Just pulled the trigger on a ZT 0561 :D

Kitten Party

Kitten Party

Joined
Jun 9, 2014
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Been saving up for a bit, and handled one locally for the first time last week (it was $280 or I would have bought it locally) and was amazed by how great it felt in hand and thought it would be much heavier. Just picked one up online for 199 shipped. This is my biggest knife purchase yet with the Kizer Ki4401x being the next most expensive before this (which is awesome might I add). It was between this and a lionsteel SR1 but I figured since these were being discontinued it may have good resale if worse ever comes to worse. I think I might pee my pants with anticipation :D. I've heard complaints about lockup issues, does anyone have experience with that?
 
Also, I've never had I knife on bearings and am kind of worried that I may get gunk in there and jack it up since i medium/hard use my knives. Does anyone have tips for keeping it clean or is it just the usual air duster affair?
 
First off, congrats on an awesome blade! I know you're going to love it.

You shouldn't be too concerned with lockup issues. I've owned several Hinderer-designed ZTs and they've all been smooth and solid right out of the box. If there's any trouble, KAI has an outstanding warranty.

Regarding the bearings, there's a few vids floating around which show bearing pivots all jacked up, and still flipping fine. ZT uses caged bearings with their KVT pivots, and they don't really require any special attention.
 
Congrats, the 561 is my favorite ZT. No worries so far with the bearing on mine, after a lot of pocket carry and use.
 
The 560 and its variants are my favorite knives now. I have 2 560 and a 560BW. When I got the 560 BW, it was sticky to get it open, the lock bar would jam upon opening very frequently but I couldn't use just my thumb to push it out of the way. And when I did push the lock bar out of the way, it sounded and felt like a very creaky door on rusty hinges.

Sent the knife back to ZT with a letter of disappointment. Got the knife back and I am very happy with its performance. I was so happy, it made me get the second 560 just so I can keep it NIB.

For it's size, it's a very light knife and the ergonomics are pretty good.
 
I've had my 0561 for a couple of years now, I think. I got one of the first ones made. Had to have it. Seriously. Had. To. Have. It.

Nice blade. Unbelievable action, both opening and closing. An amazing machine.

My only complaint is that the detent on mine is very weak.
 
NeilB said:
I've had my 0561 for a couple of years now, I think. I got one of the first ones made. Had to have it. Seriously. Had. To. Have. It.

Nice blade. Unbelievable action, both opening and closing. An amazing machine.

My only complaint is that the detent on mine is very weak.
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Yeah the detent on mine is pretty weak as well. One of the reasons I stopped carrying it... and the fact that it's like a brick in my pocket. Love it otherwise though.
 
I just got mine a week ago I think maybe more, but yes the detent is weak. if I drop it, it will open. Wish there was a way to make that detent stronger, like on my 0801.
 
I was skeptical about ZT quality control for a long time. I finally purchased a 560. It was flawless. Liked it so much I ordered a 561. It is flawless. Perfect detents.

The 561 replaced my large Sebenza CGI which has been in a drawer for months now and may see the glue factory soon. The 560 is now my 'spare' 561.

You ordered a great knife and you will enjoy it. IMO you won't run into a problem with the bearings gunking up anymore than with any other knife.
 
K.O.D. said:
I just got mine a week ago I think maybe more, but yes the detent is weak. if I drop it, it will open. Wish there was a way to make that detent stronger, like on my 0801.
Click to expand...

Easy fix, bend lockbar or send it back.

Great knife, I have several.
 
Congrats on your new knife but wait, what - the ZT0561 is being discontinued? First I've heard of this. I better hang on to my 0560 even though I never use it and was actually gonna sell it.

Kitten Party said:
Been saving up for a bit, and handled one locally for the first time last week (it was $280 or I would have bought it locally) and was amazed by how great it felt in hand and thought it would be much heavier. Just picked one up online for 199 shipped. This is my biggest knife purchase yet with the Kizer Ki4401x being the next most expensive before this (which is awesome might I add). It was between this and a lionsteel SR1 but I figured since these were being discontinued it may have good resale if worse ever comes to worse. I think I might pee my pants with anticipation :D. I've heard complaints about lockup issues, does anyone have experience with that?
Click to expand...
 
I thought that was the case and why they were on sale because they were clearing out the inventory but I could be mistaken.
 
I'm wondering if they've just reduced the price to clear older stock. IIRC these were selling for over $300 when they first came out. I paid $300 for mine and although I've never used it, I'm sure I'd never get that price now if I were to sell it.
 
K.O.D. said:
I just got mine a week ago I think maybe more, but yes the detent is weak. if I drop it, it will open. Wish there was a way to make that detent stronger, like on my 0801.
Click to expand...

My 0561 has an extremely strong detent. I'm not weak but I cannot open the blade using the thumb studs, I have to use the flipper. I put a lot of force into the flipper before it overcomes the detent, and then there is enough force on the blade that it opens pretty fast.


grownstar said:
Yeah, buddy. At least I think so.
Click to expand...

I thought the 0561 was a special version of the 0560, so it makes sense that the 0561 might be discontinued.
 
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