I picked up a unmarked Blem ZT 0560 from Thomas at the warehouse sale yesterday and have not been able to put it down since! After spending some time to optimize it to my preferences, I have a good first review to share.
First impressions:
This thing is HUGE and built like a TANK!!! I had originally snatched up the last 0551, but Thomas was able to find the 0560 (which I had really wanted) I didnt realize there was such a big difference. They look very similar in pictures with the notable exception of a flipper on the 0551, however, the true size difference really comes out in a real life comparison.
The first thing I did when I left the sale was stick this beast in my pocket to see how it carried. Walking all through the grocery store I found myself constantly grabbing my own rear to make sure it was still there. Even for its size, this knife is exceptionally comfortable to carry!
Initial uses:
Very hard to open with thumb stud in right hand. Also very hard to disengage the framelock with the right hand. In the left hand however, the knife functions much easier. I believe this to be caused by the detent ball and the direction of force on the blade away from the dentent ball in the left hand vs. towards the detent in the right hand. I am also able to get a better thumb grip on the lockbar with the left thumb.
So, now I get to disassemble the knife and figure out how to make it work better!
KVT Ball Bearing Pivot Assembly:
Very nice set-up! The pivot action is very smooth and quick! I believe it could be improved on by re-designing the bearings to use more balls at a smaller size. My theory being that it would distribute the weight and forces at play more evenly. I also found some high temp bearing grease made the action smoother and quieter.
Titanium Framelock:
This set-up is absolutely rock solid! It is my answer to needing a folder (legal to carry) with the reliability and strength of a fixed blade (some grey areas in legal carry) I spent some time working the lockbar and seemed to remove some of the siffness. It has a tendency to stick if any pressure is applied in closing the blade before the bar is fully disengaged. I tried the graphite and sharpie tricks mentioned in other threads but did not seem to notice an improvement. One thing I did notice which was hindering unlocking with the right thumb was the G-10 handle scale. In the pic posted below you can see where the scale hangs over the liner, preventing the right thumb from getting a good angle on the lockbar. The overhang was much worse than the picture shows because I had already sanded that area down. That made all the difference in the world! The lockbar is still rather stiff, but should improve with time and use. I can easily unlock with either hand now!
To sum it up, I am very blessed to have been able to pick one of these bad boys up at the warehouse sale. Thomas and the whole Kershaw staff are a class act and really go out of their way to take care of their customers! I took out all my other knives and added an extra coat of oil cause I have a feeling they will be staying in the drawer for quite a long time now!
First impressions:
This thing is HUGE and built like a TANK!!! I had originally snatched up the last 0551, but Thomas was able to find the 0560 (which I had really wanted) I didnt realize there was such a big difference. They look very similar in pictures with the notable exception of a flipper on the 0551, however, the true size difference really comes out in a real life comparison.
The first thing I did when I left the sale was stick this beast in my pocket to see how it carried. Walking all through the grocery store I found myself constantly grabbing my own rear to make sure it was still there. Even for its size, this knife is exceptionally comfortable to carry!
Initial uses:
Very hard to open with thumb stud in right hand. Also very hard to disengage the framelock with the right hand. In the left hand however, the knife functions much easier. I believe this to be caused by the detent ball and the direction of force on the blade away from the dentent ball in the left hand vs. towards the detent in the right hand. I am also able to get a better thumb grip on the lockbar with the left thumb.
So, now I get to disassemble the knife and figure out how to make it work better!
KVT Ball Bearing Pivot Assembly:
Very nice set-up! The pivot action is very smooth and quick! I believe it could be improved on by re-designing the bearings to use more balls at a smaller size. My theory being that it would distribute the weight and forces at play more evenly. I also found some high temp bearing grease made the action smoother and quieter.
Titanium Framelock:
This set-up is absolutely rock solid! It is my answer to needing a folder (legal to carry) with the reliability and strength of a fixed blade (some grey areas in legal carry) I spent some time working the lockbar and seemed to remove some of the siffness. It has a tendency to stick if any pressure is applied in closing the blade before the bar is fully disengaged. I tried the graphite and sharpie tricks mentioned in other threads but did not seem to notice an improvement. One thing I did notice which was hindering unlocking with the right thumb was the G-10 handle scale. In the pic posted below you can see where the scale hangs over the liner, preventing the right thumb from getting a good angle on the lockbar. The overhang was much worse than the picture shows because I had already sanded that area down. That made all the difference in the world! The lockbar is still rather stiff, but should improve with time and use. I can easily unlock with either hand now!
To sum it up, I am very blessed to have been able to pick one of these bad boys up at the warehouse sale. Thomas and the whole Kershaw staff are a class act and really go out of their way to take care of their customers! I took out all my other knives and added an extra coat of oil cause I have a feeling they will be staying in the drawer for quite a long time now!
I used a dremel tool to profile the spine. Works much better than a little rounded off nub or the little stick on the p'kal.