Ok, getting ready to order new ZT, most likely the 0562cf, and if I could get some help to make sure I'm not missing something, I'd really appreciate it.
I'm not a collector, I only buy stuff the will get used quite a bit.
My first zt was a 0350. I didn't like the blade, was a little heavy and only single purpose, so I got the auto triage for work.
My edc was a 707 sequel, but it was a little small, so I got a 0770 with aluminum scales. Honestly, this knife is in my pocket 75% of the time. I like the shape, the steel, the weight, the overall size, and it got me into flippers. The only thing I don't love is the assisted opening.
About a year ago I bought a 0452cf to be something that’s a little nicer than the 0770. I liked the look and the materials. The blade shape was nice, thin enough to hide in the pocket, but not "delicate". Another huge plus was the smooth ball bearing action. I loved it. However, right away, I didn't like the overall length and felt like I should have gotten the 0562cf for the blade shape and because it's a little shorter. Finally decided it wasn't for me and sold the 0452 this week.
So, do you think the 0562cf would suit me, or is there a model that I'm missing? I want a flipper that is a little bigger than my 0770, that doesn't have an assist, with upgraded materials.
https://imgur.com/a/bPZORUh
Hard to say if the 0562 will suit you or not but, if it doesn't, the "fault" will not lie w/the knife.
I own over 200 knives and about 30 ZTs, including a 0350, 0770CF, 0452CF and 0562 G10. They are all different knives in terms of size and weight, which dictates the kind of use they would be best suited for. FWIW, the G10 0562 was my 1st ZT and is still one of my favorites. However, I am a collector and I like knives in many different styles and I like each of these knives for what they look like more than for what they can do.
I also don't care if a knife is assisted or not, as long as it deploys easily and reliably, and I don't much care what blade steel comes w/the knife because I don't actually use most of them. The few knives that I actually use are cheaper knives (that I don't care whether I lose or ruin) and come w/blade steel that is durable but can still be easily sharpened on the spot w/a pocket stone. You can't do that with premium steels (like M390) and when they dull you need to have special skill & equipment to do the job yourself or have to send them to someone who does. Not something that I'd care to do.
I like the 0350 mainly because it's an Onion designed knife and I like the styling of most of his knives, which is why I collect them. I own many of his Kershaw and CRKT knives (including some expensive vintage models) and I own his ZT 0200, 0300, 0350ST & SW, the derivative 0360SKD and the 0400. I am currently carrying a previously used 0400 that I acquired cheap but I am waiting to receive a 0400 that's LNIB that will remain unused. That said, I agree that the blade shape (particularly the tip) on the 0350 is not all that practical for general use and there are many other knives that would be better suited for such use.
I also like the 0770CF and I think it is probably the best suited of the 4 for EDC use. However, it is not my favorite because I prefer larger and heavier knives. I just bought it because I like the way it looks, got a good price on it and there's a connection to the Kershaw Natrix 7007 which I also like and that I actually carry because that knife only costs about $30.
Of the 4, I like the 0452CF the most. It is among my favorite ZTs because it checks off a lot of boxes for me. It has a 4" blade, it's thin and easy to carry despite its length in my front cargo pants pocket (if I wanted to to that), the CF handle and SW blade are very attractive and the blade deploys smoothly and easily despite its size w/o any assistance. It would make a great stabbing and slicing knife, which makes it good for general use but also very effective for SD purposes (which is the main reason that I carry a knife).
Lastly, as already mentioned, the 0562 was my 1st ZT and is still one of my favorite ZTs. It is the closest thing you can get to a Hinderer XM-18 3.5 Slicer without paying over twice as much for one. It's about a good a knife as you can buy for any price. The drop point shaped blade is suitable for any general purpose you use it for. The blade deploys quickly and smoothly every time and there is no lock stick problem. The blade steel will be either CPM 20CV or CTS-204P which is more than durable enough for hard use w/o need for frequent sharpening but you will probably still have to have special skill & equipment (or have to send it to someone who does) to properly sharpen it when it dulls. The shape of the handle for my medium sized hands is also virtually ideal. Some knives like the 0200 and 0400 are more contoured and feel better in my hand but their recurved blade shape (quite radical in the case of the 0400) notably limits their use. That's not a problem w/the 0562. The 0562 has some heft, which I like and which I think makes the knife more durable and better for heavy use.
So, I highly recommend the 0562 but, if you are actually going to carry and use it as an EDC, I would recommend that you get it in G10, not CF because the G10 will provide a better grip and will cost less. ZT's CF scales look nice but can become slick and difficult to hold securely when wet. Also, you're paying mainly for the "looks" of the CF. The weight difference between G10 and CF is negligible but not the cost. Also, one generally doesn't like to mess up a "pretty" knife (at least I don't) and you're less likely to worry about that (if it's a concern of yours) if you buy the G10 version instead.
Hope you find these comments helpful in making a decision regarding the 0562.
