Need help on pulling trigger on ZT 0561

C

constepatdyak

Joined
Mar 15, 2013
Messages
10
Hi guys, had my eyes on the 561 for few months now, and I've done a lot of reading and watched a lot of youtube videos.

During this time i've found a lot of people complaining about lock rock, lock disengaging and lock failure, and heavy blade play which got me surprised for a $260 knife as these things should not be happening.

So I"m calling on the help of the forum or anyone who has a 560/561, should I pull the trigger and purchase it? Has ZT sorted out those issues or is it just random lemons?

Thanks guys.
 
in all the searching I did before buying mine I only found a few people with lock issues and they sent it to Kershaw and it came back perfect. From what Ive seen it was it was a small issue that is sorted out, If for some reason you do get one with an issue they have an amazing warranty that covers fixing it all it costs is shipping. I got my 0561 second hand and it came perfect, the only thing I had to do to it was add Loctite to the pivot because it would very slowly come loose but that has been solved. As for complete lock failure I only saw 1 person with that problem and again kershaws warranty fixed it right up so I assumed it was a 1 off problem.
 
I am mixed on mine... Lots of reports about the elemax being over stressed from grinding and its pretty uncomfortable in the hand. But it looks cool!
 
Get one from kershawguy if you can (email him!). He'll let you return/exchange if needed, and even hand pick for you before shipping. Dave is awesome! Also buy new (not blem) so you have a full warranty just in case. Between his awesome prices and unbelievable customer service, I really think it would be worth waiting to buy from Dave aka kershawguy. Good luck, and let us know how it goes whatever you decide.
 
Thank you guys for your responses, helped me make up my mind :) One last question, does the lockbar face come carbidized?

-Thanks
 
Pull the trigger. No knife is absolute perfect but for what you are getting the 0561 is darn good. You better get it and I expect pics :D
 
If you're looking to buy an 0561 because you like the Hinderer connection, you may want to consider a Spyderco Southard instead. Nothing against ZT, mind you. But I'd be remiss if I didn't at least mention it.

Check out this video and you'll see why I make that recommendation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rGrxWmLgwQ
 
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Go for it. Mine had a really tight detent, but I got used to that with practice, and was very hard to release once locked in place. One time early on I had to prize the lock open with the awl on my SAK as I just couldn't budge the thing with my thumb no matter how hard I tried. However, repeated flips now have that puppy locking and unlocking as smooth as butter and it's one of my favourite knives. Just be a little patient with it when it first arrives and it will reward you with all the love in the world. :thumbup:
 
bld522 said:
If you're looking to buy an 0561 because you like the Hinderer connection, you may want to consider a Spyderco Southard instead. Nothing against ZT, mind you. But I'd be remiss if I didn't at least mention it.

Check out this video and you'll see why I make that recommendation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rGrxWmLgwQ
Click to expand...

Thanks for the recommendation, I have a southard alreeady :) Love the thing. I just wanted a 561 because not everyone can afford a XM 24 flipper haha.
Once again guys I thank you for your help and comments
 
constepatdyak said:
Thanks for the recommendation, I have a southard alreeady :) Love the thing. I just wanted a 561 because not everyone can afford a XM 24 flipper haha.
Once again guys I thank you for your help and comments
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Just remember man most people that come here complaining about the 56X series wouldnt and dont speak up when they get a knife that actually did meet their expectations. Many of them dont update their thread after complaining to let people know that the issue was resolved. This further proves the point that most people are quick to complain yet cant extend the courtesy to give praise when it is due. So just rest assured that there are probably 300-400 perfect knives for every knife that is released with an issue. And of those knives with "Issues" you can bet the farm at least 30% of those were user error. I say get the knife without hesitation. Because if I know anything its that if you have an issue KAI USA will quickly make it a non issue.
 
constepatdyak said:
Thank you guys for your responses, helped me make up my mind :) One last question, does the lockbar face come carbidized?

-Thanks
Click to expand...


Both my 0550 Gen II and 0561 came carbidized, just my opinion but the 0560/61 is the nicest production folder for the money I've ever purchased. My 0550 Gen II (LOVE that knife) came carbidized on the lockbar AND the blade tang and the 0560/61 on the lockbar.
Best of luck!
 
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And while the 0566 may be smaller, it won't be lighter.

If anyone thinks that the relationship between an 0560/1 and an 0566 is anything like the relationship between a 3.5" XM-18 and a 3" XM-18, they are sadly mistaken. As I've said before, the 0566 is more of an upsized Cryo than a downsized 0560/1. But there's so much hype surrounding it that I doubt many people are paying attention to that fact. IMO, if you want a smaller version of the 0560/1 that's true to the original Hinderer design concept, the knife to buy is the Spyderco Southard, not the 0566.
 
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I love the size and feel of my 0560, but mine has such a strong detent that its hard to flip.
 
constepatdyak said:
Thank you guys for your responses, helped me make up my mind :) One last question, does the lockbar face come carbidized?

-Thanks
Click to expand...
Yes!
PURPLEDC said:
Just remember man most people that come here complaining about the 56X series wouldnt and dont speak up when they get a knife that actually did meet their expectations. Many of them dont update their thread after complaining to let people know that the issue was resolved. This further proves the point that most people are quick to complain yet cant extend the courtesy to give praise when it is due. So just rest assured that there are probably 300-400 perfect knives for every knife that is released with an issue. And of those knives with "Issues" you can bet the farm at least 30% of those were user error. I say get the knife without hesitation. Because if I know anything its that if you have an issue KAI USA will quickly make it a non issue.
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Nailed it!
 
bld522 said:
If you're looking to buy an 0561 because you like the Hinderer connection, you may want to consider a Spyderco Southard instead. Nothing against ZT, mind you. But I'd be remiss if I didn't at least mention it.
Click to expand...
Wait...What? bld522 your opinion on both the 0566 and Southard have been mentioned soooo many times now, perhaps you should put it in your sig :)?
 
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PURPLEDC said:
Just remember man most people that come here complaining about the 56X series wouldnt and dont speak up when they get a knife that actually did meet their expectations. Many of them dont update their thread after complaining to let people know that the issue was resolved. This further proves the point that most people are quick to complain yet cant extend the courtesy to give praise when it is due. So just rest assured that there are probably 300-400 perfect knives for every knife that is released with an issue. And of those knives with "Issues" you can bet the farm at least 30% of those were user error. I say get the knife without hesitation. Because if I know anything its that if you have an issue KAI USA will quickly make it a non issue.
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Well Said. There is a lot of negative bias on the internet in general. People are way more likely to complain than they are to compliment.

bld522 said:
And while the 0566 may be smaller, it won't be lighter.

If anyone thinks that the relationship between an 0560/1 and an 0566 is anything like the relationship between a 3.5" XM-18 and a 3" XM-18, they are sadly mistaken. As I've said before, the 0566 is more of an upsized Cryo than a downsized 0560/1. But there's so much hype surrounding it that I doubt many people are paying attention to that fact. IMO, if you want a smaller version of the 0560/1 that's true to the original Hinderer design concept, the knife to buy is the Spyderco Southard, not the 0566.
Click to expand...

Who thinks that the 560 to 566 is anywhere close to similar to the 3.5 and 3 inch xm-18? I think anyone that knows ZT would be more likely to associate it with the 0300 vs 0350, 0777 vs 0770 relationship. There isn't a single ZT knife out there that is an exact copy, just a little smaller/bigger.

How is the Southard more true to the original Hinderer design concept? What does 'Hinderer design concept' even mean? Has Rick endorsed the Southard in any way? Has Brad mentioned any of the XM series knives as inspiration?

Not to hate on the Southard but I still haven't figured out why a titanium framelock flipper from Taiwan costs the same as the larger USA made ZT0560 which has a lot more intricate machining and design detail. I know Sal has said that to build the Southard here would make it cost around $400 but I don't quite know why.

Besides the 0566 is actually a half inch shorter than the 0560 (3.25 vs 3.75) as opposed to the nearly 3.5 inch Southard. If he wants a 3.5 Ti framelock flipper with bearings, the ZT0801 is hitting the streets.

Sorry to rant, your post just hurt my head.
 
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