Santa wants to gift me with a ZT.. ;)

W

WakingTh3Fall3n

Joined
Nov 17, 2012
Messages
44
Alright guys and gals,


First I'd like to introduce myself to the forum. I'm Colin. I've been lurking around the forums for a couple of months and finally decided to make an account.
I have been told Santa would like to gift me with a nice ZT this year for the holidays. I cannot seem to make up my mind though. So I've come to ask for your opinions.

Currently in my revolving EDC line up I have these knives.
Spyderco Tenacious- Black on black with 8CR13MoV(
Spyderco Delica 4 - FFG VG-10
Benchmade 915 Triage rescue knife with N680
Benchmade 740 Osborne with S30V ( semi gentleman's knife)
Cold Steel Spartan- Aus 8 ( weekend wood knife)
Cold Steel mini Ak47- Aus8 ( lost/ left behind in a hoarders house)
Boker- couple random in Aus8

Now in their EDC role these knives get a good abuse, I do a fairly regular maintenance and sharpening of them. I work in the HVAC and plumbing world. So there will be some good amount of cardboard cutting, wire stripping, cutting, a ton of moisture, dirt, grime, and shaving of various materials.
I am looking at either a ZT 0550 or 0561.
I like the shape of both knives blades. I do like that the 0561 has a flipper. and the texture of the back of 0561 as well, but neither are a necessity.
Weight seeing as they both are the same won't matter,
Now comes my question is on the steel. I have heard of Elmax, but have never worked with it, same goes for S35VN.
Of the two steel types, which one is going to sharpen the easiest, yet still retain it's edge well, and also resist rusting the best.

Thanks to any and all who respond, I appreciate it.:D
 
They both sharpen fairly easily, maybe the Elmax a little more over the S35VN but it's not enough to be a big deal and influence your choice too much. If you like flippers, the 560 is definitely a prime example of it, with the KVT bearing system. The 550 feels more solidly built though, but shorter than the 560.
 
ZT0550.... I have both but I just love the 0550s more ... I just feel I could do anything with it and it would handle it.
 
Awesome thanks gentlemen. That's another thing just wasn't sure if the ELMAX is worth the price difference. I did run across the great pricing of both in knife exchange forum, just wanted to make sure before I bit the bullet.
Chester- I've always been in awe of your 0550 with the offspring scales, simply amazing. I've also run across your thread for different scales as well.

Keep'em coming folks!
 
Thanks! I love it..even more so becauses its the LE ZT0551 ...Also make sure to contact KershawGuy once you've made your mind up! He has everything you need..and if you ask nicely he may even throw in a ZT challenge coin!
 
chester22 said:
Thanks! I love it..even more so becauses its the LE ZT0551 ...Also make sure to contact KershawGuy once you've made your mind up! He has everything you need..and if you ask nicely he may even throw in a ZT challenge coin!
Click to expand...

Exactly whom I was planning on ordering from.

What's the difference between the LE ZT0551 and a standard ZT 0550?
 
Colin is a lucky dog. No pondering for me, I would pick the 560.

I'm going to put a much less expensive knife on my Christmas list. I'm considering the 200 but I'm afraid my Santa will think it's too big.
 
I would have to say 560/561 hands down. They are the best in the ZT lineup. If the 56x size is a bit to big for you then go with a 550/551. Other than that, i would not get a ZT. I regret all of my other ZT purchases.

JD
 
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