Thinking of getting a 550

I don't see any 550s or 560s in the blem section of Dave-kershawguy's site. He has a new 550 for $200. Another thing that hasn't been mentioned is that Rick Hinderer currently makes replacement scales for 550s in a number of colors, but so far no scales for the 560s. I have a 561 and I'd say they're "just that good." They're not quite as trouble-free breaking in as the XM series Hinderers, and they don't have the neato spanto grind, but they're also not a $1000. (I'd really love to have a 3-inch XM18 some day.)
 
I could either get a 0550BLK blem or the regular 0550 for the same price. Which one would you get?
 
I own both the 0550 & 0560 and LOVE both knives. They are both top quality.
 
TotalDbag said:
I could either get a 0550BLK blem or the regular 0550 for the same price. Which one would you get?
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I'd take the reg one since I don't care for coatings that much and having the factory warranty would be nice. Also Kryptoglow has some 0550 scales on a popular auction site that rhimes with 'fleabay', $38 IIRC.
 
Random Dan said:
I'd take the reg one since I don't care for coatings that much and having the factory warranty would be nice. Also Kryptoglow has some 0550 scales on a popular auction site that rhimes with 'fleabay', $38 IIRC.
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Ohhh you mean Evilbay.
 
The Gen 2 is $60 more than the gen 1. Is the Gen 2 really worth $60 more than the Gen 1? Or should I just get the Gen 1 save $60 and put that towards another knife, or scales.
 
I haven't had the opportunity to put a gen1 0550 with the old style pocket clip in my pocket, but I'll tell you one thing. I REALLY love the deep pocket clips on the gen2. And as far as scales go, it would probably be a difficult decision for me too bc I'd love to purchase a different scale or two. Just wish there were some cheaper ones out there!
 
I have the 0551 and now the 0550 Gen II and I like the deep carry clip better (the older clip is still good) and I prefer the "looks" of the new lockbar cutout being on the outside but obviously you may feel differently. I will say that I LOVE the 055X series as an EDC so much that I gave my only SnG that I had been EDCing to my son. My EDC rotation now is the original A.G.Russell Acies, an SMF and the 0550 Gen II. Gen I or II you can't go wrong with the 0550.
Best of luck!
 
Flip a coin on gen 1 or gen 2. Seriously as others have said you will love it. Just get one and you'll see its not hype. It's the honest-to-god truth.
 
Which ever Gen you chose you will be happy it is a great knife. I like my Gen2 because I like deep carry.
 
I had a chance to use my 0550 Gen II A LOT today while clearing out my garage (mainly cutting up several large double walled boxes, rope and some hoses) and I'm extremely impressed with not only how well it slices for a thicker blade but by how comfortable it is in hand even after extended use.

I'm sure that the Gen I would have preformed exactly the same...I just prefer the "look" of the Gen II and its deep carry clip more yet you simply can't go wrong with either version. I love how hand filling the 055X series is even when you have somewhat larger hands like mine. ZT has made a couple of my all-time favorite production folders in the last couple years with their 056X and 055X and they're making it more difficult (though I'll try <grin>) to justify spending more on a hard use folder. I appreciate that ZT carbonizes the lockbar faces at the factory and I wonder why more companies don't do the same...my Gen II arrived with the blade tang carbonized as well.

This 0550 Gen II is just getting smoother the more I use it.
 
I was lukewarm about my 0550 when I first got it. It is a gen II. It was very hard to open and very hard to close. I mean Very hard to close. But I kept playing with it, and after about a week, it became perfect. Super smooth opening and rock solid lockup - and I can close it with one hand now.

I like it so much - I just bought my second ZT - a 561 blem to join it.
 
ok I'm going to get one once I receive my money order froma knife I sold. I've also decided on the gen one, because I don't like deep carry. Thank you all for your time.
 
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