Comparison Pictures between the ZT0550 and 0551 - refinements made to the 0550

And that might also explain why I've seen some later 0551's with the black box - it appears they were making tweaks to the 0551 as it evloved through the full production run as well - thanks for the input ;)

severedthumbs said:
I have a 551 serial #1427 and it is exactly the same as the 550 pictured here.
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Now THAT'S an eye for detail. I noticed one or two things initially, but you've noticed everything. Excellent pics and great post!
 
Reeek,

Great review my friend. Thank you! This knife is still my all time favorite factory production.
 
Superb pics and your review tells me you have a great eye for detail. Thank you.
 
So, let me get this straight. The 0551 in Elmax came first? The 0550 is the later, supposedly more improved version? Why downgrade the blade steel, then?
 
The original plan was to do a 1000 piece run (or something like that) of the 0551 as a limited run in Elmax then create the same form factor in the 0550 as a regular production model. The original 0550 was slated to be Vanax 35 but supply issues with that steel forced a change to S35VN and here we are - regular production 0550 in S35VN.

The 0560 and 0561 will be Elmax blade steel . . .

As it turns out, it appears ZT was "improving" the 0551 during its production run as well and they changed the green boxes to the black ones before they finished the 0551 production run as well.

Danbo said:
So, let me get this straight. The 0551 in Elmax came first? The 0550 is the later, supposedly more improved version? Why downgrade the blade steel, then?
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Frozy,

My two 0551's, in the 500 s/n, have G10 side liners that are slightly magnetic (SS). Ti is not - the Ti side is not attracted to a magnet at all.

Stainz
 
I wonder if these knives will sale? Just kidding. I can't wait to get one. May push my ZT200 out of my pocket!
 
Nice pics, I'm looking at the lockup between the two knives and notice that the lock bar is straighter on the 550 and more angled on the 551. I don't know if that is a matter of wearing on the lockbar for the 551 vs the newer 550. But I have noticed that I see the same thing on some Strider knives. It also appears that the relief cut on the lock bar for the 550 has more meat behind it than on the 551. Anyways great review, keepem sharp
 
Well done brother; not sure how I missed the original post. Glad I found it. Nice pics.
 
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