Contemplating my next ZT: 0560 VS 0561

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nedflow

Joined
Jan 24, 2014
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Currently looking at another Zero Tolerance. Have been looking at the 0560 vs the 0561. Don't really see any difference other than scale color. Am I missing something?????
 
Slight difference in the titanium finish. 0560 is matte gray and 0561 is polished. That and the G10 scale color just about covers the differences. You might like the ZT0560BW.
 
Yes, other than a small cosmetic difference, they're identical. I have a 561. Bear in mind, I think the only model currently in production is the 0560BW. 0560's are still fairly easy to find, but sources of new 0561's are getting pretty thin.

There may be a slight generational difference too. Current BW models have a steel lock face insert. Later versions of the 0560 and 0561 had the steel lock face insert also. Depending on what Gen you're looking at, there may appear to be differences that were really just evolutionary.
 
nedflow said:
Saw that already. Doesn't really inform if there is any relevant differences. Is ZT really giving the same blade a different numeric title because of different colored scales????
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0301, 0302, 0303
0560, 0561, 0560blk, 0560BW

There are more examples, but, different colors and finishes can get different model numbers. Some use letters and some do not.
 
Yes ZT did give a different model number to the ZT 0561 just because of the brown G-10 handle and the more polished finish of the Titanium side . I have one on the way and can't wait to get my hands on it :D
 
Just ordered a 0561 from Blade HQ. Plan on this one being my most used blade.
 
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Colorodo said:
ZT0560CBCF would be a nice catch.
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Top of the line 056x for sure.

I recall a few years ago, likely during the first generation of the model, finding out there is a single difference other than the better polish on one side, seems it had to do with a thickness....maybe of the lock bar or something related. I can't remember the detail though. Maybe someone else will.

I have the 561 and recall taking notice of that. However as they have made changes in more recent models that difference may no longer exist.
 
I've had about 4 different 0560's, If I were you I'd spend a bit more and find one with the lockbar insert.

I've had issues before with lock rock on the used 0560's I bought that had wear, the insert solves that problem.
 
agree with udiver. would have waited for a 0561 with steel lockbar insert showing up at the Exchange. But I do hope your new 0561 will be issue-free (and it should, as is my experience with multiple ZTs)
 
I've had two 0560's and a 0560CBCF. None had the lockbar insert. The 0560CBCF has seen the most use, and the lockbar has worn in a bit further. The other 0560's lockbar engagement are still about where they were at new. No lock rock on any of them. Even if you get one without the insert, if it does ever develop lock rock, you can contact ZT Warranty, and they'll take care of you.
 
I have had/have/used countless Ti frame locks, including 0560's
It's by far my preferred locking method.

Never owned one with a lock bar insert, never had one develop lock rock (that includes many SMF's and SnG's)

My point is, not something you need to worry about. It's not very common, and takes a long time to happen, unless the lock was fitted improperly from the factory. (You have warranty for that)

ZT's lock geometry is on the better side....
 
Just looking at the specs on the page I ordered it from on Blade HQ and it appears there really isn't any info in regards to the lockbar insert. Can some one post pics of one with and without lockbar?
 
nedflow said:
Just looking at the specs on the page I ordered it from on Blade HQ and it appears there really isn't any info in regards to the lockbar insert. Can some one post pics of one with and without lockbar?
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the end of the lockbar will have a screw in it. You wont see the lockbar itself as its mounted on the inside of the lockbar. I would be happy with whatever you get. If you get one without a lock bar insert and the lock sticks I would just live with it and dont lubricate it. Its an issue that remedies itself as long as you just use the knife as designed. I have had lionsteels that had sticky locks. All I did was used the knife and evetually the lockface work hardened and it stopped sticking and now its one of my most solid knives. The only times I have seen ti framelocks have an issue is when they are flat out defective or obsessive attempts at getting the lock to fail prematurely damages the lock. One thing I would avoid doing (as you will probably read about it ) is smacking the spine of your knife on something to test if the lock has issues as doing this can actually cause an issue. If you want to test the effectiveness of the lock you can put pressure on the back of the blade but shock and trauma could cause damage to the lock.
 
nedflow said:
Just ordered a 0561 from Blade HQ. Plan on this one being my most used blade.
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That is rare and doesn't reflect most peoples experience. Plus, ZT has a great warranty department with excellent customer service. I have two 0560s and have never had an issue.
 
flarp said:
I've had two 0560's and a 0560CBCF. None had the lockbar insert. The 0560CBCF has seen the most use, and the lockbar has worn in a bit further. The other 0560's lockbar engagement are still about where they were at new. No lock rock on any of them. Even if you get one without the insert, if it does ever develop lock rock, you can contact ZT Warranty, and they'll take care of you.
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Hey, sharp_edge....Have no qualms, you aren't going to wear down your lockbar to where the knife doesn't work anymore (Yeah, there's always the exception, but when it's a .0001% exception it's moot). Mine's a first gen. too. It'll travel slightly then stay. The insert thing is just one (actually THREE counting the screws) more screwed on piece added to an otherwise near-perfect knife. I'll take simplicity any day.

And any lock stick will smooth out with break-in. If a bit remains it's great tactile confirmation everything is engaging good and tight.

And if you WERE to wear it down so brutally, you send it back to ZT for the fix....same as those do who need that detachable insert replaced or fixed when IT starts to rattle or looses a screw or two.

Don't even worry about it. You'll love the knife.
 
EChoil said:
Hey, sharp_edge....Have no qualms, you aren't going to wear down your lockbar to where the knife doesn't work anymore (Yeah, there's always the exception, but when it's a .0001% exception it's moot). Mine's a first gen. too. It'll travel slightly then stay. The insert thing is just one (actually THREE counting the screws) more screwed on piece added to an otherwise near-perfect knife. I'll take simplicity any day.

And any lock stick will smooth out with break-in. If a bit remains it's great tactile confirmation everything is engaging good and tight.

And if you WERE to wear it down so brutally, you send it back to ZT for the fix....same as those do who need that detachable insert replaced or fixed when IT starts to rattle or looses a screw or two.

Don't even worry about it. You'll love the knife.
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Sounds more like for the OP (nedflow). But thanks anyway, EChoil. I completely agree with you (just that the thought of the Ti lockface may wear down bothers some people and hence my recommendation on getting the one with a steel lockbar insert).
 
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