[FIRST LOOK] ZT 0566 (or, so you wanted a smaller 0560?)

I like it so far. No titanium? Better not use the same stuff as the cryo. Hopefully the swap it out for some ti. Would definitely pay the extra.
 
I can't believe I've missed this until now. This is everything I've ever asked for with the exception of stainless instead of titanium. Add me to the list of people who would pay more for titanium if it comes up in the future. This is awesome.
 
One sweet looking blade. Kudos to ZT for putting out a smaller version at a
great price-point.

Would have preferred non-assisted, but can't win 'em all.
 
I agree its akin to the similarities between the 0300 and the 0350 but again I see these as two completely different models not that the 0350 is a smaller version of the 0300.

Unless it's an 0560 that is shrunk down in size but the same in every other way Kershaw should not market this as a smaller 0560. The different handle shape and steels and lack of 3D machining just do not make it comparable IMHO.
 
akthor said:
I agree its akin to the similarities between the 0300 and the 0350 but again I see these as two completely different models not that the 0350 is a smaller version of the 0300.

Unless it's an 0560 that is shrunk down in size but the same in every other way Kershaw should not market this as a smaller 0560. The different handle shape and steels and lack of 3D machining just do not make it comparable IMHO.
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If you don't think the 0350 is marketed as a smaller 0300, I suggest you take a look at ZT's official description:

http://zt.kaiusaltd.com/knives/knife/zt0350

I really don't get all of the whining in here. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but if you don't like it, don't buy it. Telling ZT how their knives "should" be made and marketed is a joke.

[/rant]
 
JACKPOT! Where do I sign up?!
This is going to knock the daily carry Cryo right out of my pocket (and I do love my Cryo and it's value as much as my ZT0350 and 0550).
The new size offered by the 0566 in a ZT will be superb for daily carry. Can't wait to get my hands on one. If a Ti version comes out later I'll
buy it too.
 
Ok first off I didn't say the 0350 wasn't marketed as a smaller 0300 what I said was this new smaller "0560" bears as much resemblane, as in not very much. I said they shouldn't market it as such.

I am not whining I am stating my opinion and just because it is different from all the ZT nuthuggery going on doesn't mean my opinion is any less valid than yours.

If this was made by another company it would be flamed for using the materials it does and costing $150 (which is what I assume this will be) where honestly this should be maybe a bit over the price of a Cryo say in the $50 or even $75 range.

You can be a fanboy all you want but if you look at that knife and really think it looks like an 0560 I got a bridge I can sell you cheap.

I love a lot of Kershaw/ZT knives and own quite a few BTW.

solidorange said:
If you don't think the 0350 is marketed as a smaller 0300, I suggest you take a look at ZT's official description:

http://zt.kaiusaltd.com/knives/knife/zt0350

I really don't get all of the whining in here. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but if you don't like it, don't buy it. Telling ZT how their knives "should" be made and marketed is a joke.

[/rant]
Click to expand...
 
akthor said:
Ok first off I didn't say the 0350 wasn't marketed as a smaller 0300 what I said was this new smaller "0560" bears as much resemblane, as in not very much. I said they shouldn't market it as such.

I am not whining I am stating my opinion and just because it is different from all the ZT nuthuggery going on doesn't mean my opinion is any less valid than yours.

If this was made by another company it would be flamed for using the materials it does and costing $150 (which is what I assume this will be) where honestly this should be maybe a bit over the price of a Cryo say in the $50 or even $75 range.

You can be a fanboy all you want but if you look at that knife and really think it looks like an 0560 I got a bridge I can sell you cheap.

I love a lot of Kershaw/ZT knives and own quite a few BTW.
Click to expand...

I guess I'll take that bridge then. The overall blade/handle shape are spot on for a 0560. Other than the fact that the locking side is smooth, I don't see one bit of Cryo, 0550, or any other knife influencing the design. I honestly think that if ZT had said they were Ti, there would not be a single person in here saying it looks like a Cryo. Everyone is just hung up on it being steel for some reason, even though you can't tell the difference between the two materials by looking at them.
 
akthor said:
Ok first off I didn't say the 0350 wasn't marketed as a smaller 0300 what I said was this new smaller "0560" bears as much resemblane, as in not very much. I said they shouldn't market it as such.

I am not whining I am stating my opinion and just because it is different from all the ZT nuthuggery going on doesn't mean my opinion is any less valid than yours.

If this was made by another company it would be flamed for using the materials it does and costing $150 (which is what I assume this will be) where honestly this should be maybe a bit over the price of a Cryo say in the $50 or even $75 range.

You can be a fanboy all you want but if you look at that knife and really think it looks like an 0560 I got a bridge I can sell you cheap.

I love a lot of Kershaw/ZT knives and own quite a few BTW.
Click to expand...

Where have you found a high-quality USA made, Elmax blade, steel/G10 handle, framelock folder, designed by one of the most popular knifemakers out there for $50-$75? I would love to pick one up.



solidorange said:
I honestly think that if ZT had said they were Ti, there would not be a single person in here saying it looks like a Cryo. Everyone is just hung up on it being steel for some reason, even though you can't tell the difference between the two materials by looking at them.
Click to expand...
I agree with you there. Other than having a flipper, this doesn't look any more like a Cryo than the 0550 does.
 
This will be a great knife with great blade steel.Many people will be able to afford a USA made knife with Elmax to boot....I would prefer a ti knife but then again I don't personally know anyone who will drop $260 in a heartbeat for a quality USA Made knife like I do.This knife will bring many new fans into the ZT community.Would you prefer another S30v ZT ?What other production knife company is using Elmax on production models at this price point?Smart Move KAI! Where is the pre-order I will take 2?
 
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Yes I will take 2 as well. Lots of us wanted a smaller 560 and ZT answered the call, thank you very much ZT. My wife even said she would carry one so I better get 3. Now shut down some 550 production and crank out the 566! ;)
 
As Dad useta say, "Don't worry about the mule going blind, boys; just load the wagon."

I think it's another ZT / Hinderer home run.

BRING IT!
 
Has there been any word of milling on the inner side of the steel lock to reduce weight?
 
akthor said:
Ok first off I didn't say the 0350 wasn't marketed as a smaller 0300 what I said was this new smaller "0560" bears as much resemblance, as in not very much. I said they shouldn't market it as such.

I am not whining I am stating my opinion and just because it is different from all the ZT nuthuggery going on doesn't mean my opinion is any less valid than yours.

If this was made by another company it would be flamed for using the materials it does and costing $150 (which is what I assume this will be) where honestly this should be maybe a bit over the price of a Cryo say in the $50 or even $75 range.

You can be a fanboy all you want but if you look at that knife and really think it looks like an 0560 I got a bridge I can sell you cheap.

I love a lot of Kershaw/ZT knives and own quite a few BTW.
Click to expand...

Akthor - Your opinion on the price point of this knife is unrealistic. The two knives you are comparing are completely different animals. The Cryo has all stainless handles, 8Cr13MoV blade, and is made in China. The new ZT 0566 has G-10 front / Stainless back handles, Uddeholm Elmax blade steel, and is made in the USA. The ZT 0566 has a much more expensive blade steel, and is much more expensive to make since it will be built in the states. Even if it was a USA made Kershaw with a cheaper blade steel, it would still have an MSRP in the $140-$150 range. Ask any other US manufacturer and you would get the same answer. If you want a knife with a $50 MSRP, I can suggest lots of options, and we would be happy to sell it to you. A knife with the materials used in the 0566 and made in the USA cannot be sold at $50 price point and be profitable. That would be well below dealer cost.
 
I meant to post in this thread two days ago, but due to an Internet connection glitch, I lost my long, detailed response into cyberspace. I want to give you a little information that should clarify a few things:

1. Stainless Steel Lockside - I'll admit, this is a new concept for a ZT knife. We knew there might be some people who might not like the idea. But let me ask you this - would you really prefer a bulkier liner lock construction, or a steel framelock that brings this knife closer to an XM-18? Early on in the process, it was decided that this knife would be a value product. Our goal was to make this knife cool AND affordable. We were shooting for the same price point as an 0350, and that limits our options a bit. Titanium would cost too much. Thick liner lock/G-10 construction would work, but it would result in a bulkier knife, and a knife that was less similar to the original 0560. So we decided to try it as a steel framelock. Sure, steel is a little more heavy than titanium, but this is not a huge knife. The knife is heavier than it would have been with Ti, but when you handle it in person, you will realize that it's not as bad as you would think. I heard very few complaints about the knife from the people who handled it at SHOT show. So, my point is, you had two choices - bulky liner lock or sleek steel framelock. We thought the framelock was a better choice, and we stand by this decision. Rick wanted one in his pocket right away, so I get the impression he liked it too :)

2. Size - We played around with several sizes for this knife, and the 3.25" blade length turned out to be the magic size. It is just big enough for big hands, and also works well for smaller hands. It's also quite slim - just under 0.44" thick. The knife will make a fantastic EDC, and it's just the right size. I understand that the size will be a frustration for those who live in states with blade length restrictions, but we wanted it to be the right size, and 3.25" was right.

3. Price - We need knives in all price points, and in this case, a less expensive version made a lot of sense. We could have made a more expensive knife with 3D machining, and titanium handles, but I really believe you will find that this knife offers quite a lot at a great price.

4. Manufacturability - It's not secret that our factory is very busy. One of our goals for this knife was to make it easier to run through the factory. A well thought out design can be easier to produce, and as a result, we can get it out to the customers faster. Everybody wins.


I really believe in this design as it stands. I am a knife snob myself, and I love high end materials as much as anyone. However, when you handle this knife, I really think that most of us will find that the lack of titanium is really not such a big deal as it might seem now.
 
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