Looking to replace me Emersons. Strider? ZT?

nattyboh said:
Alright, so basically ELMAX has more corrosion resistance? Sharpening I dont really worry about, as I wouldnt be doing it all the time.
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Basically, yeah. Most people aren't going to notice a difference of any kind in the real world. Unless it is a true EDC, the steel is unlikely to be tested to a degree where the quirks will be noticed.
 
Thanks.

Im kinda leaning toward the 0550 or the 0560. The 0550 looks like it is or will end up slippery. My emerson is stupid slippery, 4 years later. The 0560 looks like it will be grippy.

Is the 0560 not a true hard use knife? Or is it just as durable ( like the review posted here on youtube ) as the 0550 and do the same tasks? I know its a different steel though.
 
nattyboh said:
Its hard to get it right on the Wicked Edge
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I use the Wicked Edge and fin it very easy to sharpen Emersons. Sharpen the main edge the normal angle and use the 15° angle to lightly break off the burr.
 
The ZT 0560 is a pretty tough knife as is the BM Contego mentioned. Can't go wrong with either and could almost get both for the price of a Strider.
 
Striders are WAY high IMO. The 0550 can be had for around 175. The 0560 isnt much more, as you already know..



Also on the WE using it with the EMersons. Maybe I have been doing it wrong the whole time. What degree do you use on the chisel side?
 
Edited: I need help here...

Whats the difference in the 0550/0551- 0560/0561- etc etc? There seems to be the same model ( looks wise ) but with a tad different number.


Is it worth getting the latest greatest?
 
nattyboh said:
Edited: I need help here...

Whats the difference in the 0550/0551- 0560/0561- etc etc? There seems to be the same model ( looks wise ) but with a tad different number.


Is it worth getting the latest greatest?
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Blade steel will be the biggest difference in the 550/551. 550=S35VN & 551=Elmax. For the 560/561, I believe the blades are the same steel and the handle scales are different colors. Never had one so not sure on the 560/561.
 
If you look around (kershawguy.com) you can get the zt550 for quite a bit less than 175. its a great knife.
 
nattyboh said:
Thanks.

Im kinda leaning toward the 0550 or the 0560. The 0550 looks like it is or will end up slippery. My emerson is stupid slippery, 4 years later. The 0560 looks like it will be grippy.

Is the 0560 not a true hard use knife? Or is it just as durable ( like the review posted here on youtube ) as the 0550 and do the same tasks? I know its a different steel though.
Click to expand...


I don't think the 0550 will end up slippery at all. The G-10 texture is ugly, but it is very functional. The depth variance in the pattern is too pronounced to for just about anybody to be able to wear it down to a level where it would get slick.

The 0560 should be similarly rugged to the 0550, but the 0550 action rides in bushings instead of bearings, so it may get a hair more lateral support to help it hold up under side loading. Of course, more people care about that than actually use these blades in any appreciable way.

In the last week, I ran my 0550 through over 100 feet of cardboard, 30 zip ties, a dozen or so plastic bindings, a lot of plastic wrap, blister packaging, etc. I have done draw cuts, and I have used a few snap-chops to get started on cardboard box breakdown. It is still slicing paper pretty well, and the knife is exceptionally comfortable in all but draw cuts, where it is admittedly a little awkward. I am very happy with it.
 
nattyboh said:
Thanks guys. Perfect. I think Im going to get a 0550. ITs cheap...
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You'll probably end up buying a new scale though.
The stock scale is utilitarian, but really not neat looking.
With an after-market scale though, it looks great. :) I went with the frag pattern scale.

 
If price is an issue, check out the exchange. There is usually something on there at a nice price

I have a few ZT's, 550, 560, 801, 200 and 350. All get a lot of pocket time :)
 
Price isnt an issue, but isnt cheaper always better? Im always down for some used items...

Who makes aftermarket scales?
 
nattyboh said:
Who makes aftermarket scales?
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Monkey Edge has some, but only in black right now, it looks like.
I know that some people on here make scales for them; hopefully someone will chime in with who they are. :)
Hinderer used to, but I don't see any on their site now. :(

Sometimes I see them here in the "For Sale " subforums.
 
Appreciate it.

Im just now looking for a good deal on an 0550. Ive never used a knife with a smooth clip side scale. Is it less grippy than one of my Emersons? OR will that be pretty null as an issue ( talking about the 0550 )
 
nattyboh said:
Appreciate it.

Im just now looking for a good deal on an 0550. Ive never used a knife with a smooth clip side scale. Is it less grippy than one of my Emersons? OR will that be pretty null as an issue ( talking about the 0550 )
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I found that the grippiness of the G-10 side is enough, especially with the ergonomics of the handle.
Handle design does a lot; the Spyderco Lava with stainless steel scales has no grippiness at all to the scales, yet it locks in the hand better than just about any other knife out there. :)

You'll notice the smooth titanium doesn't eat the seams of your pockets; that's a plus. :thumbup:
 
I just read that the 0550 and like models have issues with lock rock, full travel lock etc.. Im guessing its worth buying a new gen 3 with the insert right?
 
nattyboh said:
I just read that the 0550 and like models have issues with lock rock, full travel lock etc.. Im guessing its worth buying a new gen 3 with the insert right?
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The insert is good.
But I've never had any lock rock, and the lock-bar is holing solid at 50% engagement.
Some people have terrible luck and get lemons (rare, but it can happen).
Other people beat the hell out of their knife in weird ways, and then are surprised by wiggle or the lock-bar wearing to the other side.

If you can find a new one with the insert, then hey, go for it. :)

There's no disadvantage to the insert.
 
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