New ZT0550 Thread !!!

Flatlander1963 said:
I have read that suggestion before (maybe yours) but to be honest I don't find pushing straight out a natural hand position. It's not going to work for me.

That's OK, I have big hands and fingers are long enough to do the "pinch and push" method. It works pretty well and is how I open my TNT which is a much smaller knife.

I do like the 551 alot! But a flipper version or a all G10 with liner lock would work better for me.
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So..............
I decided to see if I could break this knife in with repeated opening and closings. I watched TV and repeatedly opened and closed the knife. And that did the trick. No problems what so ever opening this BAD BOY!!

This knife is simply fantastic, great feel in the hand, awsome blade and steel, sturdy, just great in your hand. I can now say without reservations that this knife meets all the pent up expectations that developed during the wait.
 
Thomas W said:
Curious as to what materials you feel could blow the 0301 away? Thanks.
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For a production knife, I'm curious about that as well. :confused: S30V, Ti, G-10, A/O, collaboration between Strider/Onion/ZT... What more do you want?

It isn't a custom knife. If you want CPM125V, Meteorite, Mokume Gagne, and Timascus, well then you're looking in the wrong place. I will just let you know that you aren't going to find any of that on a production knife.
 
Thomas W said:
Curious as to what materials you feel could blow the 0301 away? Thanks.
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dynamite.jpg


:thumbup:

best regards

mqqn
 
I got my 0551 back today. Looks great!! Thank you for the quick turnaround. Now I'm ready for the 0550. Please change the pattern on the g-10. Otherwise leave it alone save for different blade steel.
thanks, Carlos
 
Has anyone received a 0551 or heard from Knife Center about when they will become available?

I am trying to judge my position in line and figure out if I am actually going to get one :grumpy:

*FIRST POST*
 
Thomas W said:
Curious as to what materials you feel could blow the 0301 away? Thanks.
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Truth be told, there isn't too much that can, and it's really all relative.
If I had to say, perhaps a partial Ti liner like what the XM-18 has or carbon fiber instead of G10 to reduce weight. Of course, that would simply throw a monkey wrench in the established balance of the knife.

The G11 composite material sounds nice, but that might be too much unless people are breaking their G10 scales left and right.

One thing I've been chewing on for a while is the heat treat of the blade. I've heard that S30V is difficult to heat treat, and only certain makers using the Paul Bos HT recipe can really make the steel shine. So I was a little curious regarding that.

But at the end of the road, perhaps the only thing that can really be improved upon is the design. At least until ZT makes the first lightsaber:thumbup:.


P.S.
I thought you were on extended leave?:eek:
 
Hi folks -

A few more pictures - I finally got curious enough to take my 0551 apart - which I normally do right away to all my folding knives, as I like to put my own grease in them and polish the pivot wear areas a little if necessary.

So - here is what I found inside my 0551 -

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There was some discoloration on the liner - it was not rough etc, just discolored as far as I could determine.
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Two minutes with some 1000 grit and it is clean as a whistle:
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Here is a closeup of the discoloration - was no big deal in my opinion.
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Look at how beefy this little dude is even dis-assembled somewhat -
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Backside of the lockbar-handle -

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I have been using my 0551 since I received it, and I have cut some drywall with it. I brushed the blade under running water and it came out spotless. I sharpened it up on a duo-fold, and it is hair-popping sharp.

My example is VERY smooth and it really inspires confidence. Tip control? I was testing the edge after I sharpened the 0551 up, and I had a junk-mail envelope in hand. I was able to split the paper into two "sheets" using the tip of the blade - I have not done that before with any knife I have, but suffice it to say, I was impressed at the control I was able to exhibit with this beefy knife.

best regards -

mqqn
 
Thomas W said:
Curious as to what materials you feel could blow the 0301 away? Thanks.
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Well stated, I don't think ZT could use "better" materials at double the price. I have been watching the ZT line waiting for something just a little bit smaller, without assist, and without the recurve so I don't have to worry about scaring people in my urban environment. The 0551 was just perfect, classy yet robust. I think a lot of people here might feel the same even if they did love the original line.

Really "better" usually just means "exotic" in the context of custom knife collecting.
 
I sent mine back to have the thumb stud fixed, will they email me a tracking number when sending it back or will it just show up?
 
I have two preordered with Knifecenter and I haven't heard a thing yet. I prrordered about 6 weeks ago so I was late. I don't care when they get here as long as they do. I'm hoping this becomes one of my favorite knives. It has a huge chance of that! AND WELCOME TO BLADEFORUMS! :)

beatdown78 said:
Has anyone received a 0551 or heard from Knife Center about when they will become available?

I am trying to judge my position in line and figure out if I am actually going to get one :grumpy:

*FIRST POST*
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Woooo Hooooo!!!!! Just received an email from Dave; I was on the back up list. He said he has some more coming next week that have been "reinspected and tweeked and are better than new". Payment has been sent!! Thanks Dave!!!!
 
I'm further behind in the game. I ordered mine from knifecenter about 4 weeks ago along with a Spyderco red handeled Persian and have only heard that the ZT is back ordered and that is holding everything up.

I'm tough I can wait. :(
 
mqqn said:
Hi folks -
DSC_6398.JPG


best regards -

mqqn
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Great info and pics mqqn! I didn't quote it all to save space, but very nice. :thumbup:

I do have a question. In the photo above, what brand of "bit holder" is that on the right?
I like the loop style it appears to be.

Thanks in advance.... :thumbup:
 
Jimquez said:
Questions to the many people in this thread who received and used this knife already -

After all the hype this knife had , and after all being said , is this knife really THAT good ?

Is it any better than the outstanding ZT 300 ? and if yes , please explain

I know you people waited a lot for this knife and everything , so It would suck to answer no to those questions , but still try being honest with the answer
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I came to this game after the first people had received their knives. I got one the same day from a guy who was not dissatisfied, but just decided the knife was not for him.

This is my first ZT so I can't compare it to any others.

BUT, I have knives; and not just a few. :) So I can say this in all honesty.....

I am impressed with the ZT 0551, really impressed! :thumbup:
 
Absolutely love it!
This, too, is my first ZT.
And I had pretty much given up hope on ever owning anything involving Rick Hinderer.
I was expecting Wonderful and I got Stunned.
Maybe flabbergasted is a better descriptor.
Or knifegasm.
 
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