1st ZT... 801 or 550

N

nachum

Joined
Nov 20, 2014
Messages
219
The knife bug hit me and recently. I now have 6 Spyderco's and love every one. I want to branch out and give a Zero Tolerance a try. I don't like assisted opening knives and would prefer something lighter, although none of the zt's seem too light. I've narrowed it down to the 801 or 550. Any thoughts on either one? Should I be looking at another? Many thanks!
 
My first ZT was an 801. Recently got a 550 too. The 801 is a much more enjoyable knife (my opinion). It feels lighter in the hand, better ergonomics and is actually just a fun flipper! I love the 550 as well, but something about the 801 just says let's play.
 
I think it depends more on which one you like the look of more. The 0550 is a Hinderer design and is a thumb stud opener. I've owned the bigger 0560 and they are both very solid overbuilt knives. The 0801 is flipper only, which I happen to like. I've only handled one but the ergos weren't for me. Nothing wrong with the knife, just personal preference. I think both would serve you well and both I feel would be pretty even in performance and longevity. One thing to also consider is the 0550 is being discontinued and will become increasingly difficult to find. Personally, Id get an 0550 due to the ergos and blade shape. Then later on pick up an 0801 if you find you end up liking ZT.
 
The 0801 was also my first ZT, and is a fantastic introduction to the brand. Before that I was mostly buying Spyderco knives and was concerned that I would dislike the weight of the ZT. I was wrong, it turns out I actually like some heft in my edc knife.
 
I picked up a 550 (blem) and like it a lot.

Not really a knife guy however recently picked up my first two assisted opening knives - a Blur and a Leek - one a thumb stud - the other a flipper. While there was a opening learning curve on each, if I can manage it, anyone can.

Best.
 
550 is one of the smaller in the ZT line. It's not as thick in the pocket like the ZT200, but it's still decently thick. I would recommend a ZT566 since it is a bit thinner and lighter than the ZT550.

Take what I say next with a grain of salt, but From my experience, I started with ZT, a decently large collection, but wandered over the Spyderco and changed my EDC to a Military and Manix XL. Both lighter in the pocket and easier to carry than the ZT's I have own.
 
If you like flippers get the 0801. If you like opening with thumb studs, get the 0550.

I own an 0801 and enjoy it quite a bit. It has handled every cutting task that I have thrown at it, and it looks sexy! If you are ready for some buttery smooth opening action, enjoy using a flipper, and want a sexy sexy knife; get the 0801

I do not own a 0550. I have handled a few and it is a great knife. You will be happy with whatever choice you make. I'm just a little bias because of my love affair with the 0801 (and now threesome with the 0562).
 
I have had both but still have the 550. Honestly the 801 saw no use. I got it to have it pimped but never got around to it. Like has been said, get the one you like the looks of better. they are both great. The 801 was easily the best flipper I have ever flipped. My 550 is super smooth though. Hard to believe it is not on bearings. The steel shouldn't be that much of a concern though I do like Elmax better, the difference isn't that much. Oh, and put a custom scale on a 550 and it makes it a different animal!

20140923_092647.jpg

20140918_133425.jpg
 
Owned a couple of Spydercos previously, the 801 was my first ZT. No regrets getting it, love the flipping action of the 801. Thinking about getting the 0562 soon.
 
I'm a huge ZT fan and the 801 is one of my favorites. The 550 is the only ZT that I ever bought and didn't like enough to keep. As much as I love everything that has Rick Hinderer's name on it I really felt like there were some flaws in the 550 design and I sold it. I have multiple other Hinderer ZTs -- 560s, 566s, 562s, and I love them -- the 550 just fell short for me.
 
I sold my 0801 to get a 0550. I hated the 0550 until it broke it. I love it now. That said I bought a 0801 black wash the other day. I guess if I had to choose only one the 0801 would win out.
 
I've owned both.... my personal preference was the 801. Great flipping action, great materials, looks good, just an overall great bang for the buck. I need to buy another one soon.
 
For me the 0801 is what I'm carrying. There isn't a single thing I don't like about it. You can't go wrong with either knife though.
 
The 0550 with a custom scale was what I liked the most until I got the 0801. As others have said, depends on what features and style you prefer and how you want to use it. The 0801 is a bargain for what you get in materials, craftsmanship and design for the price... especially on the secondary market. It feels like a precision tool and elegant cutlery at the same time. I like the Rexford design enough that I've got an 0801BW coming today. :)
 
My first ZT was a 0350, good knife but a little bit too heavy to be really an EDC for my
I most of the time I carry a PM2 as EDC and I am fine with it ;)

I have received a 0801BLK yesterday... And I was very pleased
It fit better in my hand that the PM2. Even if I am not a big fan of lockbar I have to admit the 0801 has seduced me
The handle is nice and smooth.
The flipping action is very good
But at the hand the best point for me is the ergonomics.... Very very good
 
As others have said you may want to look at the 0562, and 0560/0561 also. The size of the 052 is closer to the 0550 however. I have the limited Elmax 0551, and it is a solid knife.
 
My first ZT folder purchase was an 0801, and was a completely unplanned purchase. I saw it in a display case, thought that it had a "timeless" look to it, and bought it (for MAP) on the spot. No regrets. Honestly, as a flipper fan, I have a hard time getting very excited about other knives at or below that price point since buying the 0801, ZTs included.
 
I would take the 801 of the two you listed...if you want a lighter zt, look at the 770....
 
Really depends if you want a flipper or not.
Both are great knives. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top