Dilemma: 0550 vs 0560/1... which to get??? Please Advise

jon1all

jon1all

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Nov 17, 2012
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Today I stopped by a local brick & mortar and looked at an 0550 Gen2. Very nice knife! But he also had an 0560 and 0561.

To be honest, I haven't even considered the 0560/1 before. From online pics it always seemed too big for me... but it wasn't as big as I envisioned it (that said, it is bigger than every other folder I own except for my Spyderco Resilience, which I don't ever EDC).

So the dilemma is, which to get? He offered both at significant discounts which essentially brought them down to typical online pricing more or less.

0550=$200 out the door (which is about $180 pretax)
0560/1=$275 out the door (this is a bit more than online sources, but not bad for brick & mortar).

So any suggestions from the diehard ZT crowd?

(One note on the 0550, while it is a Gen2, it is an early Gen2 the has the G10 side drilled for the Gen1 clip (extra clip is included). I am a righty so I will never put the clip on the G10 side (and almost certainly I will get a custom scale for it anyway to add some color). However, should I be concerned about this hurting potential resale value??? I highly doubt I would ever sell it (rarely sell knives or guns... once they're mine, they're pretty much mine), but still... you never know. Otherwise this 0550 is solid. I got a chance to fondle it some and F&F is quite nice and lock up is great (about 25%) with zero blade play and no lock-rock. Anyway, the owner is a cool guy who spent plenty of time with me (I have bought from him before) and didn't get bent out of shape when I told him I needed to think about it. And I would like to support a local business if possible, especially if they are competitive price-wise (which he is in this case)).

Anyway, so the take away questions from this store visit are:

#1) Which to get... 0560/1 or 0550?
#2) If the answer to #1 is 0550, then is the early Gen2 clip anything to worry about?

Thanks in advance for everyone's help/advice.
 
Ill join in the crowd...hit up kershawguy, I am sure his prices can beat what you were quoted. My personal opinion would be to go for the 0550 for edc.
 
Depends on ur intended use of the blade, hard use i say 560/1 light use 550. Elmax truly is amazing steel and very worthy of consideration
 
Tototech beat me to it. Depends on if you're a flipper fan or not. You should definitely check out Dave's(Kershawguy) site. He's got the 550BLK for the price you were quoted. I personally think the black is a sexy beast. Either way you can't go wrong.
 
tobotech said:
do you like flippers? If so 056X
Click to expand...

Flippers are cool and I enjoyed "flipping" it at the store... but I like manual action knives too... if a knife I like has a flipper, great! If a knife I like doesn't have a flipper, just as good.
 
I've got 3 550s and one 560. Both are fantastic knives but the one that always ends up in my pocket is the 550blk blem. So far I havent found any reason to carry the larger bladed 560 over it. It is probably the only folder I have ever carried that I just cant seem to find something about it that I dont like. The ergos are great for me, its smooth, locks up solid, and so far the edge has held up well under normal edc use.

Pic just for kicks
P1030073-1_zps44438d31.jpg
 
I've got a Gen 2 0550 blem on the way from Kershaw Guy right now, $130 shipped. I couldn't justify spending loads more money for the 0560 (no blems in stock). I'd rather spend that money on an LSCF scale. They are both overbuilt tanks and I've even heard the 0550 is slightly beefier.
 
This question has been asked so many times haha, Really depends on what you need...Both are huge knives in there own right..Do you like flippers or not? the 0550 is more of a work horse and is thick. The 0560 isn't thick but is huge and not a knife I'd really EDC...Also the 0550 can be had for under $175 and the 0560 around $200 from a great supporting vendor.. Both are great choices, but I always go for the 0550. My favorite knife. And as for scales..Rival1314 and The Preacher are great choices..
 
Not long ago I would have said 0550 hands down. Now I have both and I'm really torn on what to suggest...each does its own thing well so I guess just go with what speaks to you the most. Right now I'm carrying the 561 because I have been breaking it in. I think I might wield both soon, because I can:) sorry I wasn't more helpful.
 
chester22 said:
This question has been asked so many times haha, Really depends on what you need...Both are huge knives in there own right..Do you like flippers or not? the 0550 is more of a work horse and is thick. The 0560 isn't thick but is huge and not a knife I'd really EDC...Also the 0550 can be had for under $175 and the 0560 around $200 from a great supporting vendor.. Both are great choices, but I always go for the 0550. My favorite knife. And as for scales..Rival1314 and The Preacher are great choices..
Click to expand...
Since they are a supporting vendor, can you tell me who/where I can find the 0550 for under $175 (non blem) or the 0560 for $200 (again, non blem please)? Thx!
 
I prefer edging the 056x knives to the 0550. I love the 0550 but it is a little chunkier in the pocket so the 056x is more comfortable. I also prefer the flipper and kvt system, in the end you should go with whatever knife you are more attracted to. Both are awesome so you can't really go wrong, it's just personal preference.
 
They are both really nice. But I choose the 0550 hands down. It's beefy and super solid. Not to mention one of the best looking folders around. A true beauty and built like a tank.
 
Tough question as others have stated. I like both knives A LOT. They are two of my favorites, and pretty much share carry duties exclusively. I have two of each. That is how much I like these knives, except I have the Elmax 0551's not the 0550's, but that shouldn't make any difference to you as the S35VN steel is excellent as well.

If you can handle the length, I'd get the 0560/1 first. It is just a great knife, and one of the better (best?) flippers out there for the money.
 
Thanks everyone... still trying to decide but definitely appreciate the insights.

Since no one has really addressed the question about the early 0550 Gen2 clip issue (ie, being drilled on the G10 side for the older Gen1 style clip) is it safe to assume it's a non issue? (especially considering I'll likely be getting a custom colored scale anyway if I get a 0550)
 
550 is shorter and fatter, the 560 is longer and thinner. I had the 560 first, then got a 550 and 551. Kept the 550 for a while, and now I'm wanting another 560. Lol you just cant win. Actually the 566 is probably the perfect compromise, but it's not out until later this year.
 
Yeah, the 0566 is one that I will probably end up with too. But I would like to have a nice beefy Ti frame lock as well (hence my interest in these two Ti ZT folders). But yeah, the 0566 looks great too!
 
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