difference between ZT 551 and 561?

[marc4fishing]

Just curious what the differences are?

 

[RevDevil]

The most obvious differeence is the design. I can't post pictures at the moment, but if you google the knives you can see what I am talking about. You might even be able to see the specs are different on each knife.

 

[FPO45]

561 vs. 551

KVT opening technology vs. bronze washers
Flipper vs. thumbstud only opening
3d Machined G-10 (available in earth brown and black) and titanium scales vs. non-3d machined scales
3.75 in. blade vs. 3.5 in. blade
Deep carry pocket clip vs. standard ZT pocket clip (not a deep carry clip)

I think that's all of them. Other obvious differences include design, size, weight (probably), and so on. You can also go to the ZT site or an online vendor to compare specs.

 

[Thomas W]

Think we need a sticky.

 

[kneedeep]

Yes, and we need to get an 0561 to "someone" to take pictures of it next to an 0551 so it will be easier for everyone to tell the difference.

 

[Morrow]

Yes, and we need to get an 0561 to "someone" to take pictures of it next to an 0551 so it will be easier for everyone to tell the difference.

Soooooooo shamless Glenn.

 

[philwar]

Yes, and we need to get an 0561 to "someone" to take pictures of it next to an 0551 so it will be easier for everyone to tell the difference.

Agreed, and it would be best if it's an impartial observer like a Dutchman with mediocre cameraskills and too much time on his hands, who also happens to occupy a pitiful place on the pre-order list.

 

[kneedeep]

Soooooooo shamless Glenn.

Well it needed saying.
And I haven't shot any knives lately.

 

[Presumed_Lost]

I know this only meets the stated goal, not the implied one... but this was posted by Alphahunter way back in December, and was all over the "New Hinderer Flipper" (flipperer) thread:

Most or all of the other comparison shots I've seen so far (haven't caught up with the thread yet) are renderings. This appears to be a photo of one of the prototypes.

If it's accurate they're a lot closer in size than you'd think, and the 0551/0550 is actually a little more heavily built, more utilitarian, certainly easier to choke up on. Since mine opens like a dream now and I'm used to a thumb stud anyway and the 0560/0561 are apparently not going to be limited (other than probably not meeting demand) I might just sit back for a bit and see how the new bearings on the 0560 work out for people... and having the lock bar cutout right under where I'd want the clip, instead of on the inside like the 0551.

Or, I might just weaken and order one anyway.... dunno.

 

[trevytrev]

Here's a video on youtube that compares the 560/561 to various other ZT knives including the 0550/0551. Jump to about 7:50 in the video for that comparison.

http://www.youtube.com/user/KershawKnivesMike#p/a/u/1/tq05jo1viHw

 

[Acerazor]

Is it a/o?

 

[Thomas W]

Is it a/o?

Reading post #3 goes a long way in answering your question.

 

[ono724]

Reading post #3 goes a long way in answering your question.

I believe post #3 mentions one is a flipper and the other being thumb-stud opening only. Either knife could still be AO, or not..

 

[Thomas W]

The 0550 and 560/61 are manual folders. They are not a/o's.

[video=youtube;S90NafCBiAo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S90NafCBiAo[/video]

 

[ono724]

I know this was originally Acerazor's question, but thanks from me for the clarification!

 

[Acerazor]

Thanks guys! It doesn't really matter, just want to get as close
To a Hinderer as possible without the price tag. With ZT I know it's quality. Thanks Thomas W.

 

[P1GEONPOO]

They might as well be a/o the way them bearings shoot that blade out

 

[Tsujigiri]

I know this only meets the stated goal, not the implied one... but this was posted by Alphahunter way back in December, and was all over the "New Hinderer Flipper" (flipperer) thread:

Most or all of the other comparison shots I've seen so far (haven't caught up with the thread yet) are renderings. This appears to be a photo of one of the prototypes.

If it's accurate they're a lot closer in size than you'd think, and the 0551/0550 is actually a little more heavily built, more utilitarian, certainly easier to choke up on. Since mine opens like a dream now and I'm used to a thumb stud anyway and the 0560/0561 are apparently not going to be limited (other than probably not meeting demand) I might just sit back for a bit and see how the new bearings on the 0560 work out for people... and having the lock bar cutout right under where I'd want the clip, instead of on the inside like the 0551.

Or, I might just weaken and order one anyway.... dunno.

That's what I was thinking, too. How is the 0551 more heavily built than the 0560, though?

 

[Presumed_Lost]

That's what I was thinking, too. How is the 0551 more heavily built than the 0560, though?

Same blade width (chord) and handle width (as viewed from the flat) for less length makes it literally a bit "stouter". Lack of rounding on the Ti side (and hollowing from the inside) means there's just a lot more metal there, the rounding especially reducing the mass of the Ti locking bar. Not saying that it would make any difference for normal use (except the 0560 would be considerably heavier without the changes), but it might in extraordinary use. The 0560 has ball bearings with much reduced surface area taking whatever shocks, just an unknown at this point (at least as far as I know). Bronze washers with a lot of surface area in comparison are known to take huge abuse without a problem.

I don't mean to be critical, I think it's just intended to meet slightly different design goals. It strikes me as a little more tactical, sleeker, and a little less utilitarian. I don't doubt that was the intent. Some folks will prefer the emphasis a little more one way, some folks the other.

 

[Tsujigiri]

Makes sense. I guess I'll hold on to my 0551 after all. Fantastic knife, but the 0560 offers so much. I do like the inner cutout on the 0551, makes it really easy to take the knife out of my pocket.