Recommendation: ZT 0566 or 0450

[ibrow]

Also, a question: is the pivot on the 0566 secured? The pivot on the 0450 and other ZT flippers sometimes comes loose after enough flicking apparently. I see in the pictures the pivot screws look different on the 0566. Is it because the handle is made of steel and not titanium? The latter would wear if the pivot was secured perhaps? Which knife do you ultimately recommend? Thanks!

EDIT: just learned the 0566 is an assisted knife! That's too bad. Anything similar that's not assisted?

 

[skyhorse]

Never had a problem with any ZT pivot ? The 0450 is an excellent knife. :thumbup:

 

[Kreyzhorse]

The ZT 450 is excellent. I've never had issues with any ZT either.

 

[115Italian]

I heard the 0566 deassists very well.

 

[yamsi12]

The back of the pivot on the 0566 is hex shaped and will not move around. I have many ZTs and never had issues with the pivot coming loose though.

 

[FullMetalJackass]

450 is an awesome big knife. Never had any issues with a ZT, assisted or not. System is pretty proven now.

 

[evilgreg]

I have had to tighten the pivot screws on some ZT knives that I carry, including this one:

Not that it's a big deal. A tiny drop of purple permatex, tighten to the sweet spot and you're all set.

 

[jaypowell0185]

The 0566 de- assists very well. They should have made it that way from the factory

 

[highestpoint]

Get the 0566 and remove the torsion bar and polish the washers with 2500 grit automotive sandpaper and thank me later

 

[Sigsog226]

Zt0560's and 0562's are non assisted, all hinderer designs. I personally prefer the 0450 though. They are both very different knives imo. The 0450 carries really well. The 566 and 560 take alot of pocket space, but i carry my wallet and keys in the same pocket as my knife.

 

[BD_01]

I've flipped the crap out if my 0450 for the last year. No pivot problems. Of course, now that new pocket candy is around, it might get flipped a bit less. ;-)

The 0450 is a great flipper, by the way.

 

[Therom]

As far as I know the 0566 de-assist well
IMO both size are very different in terms of size and it should be something to take into consideration
The 0566 will provide a stronger grip and may be better for harder use
The 0450 will be lighter and may be better for EDC

 

[kaozer]

Very different knives, i have large hands but can use the 0450 comfortably because my pinkie finger overlaps on the back of the handle instead of the pointy bit. If you have medium hands it might be a problem. As for the 0566, i bought mine deassisted from another forum member. its perfectly centered with no blade play and it flips mighty fine. Both would be good choices

 

[Goldenlight]

450 is an awesome big knife. Never had any issues with a ZT, assisted or not. System is pretty proven now.

Where I come from, the 0450 is a small knife. I prefer the 0566 or 0562. Knives up to 4 inches are legal for me. The 0566 is a nice medium sized knife for me. You can take out the assist spring in about 5 minutes, if you don't like that feature. You'll need a set of Torx bits, though.

The all titanium ZT 0450 is is a stronger knife than the carbon fiber model, and costs less, too. On the non locking side of the carbon fiber model, there is only the carbon fiber. No metal at all. That makes it lighter than the all titanium model. And more expensive. Both models have the same blade metal CPM S35VN. The carbon fiber model has a black blade.

The blade on the ZT 0450 is the same length as the blade on the ZT 0566. The 0566 is a bigger, heavier duty knife. The blade is both thicker and wider than the blade on the 0450. That makes it a much more practical knife. In my mind, anyway.

I sure don't know how or where you picked up the bad information about ZT pivots. It's pure BS. They are some of the best you will find anywhere. I've never had any trouble with the pivot on any ZT knife. I've never even HEARD of anyone having trouble with one. If I have to take one apart, I use a very small amount of blue LocTite on the pivot screw. Don't get any on the outside of the pivot shaft. The blade is a very close fit, and LocTite will gum it up.

Once you decide what you want, start watching the Exchange here. I bought my 0566 and 0450 used, at a very good savings over new. It is common for people to sell Zero Tolerance knives LNIB, or with very, very little use. If I'm buying a knife I intend to carry, I'd much rather buy it with a few scratches on it. I hate getting that first scratch on a shiny new knife.

 

[Brusiedmeat]

566 is heavy.. I loved the overall size and blade shape, just couldn't get over the weight for the size.
The 0450 is a great knife once you replace the screws for the clip that likes to move around.
Both knives has quirks, but very good overall.
If you want more heavy duty go with 0566, or a slim edc that is a rocket flipper go with 0450.

 

[Gideons]

Frankly, never had an issue with the assisted opening on the 0566BW. It is my favourite EDC, while yes it is heavy. It is also insanely strong, great traction. Also it is very thin with its deep carry pocket clip it carries amazing on pocket, better than a lot of much lighter knives. It can do tasks needed of an EDC and of a much larger folder. Also, not sure why people seem to dislike assisted opening knives so much. I do prefer KVT to it, however it causes no issues. Also, it is VERY easy to close one handed. Some assisted opening knives aren't, but this one is. I feel the torsion bar isn't that strong, it just gives a little nudge to insure it always opens. So, if you're worried about the closing of the spring assist on the 0566... don't be. I have two 0566BW's for two years and had no issues with them.

 

[JDX]

I recommend the ZT 0450, it's slim carry and high grade steel is perfect for heavy duty EDC

 

[Mo2]

if you like the 0566 but you dont like assisted knives, id recomend the ZT 0562 its a bearing flipper, non assist.

you should use blue locktite for the pivot for any knife if your pivots are backing out. teflon plumbing tape also works in a pinch.

the 0450 is nice but not as great for larger hands from what i hear, i dont have issues with its size. its a much much smaller knife than the 0566 also. so do you like smaller knives or larger knives. what is your primary use?

if you re-profile dont expect to go to thin

i was able to whittle some wood with the factory edge but after continued use it eventually duled... i sharpened it to a much lower edge angle and it wont keep an edge anymore.

 

[wvriverats]

I had two versions of the 0566. I ended up giving both of them away.

I had a bunch of trouble breaking the torsion bars in both of them. ZT customer service is incredible and always sent me replacements but, I guess they changed things mid-stream and the knives I owned took two different torsion bars. One de-assisted nicely with parts from the other, and one would not flip at all without the spring.

I love my 0450, but consider it more of a gentleman's knife. It is too small for any serious use that I may have. Feels great, flips well, just little.

The 0562 is larger, but it was the best flipper I have owned and most useful. I gifted it to my boss, and I will have another one!