Opening ZT0770CF easier

[rpttrsn]

About three weeks ago I received the ZT0770CF. Figured this would be a great EDC due to its weight and blade size. I prefer 3"-3.5". My only issue so far has been the sharp edges on the CF's inner surface and the amount of pressure required to open the knife. 400 grit paper took care of the edges in no time. On this one I didn't want to remove the assisted opening aspect. I have the ZT0550, 0551 and 0556 which I have de-assisted and lightened. I found that putting a slight ramp leaving the detent hole in the closed position has made this knife 50% easier to open. I accomplished using a stone with a point on one end. it took about 1/2-3/4 hour to get it right. The ball still holds well in the closed position. No sore finger tip from multiple openings. Easy to open without using the flipper, by just grabbing the blade, for those times when sheepie people are around or not appropriate for flicking it open. My Kershaw leeks would open easy yet still secure the blade and I felt this knife should also. This worked out quite well and am enjoying this knife as one of my preferred EDC's. A word of caution: Do not get to aggressive as you can not put the steel back. This mod has made a BIG difference to this fine knife. IMO

Ron

 

[Kai Winters]

Wow, I received my 770cf last Friday and out of the box it shot open faster than any of my other ZT's...350 and 566.
It was also hair shaving sharp.

Generally every knife I get goes to my "spa" for a make over before I consider it ready for my EDC. I take it apart, polish the washers with 2k and 3k grit wet/dry as well as the blade area that contacts the washers. I also check and clean all surfaces...ocd that way hehehe. Last but not least I reprofile the edge to my preferred angle.
This knife required none of the above other than the reprofiling...it is not even sharper with a very nice polish.

The carbon fiber scales are perfect I'm happy to say.

I was going to wait until the weekend to post a brief and little review of the knife but this works just fine.
I'm surprised by how light the knife is while retaining great stiffness. There is no blade play in any direction. My hands are on the smaller side and the handle fits like a glove.
This is the first folding style knife I didn't feel the need or desire to take it apart to make it "better". I don't think I could so why bother.
I'm surprised how much faster it opens compared to my 566...even with the "spa" treatment. Perhaps the blade on the 566 is a bit heavier. I was also a bit surprised and pleased to find the flipper requires less "pressure" to open compared to my 566. Not a lot but noticeable.
I find the blade shape to be much more useful for my normal day to day tasks...opening boxes, mail, cutting nylon straps, etc.
All in all this has become my favorite EDC...how long that lasts? Don't know or care.

 

[rpttrsn]

It is a great knife. I sharpened mine on my Kalamazoo belt grinder to get rid of all the grind lines. Finished up on leather belt on the grinder. Then hand strop down to 0.25 diamond spray and kangaroo strop. Mirror edge in the end. I did keep the same 20 degree angle. It now push cuts TP. I follow the same practice as you when I get a new knife. I have the time to spend on the little things which would add to the cost of the knife if the mfg. had to do them.
Glad you are enjoying yours.
Ron