Man oh man, proof the ZT 550 is an awesome knife.

jeffsenpai

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Check out this video from Vininull, russian youtube guy who is known for doing really hard use tests on folding knives. I have seen most of his videos, and most knives fail in some regard but the ZT 550 he just tested was without a doubt the best performer I have seen on his channel. English subtitles too on this one! I was a bit surprised with the results also!

Check it out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW0TVkcBFkw

[video=youtube;AW0TVkcBFkw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW0TVkcBFkw[/video]
 
Wow, remind me not to lone this guy any of my knives. Have a gen 1 0550 and it has served me well. Of course my useage has been a little less extreme.
 
I'm very happy with my 0550, easily my favourite out of the ZTs I own. Luckily I always carry a SAK or multitool as well, so I don't need to use mine to open cans.
Thanks for sharing the video, mate.
 
I love the internet! I can just watch this guy destruction test a 0550 instead if doing it myself.

I love my 0550 as much as I love the internet.
 
I have to say I don't much like kershaw and I'm not a big fan of zt but that being said I'm
Very impressive in how that did.

Thanks man
 
Man. after looking at that test I can totally see how we need somebody to design a whole new locking mechanism so as to create a "folding knife with fixed blade capabilities". (sarcasm).

Wow. Took a licking and kept on ticking. I was quite impressed that the blade stayed centered through all of that. I'd at least expect some liner rub after that prying.
 
That is quite impressive. Even my girlfriend commented on the few highlights I showed her. (Can opening, tip abuse, batoning) She is generally less than impressed with any of my knife nonsense but admitted to seeing the value in what I paid for my 0550.
 
Man. after looking at that test I can totally see how we need somebody to design a whole new locking mechanism so as to create a "folding knife with fixed blade capabilities". (sarcasm).

Wow. Took a licking and kept on ticking. I was quite impressed that the blade stayed centered through all of that. I'd at least expect some liner rub after that prying.

Nah, we just need a "fixed blade with folding knife capabilities"😏
 
Me too, this guy is an idiot. I was hoping he would put the blade right through his hand.
 
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I've got a 550 that I carry more than most of my other ZT blades and I knew it was a tough knife but that was one impressive showing.
 
Interesting. I'm not saying that this particular knife is "magic", or that other knives of similar design and construction couldn't do the same, but still, that's darn tough! Could other knives do it? Yes, I'm sure, I haven't seen them though. That little ZT is one tough customer. Props to ZT for putting that knife together.

Guess it disproves, at least a little bit, that S35VN can't be "used hard". I will admit that I was impressed at how well a ***gasp*****stainless steel did. :) I admit to starting to believe the Internet about stainless steel not being "hard use".
 
I just came in from my shop where I finished sharpening my new 0550 and I see this video.

That was just crazy. Unreal, but I would never treat my fixed blades that badly!
 
I'd love to see this guy test a 560 and 566. Curious to see how they would stack up.
 
I'd love to see this guy test a 560 and 566. Curious to see how they would stack up.

I don't think they'd compare to be honest. They're not as robust and stocky in construction and I don't see Elmax coming close to S35VN in toughness and edge holding
 
I tend to agree. Elmax is generally regarded as being pretty tough for a stainless. Heck, you get any steel thick enough and it will be tough. People love or hate Elmax, but it isn't usually because of lack of toughness.
 
^ This not true...and not supported by the majority of posts here on bladeforums.

Plus: http://www.alphaknifesupply.com/zdata-bladesteelS-Elmax.htm

Well, first things first because I feel I have to show I have real world experience with both steels before I start swimming against the tide here ;)

30rsap0.jpg


In my experience, S35VN (and S30V) keep a razor edge about as long as Elmax with the noticeable difference being the fact that both Crucible steels seem to keep a far better working edge once that razor edge goes. They also seem to respond better to stropping to maintain an existing edge.

Elmax in my experience goes from hairpopping to completely dull much quicker. Sharpening is a different story though. I find that Elmax sharpens more easily than S30V. S30V fights you. S35VN sharpens somewhat better and I'd rank it just under Elmax on my Sharpmaker.

To make things even more complex, out of all three steels S30V seems to handle cutting harder materials best. I can cut electrical wire with my 0301 and the edge doesn't seem to give a damn whereas my 0550 didn't feel flawless anymore when running my nail along it's edge.

All in all I prefer the longer lasting working edge on my 0550 to the Elmax on my 0801.
Elmax may be the better steel on paper but hey, on paper Spain is an ex-world champ and they're packing their bags in Brazil as we speak ;)
 
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