Lionspy VS. ZT0561

[ryanb3]

I want to get a new knife, either a lionspy or a ZT0561 or something similar. Can anyone offer an opinion for me? Im trying to keep price <$250

 

[DapperDan]

Go with the 0561. It sounds like the LionSpy is out of your price range. The lowest price for a new one that I have found is $280.00

 

[RamZar]

Both with thick Elmax blades and 0561 longer while LionSpy is thicker/wider. Both titanium frame locks. 0561 tan and Lionspy black G10 on front side. LionSpy has the LionSteel RotoBlock which makes it into a fixed blade! You can get the 0561 for less right now. The flipper on the 0561 has a relatively weak detent so you need wrist-assist or just use the thumb stud (blade stop). Neither would be my first choice. I'd spend under $200 and get a ZT 0801 flipper with a 3.5" Elmax blade and full titanium handle/frame lock unless you need a longer blade.

Zero Tolerance 0561 Specifications:
Overall Length: 8.75"
Closed Length: 5.125"
Blade Length: 3.75"
Blade Thickness: 0.156"
Blade Material: Elmax
Blade Style: Drop Point
Blade Grind: Hollow
Blade Finish: Stonewash
Edge Type: Plain
Handle Length: 5.00"
Handle Thickness: 0.58"
Handle Material: G-10/Titanium
Handle Color: Dark Earth
Liner Material: Titanium
Weight: 5.98 oz.
Pocket Clip: Right/Left Hand, Tip-Up/Down
Knife Type: Manual
Opener: Flipper; Thumb Stud
Lock Type: Frame Lock
Brand: Zero Tolerance
Model: 0561
Designer: Rick Hinderer
Country of Origin: USA
Best Use: Everyday Carry

Spyderco LionSpy Specifications:
Overall Length: 8.43"
Blade Length: 3.625"
Cutting Edge: 3.55"
Blade Thickness: 0.18"
Blade Material: Elmax
Blade Style: Drop Point
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade Finish: Satin Edge
Type: Plain
Handle Length: 4.59"
Handle Material: G-10/Titanium
Handle Color: Black
Weight: 5.9 oz.
Pocket Clip: Left Hand, Tip-Up Knife
Type: Manual Opener: Thumb Hole
Lock Type: RotoLock
Brand: Spyderco
Model: C157GTIP
Country of Origin: Italy
Best Use: Everyday Carry

Zero Tolerance 0801 Specifications:
Overall Length: 8.20"
Blade Length: 3.50"
Blade Thickness: 0.156"
Blade Material: Elmax
Blade Style: Drop Point
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade Finish: Stonewash
Edge Type: Plain
Handle Length: 4.70"
Handle Thickness: 0.51"
Handle Material: Titanium
Weight: 5.85 oz.
Pocket Clip: Right/Left Hand, Tip-Up
Knife Type: Manual
Opener: Flipper
Lock Type: Frame Lock
Brand: Zero Tolerance ZT
Model: 0801
Designer: Todd Rexford
Country of Origin: USA
Best Use: Everyday Carry

 

[JasonG]

Lion spy for me.

 

[ryanb3]

Go with the 0561. It sounds like the LionSpy is out of your price range. The lowest price for a new one that I have found is $280.00

I found the lionspy on gpknives for 249. If that changes your opinion

 

[Alann45]

I want to get a new knife, either a lionspy or a ZT0561 or something similar. Can anyone offer an opinion for me? Im trying to keep price <$250

Both are excellent knives.
I lover my Lionspy and am impressed by the ZT551 I have.

Lionspy has a polished blade and to me is more attractive...almost too attractive to use.
561 looks like it is demanding to be used.
Size wise I'd give the nod to the 561 for EDC. For me,the Lionspy is on the borderline of being too big for EDC.

For a new one of either, you're going to likely have to add $10-20+ to that $250 to get one.

I'd spend under $200 and get a ZT 0801 flipper with a 3.5" Elmax blade and full titanium handle/frame lock unless you need a longer blade.

Terrific alternative, and right now they are available numerous places.

 

[RamZar]

For me,the Lionspy is on the borderline of being too big for EDC.

For a new one of either, you're going to likely have to add $10-20+ to that $250 to get one.

Terrific alternative, and right now they are available numerous places.

LionSpy and 0561 weigh just about the same at just under 6 ounces. 0561 distributes the weight better. Street prices for BNIB for both is about $250.

Here's a picture of all three for size perspective:

 

[Alann45]

The pic comparison should help the OP compare. Hard to say much more since his intended use/purpose wasn't stated.

LionSpy and 0561 weigh just about the same at just under 6 ounces. 0561 distributes the weight better. Street prices for BNIB for both is about $250.

I haven't carried either my Lionspy or 551 in awhile, so I pulled them out to refresh my often faulty memory.
The Lionspy still "feels" a bit bulkier to me. Maybe its the hole hump or, as you mention, the weight distribution.
It would have been more accurate for me to opine that both are on the borderline for EDC, at least in my experience with what people generally prefer in a daily knife.
I've carried a ZT350KW for years, and many feel thats too large for EDC.

At any rate, all three are excellent choices, but I agree with you that the 801 could be best choice...particularly if EDC is the intended use. Lot of value there for under $200.
I would have ordered one the other day, but just not crazy about the "look" of the 801...purely personal taste.

 

[evilgreg]

LionSpy and 0561 weigh just about the same at just under 6 ounces. 0561 distributes the weight better. Street prices for BNIB for both is about $250.

Here's a picture of all three for size perspective:

And of those three, it's not even close in the looks department. The 0801 looks almost out of place, it's so much nicer looking. Flips better than my 0560 too . . .

 

[ryanb3]

My intended use will be a light use edc, I have a benchmade adamas folder for my hard use knife. this is just going to be an impulse buy to have for fun and to carry.

 

[ebidis]

The 0801 somehow reminds me of classic car styling. Like a '57 Chevy.

 

[Murdamook]

And of those three, it's not even close in the looks department. The 0801 looks almost out of place, it's so much nicer looking. Flips better than my 0560 too . . .

My 0560 has had nothing but problems. My lock failed with finger pressure and now my detent has flattened but they won't warranty it. I say go with the lionspy or save an extra 50$ and buy an SnG off of the secondary market. The new lock geometry makes even secondary examples extremely reliable.

 

[DapperDan]

I found the lionspy on gpknives for 249. If that changes your opinion

250 is a very good price. Like other people have said you can't go wrong with either one. I own both and have not to this day used my Lionspy. It's a nice knife but it just doesn't get any pocket time.

 

[RamZar]

My 0560 has had nothing but problems. My lock failed with finger pressure and now my detent has flattened but they won't warranty it.

Why won't ZT warranty it?

 

[Murdamook]

Why won't ZT warranty it?

They fixed the lock and I sent it back for the detent; they didn't fix it and I had browsed some threads from people who had the same issue and they wouldn't fix it because it's a byproduct of use, I guess.

 

[RamZar]

They fixed the lock and I sent it back for the detent; they didn't fix it and I had browsed some threads from people who had the same issue and they wouldn't fix it because it's a byproduct of use, I guess.

So, you're left using your 0560 with thumbstuds only?

 

[Kai Corp.]

They fixed the lock and I sent it back for the detent; they didn't fix it and I had browsed some threads from people who had the same issue and they wouldn't fix it because it's a byproduct of use, I guess.

Never heard of such a thing. If the knife isn't right, you should call and talk with Jeremy on Monday. We'll get you taken care of.

 

[Murdamook]

So, you're left using your 0560 with thumbstuds only?

It will still flip about twice in a row before it becomes so gritty feeling that a flip will only push it out about a quarter of the way before it becomes too much resistance to overcome. The detent has soured me on the knife so I have really only been carrying my Striders and my orange Millie.

 

[Murdamook]

Never heard of such a thing. If the knife isn't right, you should call and talk with Jeremy on Monday. We'll get you taken care of.

I will do that, thank you. For what it's worth, the customer service I received both times I sent it in was impeccable.

 

[2k3gti18t]

^ That is really strange. My 0561 flips great. And as for the customer service from Kai that is really odd. I had a bad lock rock issue one my 0551. I sent it in and I came back perfect to me with in a week. You should contact them, they will do you right.