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Question for ZT 0560 Owners

Kreyzhorse

Kreyzhorse

Joined
Jan 15, 2013
Messages
2,496
Hello. Just unboxed my ZT 561 and have a question. This is my first flipper, but how secure should the blade be when in the closed postion?

If I give the knife an easy shake, the blade will come out of the handle. If I give it a hard wrist flick, the blade will open all the way and lock into place. I am not touching the blade in anyway when i do this.

There is absolutely no type of resistance that keeps the blade in the closed position and as is, I'd never carry this in my pocket for fear that the blade would open on its own.

Normal? Easy fix? I've tightened the pivot and that does nothing.

Do I just need to box it back up and send it back?


Thanks
 
Generally flippers have much stronger detents than standard folders. A strong detent means you build up more energy to flip the knife all the way open in one motion. A very weak detent could be dangerous if you carry tip-up. Tip-down you might be fine. There's no easy fix for it, unfortunately; you'd have to hope the detent hole wears in or drill it out yourself. Zt 0560/0561 are notorious for inconsistency in detent strength between individual knives, but KAI are very good about warranty service.
 
I'm actually expecting a brand new 0561 in the mail today, I'll let you know how mine is when it arrives.
 
My 0560 does that if I give about a medium shake. Both my XM-18s do it also with even less of a shake needed.
All are pulled into closed position by the detent though.
They are carried tip down though and I've not had any of them open up in my pocket during carry.

Have you looked to make sure the detent ball hasn't fallen out?
 
i have a 560 and 561 and neither will open without a deliberate effort. I would box it up and send it back.
 
I bought one today and mine will not come out as you described. It engages the detent when I close it very slowly the last 1/4" or so and it closes itself.

Sounds like it needs to go back, or swapped out. That sucks.
 
My 0560BW and 0561 both have a nice strong detent and flip great, but will open up if you shake really, really hard. I am pretty happy with them; a good balance between retention and good flipping action. If you aren't happy with yours, send it in and Kai warranty will take care of you.

That being said, my second generation 0550 has a fairly weak detent (weaker than my first gen 0550), but I carry right front pocket tip-up against the back of the pocket, so it's never been a problem, and it deploys very well (again, an acceptable balance between retention and action, at least to me).
 
Well damn..... I guess it is going back as I carry tip up. It really is a shame as I've drooled over this thing for a year too.

Thanks for your replies.
 
I would second what others say about a relatively robust detent in my 0561 example. I am certain that KAI will fix it pronto. Sorry you had an issue with yours. Mine has been in my pocket a lot over the past year.
 
The detent on my 0561 is quite strong, it flips perfectly but the blade won't come out if I shake it or anything like that.
 
Just got the new 0561. Detent is strong but not unreasonably so. On a related note, I want to change the pocket clip but I can't seem to get the screws off, and now they've stripped my T6 screwdriver. Are they locktited shut? Any tips for getting them out?
 
The detent on my 560 is kinda weak, but not to the point where it is dangerous. I carry tip up without the spine against the pocket seam. If you feel it is going to be a problem sent it back with a description of the problem and I'm sure ZT will take care of you.
 
Bodog, your out of line this is a thread about detents.

My detent was a little weak, I bent the lock bar over a tad and it is nice and strong now, very hard to shake out, but also much harder to flick out with the thumbstud.
 
Update: I found one locally that was a bit more expensive than the one I got on Friday. Anyway, after testing it the blade holds firmly in it's handle during the shake test and flips outward quickly. It operates like it was designed to. It is night and day between the two knives and I'm honestly surprised that the first one made it out of the factory. So, rather than taking a chance ordering a replacement sight unseen or sending a brand new knife back to the factory to fix, I bought the local 0561.

The first 0561 will be shipped back for a refund on Monday.

I was pretty disappointed in how poor the first 0561 was and honestly was going to bypass the 0561 all together as well as ZT for my next blade. (I do own a 300 BW and had a 350 TS that were both excellent.). I'm very glad I gave the 0561 another chance and look forward to really using this knife.

Thanks again for everyone's help.
 
The posts concerning bodogs issue have been moved to the separate topic he started in FEEDBACK.
Please respond there instead of further derailing another members thread. Thank you.
 
scottabrandeberry said:
My 0560BW and 0561 both have a nice strong detent and flip great, but will open up if you shake really, really hard. I am pretty happy with them; a good balance between retention and good flipping action. If you aren't happy with yours, send it in and Kai warranty will take care of you.

That being said, my second generation 0550 has a fairly weak detent (weaker than my first gen 0550), but I carry right front pocket tip-up against the back of the pocket, so it's never been a problem, and it deploys very well (again, an acceptable balance between retention and action, at least to me).
Click to expand...

I have one of the first 0560 knives sold in the states, and just recently received a 0560BW. The BW has a very well tuned detent. I mean, this thing is as secure and solid as can be. What I call absolutely dead nuts perfect to my liking. The original 0560 had a slightly lighter detent, I could use the thumb studs and flipper equally well. It's been used much more because i've owned it longer. Either way, I'm pretty dang happy with both of them. Of the many knives I've owned and used over the years, this is one of my favorite knives ever.


Kreyzhorse said:
Well damn..... I guess it is going back as I carry tip up. It really is a shame as I've drooled over this thing for a year too.

Thanks for your replies.
Click to expand...

No worries man, it's not a big deal in the long run. The product has a warranty second to none, by all means continue drooling, it's a badass knife. Also, carrying the knife tip up with a looser detent won't matter as the clip allows for 4 position carry and the knife safely as the blade will rest on the seam of your pantaloons.
 
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