Removing the assisted opening on the ZT0770. How is the manual action?

[sogflash]

I'm considering buying a ZT 0770 in either CF or AL, but I'll most likely remove the assisted opening.

Is it hard to remove or to reinstall?

Does it have a detent without the assisted opening? If so how is it, and how well does the knife function with manual action?

Is the assisted action powered by a torsion bar or a coil spring?

 

[evilgreg]

I'm considering buying a ZT 0770 in either CF or AL, but I'll most likely remove the assisted opening.

Is it hard to remove or to reinstall?

No, it's a snap.

Does it have a detent without the assisted opening? If so how is it, and how well does the knife function with manual action?

It has a detent, but the flipping action has some variability. Some report their knives flip very well with the bar removed, others not so much. In my case, my CF flips better de-assisted than my aluminum version did (I think the flipper jimping may help). I carry the 0770CF semi-regularly and have no issues flipping it with no wrist required.

Is the assisted action powered by a torsion bar or a coil spring?

Torsion bar.

 

[pnsxyr]

I have also read that the CF seems to fare better than the aluminum. My 0770 (non-CF) was not pleasing upon removal. The detent wasnt strong as I had hoped after pulling out the bar and the flipping just wasn't pleasant or smooth. I normally like KAI assist but I just don't like it on the 0770. I'm not sure why they did not make that knife as a primary flipper. Especially given how light the handle is and how balanced the knife is, it's a really good candidate for a MA flipper over an assist.

I plan to try installing Nylatron washers that are ever so slightly thinner to see if this makes operation more smooth, as I find this often makes the difference (and in some cases, thicker). I'll probably try Teflon as well if it doesn't.