Fixed blade guy wanting to try out folders.

XtianAus

XtianAus

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Mar 3, 2016
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Hey, as the title alludes, i've found myself more interested in folders lately. Although we can't edc knives here in Australia, folders are still more practical for me around the house where most of my knives get a healthy workout.

I have only ever had cheap budget folders as I spent a lot of $$ and attention on higher-endish fixed blades.
As a consequence of being relatively cheap, most of my folders have broken or worn to ridiculous blade play.

As for fixed blades, I am somewhere in between a user and collector, but I am starting to get sick of collecting and get much more enjoyment out of my users. Long stort short, I plan to cut down my collection and stick with 2 or 3 fixed blades and same for folders.

I have a sanrenmu 9103 as a cheap beater, I plan on getting a kizer vanguard dukes very soon and in the near future a ZT 0562 as a more heavy duty user.

I have a few questions:
1.) Would it be unwise to buy a 0562 after only using cheap budget folders? Should I look for a step in between first?

2.) I have never pulled apart a folder. How often do you find yourself needing too?
3.) Under what circumstances and why would you need to pull apart a folder aside general cleaning?

4.)I have read ZT's elmax has had some qc and heat treating issues. Would this be a potential for the 0562, or did they solve their issues before this model came out?

5.) Lastly, perhaps some comparable suggestions to the Zt 0562? I am pretty set on it so far though.
I am looking for something tank-like built that can handle the rougher work and around the $200(USD) mark or less.

Thanks for reading the rambling and to any questions you may answer!
 
There was a used 562cf for $175 here on exchange a few minutes ago, better than elmax steel, and nice carbon fiber instead of g10. I've seen them new on the bay for $200-210 USD
With regard to your other questions; the 909 gets a lot of respect as a hard use folder; most people I think take apart their folders because they're curious to see the insides. I just wash mine with liquid dish soap, dry, and apply mineral oil to keep it clean. Lastly I would say if you can afford it dive right in, if you're worried about sharpening a high end steel buy a dmt diafold extra fine and it's easy peasy.
 
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Hey man. Thanks for the reply.
I like the carbon fiber handles and steel better for the cf version, m390 is one of my favourite steels. But i dont care much for the satin finish vs the stonewash. Plus after shipping from the US to Aus, it becomes quite a bit more expensive.

I can get the normal version shipped for $265 here in Aus ($200 in US terms) which is quite reasonable.

And ahh okay awesome, I dont care much for looking at the inside :D
So if I am hearing you right, you wash yours without having to take it apart? I like the sound of that. Though I might be concerned there is leftover water in areas I cant dry without taking it apart (perhaps the ballbearing part?) and could lead to future rust?
Thanks for that sharpening system/stone, I will definitely check it out :thumbsup:
 
No need for "in-between". If you think you might like the 562, get one. It's a great knife. I've had the CF variant and the G10 one. I prefer the G10 for its grippiness. KAI's Elmax is well done. I don't think you'll have any worries with it if you remember that it's a SS, not a tough carbon or tool steel. IOW, use the folder as a folder's intended to be used. It can take rough use, it just ain't a fixed blade.

Personally, I like the 566 a bit better. It's a bit smaller and more pocket-friendly, but every bit as tough as the 562. And the new ones are S35VN, which KAI also does well. The 566 is assisted, though, if that makes any difference. It's easy to remove the torsion bar and make it a manual flipper, but I never saw any reason to with mine.

I don't disassemble my folders to clean them, but I don't live on a farm, either. Mine get cleaned with hot running water IF they need that much. Usually, they just get blown out with canned or compressed air. If I need something to get into the pivot area to clean it out, I use Benchmade's cleaner and then rinse it with hot water and blow it dry.

There are other tough folders available from DPX, ESEE, Spyderco, and others, but ZT has a reputation for making affordable and tough folders so your initial choice is a good one.
 
With your criteria I would choose the 0909. Tank knife with PB washers instead of bearings. Has a reputation of being a decent slicer for its size.
 
I wish ZT still used Elmax for most of their blades. It's pretty much perfect for their knives. Super tough and durable stainless? That's like an oxymoron, but with Elmax it's true. And ZT's Elmax is definitely no exception.
 
McFeeli said:
I wish ZT still used Elmax for most of their blades. It's pretty much perfect for their knives. Super tough and durable stainless? That's like an oxymoron, but with Elmax it's true. And ZT's Elmax is definitely no exception.
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I've had three different ZTs with elmax and I've found that the heat treatment is not good because it has the edge retention of 440c and I know what elmax is supposed to do I've got it on a high end fixed blade and the edge retention is amazing on the fixed blade
 
There are probably a few knives that would perform well for less than the cost of the ZT 562, but none that offer the same overall package in my opinion. It's a great knife for tougher cutting tasks, has superb ergonomics, and stout but still slicey blade. If you've look at other knives, but something about the 562 draws you to it, definitely check one out.

I understand your concern regarding the Elmax steel. I had the same questions about the heat treat issues that you might have read about. From what I understand it was only an issue with some initial batches from before even I bought mine in August of last year. Been using mine without issues, so I'd say you have nothing to worry about with Elmax on ZTs knives now. You may actually end up with S35 steel instead if you get one of their newer models (they replaced Elmax a little while back due to them not having a reliable supply volume).

As far as maintenance, most of the time you can simply blow out material that gets in between the scales or just wash as others have mentioned. Every few months or so, disassemble to clean gunk buildup in the bearings if you notice the opening action getting less smooth. It all depends on how many times you drop it in mud or leave it outside accidentally for days. :P Not much of a task with how simply and well constructed the knife is though.
 
Little off topic, but if you like fixed blades (and I do, too) I was kind of shocked how much I like a Cold Steel Finn Wolf I got recently in a trade.
Its pretty damn ugly when folded, but open the ergonomics are really pretty good and it feels solid with good cutting ability while also being really light. I don;t like 99% of Cold steel stuff, but for $35 or so, its kind of a no brainer just for the heck of it.

In terms of taking knives apart, I recently started digging into that myself and its addictive.
If you don't have Torx drivers, get a cheap set (or even look up Xbox t drivers cause you can find a T6 and T8 set for sale for cheap and thats usually all you need) and go for it. That Sanrenmu is super easy to take apart (I have 3 versions of that one), and cleaning the heavy grease off with alcohol and a little bit of quality lube on the bearings made a big difference on mine.

Cheers!
 
I like my 0562cf it is a great folder for its intended use. The 0630 is a good one aswell. It does haee a different style but it is solid with pb washers. Mine is really smooth with no play.
 
XtianAus said:
Hey man. Thanks for the reply.
I like the carbon fiber handles and steel better for the cf version, m390 is one of my favourite steels. But i dont care much for the satin finish vs the stonewash. Plus after shipping from the US to Aus, it becomes quite a bit more expensive.

I can get the normal version shipped for $265 here in Aus ($200 in US terms) which is quite reasonable.

And ahh okay awesome, I dont care much for looking at the inside :D
So if I am hearing you right, you wash yours without having to take it apart? I like the sound of that. Though I might be concerned there is leftover water in areas I cant dry without taking it apart (perhaps the ballbearing part?) and could lead to future rust?
Thanks for that sharpening system/stone, I will definitely check it out :thumbsup:
Click to expand...
Happy to help. Dalefuller is right about the 562, I have a 551 and the elmax problem I did not notice. It's easy enough to open if you feel like it, I've only done it when the action or centering bothered me, and it won't void the warranty on a ZT like it will on a spyderco
 
From one fixed blade guy to another, in the built like a tank for rougher use folder category, I've grown pretty fond of the ZT 0909. That being said, I don't have an 0562 to compare it to. The 0909's a no nonsense, utilitarian (aka boring :D) design with a high, slicey grind that just flat works. So far it's been right for me, but that doesn't mean it'll be right for you.

0808171905a-1664x936.jpg
 
I have never had an issue with ZTs Elmax but they have switched to S35VN on most standard versions.

ZT 909 ... ZT 562 ... ZT 566BW
sorry not the best picture but snapped one quick for comparision.

The 562 is a nice knife ... very comfortable and a smooth manual flipper ... if you prefer just a bit smaller or an assist open knife the 566 is basically the 562's little brother but plenty capable and it's assist open but easy to deassist and very smooth that way.

But my first choice which feels more like a fixed blade and is a bit heavier with a great design is the ZT 909 ... its a manual flipper ... fires out fast and locks up like it should.

And you won't need to get a "between" step knife ... ZTs are amazing knives. And only reason to take it apart would be a good cleaning or if you wanted to deassist an assisted model.
 
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Thank you all for your replies, they all really helped! Super appreciated. I think I will stick with the 0562, seems everyone has had positive experience with it.

I also checked out the other models suggested and while they all look like tanks, I am aesthetically not a fan.
Except the 0566, looks like a great size but assisted aren't allowed here down under.

The main question is do I buy here where I am more likely to get the elmax version (I doubt ZT's sell that much here), or pay a bit more for shipping from bladehq and get a S35vn model brought here from the US...
Do you guys prefer ZT's elmax or S35vn?
I have no experience with either steel.
 
XtianAus said:
Thank you all for your replies, they all really helped! Super appreciated. I think I will stick with the 0562, seems everyone has had positive experience with it.

I also checked out the other models suggested and while they all look like tanks, I am aesthetically not a fan.
Except the 0566, looks like a great size but assisted aren't allowed here down under.

The main question is do I buy here where I am more likely to get the elmax version (I doubt ZT's sell that much here), or pay a bit more for shipping from bladehq and get a S35vn model brought here from the US...
Do you guys prefer ZT's elmax or S35vn?
I have no experience with either steel.
Click to expand...

I would buy locally here mate either from the AUS forums or support one of our dealers. Both steels are great options, if I had to pick I would choose elmax
 
ExtraBaconPlease said:
I would buy locally here mate either from the AUS forums or support one of our dealers. Both steels are great options, if I had to pick I would choose elmax
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Good point! There is a dealer here called "blades of OZ" that has a really fair price for them.
 
XtianAus said:
Thanks man!
I wonder if it will hold me over or my fixed blade urge kicks back in haha. May have to move a certain fixed blade soonish to help with funds ;)
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Oh yeah! Just let me know, i'll be ready ;)

Be careful though, i had an insane folder addiction. I still really like them but now just prefer knowing my knife is one solid piece of steel and not moving parts so i'm 100% fixed blades now except a couple classic Victorinox blades I have. They were my first knives and are the only stuff I have for "collection" / non user

ZT's are sweet knives, you are gonna love it :cool:
 
ExtraBaconPlease said:
Oh yeah! Just let me know, i'll be ready ;)

Be careful though, i had an insane folder addiction. I still really like them but now just prefer knowing my knife is one solid piece of steel and not moving parts so i'm 100% fixed blades now except a couple classic Victorinox blades I have . They were my first knives and are the only stuff I have for "collection" / non user

ZT's are sweet knives, you are gonna love it :cool:
Click to expand...

Oh yeah absolutely! If I am ever out of the house at somewhere requiring a knife such as camping or hiking, I would bring a fixed with me as well to have assurance that there would be no failure or at least less likeliness. In the long run I will probably hold onto my RMD, TRC K1 and 1 or 2 Survive! knives. That's the plan for now but probably will change...as it always does for us knifenuts xD
 
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