Confession of a Spydernut: ZT561 First impression and question

bh49

bh49

Joined
Dec 27, 2005
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I bought ZT561 mostly out of curiosity. I am not big framelock fun. Also in general I prefer polished blades. I sold few stonewashed blades just because I didn't like the finish. But I never had flippers or ZT and seeing that crowds of people are going crazy about them made me think. So last week I was buying my beloved Damascus Caly, spotted ZT561 and bought it. Both knives arrived on Saturday, but weekend was too busy to play with new toys. Probably open ZT couple times. Very impressed with F&F. Mine is near perfect. Of course I love finish on Ti and G10. It is grippy and looks nice. The knife I would say on the heavy side, but I like this way. Great size for primary EDC for my taste. Great ergos. The knife fit into my hand like was made for meas good as my favorite Persian. Really like the look, including stonewash finish on the blade. I have no problem to open the knife using the flipper, but either I am doing something wrong or do not know something: I absolutely cannot open using stud. I cannot even move the blade. Any advise?
In general I like the knife a lot. I appreciate the fact that this is American made. Most likely 561 will not be my last ZT. I already have my eye on another model, unfortunately it is not out yet.
 
The detent will break in so it will be easier to open with what you are calling the thumb stud. In reality it is a blade stop when the knife is open, the flipper is what is meant to open it. When using the blade stops to open it is easier to push them in a forward motion, towards the front of the knife rather than straight out.
 
^I have to go ahead and disagree with you there. While they do serve as the blade stops in the open position, considering their size, placement, and the presence of a closed position blade stop pin, they're still thumb studs. The flipper may be an easier way initially, but I can't agree with it being what is "meant" to open it. The 0550 has no flipper, and the thumb stud arrangement is essentially the same. The trouble with using the thumb studs solely lies with technique and grip. Fortunately, as a lefty, I don't put any finger or hand part on the lock bar, which is why the OP is likely having such trouble.

Getting used to placing one's fingers off the lock bar is the key to using the thumb studs, and is my preferred method for the 0550, 0560, 0303, etc. On something like the Packrat or Skyline, those are closer to primary blade stops than thumb studs.

So...yeah... heh...heh...:o
 
They can certainly double as studs but the 560 in my experience doesnt open as easily as the 550 with them. I make it a point to make it clear that it isn't their main intention as far as design goes because otherwise it's just one more thing people who aren't familiar with KAI knives to nit pick apart and list as cons. The 0560 is the absolute finest production folder I have ever handled, and it's just a pet peeve of mine when people complain about blade stops because they don't work as well as thumb studs. Also in the open position the blade is designed not to come in contact with the stop pin, that is only there for when the blade is closed. The 550 has easier finger access to it's studs as well. You can certainly use the stops with some practice but it isn't as "natural" feeling (at least to me) as my 0550 is. Please don't take this wrong as I hope you realize I have nothing but respect for you Stick.
 
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My thumb studs work fine, make sure your not putting pressure on the lockbar. Try using your left hand to open it with the studs, if it works fine your pressing on the lockbar. Enjoy the great knife.
 
BrentD86 said:
Please don't take this wrong as I hope you realize I have nothing but respect for you Stick.
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Oh no! YOU'VE DONE IT NOW!!! *puts up fists* :p No worries man, different ideas is the spice of this whole addiction, and I agree with practically everything you've said. The flipper is indeed an easier deployment as a new owner of the piece. It took some time for the studs to even become my preferred method, as I remember a time when I couldn't flick a 0550 open for the life of me either.
 
My 0560 and 0550 open the same when I elect to not use the flipper on the 0560.

The detent differs from knife to knife so not everyone's experience can be the same.
 
I kinda am having trouble growing into the whole framelock thing also...they are hard to close, so i find myself carrying my sage 1(i am the odd ball who adores the liner lock).
 
MEJ said:
I kinda am having trouble growing into the whole framelock thing also...they are hard to close, so i find myself carrying my sage 1(i am the odd ball who adores the liner lock).
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I feel like a quality liner lock is just as good as a frame lock. I like both, personally.
 
Being that you just got it and want to use the stops as the primary way to open, you will have to give it a good break in. It will ease up, but like most things just needs broken in! My 561 was a little week from the begining so I am a bit jealous personally. As a result I have not really carried or used it much. Maybe I will start to carry it now that it is getting colder and I will start wearing pants.
 
whateatsrabbits said:
My thumb studs work fine, make sure your not putting pressure on the lockbar. Try using your left hand to open it with the studs, if it works fine your pressing on the lockbar. Enjoy the great knife.
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+1, I couldn't open mine either until I realized that I was squeezing the pocket clip when trying to use the thumbstud.
 
bad_juju said:
Being that you just got it and want to use the stops as the primary way to open, you will have to give it a good break in. It will ease up, but like most things just needs broken in!
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This is good to hear. Thank you.
It was a long time since I was impressed that much with a knife, other than Spyderco.
 
It's all about technique. Especially when one comes from a specific style of knife, there is a bit of a learning curve associated with it.
 
Just have to chime in here to say that after months of ownership and thousands of flicks, my 0560 is still impossible to open with the studs. I have several 055X's, so I know how to use them without putting pressure on the lockbar, but even full force with both thumbs will not break the detent on the 0560. No real complaints here, as it was intended to be opened with the flipper, but I just thought I would let you know that it may not get any easier. I have won several $5 bets against people who think they can open it with the studs. I haven't found a single person who can do it yet! :p
 
solidorange said:
Just have to chime in here to say that after months of ownership and thousands of flicks, my 0560 is still impossible to open with the studs. I have several 055X's, so I know how to use them without putting pressure on the lockbar, but even full force with both thumbs will not break the detent on the 0560. No real complaints here, as it was intended to be opened with the flipper, but I just thought I would let you know that it may not get any easier. I have won several $5 bets against people who think they can open it with the studs. I haven't found a single person who can do it yet! :p
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Hahaha make it a snack pack er six pack and you're on!
 
Can't open mine with the studs, but funny thing is I can open it slow with the flipper and no I'm not a flipper noob. This puppy is smooth, if I wanted I could only deploy it halfway so my detent is perfect. I just think the knife was designed to be used solely as a flipper. I really couldn't be happier with mine except it came pretty dull, but Elmax sharpens up great:thumbup:
 
For those who can't open them with studs, what is the serial number of your 560/561?
 
Every 560 ive handled opens just as easy with the studs as it does with the flipper. I have #1014 and I can deploy it faster and easier with the studs in most cases.
It sounds like a few owners either need to break theirs in, avoid putting pressure on the lockbar, or need to send it in for service.
Such a sweet folder.
 
To help me figure out why mine is impossible, I have to ask a question to the other 0560 owners around here. Does the lock bar on yours sit noticeably lower than the rest of the Ti side when the blade is closed? Mine definitely does, and I think it is probably the reason mine will not open with the studs.
 
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