Just picked up a ZT0550 - does anybody else have an issue with this knife?

[willc]

This is exactly the problem. I didn't even realize I was putting pressure on the lock bar. You're right, it doesn't take much pressure at all. Now that I realize what I was doing I'm able to operate it properly.Thanks!

I did the same thing when I got mine, thought it was screwed up and was seriously thinking of sending it back.
Once I kept my fingers off the bar it was still tight though.
I used a bit of lube and open and closed it with two hands a few hundred times while watching tv and it has been perfect since.
This is a Great knife but it does need to be broke in.
I actually carried it to work last night for the first time in a while and it still impresses me.

 

[Lee48]

I switch the clip to tip down which gives you more real estate off of the frame lock. The tip of my middle finger seats in the indent on the frame lock to keep the pressure off the lock. I also left the blade partially open over night.

I agree with changing the clip to tip down. When it was set to tip up, I found myself trying to get leverage to open by pressing my fingers against the clip which, in turn, pressed against the lock bar. My preferred method of carry is tip up but with larger knives with wider profiles, tip down and back pocket carry is easy to access and more comfortable for me.

It does take some time to break in but it's worth it. The 0550 is really the only ZT that I liked enough to buy and keep.

 

[daveb068]

They really don't need to break in much. If you don't mind taking it apart there are a few things you can do to make it the smoothest knife you own.

Take it apart and clean everything(pivot, washer, etc - dont be lazy).
Polish the pb washers with flitz or similar. I polish the pivot as well.
Oil pivot and washers with some quality oil. Nano oil for me. I also put a small drop in the detent hole on blade.
Assemble everything. I tighten the pivot just enough to take out any play.
Open and close a few times to work the oil. Then enjoy the smoothness.

I do this to every new knife I get now. Hasn't let me down yet.

 

[benchwarmer380]

This is exactly the problem. I didn't even realize I was putting pressure on the lock bar. You're right, it doesn't take much pressure at all. Now that I realize what I was doing I'm able to operate it properly.Thanks!

Glad it worked out!

This one little quirk is why I generally prefer liner locks to frame locks.

 

[GhostAlpha0]

Now that I realize what I was doing if I avoid putting pressure on the lockbar it operates perfectly. I don't even feel like it needs to be broken in so I definitely don't think there's any need to break it down.

 

[RBid]

I recently picked up a new ZT 0550 and holy crap is the detent stiff. I tried all night and I simply cannot operate this knife one handed. Does it just need to be broken in or does it actually need to be adjusted some other way?

I had the same issue with a gen 1. Eventually, I figured out how to open it quickly. I have a review up on another board that is more broadly EDC related with pictures showing the description below. Here is the short version:

Clock orientation of the thumb stud as referenced below is based on looking down on the stud with the closed folder's blade in the right hand, spine facing left.

1. Roll it so the closed folder is blade up in hand, with your thumb oriented at 6 o'clock on the thumb stud.

2. Build pressure to 12 o'clock and then shift to 11.

IF you don't have pressure on the lock bar, it should fly out.

 

[Screwdriver]

This is exactly the problem. I didn't even realize I was putting pressure on the lock bar. You're right, it doesn't take much pressure at all. Now that I realize what I was doing I'm able to operate it properly.Thanks!

That is a flaw imho of this frame-lock. In another thread I made the same complaint and was given the same advice. I really like the knife, but in a stressful situation, there is no way I am opening it one handed. It is breaking in and after a few weeks and with proper hand placement it opens easily. But, from a design standpoint, it is a joke.

BTW, if you search about a 0550 hard detent.....this goes back to the first gen. This is a known and continual issue with this knife.

 

[grownstar]

But, from a design standpoint, it is a joke.

BTW, if you search about a 0550 hard detent.....this goes back to the first gen. This is a known and continual issue with this knife.

A joke? An awesome design from a well-known and respected knife maker, produced by one of the most innovative manufacturers around? Ok, now YOU'RE the one who's joking.

I have an 0551, which features the Gen 1 lockside. Never had any problems with mine. I've also owned 2 0550s; no problems there either.

And in regard to the hard detent, it's a catch 22 situation. ZT adjusts detents and then folks start complaining that their blades don't fly open how they're supposed to. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

 

[KnottyEagle]

That is a flaw imho of this frame-lock. In another thread I made the same complaint and was given the same advice. I really like the knife, but in a stressful situation, there is no way I am opening it one handed. It is breaking in and after a few weeks and with proper hand placement it opens easily. But, from a design standpoint, it is a joke.

BTW, if you search about a 0550 hard detent.....this goes back to the first gen. This is a known and continual issue with this knife.

Wait, there's a flaw with the 0550, even though we just concluded that it was user error?

Having a hard detent isn't an issue. Neither is having a soft detent. If you want more or less of another, bend the lockbar.

 

[Wolverine666]

I have two 0550's and both are perfect. My favorite ZT. If only ZT would make more non-flippers like the wonderful 0550.

 

[RBid]

That is a flaw imho of this frame-lock. In another thread I made the same complaint and was given the same advice. I really like the knife, but in a stressful situation, there is no way I am opening it one handed. It is breaking in and after a few weeks and with proper hand placement it opens easily. But, from a design standpoint, it is a joke.

BTW, if you search about a 0550 hard detent.....this goes back to the first gen. This is a known and continual issue with this knife.

"In a stressful situation" seems to indicate defensive use. I think you may want to explore FoF training to see directly how challenging it would be to draw and open just about any folder with a lethal threat within bad breath distance. Grappling or receiving strikes changes things. Even a flipper is unlikely to be graceful when you're trying to avoid getting punched, stabbed, or shot.

 

[BrentD86]

Iv'e had 3 all were very stiff when they came. It gets better over time with use just keep playing with it. In my opinion once broken in, they are one of the smoothest knives out there (that don't roll on bearings).

 

[Screwdriver]

A joke? An awesome design from a well-known and respected knife maker, produced by one of the most innovative manufacturers around? Ok, now YOU'RE the one who's joking.

I have an 0551, which features the Gen 1 lockside. Never had any problems with mine. I've also owned 2 0550s; no problems there either.

And in regard to the hard detent, it's a catch 22 situation. ZT adjusts detents and then folks start complaining that their blades don't fly open how they're supposed to. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Glad you have not had an issue, but many have since Gen 1......it is well documented. I will not mention brands, but I have framelocks that were flawless from day one, and no internet chatter to the contrary.

 

[mr_anderson]

Glad you have not had an issue, but many have since Gen 1......it is well documented. I will not mention brands, but I have framelocks that were flawless from day one, and no internet chatter to the contrary.

Good for you, do you want a cookie? I would much rather have a hard detent than a detent that was too light.

 

[Screwdriver]

"In a stressful situation" seems to indicate defensive use. I think you may want to explore FoF training to see directly how challenging it would be to draw and open just about any folder with a lethal threat within bad breath distance. Grappling or receiving strikes changes things. Even a flipper is unlikely to be graceful when you're trying to avoid getting punched, stabbed, or shot.

Said nothing about defense. There are many times being able to reliably open a knife with one hand is needed.

 

[Screwdriver]

Good for you, do you want a cookie? I would much rather have a hard detent than a detent that was too light.

I would rather have a knife that opens reliably from day one. BTW, many other makers have been able to do this with their framelocks, why can't ZT?

I do find it funny when people like you make quippy remarks because someone has a complaint about a product.

 

[daveb068]

So, Rick's design is a joke? I fail to see how a weak/strong detent is a design flaw. Either learn to use the knife properly or get rid of it and get something you can open. ZT's aren't for everyone just like Spyderco's aren't for everyone. Personally I prefer a strong detent and have no problem opening any knife designed to open with thumb studs. Almost all of the time it's user error.

 

[B.F.U]

It may be how you are opening it. Make sure your index finger is not pressing the lock to the blade. All it takes is a very slight amount of pressure applied in this manner to make the blade feel glued it.

This. It seems that this (user) error is particularly present in this knife, at least in my experience.

 

[RBid]

Said nothing about defense. There are many times being able to reliably open a knife with one hand is needed.

I am relieved that you weren't speaking of defensive application!

Good news: with minimal practice, it is very easy and fast to open a 0550. I had been discouraged and even contacted ZT about detent correction before figuring out how to do it. Now that I sorted it out, I am glad that I didn't take it to ZT.

 

[Screwdriver]

So, Rick's design is a joke? I fail to see how a weak/strong detent is a design flaw. Either learn to use the knife properly or get rid of it and get something you can open. ZT's aren't for everyone just like Spyderco's aren't for everyone. Personally I prefer a strong detent and have no problem opening any knife designed to open with thumb studs. Almost all of the time it's user error.

Did not say that Rick's design is a joke. But when many have said they had to send it in to fix the stiff detent, and KAI picked up the tab. There is a slight issue. Mine is breaking in well and can now be opened somewhat reliably.....but it has taken nearly three weeks of constant opening to get it there. I know by your #820....this pisses you off that someone calls out an issue. But that does not negate the real issue.