got my new ZT0551 today

Not too long ago, I found something better than an 0551.... two of them! I got a 'backup'. Both of mine are in the 800 range.

Re the 'global economy' and knives. I have bought a few big buck Boker (Solingen made) folders - fortunately, at discounted prices. They cannot touch Benchmade or Kershaw/ZT as to fit/finish/QC, although they come in nice boxes. On the other hand, their old Boker Tree Brand, also Solingen-made, classic slippies are great values - and outclass Case - at the same or lower price. I do try to keep as much of my money between our shores as I can. Of course, if some goes to Austria - for Bohler steel - I'm not too upset!

Stainz
 
I've only had my 0551 for a few days, but it's already gotten smoother. Of course, I've also had it apart and lubed it a bit..

My initial reaction was that it was REALLY stiff, but it's really more that the design promotes putting pressure on the lockbar with your fingertips while trying to open it with your thumb- you're fighting yourself without realizing it. The lockbar is a big, convenient finger-tip platform in the most convenient spot, but just a little pressure on it makes the blade much more difficult to open. I'm guessing a lot of owner subconsciously adapt to it and change their technique without really realizing it, and that may account for some of the "breaking in".

Try opening it with most of the pressure from your fingertips coming from the ring and little finger, maybe even the middle finger on the clip (if the clip is in the stock position) and see if that works easier.
 
I wonder how high the numbers go? I was just in a nice shop on the south side of Chicago yesterday and they had a 0551 on the shelf (first time Ive seen that!) I had to have it, especially since they were selling it for less than retail, and a better price than Ive seen anywhere else.

anyway, its #1416! Thats the highest number Ive seen yet, and if they really are limited to 1000 (or 1088, whatever), then thats a LOT of blems!
 
killteamTRS said:
thats pretty sweet, how smooth is the opening and closing of it?
Click to expand...

Not sure if the question was directed at me.

It's only been a week or so, but it HAS "broken in" a lot.. actually, the transformation is sort of scary. It's very, very smooth now, blade pops out easily with the thumb stud OR can be easily flicked out with pretty much any of the common techniques, including a simple "pop" with almost no effort. Of course, I did disassemble it and lube the surfaces with a mixture of Break-Free and molybdenum disulphide powder- I'll change lubes later, but I like to moly-treat the surfaces first.

I've read here that Canada has a problem with folding knives if they're "flickable". They're going to have a serious problem with this one, just a twitch and it's open.
 
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