Help Me Make First ZT Purchase - ZT 0770 vs ZT 0566

ncrockclimb

ncrockclimb

Gold Member
Joined
Nov 20, 2014
Messages
2,377
The title pretty much says it all. I am getting ready to buy my first ZT, and am debating between these two knives. This will be an EDC knife, and it will get used in a warehouse environment on a daily basis. I am leaning toward to 0770, but only slightly. I cannot find a dealer that has these knives locally, so there is no way for me to touch them before I make my purchase.

I would REALLY appreciate any feedback you could give regarding the pros and cons of these two models and your experience would be really appreciated.
 
Well I don't have either, I to am looking for my first ZT and no doubt it will be the 0770CF.
 
I have them both, and prefer the 566 as an EDC. It's a good blade length, thin and light, good grip, built tough, great steel, and it flips nice and smooth with a solid lockup. My 2 cents.....
 
They're both excellent knives that look and perform great. Between the two, I would guess I end up carrying the 0566 a little bit more. While I do like the aesthetics of the 0770 more, the 0566 does handle a little bit better for me. This is all highly subjective and a matter of personal preference though.

Some comparisons/contrasts between the two:

- Blade: Both use Elmax (although the 0770 does have M390 and M4 variants now) and have the same blade stock thickness (0.121"). The 0566 has a bit more steel at the tip, so it should be stronger. The 0770 has a higher grind, so it will be a better slicer. The 0566 is a traditional drop point with a good length of straight edge and a bit of a belly, whereas the 0770 is more a sheepsfoot with a slight curve along the entire cutting edge. The 0566 feels better when cutting in with a bit of weight towards the middle of the blade, whereas the 0770 offers a bit better tip control.

- Handle: The 0566 uses G10, versus carbon fiber or aluminum for the 0770. The G10 is textured and will provide better grip. The CF and aluminum handles on the 0770 aren't perfectly smooth though. It has a light texture not unlike very high grit sandpaper (2000, or maybe higher). The handle on the 0566 is a bit longer. Both have solid ergos (no significant hotspots), although if you are going to be doing a lot of cutting, the larger handle might be an advantage.

- Carrying: The 0566 has a quad-position deep carry clip, versus the 0770 has a reversible clip for tip-up carry on left or right sides. The 0770 has a smaller footprint and is thinner, so it does carry more comfortably.

- Opening/Closing: Both are assisted opening flippers. The 0770CF does have a bit of jimping on the flipper that gives a nice bit of extra traction. The 0566 can be de-assisted (is drilled with a detent hole), although I tried it and opted to put the torsion bar back in (just personal preference). I haven't taken my 0770CF apart, so I don't know if it is drilled with a detent hole.

- Lock: 0566 is a frame lock, and 0770 is a liner lock. Both lock up plenty solid.

What knives do you have experience with, and what do you like (or dislike) about them?
 
  • Like
Reactions: vba
Thanks everyone. Flarp, that was an awesome review!!!!

I currently edc either a Spyderco Manix Cru-Wear, Spyderco Gayle Bradley and a Rat 1. My favorite right now is probably the GB, but the other two are pretty awesome too. I like the substantial feel of the three knives. I don't worry about opening boxes or doing other warehouse stuff; I know that these knives can take it. They can all open rather easily, but lock up tight. I am also confident that none of these knives will open inadvertently...

The weight and durability of the 566 is attractive. I'm still not sure which one I would prefer...
 
i have both and prefer the 770 faster deploy, better slicer(i mostly use it for food and cardboard) just feels right i do carry both at any given time though
 
I've owned about 5 ZT's, the 770 is the only one I've kept. Too be fair I haven't had the 0566 but it's on my list!
 
Even with hard anodization, the 0770 aluminum scale with show edge wear before the G10 will.
 
I have both and also prefer the 0770 to the 0566. In fact, KSF has a dealer exclusive version with M4 steel, CF & DLC. Quite a knife. More about it here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1252099-Newest-ZT0770-variant

More expensive but M4 vs Elmax.... ;)

Best of luck on your decision.

JvIp1dt.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: rpn
I have both along with the 0801 and the 0562cf. The 0566 is my favorite of them all. It carries well, feels very solid, and the g10 provides better grip compared to the 0770cf. If I was basing my decision on aesthetics, I'd give the nod to the 0770. It's a sexy looking blade. But in my opinion, you will honestly be happy with either one. Unfortunately, you will end up getting both probably though down the road. It's a sickness Ya know.
 
You guys are not helping; I am now more confused than ever! Both knives sound great.

I came across a few reports of the 0566 being hard to operate. Some say that it actually hurts their fingers to operate the knife. On the other hand, some say that the 0770 liner lock is difficult to operate. Other than that, the reviews are pretty positive. I do like the larger steel selection available on the 0770...

I'm still have no idea which one to buy!

edit to add - Cross1178, I know! It is a sickness!
 
ncrockclimb said:
My Gayle Bradley has the M4 steel, and I think it is awesome. If I get the 0770, that is the one I will probably get.
Click to expand...

if you want, you loan me something pretty of equal value i'll ship you both and we trade back when you make your choice?
 
Here's some shots of the 0566 and 0770 next to the three you mentioned (Gayle Bradley, Manix, RAT-1), just to give you some idea of size.

ZT0566_0770_GB_Manix2_RAT1_open_800x586.jpg


ZT0566_0770_GB_Manix2_RAT1_closed_800x368.jpg


ZT0566_0770_GB_Manix2_RAT1_length_800x417.jpg



Here are a couple shots comparing the blade and handle lengths:

ZT0566_0770_GB_Manix2_RAT1_blade_800x533.jpg


ZT0566_0770_GB_Manix2_RAT1_handle_800x540.jpg



And one more showing the tips. From left to right: 0566, 0770CF, Gayle Bradley, Manix2 S110V, RAT-1

ZT0566_0770_GB_Manix2_RAT1_tips_800x356.jpg
 
Derrick of KSF talking about their version of the 0770CF:

[video=youtube_share;KVm4t_pPY3M]http://youtu.be/KVm4t_pPY3M[/video]
 
Get one of each and you can then tell us which you prefer. You can always dump the one you don't care for
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top