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Show off your customized ZT0550/566

celtic11

celtic11

Joined
Dec 28, 2012
Messages
611
My last two knives have been a 550 and 566 and right now there is nothing else out there that really catches my eye. Rather than buying more knives right now that won't get carried, I've decided to instead focus on making these two knives my own. I'm completely knew to customized production knives so I'm just looking for ideas on what I can do to these two knives.

So far I've ordered an orange scale for the 550 from kryptoglow. I don't know if I'll keep it because I normally don't like flashy colors but the price was right.

So show off your customized 550 or 566 with a little information about the customizations please.
 
Don't forget the 0560, that's the big brother of 566! I've got all three with 560 in blackwash and they are so awesome I haven't been able to order scales yet so maybe in a couple weeks I'll have something to show.
 
mrdabble said:
Don't forget the 0560, that's the big brother of 566! I've got all three with 560 in blackwash and they are so awesome I haven't been able to order scales yet so maybe in a couple weeks I'll have something to show.
Click to expand...

I haven't forgot the 560, I just don't think I'll ever own one. Spending over $100 on a knife was a big step for me. Doing of twice in as many months was something I never would've thought would happen. Out of the 3, I have the two that appeal to me the most.
 
Touché! I would like to see some customized if there are any out there...I think I'm going to customize the 550 but I'm not sure 0.o
 
0550, cammo G-10, edge honed to 15 degs per side, Ti heat colored.

0566, Burgandy linen micarta scale, lock side acid etched, stone washed, and flamed.


0560, 2x2 carbon fiber twill scale, blade honed to 15 degs. per side, Ti flamed to blue.
 
I use PCB etchant from Radio Shack. I heat a dish, deep enough to submerge the work in, in the microwave, put the piece in, and move it around once in a while for 3 or 4 min's. Not dark enough you, toss it back in a while longer. You can't go wrong, if you don't like it a little while on the buffing wheel, and you are back where you started.
Flaming. I use my little butane/propane torch, and try to heat the entire piece evenly. Play around with that too, as some time on the buffing wheel will take you back to the begining, and you can start over, and continue your learning curve.Some have warned that flaming could cause the detent ball to fall out. I guess I'm just lucky. I have flamed 5 or 6 of my Ti frame locks, and have had no problems.
The hardest part of these three mods is just committing to try them the first time.
Goold Luck, Dan.
Stone washing is no big deal. I fill a half gallon jug about 1/4 full of crushed rock from my drive way, add a little water, screw the lid on and shake, shake, shake, for as long as you can. Rest and repeat a couple of times.
 
Spyderinked said:
I use PCB etchant from Radio Shack. I heat a dish, deep enough to submerge the work in, in the microwave, put the piece in, and move it around once in a while for 3 or 4 min's. Not dark enough you, toss it back in a while longer. You can't go wrong, if you don't like it a little while on the buffing wheel, and you are back where you started.
Flaming. I use my little butane/propane torch, and try to heat the entire piece evenly. Play around with that too, as some time on the buffing wheel will take you back to the begining, and you can start over, and continue your learning curve.Some have warned that flaming could cause the detent ball to fall out. I guess I'm just lucky. I have flamed 5 or 6 of my Ti frame locks, and have had no problems.
The hardest part of these three mods is just committing to try them the first time.
Goold Luck, Dan.
Stone washing is no big deal. I fill a half gallon jug about 1/4 full of crushed rock from my drive way, add a little water, screw the lid on and shake, shake, shake, for as long as you can. Rest and repeat a couple of times.
Click to expand...

Thanks those all sound like things I'm capable of handling. Maybe I'll pick up a thermite to practice on.
 
Spent a bit more time putting some final touches on my 566. I picked up a set of diamond coated files and deepened the work until I was satisfied then I used 800 and 1500 grit wet/dry to smooth out the files marks. I'm really happy with how it turned out. I'm leaving the G10 as it is. This is a work knife and I use it every day so I'm not going to try to dress it up.

ZT5662-23-141_zps87b92084.jpg

ZT5662-23-142_zpsfd16dc68.jpg
 
Kai Winters said:
Spent a bit more time putting some final touches on my 566. I picked up a set of diamond coated files and deepened the work until I was satisfied then I used 800 and 1500 grit wet/dry to smooth out the files marks. I'm really happy with how it turned out. I'm leaving the G10 as it is. This is a work knife and I use it every day so I'm not going to try to dress it up.

ZT5662-23-141_zps87b92084.jpg

ZT5662-23-142_zpsfd16dc68.jpg
Click to expand...

That's a really cool customization I've not seen before. Nice job!
 
Glow scale I did and a Chris Reeves style lanyard pin I made. I don't like the glow that much so I may try a few different materials soon. To everyone above ^^^ :thumbup:

 
Still finishing up this one. 566 Acid and stone washing the blade and bead blasting the frame


560
 
Awesome work, everyone!

To those of you with custom scales.. are you doing them yourselves or what? I ordered an orange kryptoglow scale and put it on today. I'm not crazy about it. More of a black/green/brown guy myself. Looking at maybe getting something different.
 
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