Just my personal experience but I can open mine fine with the thumb studs. Sure, it has a heavy detent because it's supposed to rocket out with the flipper. However, you can get it to fly out extremely fast with the thumb studs as well. That detent is great. You just need to know the direction you need to push on the studs exactly and it helps to have a thick callus built up on your thumb from opening tons of knives with hard detent and closing tons of frame locks and liner locks. I can easily get my 560 to slingshot out with the thumb studs. If the detent is really too, too hard, you can always take the lock bard stabilizer off and bend the lock bar over a little bit at a time so it doesn't push so hard on the blade, lowering the effect of the detent. However, there's got to be enough "spring" in the lock bar so that it goes over enough to fully lock into the blade tang. There should be plenty of room to set your desired pressure before you have bent it too far, though.
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Thoughts concerning the ZT 0560 --- Elmax steel any good?
- Thread starter kestrel57
- Start date
The 0560 is one dog-ugly knife. Now, the 0561, it's handsome!
ElMax is a great steel. I loved S30V for a long time... started to develop feelings for S35VN, but Bohler steels started arriving here... m390, N690, ElMax, etc. Really good steels! Oh, sure, D2 is no slouch... unless you want/need a more stainless variety of blade. My 275 Adamas has a home... it is a beast of a folder - even has a larger AXIS lock. It's predecessor here, the 610 Rukus in S30V, is still a stout pocket knife, however.
At .160" thick, the Adamas's blade is the thickest. The Kershaw TILT! in 'Vanax75' and the ZT's all share a common thickness - .156". In fairness, while the others require a wimpy little Torx head driver, the 'moose', the 0301, requires a trip to the auto mechanics tools for a 3/8" box end wrench to adjust the pivot tightness. Of course, such an adjustment isn't needed in the refined ball bearing equiped 0560/0561 or TILT! models.
I loved my second ZT - my first 0551. I was glad it was less of a moose than my first ZT - the 0301 - and I really liked it's blade - ElMax seemed quite good. In fact, when my local pusher got his 0550 stock in, I went to buy one - came home with another 0551 - just due to the ElMax. Yeah, it's a good steel... the OP did okay getting a 0560. Still, the 0561 is da bomb...
Stainz
ElMax is a great steel. I loved S30V for a long time... started to develop feelings for S35VN, but Bohler steels started arriving here... m390, N690, ElMax, etc. Really good steels! Oh, sure, D2 is no slouch... unless you want/need a more stainless variety of blade. My 275 Adamas has a home... it is a beast of a folder - even has a larger AXIS lock. It's predecessor here, the 610 Rukus in S30V, is still a stout pocket knife, however.
At .160" thick, the Adamas's blade is the thickest. The Kershaw TILT! in 'Vanax75' and the ZT's all share a common thickness - .156". In fairness, while the others require a wimpy little Torx head driver, the 'moose', the 0301, requires a trip to the auto mechanics tools for a 3/8" box end wrench to adjust the pivot tightness. Of course, such an adjustment isn't needed in the refined ball bearing equiped 0560/0561 or TILT! models.
I loved my second ZT - my first 0551. I was glad it was less of a moose than my first ZT - the 0301 - and I really liked it's blade - ElMax seemed quite good. In fact, when my local pusher got his 0550 stock in, I went to buy one - came home with another 0551 - just due to the ElMax. Yeah, it's a good steel... the OP did okay getting a 0560. Still, the 0561 is da bomb...
Stainz
rodriguez7
Gila wilderness knife works
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2009
- Messages
- 1,428
So how would the spyderco tuff fit in here? I would like to see some comparisons of it. I have an 0550, and a dpx hest. The 0550 is a solid knife for sure. No problems, I have been carrying it, and using it every day for about 6 months now. No blade play at all, and great edge retention out of the s35vn. But I really like the looks of the tuff. Been waiting on a "tuff" spyderco heavy user for some time.
I doubt many people know yet, buy I will definitely give my comparison when I get one. I would put a heavy bet on the Tuff being at least equally as tough. 3V is definitely a tougher steel IMO and I don't think Spyderco would build a knife called the Tuff without backing it up.
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2012
- Messages
- 384
The 0560 is one dog-ugly knife. Now, the 0561, it's handsome!
ElMax is a great steel. I loved S30V for a long time... started to develop feelings for S35VN, but Bohler steels started arriving here... m390, N690, ElMax, etc. Really good steels! Oh, sure, D2 is no slouch... unless you want/need a more stainless variety of blade. My 275 Adamas has a home... it is a beast of a folder - even has a larger AXIS lock. It's predecessor here, the 610 Rukus in S30V, is still a stout pocket knife, however.
At .160" thick, the Adamas's blade is the thickest. The Kershaw TILT! in 'Vanax75' and the ZT's all share a common thickness - .156". In fairness, while the others require a wimpy little Torx head driver, the 'moose', the 0301, requires a trip to the auto mechanics tools for a 3/8" box end wrench to adjust the pivot tightness. Of course, such an adjustment isn't needed in the refined ball bearing equiped 0560/0561 or TILT! models.
I loved my second ZT - my first 0551. I was glad it was less of a moose than my first ZT - the 0301 - and I really liked it's blade - ElMax seemed quite good. In fact, when my local pusher got his 0550 stock in, I went to buy one - came home with another 0551 - just due to the ElMax. Yeah, it's a good steel... the OP did okay getting a 0560. Still, the 0561 is da bomb...
Stainz
isn't the only difference the scales?
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2012
- Messages
- 193
Hi:
I think the 550/51 has S35V, not Elmax. I think the 560/61 has Elmax. I doubt there is much difference. Chris Reeves witched to S35V, not Elmax. Two great steels. (I think S35V edge retention is 20% longer than S30V --- which is already terrific.)
I really like the ZT 350. Just a bit lighter than the 300/301 (I have small hands.) More importantly, especially being a lefty I'm not a giant fan of the frame lock on the right side (buy a Sebenza and it's on the left in a lefthanded model).
You've got great knives.
P.S. If it were under half a pound I'd want a ZT 200! I may still want one!
I think the 550/51 has S35V, not Elmax. I think the 560/61 has Elmax. I doubt there is much difference. Chris Reeves witched to S35V, not Elmax. Two great steels. (I think S35V edge retention is 20% longer than S30V --- which is already terrific.)
I really like the ZT 350. Just a bit lighter than the 300/301 (I have small hands.) More importantly, especially being a lefty I'm not a giant fan of the frame lock on the right side (buy a Sebenza and it's on the left in a lefthanded model).
You've got great knives.
P.S. If it were under half a pound I'd want a ZT 200! I may still want one!
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2012
- Messages
- 193
Some good points but what about the Contego. M4 (with the coating for better or worse) and it probably has the beefed up (800lb) axis lock, too. It may not be as strong as the adamas but it's probably not far behind. Or am I wrong? Tx.
Honest question. Why would the 560 be much weaker than the 300? It's lighter but in part because it's milled. I believe they use the same lock. And Elmax is a good steel. Regardless, I'd say it's strong enough for most. If we really want strong at all costs, we would only get fixed!
Congrat. on great knives --- the adamas (maybe the best bm ever as they say) and the flagship 300.
Best.
Honest question. Why would the 560 be much weaker than the 300? It's lighter but in part because it's milled. I believe they use the same lock. And Elmax is a good steel. Regardless, I'd say it's strong enough for most. If we really want strong at all costs, we would only get fixed!
Congrat. on great knives --- the adamas (maybe the best bm ever as they say) and the flagship 300.
Best.
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2012
- Messages
- 193
they're not great (it's too easy to put ones fingers on the lock and push it against the blade) (On the 350 they're not meant to be used --- not sure about the 560). If there is a need to quickly deploy, the knife can be dropped or one's fingers may be in the wrong place (50% loss of coordination with adrenaline when stressed). One can train with it to get it in muscle memory and then it is the near perfect knife.
Unfortunately, jimping is too strong/sharp near the flipper and the detent is extra strong on the 560 (and 550) ---- compared to other ZTs (ZT told me this is so). I say KISS and don't overbuild blindlessly. (Not true on a real Hinderer which is even smoother to operate.) Also, since they aspire to near custom quality and are beginning to succeed, fewer sharp edges --- round the jimps.
Still, once one is used to the knife it is one of the best. The low weight and balance are just one reason.
Enjoy!
Unfortunately, jimping is too strong/sharp near the flipper and the detent is extra strong on the 560 (and 550) ---- compared to other ZTs (ZT told me this is so). I say KISS and don't overbuild blindlessly. (Not true on a real Hinderer which is even smoother to operate.) Also, since they aspire to near custom quality and are beginning to succeed, fewer sharp edges --- round the jimps.
Still, once one is used to the knife it is one of the best. The low weight and balance are just one reason.
Enjoy!
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2012
- Messages
- 193
The small Sibert from BM is pretty tough, too. (But not lefty friendly.)
Not to belabor the point that some have already made regarding the gayle bradley, but calling it a gas station knife compared to anything is pure ignorance. Read some threads about its capabilities and you will be educated to say otherwise. Better yet, buy one and you will see for yourself. Here is a thread for your viewing pleasure. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/714931-Gayle-Bradley-Hard-Use
After all, we are talking about folders here and folding knives are meant for cutting things. How a folder holds up to cutting difficult material is all most would care about when they talk about "hard use". Not batoning, hammering, etc but cutting. Read that thread and you will see what hard use the gayle bradley could take. You're claim that the adamas is the so much stronger than the gayle Bradley (enough to call the GB a gas station toy) falls flat when you compare what matters, edge retention during prolonged use cutting tough material.
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2011
- Messages
- 1,452
I just picked up the 550 so I cant really comment on it or the s35, except it came sharper than the 560. Ive been edc'ing the 560 for a couple months now and I've only gave it a couple swipes to realign the edge. Seems to hold an edge, the real test will be when I thin it out.I don't think the corrosion resistance is all that.I skinned a mango, wiped the knife off on my pants and later that night I found lots of little rust spots on and around the edge.
The pivot on the 300 is a solid stud, where the 560 has a hollow stud. But mainly I believe its the weight, that makes people(including me) think the 300 is stronger. Also theres a bunch of 300 abuse videos on the tube.I've been told a couple time here on the forum that the 560 was more designed for edc as apposed to all out toughness. But yeah your right when I need a real strong knife I grab a fixed blade. All I know is that reading this thread is making me want a BM adams...
The pivot on the 300 is a solid stud, where the 560 has a hollow stud. But mainly I believe its the weight, that makes people(including me) think the 300 is stronger. Also theres a bunch of 300 abuse videos on the tube.I've been told a couple time here on the forum that the 560 was more designed for edc as apposed to all out toughness. But yeah your right when I need a real strong knife I grab a fixed blade. All I know is that reading this thread is making me want a BM adams...
stabman
Gold Member
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2007
- Messages
- 21,327
The lock will fail long before the pivot on either.
It just isn't an issue...although I like big pivots and I cannot lie.
thanks btw!