Help me pick out my first Kershaw/ Zero Tolerance!

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Doogoon

Joined
Feb 21, 2012
Messages
971
I don't have one yet, and I'd really like one. I mostly want one because of the extended tang piece used to open them. (I can't remember what it's called, sorry.) Now I have some specs that I'd like to go by.

-No more than $300
-Extended tang "fin"
-if it's not a tough, MUST HAVE A FULL FLAT GRIND. Weak knives with anything else doesn't work for me.
-If it's a tough knife, must not have recurve and be overall be functional for edc- no need to be a full flat grind
-I EDC a fixed blade, so I don't need anything too long. Being heavy isn't too much of a problem for me
-PREFERABLY no assist
-Frame lock PREFERRED- if not, it should be a liner lock. I'm not interested in any different locking methods- that also rules out odd safety measures or accessories.
-blade shape does not matter, as long as it's edc functional
-no serrations
-must be available on a canadian friendly vendor
-needs to be sheeple friendlyish- something I could easily defend as a tool and not something that would be a dedicated weapon- means nothing tanto or ninja

I'll edit any more specs into the op if I think of any more.

Thanks for your time!
 
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Zero Tolerance 560 for $250.99 on a popular canadian edc website.

or

Zero Tolerance 0200 for $155.99 on the same popular canadian edc website.
 
Doogoon said:
the 550 and the 560 both look like nice knives. What sets them apart, price wise?
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560 uses elmax vs s35vn, 560 has a flipper like you want, and the 560 is 3D machined on the Ti and G10 for a better grip + it has KVT a ball bearing system where as the 550 does not

imo the 560/561 is worth the extra price
 
having the 0560 and the 0550/0551 I find I use the 0550 more. Its just the perfect EDC ZT, the thumbstubs work so awesome I don't mind not have a flipper..the 0560 is just a touch overkill IMO but I love it as well.
 
kimberfan said:
560 uses elmax vs s35vn, 560 has a flipper like you want, and the 560 is 3D machined on the Ti and G10 for a better grip + it has KVT a ball bearing system where as the 550 does not

imo the 560/561 is worth the extra price
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I see what you mean.

Time to start saving up!

Although, any competitors would be nice.
 
With what you described, I don't think you can do better than the 0550 or 0560. 0560 gets my vote, as stated before it's well worth the bigger price tag.
 
Yeah, I would second the 550 and 560. I have a 551 and a 560 and I think I would get rid of the 551 before the 560 but I love them both. The 560 is just perfect and easily worth the extra price but the 550 is also very comfy and has a really nice blade shape. Plus, it is a great EDC size and just a nice medium sized knife in general. I will EDC both no problem, though.

The only Kershaw or ZT that I'd rather have (and I do have one, and I would get rid of both ZT's before getting rid of it) is the Kershaw Tilt. I got very lucky and go mine for less that $300. They're normally closer to $400, but if you can find one for cheap enough, I'd definitely get it. It's such an amazing knife and a marvel of design and craftsmanship. If I'm not mistaken, it's the model Kershaw came out with the KVT bearing system for and it's the smoothest knife you ever use. Somehow smoother than the 560. Just crazy fast and easy to flip. The composite blade with Vanax75 steel is badass. It's as light and milled out as it could possibly be. Such a solid knife for the weight and such a light knife for the size. The blade shape is extremely useful and the different grips are extremely comfortable. One of the most comfy knives I've held. Amazing fit and finish and just an amazing design. I'd get one if you could get it for cheap enough. But yeah, 560 otherwise.
 
dakine said:
I say the 350 would meet your needs.
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Actually it wouldn't as it violates a couple of this mentioned qualifications.............it has a recurve and is assisted.

Like others said I don't think you can do much better than the 550/551/560/561 line.
 
350 has recurve and is assisted
550 does not have a flipper

560 is the only thing I can see fitting all of your needs. You won't find a better production knife.
It may be too big. It is fairly light though. Not sure if it is "sheeple friendly", question due only to the size, but it isn't mall ninja styled.
I've been carrying one every day since I got mine in early January. I also carry a Leek for when it isn't appropriate to pull out the big blade and it is a great letter opener which is the majority of my use.
I sometimes also often carry a very nice Jonny Mac Knives small fixed blade in Elmax but that is really overkill. I just really like that JMK blade
 
I can't think of another knife that I own that I feel gives me more for my money than my 0560 and that includes my over $400 folders. Its very difficult to beat.
I should add that I plan on getting the 0561 to go with my 0560 (after obtaining the 0777) just so that I have two of them on hand (one put away)...they're that good.
 
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Doogoon said:
-needs to be sheeple friendlyish- something I could easily defend as a tool and not something that would be a dedicated weapon- means nothing tanto or ninja
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uhh, what does it being a tanto have anything to do with it being more of a weapon? a knife is a knife, 9 times out of a 10 a person using a knife for a criminal activity is NOT going to be using a Tanto blade. More to the point, your already carrying a fixed blade knife, with the addition of a folder, and more then likely one other very small pocket knife or something similar. So your carrying 3 knives but you don't want to be labeled ?????? clear this up please
 
justin1635 said:
uhh, what does it being a tanto have anything to do with it being more of a weapon? a knife is a knife, 9 times out of a 10 a person using a knife for a criminal activity is NOT going to be using a Tanto blade. More to the point, your already carrying a fixed blade knife, with the addition of a folder, and more then likely one other very small pocket knife or something similar. So your carrying 3 knives but you don't want to be labeled ?????? clear this up please
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7 out of 10 times I bet this guy is right.

Anywho, get a 0561. Forget the 0560, the 0561 is where it's at. It's a much better knife overall than the 0560, and the 0560 is one heck of a knife. But, the 0560 has nothing on the 0561. I know the 0560 is a great knife, and it is, but the0561 just has zing. It has soul.
 
TriviaMonster said:
7 out of 10 times I bet this guy is right.

Anywho, get a 0561. Forget the 0560, the 0561 is where it's at. It's a much better knife overall than the 0560, and the 0560 is one heck of a knife. But, the 0560 has nothing on the 0561. I know the 0560 is a great knife, and it is, but the0561 just has zing. It has soul.
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Where do you get off stating that my beloved 0560 (black version) has no soul? MY 0560 not only has soul (just as much as your "Earth" colored 0561 version) but Mojo to burn...How dare you?! :D
 
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