after my first day with the zt0550

I have adjusted my grip and thumb angle, this knife opens like a dream, locks up like alcatraz, and sounds beautiful doing so. I cannot wait to get my hands on the 561.
 
rxavage said:
I have adjusted my grip and thumb angle, this knife opens like a dream, locks up like alcatraz, and sounds beautiful doing so. I cannot wait to get my hands on the 561.
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Good to hear :cool: Glad you didn't give up on it :thumbup:
 
I have also noticed if the pocket clip is too tight pressing on the lock-bar, it will make it hard to break past the detent also. Great blade! I like both of my 550's way more than my 560.
 
My 0560 is my smoothest and easiest knife to flip.
It's not at all to big IMO, but I can see guys used to smaller edc saying that.
If you don't mind the size go for it. Flips better than my hinderers, and the elmax is just fantastic. Any position, no wrist action, like glass.
 
Tmack said:
My 0560 is my smoothest and easiest knife to flip.
It's not at all to big IMO, but I can see guys used to smaller edc saying that.
If you don't mind the size go for it. Flips better than my hinderers, and the elmax is just fantastic. Any position, no wrist action, like glass.
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I purchased a 561 today from the same seller as the 550, bladeswelove, whom I can't say enough good things about. I will post my thoughts on the 561 in a few days when it arrives.
 
99cuts said:
To the op, 0561 is a big knife, plus EDC size. For me it is not carry friendly.

I handled the 0562 this weekend and it was super smooth and of course the size is perfect. Note ZT changes the thumbstuds / blade stop so they are only functional as blade stops. 0562cf will probably be awesome but it isn't available yet.

Also my 0550 took 3 weeks to break in and smooth out.
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I have heard that the thumb studs won t be able to be used to open the blade of the 562. I ll check with ZT tomorrow, and if this is true, I ll probably cancel my preorder.
 
rxavage said:
I purchased a 561 today from the same seller as the 550, bladeswelove, whom I can't say enough good things about. I will post my thoughts on the 561 in a few days when it arrives.
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I think you'll be very pleased. Even the extra blade weight helps the flip. Coupled with the bearings. I think it'll be just the smooth action your looking for.
 
rxavage said:
I purchased a 561 today from the same seller as the 550, bladeswelove, whom I can't say enough good things about. I will post my thoughts on the 561 in a few days when it arrives.
Click to expand...

Congrats on 2 fantastic ZTs. The 0550/0551 is my all time favorite platform. But the 0560/0561 is no slouch, either. I'm positive the flipping action of the KVT will impress you.

Still, there's nothing like the action of an 0550. Something about the action on those phosphor bronze washers.

And I'm glad you stuck it out, and didn't outright give up on the knife. You'd be surprised how many people bash this knife when the difficulty in opening is their fault all along.
 
I had the same problem with my 0550. I kept messing with it opening and closing over and over. Then left out half way opened through the night while I slept. Mid day the next day and it was like grease lightning. Love this knife now.
 
I use a 551 with thumb studs as my daily. It's a lot stiffer than most ZT flippers that I have but I don't feel that it is overly tedious to open.
 
Two points I wish to make:
1. Not all folks have the same strength in their thumbs.
2. Not all folders, even of the same model, necessarily have the same detent strength.

If you have experience with folders, and still cannot operate the knife one-handed...then send it in. Makes sense.
I have done this; no sweat; small cost; quick return and I can now operate the knife.
As long as the blade is held closed securely and doesn't shake out, that's all you need for detent strength. Once you are certain that it's the knife and not your opening method, then send it in.
I sent one new folder in to the maker. He said he adjusted it until his wife could open it. Now, works just fine for me.
 
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