Reccomendation needed for EDC. Thinking of a Zero Tolerance

I prefer zt over spyderco, I recommend a zt 0620cf or 0630 as I like the wave more than the flipper.
 
i like the 566 in pants with smaller pockets, i mostly carry the 561 though. Perfect for the cutting i do around the ranch. It carries better than the 300 series for me because its not as wide closed as they are, same for the 550.
 
My favorite ZT folder is the.....562cf, 452cf, 450, 801, 808, 770cf, 350, 566 and 561. Clear as mud? Ok, I've been carrying the 562 the most. Probably 452 second most. If that means anything.
 
Lets get a couple of pics going here, some visual aid is always good.

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I can only comment on the 3 ZTs I have, but I'm gonna say do yourself a favour and get a 0562.
It's a solid and very carryable folder to me, it has the best production pocket clip I've ever tried, feels great in hand, nice steel insert on the lockbar, choice of Elmax or 204P, may still be an M390 to be found, can't go wrong with any version IMO.

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The 0560/0561 is a bit too big and cumbersome for EDC, the 0562 is a more usable design, a pleasure to handle.
If it's lightweight your wanting the 0770CF is great, but it is a lighter duty tool, definitely not a beast like the 0562. Also it's AO and a liner lock.

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If I were you I would go smaller than bigger. I have lots of big knives, but my non-pocket clip Spyderco Techno gets most of the carry time. While I don't know if you would like no-clip style carry, I would still look at the smaller ZT's like the 900, 808 and 450. I've been eyeing an 808 for some time as I think it offers the best design for pocket space and utility, even though I'm not big on flippers. You'd be amazed what a sturdy small blade can do.
 
IMHO, the 0450 and 0808 are great EDC's. Both have 3.25" blades. The 0808 is a little beefier/heavier one of the two. Have 'em both, and really like them. Currently carrying the 0450 in my left front pocket, and a combo edge Delica in my right front. Good luck on your search, and let us know what you get! :)
 
I know it's small, but don't overlook the ZT 0900. Such a great design. Otherwise, my vote would be the 0630. I've had the 0561, and while solid overall, a bit too much for moderate task edc (based on my experience).
 
I have no idea what the bearings are made of, but they are smooth. And so far, I have a couple that have endured many thousands of openings (no ocd here :p) with no change in function or smoothness. So here's a couple pics.

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Bennett Richards said:
Dear Cursem.... Do any of these knives have stainless steel bearings?
Click to expand...

The 0561 and 0562 run on bearings, and whilst i don't definitively know, I would assume they are stainless. My 0562 has a strong, but not too strong detent. Coupled with the bearings it flips open very well. As does the 0561 for that matter.
I do like the 0561, though it has some sharp edges and is not so good for one hand closing, both of these issues are just not there in the 0562.
 
Bennett Richards said:
What is the difference between the 561 and 562 ZT knives?
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The jimping in the flipper area on top of the handle of the 0560/0561 can be quite hard on the fingers when opening the knife and also in use, assuming your not wearing gloves. Also the jimping on the lock bar can abrade the thumb when closing the knife. One hand closing can be a bit uncomfortable because of these pointy bits.
You can see this on the pics above.

The 0562 is much easier on the fingers as it has no jimping on the lockbar or on the area at the top of the handle where the flipper pokes up. One handed closing is easier and painless.

One could argue for better traction for hard use with the 0560/0561, however I find the 0562 has a very secure grip from the handle shape and the inherent finger guard of a flipper.

The 0560/0561 is about half an ounce heavier than the 0562, it has 1/4" longer blade.

I don't think you would be disappointed in the 0560/0561. But I do think if you could handle both for a while, you would pick the 0562 to keep. Just my opinion based on having used them both.
 
How does the 566cf stack up against the 561 and 562? Does the 566 have ball bearings to smooth the opening and closing like the other 2? I know that the 566 is smaller and has a stainless instead of Titanium frame.
 
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I don't have a 0566, but those that do really seem to like them.
It has a steel handle instead of the 0562's titanium.
The 0562 pocket clip is better IMO.
The 0566 is assisted, the 562 is not, but opens like it is.

I don't think the 566 has ball bearings, I think it has PB washers. Nothing wrong with that though. Google will help you find out for sure.
 
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