Got a new ZT 0550 - how strong is the detent?

Thomas W said:
To reiterate, we're here to satisfy you completely, and win you over as a customer RJ. If that detent is too strong, we will get you a more appropriate one to pocket. Thanks for your patience with us.
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Man, you're WAY better than I am at the customer service thing.:)
 
Rolex John said:
Whatever the product I examine, I look for unbiased data about it.
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But of course, my mistake for adding most likely embellished, bias data to the conversation.
you don't consider it legitimate, valid research?
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Oh, yes sir I do. I'm additionally sure that whatever you're spending your time doing is legit.

. We could certainly pick nits over what is truly unbiased data (is there any such thing) but doing so doesn't interest me.
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Sorry, I should have known you weren't looking and aren't interested for intel coming from the factory on their sub-forum.

Examining the data you have provided, you would seem to be offering up "only 10" as a small number - which it is I'm sure relative to the number produced. But the number of people who sent their knives in doesn't represent the entire population of customers dissatisfied with this particular aspect of the ZT 0550/1 - just those who went to the trouble to send their knives in for warranty work. In my survey of available data, I've run across more than 10 data points indicating dissatisfaction with the 0550 detent - that's in addition to the 10 you report. One can extrapolate that the true number is higher.
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Whatever the combined number, I'm not seeing it as overly troublesome, but I'll ensure to pass this all along to production so they can get it right going forward. Thanks for taking the time.

I would also submit that the fact that you personally could open all the returned models received isn't particularly relevant data.
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I didn't say I opened up the packages. It's just important to me that we see all new items and premium items as they come through the warranty department. We're then able to react to potential issues, or look to improve upon future pattern generations. While not relevant to you, I felt it was important to reveal.

I can open my ZT 0550 - just not as easily as I reasonably should be able to.
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Again RJ, there are different tiers of users and their abilities. It's difficult for us to define "reasonable". "Should be" is another tough one that applies differently for everyone.


I truly do appreciate your efforts to win me over as a customer
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As I/we do with everyone.

Did I mention that I have a nice set of Ken Onion Shun kitchen knives (with matching steak knives)?
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Hope they are working better than what you're dealing with here.
 
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How about the weather today...! In all seriousness, I would take Thomas up on his offer and have him help you. It's not everyday that you get this kind of service. I have had to send in a few of my kershaws for various things in the past, some my fault some not. Actually my 0350 is in their hands as I type. Bottom line is shit happens no matter which side of the fence you are on. I have rarely had the kind of service that you get with kershaw/ zt from other manufacturers (knives or electronics etc..). If it still is not what you expected after they work on it, then I guess you will have your decision to make. But I personally would reserve mine until I've crossed that bridge. Good luck to you Rolex John in what ever it is you decide to do.
 
Thomas W said:
Holy Mother, I hit Edit instead of Quote! :eek::D
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lol i liked it better when i thought you did it on purpose.

Rolex john: You talk about having all these problems with kershaws can you tell me what knife company is better? I was going to get a 0550 but since you say it has problems why don't you tell me about a better knife so i can get that instead. specific suggestions would be appreciated.
 
I work as a design engineer on products that are produced in quantities from a few hundred a year to hundreds of thousands a year. I know from expereince how difficult it is to translate customer "concerns" to real quantifiable things that design and manufacturing can actually control consistently.

I also know that cost is directly related to quality control. No production knife I have seen yet is perfect every time it comes off the line, Some custom makers acheive this or something close, but as we all know the pricepoint is considerably different than with production knives. You either accept that production will have small variances, or you pay for the elimination of them either by reduced yields through culling (Blems anyone?), or by slower production and greater manual intervention... Either way the cost will be more...

My view is Kershaw (and thus ZT) have done a better job of balancing this than the other "big" players. To my taste anyways. I have never bought a Spyderco, as I never found one I liked that was priced at a point I considered reasonable. Benchmade is on a par with Kershaw for fit finish but their prices IMO are higer for what you get.

I like the price quality balance Kershaw has struck and I love that they are soooooo willing through their CS department to meet the demands of the few who aren't so pleased.

Just my view. And FWIW a stiffer detent (as long as it doesn't drag once released) is a good thing. IMO... (hence Kershaw's problem... :D )
 
if you cant open it with your tumbs try doing it left handed.... you might just be putting pressure on the lock bar
 
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