOT Show next week.

“It’s a real thrill to have Gus working with us,” says KAI’s Thomas Welk. “He’s a purist, with an impeccable attention to detail with regards to a knife’s anatomy.” Cecchini’s work presents a number of cutting edge ideas, some of which will be incorporated into the new Zero Tolerance and Kershaw products. “Both feature the dynamic lines and ingenious knife technologies for which Gus is deservedly well known,” the company says. The Brazilian maker’s portfolio of inventions include a hidden pocket clip, a dual-directional flipper, and even his own patented pivot bearing system.

Although the three models will not be unveiled until Tuesday, KAI released an extreme close-up of the forthcoming Zero Tolerance model (shown below). The knife is presumably called the ZT0055 and appears to be a frame lock with a compound grind as seen on GTC knives like the Airborne.

Welk also intimated that KAI’s relationship with Cecchini will extend beyond the initial releases. “This new partnership has just begun, and the best is yet to come.”

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Cecchini has been making knives for more than 10 years and, with blades routinely selling for thousands of dollars, is established as one of the premier innovators in the custom knife community. YouTuber Jim Skelton, who closely follows the custom knife world, calls Cecchini a “genius.” He won his first award at the San Paolo Knife Show in 2006 and in 2015 took home show awards at both BLADE and the USN Gathering.

Visit our Live SHOT Show 2017 Knives Newsfeed starting Tuesday, January 17th at 2:30pm EST to be the first to see Zero Tolerance and Kershaw’s entire new for 2017 lineups.

Knife featured in image: GTC Knives Airborne