Spyderco domino vs zt 566

[kingston73]

Got my domino today, bought it used for a pretty decent price. I haven't seen many comparisons between it and the 566 so I figured I'd post some pictures and my initial thoughts between the two. Most of the comparisons I've seen are between the domino and southward or 801. The spyderco was modified by a PO and given a mirror-ish finish, I wish they'd left it stock but it's not terrible I guess and at least they left the titanium side alone.

The domino feels lighter and less bulky in my pocket, I've carried the zt in my front right pocket for months and with the spyderco in my pocket I have to keep checking to make sure it's there because it feels empty. It's also lighter to open and close. The zt took a long time to smooth out and I can finally close it one handed. I have no idea how old or how much use the domino has seen so I don't know if it's as good as It gets or if it'll smooth out over time and there's no serial # on it so I have no idea when it was made. Anyhow, here are some pictures, I ordered a deep carry clip from Casey here on the forum for the domino but haven't gotten it yet, you can see the clip right now received the po's finish work.

Also, 2 questions - 1) anybody have any suggestions to polish up a wooden scale? The domino has a wood burled scale buts it's dull and looks like somethying might have spilled in it. I don't want to put anything shiny like urethane on it, just smooth it up and give it a nice sheen.

2) is there any way I can de-mirror the blade and put a satin finish that at least somewhat looks like the factory?

 

[K.O.D.]

I'll try to give a good comparison/review despite being an extremely biased prick of a Spyderco fanboi.

I'm gonna vote for the Domino but not for the reasons you might expect.

Where the Domino wins:
Manual flipper vs assisted (highly subjective)
CTS-XHP vs Elmax (again, highly subjective)
Ergonomics
Spyderhole vs thumbstud (though why use either when you have a flipper)
Forward grip for more precise cutting
Carbon Fiber vs G10 scale (though CF is available)
In house design vs a collaboration
Ti vs stainless lock bar side

Where the 0566 wins:
Longer usable cutting edge ratio to blade length
Lock bar stabilizer
More options (blackwash, cf, etc)
Pocket clip
Price
Warranty

 

[PC87]

I have both and carry both and use both. I love the Hinderer designs and prefer carrying them, however I love my spyderco's and love using those as well.

KOD nailed it, and I agree with his assessment. I love both, but for hard use and EDC, and for a knife that you don't mind destroying, I would say the 566 is your knife. The domino is more of a "dress up knife" when I have to go out in kacky's, I carry the domino. It is more of an elegant and cosmetically appealing knife when you are around the sheeples.
Spyderco's PM2 and delica are the knives that are in my BOB as well as the 566, just bring some good stones for sharpening elmax.