My first ZT, the 0550 1st Gen.

[Fred Sanford]

Holy crap this thing is a beast. I never really understood the whole titanium frame lock thing until now. This thing is badass. It's heavy but I don't care. I don't even feel it clipped to my pocket. I am impressed. I got a bit excited at first and while I do love it, it's just too big for my tastes.

Here are a couple of pics to gawk at.

 

[Akcir]

Good for you! I actually prefer the 0550 over the 0560. Once it's broke in, it should be smooth and fast. I've been pleased with the S35VN blade steel and the ergos. It's been a great work knife, indoors and outdoors.

 

[T Schloz]

I'm a 0550 fan myself, and also prefer the first generation. I carry many different knives, but the 0550 is still my favorite "heavy duty knife".

Tom

 

[Buddyleet]

I can't wait til the weekend to edc mine.

 

[jbmonkey]

Got one. Love the first generation without the deep carry clip. Only thing I dislike is the lock bar cutout being so thin. Not a functional issue.....far as I know...just a cosmetic I don't care for.....

Enjoy yours. Thanks for sharing.

 

[fetzer85]

Glad you're liking it David! It is most certainly a tank of a knife. Really gives you the feeling it can handle just about anything you throw at it. I hope it serves you well.

 

[Jesse B.]

The ZT 0551 (first run model with different scale texturing/Elmax) is the only dedicated folding knife in my 'emergency bag'. I don't feel the need to add any more knives since the thing feels so durable and capable.

 

[link2derek]

What else is there to say, except:

 

[McVeyMac]

Congratulations and enjoy. Nice pictures.

 

[ozgooner]

Far and away my favourite folding knife. It's an absolute beast that won't let you down.

 

[Tantan]

Not to derail this thread but what major differences are ther between the gen 1 and the gen 2

 

[willc]

I'm a 0550 fan myself, and also prefer the first generation. I carry many different knives, but the 0550 is still my favorite "heavy duty knife".

Tom

What do you like better about the 1st generation?

I have a 2nd gen blem and it is one of my favorite edc's.
The only turn off to the 0550 was that it took a bit of work to break mine in.
Once I cycled it a few hundred times it has been silky smooth.

 

[T Schloz]

What do you like better about the 1st generation?

I have a 2nd gen blem and it is one of my favorite edc's.
The only turn off to the 0550 was that it took a bit of work to break mine in.
Once I cycled it a few hundred times it has been silky smooth.

The clip placement. I really don't care for low ride clips.

Tom

 

[Fred Sanford]

I specifically searched out a 1st Gen because I hate the lock cutouts on the outside. It looks awful (IMO) and it is worse on the pockets. I also hate lowrider clips.

 

[willc]

Thanks for the answer Tom.
I didn't realize that the clips were different.
I thought the lock bar cutout was the only difference.

 

[whp]

I like my 551 better than my 560. My only problem with mine has been the development of up and down lock rock. I returned it to ZT for correction and they replaced my Elmax blade with a new one. Excellent customer service. But with only moderate use, the lock rock is starting to return. Doesn t affect the functionality at all, but I wish it didn t have it.

 

[Vader1]

love the 0550

 

[grownstar]

Need to pick one of these up!

 

[daveb068]

Congrats. The 550 is by far my favorite of all my folders and I have a few. I want to pick up a gen2 to see how it carries and another 550 isn't gonna hurt my feelings.

 

[Vader1]

I notice you don't see water jet marks or whatever cut it out on the liner edge of a 0550 but you see them on a 0350. Both are excellent knives but I guess once you get past a certain price point you start to get finished parts.