Got a new 561. LOVE IT!

mley1

mley1

Joined
May 6, 2010
Messages
815
It's been a little while since I've had a ZT 56# series knife. I traded off the last one I had, and regretted it ever since. I've heard of others problems with them. But, I just couldn't get the desire to go away for another ZT 56# series. So, I decided to treat myself to a 561 that I found online at a good price. Next month I'm retiring from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice after more than 30yrs of service. And, the 561 is my retirement present to myself. :D

I love the color of the 561. And, on these newer ones ZT fixed the sharp jimping the earlier models had. It's a welcome change. I REALLY love how the new 561 feels in the hand. No more sharp edges, just lots of GRIP. NICE! My 561 came with PERFECT lockup. Smooth as butter opening, and closing, with no stick at all. Lockup is about 25%, and SOLID with ZERO play anywhere. Just perfect. Detent, PERFECT. I can open the 561 with either the flipper or the blade stops with equal ease. The clip has perfect tension, slides into my pants pocket nicely, with enough grip to keep it there, but not tear up my jeans. The blade came hair popping sharp. ZT, WELL DONE on this 561. The only small issue is the blade is a touch off center toward the lock side, and that's ok with me. It's not touching and doesn't affect function at all. I may be able to adjust that myself. No big deal. I'm glad I took the leap and chose your 561 for my retirement knife. THANK YOU!

I know a thread like this is deficient without pics. But, alas. My camera is kaput. I'll take some with my phone, and try to get them posted later tonight. Right now, I'm gonna enjoy ZT goodnes!!:D:D
Now I gotta break out the fishing gear, and catch some fish for the ZT to tangle with!!:D Or maybe some mean ole hogs to skin!!:D
 
They're great knives. I have two 0560's that are perfect, and the blades are centered too. :)

Enjoy it!
 
gooeytek said:
Great to hear that you are enjoying it, and enjoy your retirement!
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THANKS!! I just noticed that the serial number on this one is 4949. And, my age is 49. COOOOL. I started with TDCJ back in '82, fresh out of high school at 18. Momma always said if I didn't behave I'd go to prison. Been working there over 30yrs. lol
 
Congrats on the new ZT 561 and on your retirement. I too sold my last 560 a month ago and came to miss it just last week. Luckily, I was able to snag one off of the exchange here and am so glad to have it back (A ZT 0561 this time).

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Congrats on a great knife, I hope you get many years of good service from it. I liked mine so much I bought a backup.
 
Sorry for the not so good pics. I used my phone, which isn't too bad for a phone. But, not so great for a camera. :D

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Congrats on the retirement and knife. I've been working for the state since 18 as well and will be eligible for retirement at 49 too (rule of 80!). I've still got a ways to go though. :)

I picked up a 0560 not too long ago too. That finishes up my set of the KAI Hinderer offerings so far. Can't wait for the upcoming ones this year. The 0566 looks fantastic, and I'm really eager to try out the Spanto model as well. And, of course, can't forget the Cryo II.

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Retired at 49----- awesome!

ZT0561---- just as awesome! I recently got in to ZT's and 0550 and 0561 are amazing!

Congrats!
 
Nice knives Flarp. I like the looks of the upcoming new ZT's also. I've been wanting a 550 also. But, that will have to wait a while. I do have a 551 enroute though. I worked a trade for it, and am looking forward to it very much. I've not handled a 551 or 550 yet. I'm thinking they will be great EDC's.

Glad to see another Texan state worker here. The agency has been good to me over the years. I haven't decided yet. But, I may come back after the 3 month wait time and double dip. At 49 I'm too young to just kick back and enjoy life. I still have kids in school, with college within a couple of years. So, That will be added expense. It may sound crazy. But, I'm a bit institutionalized. I got prison work in my blood. Been doing it a long time. It's gonna be hard to lay it down.
 
Both the 0550 and 0560 are pretty incredible knives. This partnership with Hinderer has generated some pretty fantastic pieces, and there are more coming!

Seems to be a common occurrence for people to come back and get a 19-hour appointment after retiring. We've had 5 people in my office area retire and then come back part-time (2 in my group). Three of them are still here (after being "retired" for 10+ years)! The combination of pension plus the part time income can actually be more than if you continued working full-time. One of them was triple-dipping for a while too (military and state pension plus part-time income). Not a bad situation to be in -- working half-time but making more...
 
Great pick on the 561, mley1! I too have the 561 and carry it everyday. I loved it so much I acquired a 560 to add to my collection as well. As far as the 551 that you have coming, it will definitely be an amazing addition to your collection. I have the 550 gen 2, and I absolutely love it! I often switch out my 561 for the 550 every now and again, and it still accomplishes every task I put on it. Have a great retirement and enjoy your new ZT!
 
Nice. Looks exactly like mine! I'm debating about whether to send mine in because the clip screws on the scale side don't catch. I think all it needs is slightly longer screws, but they prefer to have me send it in. Might as well, I guess. They can probably fix the sticky lock bar too. Mine is about 1500 earlier than yours. You'll almost certainly be able to adjust the centering by just adjusting the pivot screw. It's pretty sensitive.
 
mley1 said:
THANKS!! I just noticed that the serial number on this one is 4949. And, my age is 49. COOOOL. I started with TDCJ back in '82, fresh out of high school at 18. Momma always said if I didn't behave I'd go to prison. Been working there over 30yrs. lol
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Congrats on retirement! :)The 561 is outstanding.:):thumbup:
 
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