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Spydie guy love for ZT0550...

Peroni1973

Peroni1973

Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Messages
707
I have predominantly purchased Spyderco folders - I think they generally rock. However...

I am not a Para 2 fanboy and ended up giving mine to a (very good) friend. In the same genre I have enjoyed my 0550 but initially the detent sucked and I still don't like the clip.

Consequently, I am thinking about the Gen 2 version and would welcome thoughts and input on it.

Thanks folks,

Ben
 
I have the 0550 first gen... Loved everything about it.
When you say detent sucks do you mean too tight?
I watched a few of my friends attempt to open it trying to send thee thumbstud out, rather than up.
And the position of your hand on the lockbar can mean everything, you might be putting additional pressure on the detents that way.

That being said, I got a 2nd gen BW version, the pocket clip was a main reason since I couldn't just get a deep carry for it and I am extremely satisfied.
I am considering matching black/white scales to make a sweet set
 
I've got both Gen 1 and Gen 2 - the difference in detent between the two isn't huge, IMO...but I haven't bothered adjusting the pivot because I like where they are. (I guess the Gen 2 has loosened up a bit with use, as it does seem a little lighter than before; but I really don't notice the difference between the two unless I'm focused on it). Still, I like the aesthetics of the cutout, and appreciate the deep carry clip; so I'm glad I went for the G2
 
You are a good man, giving a Para2 to your friend. :)
The Gen 2 0550 is a great knife, I do like it better than the 1st Gen. The only one i have has a perfectly tuned detent and the lock bar is just right (no lock rock/blade play). I would recommend it, if you want a sturdy frame lock.
 
Thanks so much for the responses guys,

I should clarify about my detent comments - as you pointed out MrDabble, I needed to adjust my technique and break it in a bit. It readily flicks open now.

I am do love my Gen 1 but I carry it less because of its chunkiness and the clip. Consequently, I am pretty much set on getting a Gen 2.

Thanks so much for all the input team!

Ben
 
I picked one up a few weeks ago. I'm 100% happy with it. Plus I can make a custom scale for it reasonably fast. If I get tired of it, I carve out another scale in the work shop. I've been very happy with the two ZT knives I have. I also have a zt0350ts , the knife is very cool. On some reviews you hear people say it rattles when open, it's not the case with mine. My 2 ZT's have been flawless. I will not hesitate to purchase another ZT.
 
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^^If it does start to rattle, it's just the torsion bar. They come with grease in the cavity and after a while it may need to be reapplied. When the knife is open there is no tension on the bar and it will rattle if there is no grease in there. I've seen more than 1 sold because of this and it's sad because it can be remedied in about 5 minutes.

I love my 0550. It's my favorite folder out of all I have. Looking to pick up a blk soon to do a little work on.
 
My Gen 2 rattles when open. Figured out it was the stop pin (for when the blade is closed). Doesn't make me not like the knife but rattling stop pins is slowly becoming a pet peeve of mine. FWIW, the rattling isn't bad at all, just every now and then you'll hear it.
 
kniferbro said:
My Gen 2 rattles when open. Figured out it was the stop pin (for when the blade is closed). Doesn't make me not like the knife but rattling stop pins is slowly becoming a pet peeve of mine. FWIW, the rattling isn't bad at all, just every now and then you'll hear it.
Click to expand...

Yeah the 0560 does this too... doesnt effect the basics of the knife, but is a little annoying.
 
I have had both a PM and a 550. The 550 rides surprisingly low (even gen 1) compared to the PM and has a much better blade to handle ratio, so while the actual size of the PM is close, it feels puny in comparison. The PM also rides really high in the pocket because of the design of the clip.

While I know the lock strength is pretty similar, the 550 just feels a whole lot stronger, and it surprisingly fits my hand (just under medium glove size) much better, but that could be blade to handle ratio.
 
I am a Spydie guy too and wouldnt mind getting a 550. Held it a few times and it feels very comfortable. I love how the knife looks too.
 
I've got a ton of Spydercos, and love my Gen 2 0550. Mine took a little time to break in but now opens smoothly, and the clip is excellent. If you find the Gen 1 chunky, I don't think the Gen 2 will feel better in that respect.
 
daveb068 said:
^^If it does start to rattle, it's just the torsion bar. They come with grease in the cavity and after a while it may need to be reapplied. When the knife is open there is no tension on the bar and it will rattle if there is no grease in there. I've seen more than 1 sold because of this and it's sad because it can be remedied in about 5 minutes.

I love my 0550. It's my favorite folder out of all I have. Looking to pick up a blk soon to do a little work on.
Click to expand...
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Dave I agree about the torsion bars. I hate when I see reviews that say this is such a negative. Mine does not rattle at all. If it did .......I would simply correct it. I also feel the 0550 has a lot going on because its simple. At first I wanted the 0560 but the simplicity, the size and the basics of the shape on the 0550 made me like it very much.
 
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