Advise? Zt0566 vs zt0566cfm390

B

BrandonEDC

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Aug 12, 2014
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Looking to get my first zero tolerance knife. Pretty set on the 0566 hinderer design. I need some advise their elmax (heat treat) and if the $80 increase to m390 is a boost worth the cash. I hear great and horrible things about elmax (ZT) hoping to hear from people who know what they are talking about. I own D2, s35vn, s110v, cpm 3v and m390 so i know good steels. your comments as always are very appreciated.
 
I just bought the 566 cf M390 because I think it's cool, I like the novelty of the alternative steel. That said, I don't think either of us are going to feel a material difference between elmax and M390.
 
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How much have you read about Elmax and M390 in terms of each one's attributes, and does one better meets your needs? While I remember reading that ZT had some heat treat issues with some of their earlier Elmax blades, that was quite some time ago.

I just bought a 0566, and it's my fourth Elmax ZT. I've carried it for a few days now but haven't used it enough to form much of an opinion, and I can't think of a single task in my daily routine that would put any quality steel to a true test of its capabilities. Unless I was a collector and wanted to get every flavor of 0566 available, I wouldn't spend the extra money on M390.
 
I have yet to have a knife with m390. That said I really like Elmax. Holds an edge a very long time for me, and is very strong. The 0566cf Elmax is one of my favorite knives. Myself I would just get the Elmax version.
 
I have the G10/Elmax 0566, and it is a great knife. I've had a number of ZT and Kershaw knives with Elmax, and it has performed great on all of them. My only experience with ZT's M390 has been on my 0801CF. It has worked great there, although I haven't used it as much as my Elmax ones. If it's like the other ZT's, CF is smooth, but has light texture finish (almost like a matte finish) that does provide decent traction. Combined with the handle ergos, there shouldn't be any grip issues at all.

Both will be perfectly functional, but the CF/M390 just gives you that extra bit with the more exotic handle and blade materials. And what self-respecting knife nut wouldn't want that? ;)
 
You sure it's m390? If it's a new knife and not used or something from the forums it's probably Cts 204p.... Correct? Or maybe it's older stock? Not an issue Of course since both steels are nearly the same and both great. Just pointing that out though.

Sorry I can't weigh in more. I just got my 0562cf the other day. The cts204p steel seems really freaking nice so far though can't really comment on its performance personally. The CF scales though are decent. They are beautiful up close but I am certain they provide less grip then the G10. If your hands are particularly dry it's actually pretty slippery. I only noticed that once though, 90% it grips just fine for me.
 
Converge said:
You sure it's m390? If it's a new knife and not used or something from the forums it's probably Cts 204p.... Correct? Or maybe it's older stock? Not an issue Of course since both steels are nearly the same and both great. Just pointing that out though.

Sorry I can't weigh in more. I just got my 0562cf the other day. The cts204p steel seems really freaking nice so far though can't really comment on its performance personally. The CF scales though are decent. They are beautiful up close but I am certain they provide less grip then the G10. If your hands are particularly dry it's actually pretty slippery. I only noticed that once though, 90% it grips just fine for me.
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Out of curiosity, if you haven't used it yet, what makes you say the steel is nice? Trying to figure out how a someone can review a steel and give a thumbs up to it without actually using it and knowing if it's good or not. I'd love to hear your opinions about the steel after you get some time in behind the blade and put it to use...:D
 
If you have enough money for 0566cfm390 then you have enough for a 0562. I would get that and forgo buying something you will probably sell later. Unless you are a collector and you just want it to put in your collection.
 
bodog said:
Out of curiosity, if you haven't used it yet, what makes you say the steel is nice? Trying to figure out how a someone can review a steel and give a thumbs up to it without actually using it and knowing if it's good or not. I'd love to hear your opinions about the steel after you get some time in behind the blade and put it to use...:D
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Nice as in grinds/machining, overall feel and the use I've experienced the past few days... considering I said "SEEMS" nice. The word "seems" has a distinct meaning, and I flat out said I couldn't comment on its performance because I haven't used it much. What I said doesn't have to just apply to its performance, which by the way is already strongly documented ... So it's a moot point.

Maybe it's just the way ZT made and finished the blade and not so much the steel itself, but the steel just looks and feels incredibly nice. It's definitely a plus and adds to the satisfaction a little of spending that much green on a blade. The finish and texture on the blade is amazing. Leaps and bounds more so then anything I've personally seen before. I'm looking forward to using it more to comment on its long term performance.
 
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Cool, so the finish and grind of the blade you like while the performance is yet to be determined. Understood.
 
Converge said:
You sure it's m390? If it's a new knife and not used or something from the forums it's probably Cts 204p.... Correct? Or maybe it's older stock? Not an issue Of course since both steels are nearly the same and both great. Just pointing that out though.

Sorry I can't weigh in more. I just got my 0562cf the other day. The cts204p steel seems really freaking nice so far though can't really comment on its performance personally. The CF scales though are decent. They are beautiful up close but I am certain they provide less grip then the G10. If your hands are particularly dry it's actually pretty slippery. I only noticed that once though, 90% it grips just fine for me.
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The 0566 with m390 is definitely that, m390. They did not switch that model to cts204p like other models. Why? It would be pure speculation and I am trying not to do that.
 
I don't think there's a big difference between Elmax and M390, although I only have one knife of each and haven't had enough experience to decide. My initial impressions are that they are both very good steels for EDC knives.

Having said that, I got the CFM390 0566 because I wanted to try the new cool guy steel on the market (M390). No complaints so far.

I got the impression from an online review (that I can't find tonight) that the G10 scales were a bit thicker than the CF ones, so that had a bit of an effect on my purchase, too. I don't really know if that's true or not--the reviewer didn;t seem to be a big fan of ZT or KAI. *shrug*
 
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I just got mine in the mail today. It's certainly a nice looking little knife and the assisted flipper is wicked fast:) The CF handle is also more attractive than I thought it would be.
I've already ordered another - natural Ti - pivot for it from a fellow in AU.

I don't think I will probably ever 'feel' the difference between Elmax and the M390. But, it's neat to have the custom option. And, M390 is really good knife steel: http://www.bucorp.com/knives.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVLyeRyE7Ew
 
So for the 0562cf, i was looking at it but that brings me to the kvt ball bearing system. I feel like (i may be wrong ) it offers less support then the pbw system. Please let me know if im wrong, the washers seam to use up more surface thus leading to more suport les play. Second the female side of the pivot is the hex style on the 0566 alowing no unwanted movment. And third i like the blade style of the 0566 better and am looking for as comfortable an edc as i can have (light small but tough, i have large knives and 4" folders already). The 0562 did almost make it to me but the bearings and the pivot not being set has pushed me away the most. Please chime in with your knowledge on the issues i have. I have never held these knives. All my infonis from videos and forums.
 
I am aware that the 0566 has one small washer. That actually is what originally lead me into the direction of the 0562. After digging around it seams i can have the small one replaced with the same size as the other. Waiting on more info from someone about that. If this is the case that kinda takes away the only issue i have woth the 0566
 
I love my 0566BW..... Its a very comfortable knife and fits my hand very well. Best thing I ever did though is de-assist it. its just as fast, if not faster and a whole lot smoother opening and closing.
Whatever direction you go, you will be happy. But I do love my 0566
 
I read a lot of threads. Sounds like the smartest choice is 0562. Getting the discontinued 0562cfm390 in the AM
 
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