Finally ordered my ZT0550 - resistance crumbled. Feedback/thoughts on it?

Peroni1973

Peroni1973

Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Messages
707
Okay,

So last month I was absolutely 'sure' that the smaller size of the DPX HEST 2.0 gave it the edge over the 0550...

...needless to say, this month I am convinced that I really 'need' the ZT0550 too. Actually, I'm not quite that deluded and predicted to those who helped me make that decision that I'd likely end up with both. I should add that despite the controversy over the HEST 1 and RYP that I do like the HEST 2.0 alot.

I know several of you have 0550's (or 0551's) and was wondering if you could oblige with comments, images and any other related feedback whilst I wait to get mine. This wait will be somewhat protracted as I have to wait until my next trip Stateside to pick it up from my USA office - I suspect the wait will be tantalising!!

Thanks in advance for any input into this thread...

Ben
 
I think the 550 is a great knife having owned one. Quality imho is far above the price point. Matter of fact I stated when I bought it why would anyone want an original outside of collecting purpose's when they can have this one? Another big plus for me is that it isn't a flipper. Hate the flipper about as much as I dislike the wave. Now all this being said don't over look the Boker Plus offering of the Rexford collaboration. Again outside of it being made in China which certainly will turn some folks off, it is again a very very stellar design in both form and function. So much so that I say again where is the motivation for buying an original other than for collecting. keepem sharp
 
It is an excellent blade. Ergonomics are excellent. I like the S35VN. Super smooth once you have broken in the washers. Locks up like a bank vault. For the price and Zero Tolerances warranty its hard to go wrong. I am thinking about picking up another, after I buy the Titanium Military. Tolerances are really good too. I tore mine apart and put it back together the lockup went back to how it was when I first bought it!
IMG_20120125_171227.jpg
 
I have a 550 also and agree with longbow on the value. It is well worth $200. A question I always ask current owners of a blade is "would you buy it again?" and if the answer is without hesitation...yes....then the owner must be happy. I would, without hesitation, buy this knife again. It's solid, tough, and a great steel.
 
Okay guys,

Thanks for your thoughts - I really appreciate it!

Longbow, you make a good point especially since I genuinely intend to use my knives. Admittedly, I certainly have more than I need but I do rotate them and carry them/stash them in useful places (different rooms, bags, car, etc.) For me $200 is still a chunk of change but I could deal with it if the worst happened and it got lost. I'm not sure I'd have the same feeling on a knife costing double that or more! That said, I do know that it really is different strokes for different folks.

Steel130, thanks for posting your experiences and that great photo! Good to know that all the discussion of tight tolerances is bourne out in your experience too. As Loglew says, the highest compliment we can give a knife is to seriously consider buying (or indeed, actually buy) a second knife of the same model.

To say that I am really looking forward to getting my hands on the 0550 is a significant understatement ;)

Cheers all!

Ben
 
I have a small rotation going with the zt0550 or PM2 along with a sodbuster jr or med. stockman and the 0550 gets carried about as often as the PM2. I have a HUGE appreciation for good design and tight tolerances, the ZT0550 definitely has both of those attributes. I am not a collector as much as I am a user with good taste. I feel like the 0550 is great example of a "beefy" titanium frame lock that would fit into anyone's rotation. You won't be disappointed. I might suggest picking up one of those hinderer scales. I really like the fact that it is possible to change the look so drastically. PS, It doesn't matter how many times I see them, Reeek's photos are awesome!
 
Post when you get please- I have a gun buy going south and I consoled myself with "I'm gonna go and get a ZT." help me with my resisitance! ;) :)
 
Well, you certainly posted some nice pictures. Thanks. I think they (ZT) are all good. I've seen them used as prybars, knives, etc., without resulting damage. Very strong folders.
I'd like to try a flipper; maybe the 0561 brown one.
Sonny
 
Thanks for the awesome pictures Reeek! I have been on the fence about picking up the yellow Hinderer scale and those pictures just put me over the edge!
 
I was hesitant too but went for it and now I carry her even more than I did beforehand :D Thanks :)

Jayphog said:
Thanks for the awesome pictures Reeek! I have been on the fence about picking up the yellow Hinderer scale and those pictures just put me over the edge!
Click to expand...
 
if you're going to use the knife then the zt hindender's are really the way to go...the great expense and the hassle of trying to get an original hinderer just isn't worth it...and with the 550 you still have the option of obtaining original hinderer colored scales for it if you desire (and care to drop $65 for the privilege)...

but if you just got to have an original hinderer because you're a collector of the best or just got to have the bling factor of owning one, then more power to you and good luck in your sourcing of one...i THINK i could get one thru my brother who is a fed, but i don't know how that works...but really, i have no interest in paying that much coin any knife...

me, i think i will wait for the zt blems to show up; i intend to use the heck out of it (like i do with all my blades)..."XXXX" on the blade means i saved a lot of $$$$ on the same knife that doesn't have the marking...
 
I bought one of the early sprint run 0551's, and liked it so much when my pre-order finally came through, I bought another one. I think it is one of the best all around folders for the price on the market. Then the 0560/0561 came out, and I've been carrying my 0560 more than the 0551, but I'll be going on a backpacking trip later this week and will be taking the 0551. I think it would be a great camp knife, and a good back up if I lost my fixed blade.

While you are in the U.S., you may want to consider biting the bullet and picking up both the 0550, and 0560 or 0561. They are by far my two favorite folders out of many, well the 0301 is right up there too, but that's for another thread.
 
You guys are awesome - thanks so much for the input and all those incredible photos!

Can't wait to get mine...

Cheers!

Ben
 
I like all of the zt/hinderer collaborations! And you can get scales to boot. Those are well functioning knives.
 
I started my ZT craze slowly - with a 301 first. Moose of a knife - but it set the bar awfully high for fit & finish and quality/value. Skip ahead quite a bit - I actually sprung for a 0551 early locally. Wow - EDC! Those bars for f&f, Q, & value moved up a notch! I violated my rule of no dupes and bought a backup 0551 - keeper! Then, despite not being fond of flippers, I had to try a 0561. While it has a stable home, it and the 0301 would go long before the 0551's. I just like everything about the 0551. I like the ElMax steel, too - it re-edges a bit better than S30V - I'm not sure about S35VN - yet - which is good. My two S35VN knives haven't needed resharpenning yet.

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Stainz
 
Thanks again folks for all the input on this thread.

Stainz, I suspect that the 0550 will take precidence over bigger folders for me. Whilst I don't have the ZT0300, I have the ZT0200 and I think that it is a hugely under-rated knife. That said it really isn't a pocket knife for me - more a back up in a pack or car kind of knife. It is just too big for me to lug around. My Para 2 is typically the biggest that I regularly carry so I think the 0550 my be expanding my typical preferences as it is.

That said, I'm more and more confident that I'll love the 0550! :)

I'd actually love to see a 3 inch version of this style of ZT too but Thomas over on the Kershaw/ZT forum has kindly confirmed that this is not in the works. Well it is certainly something to think about...

Cheers all!

Ben
 
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