0550 Here we go!

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just compared both knives side by side and the only difference is the g10 pattern and the blade steel
 
upon further inspection there are some very slight differences in the titanium. the g10 is the same thickness it is just milled out a hair more for grip. here is a side by side pic
IMG_1646-1.jpg

also my newer 551 has the same cutout as the 550 and not my older 551 as shown in the pic. so it looks to be an overall design change
 
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Just PayPal'd for mine a few minutes ago!

They're in, and IT'S ON!

~Gnarly :devilish:
 
One of these things is not like the other. . . Look at the detent hole on the top knife (0551). What's missing on the one on the bottom? Also look at the overall circular shape of the cut-out of the frame near the corner where the detent hole is.

The lanyard hole is recessed on the production too.
 
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BP Green said:
One of these things is not like the other. . . Look at the detent hole on the top knife (0551). What's missing on the one on the bottom? Also look at the overall circular shape of the cut-out of the frame near the corner where the detent hole is.

The lanyard hole is recessed on the production too.
Click to expand...


We have made a few minor changes to the way we machine the handle. We may even make a few more, but rest assured, the overall look and profile will remain the same.
 
KeepmSharp said:
upon further inspection there are some very slight differences in the titanium. the g10 is the same thickness it is just milled out a hair more for grip. here is a side by side pic
IMG_1646-1.jpg

also my newer 551 has the same cutout as the 550 and not my older 551 as shown in the pic. so it looks to be an overall design change
Click to expand...

Thanks, looks like they made a few minor changes. The relief hole at the base of the lock is smaller, too, and the screw holes are chamfered. I wonder what the reasons were for the changes...

Soulrack223 said:
Are they numbered like the 0551s?
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I think all ZT's are numbered.
 
jimmer_5 said:
We have made a few minor changes to the way we machine the handle. We may even make a few more, but rest assured, the overall look and profile will remain the same.
Click to expand...

I like to think of them as "refinements". . . :)

You guys have a real winner there sir. My hat's off to all of you. This is the only straight up, factory production knife I still carry.
As my XM-18 collection grew, I quit carrying pretty much everything else I had except for my 0551 and maybe a couple of Strider SNG's on occasion. And to be quite honest, if I had to choose I would take the 0551 with its frag grip over the Striders.

Wonderful knives, thank you all. . . . Did I mention that I REALLY like this knife? :)

Family Portrait:
2011-11-11194000.jpg
 
This brings up a question I've had. I have to assume the answer is obvious, but... Does the act of replacing the g-10 scale with a custom one, by the end user, void the factory ZT warranty? Thomas?
I sure hope not...



BP Green said:
... And to be quite honest, if I had to choose I would take the 0551 with its frag grip over the Striders.

Wonderful knives, thank you all. . . . Did I mention that I REALLY like this knife? :)

Family Portrait:
2011-11-11194000.jpg
Click to expand...
 
ohmyheckinslc said:
This brings up a question I've had. I have to assume the answer is obvious, but... Does the act of replacing the g-10 scale with a custom one, by the end user, void the factory ZT warranty? Thomas?
I sure hope not...
Click to expand...

Kershaw doesn't void warranties for disassembling the knife, unlike many other companies.
 
Also, you can buy custom scales from Hinderer Knives.

No way Rick Hinderer would sell custom scales if it voided the warranty, IMO.

~Gnarly :devilish:
 
Thanks guys, I sure hope not. I've got one of these incoming, and I'm rather intrigued by the color options provided by the aftermarket scales.
 
I think those Frag scales look good on anything but they really compliment the lines of the 0550/51. To my eye it is one of the best looking combinations in knifedom. I especially like the OD, but any color combo of Frag and 0550/51looks great. I'm not partial to orange scales on knives but even that color looks good to me as it really pops.
 
There has been talk over in CRK area of S35Vn being HTed too soft and underperforming S30V. Any news as to the HT on the 550?
 
I believe that would be what Rick Hinderer & Thomas W call a "FAIL!" and it would never face public scrutiny.

JMO,

~Gnarly :devilish:
 
gga357 said:
There has been talk over in CRK area of S35Vn being HTed too soft and underperforming S30V. Any news as to the HT on the 550?
Click to expand...


S35VN does under perform compared to S30V. It's just as simple as that. I, and many other people have noticed it in formal testing. They pretty much took away the alloying elements that made S30V a great edge holder, and didn't bump up the hardness. If Kershaw runs it harder than everyone else, then it should be fine. No way of being sure though.

Read this thread, and it will give you a good idea of how S35VN performs.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/904581-3V-vs-S35VN-characteristics
 
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