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Which ZT should I buy?
- Thread starter C.Arnold
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Dangit, they are all great choices. But each have their own personality, and it really depends on what you are doing with it. I carried a 561 for some time. It's big, and carries big. Now got the 452CF in pocket (at least until my 562CF comes tomorrow, yay!), and for such a big knife, it really disappears in pocket carries small. Even the tiny clip that some don't like, works great, and doesn't draw attention to the fact that you're carrying a whomping long folder. I'm impressed. But I work in a mellow office. If I were going to a construction site, I would definitely grab the 561.
And as you can see from the pics above, the 562 is slightly shorter than both, but closer to the 560/61 in construction. Ok, disclaimer, I like all my ZT's for one aspect or another. They all have something that they do better than the one next to it. No such thing as a magic do-all knife....always compromises.
So I'll throw out another to look at. I also really like the 801 (well 808 too, but we're talking about bigger knives
). It's slightly heavier being all titanium, but I just really love the action, blade shape, grip in hand, etc. I have the original natural titanium version, but the all black DLC version (if you can find it) is just sexy. The blackwash versions just don't entice me that much.
And as you can see from the pics above, the 562 is slightly shorter than both, but closer to the 560/61 in construction. Ok, disclaimer, I like all my ZT's for one aspect or another. They all have something that they do better than the one next to it. No such thing as a magic do-all knife....always compromises.
So I'll throw out another to look at. I also really like the 801 (well 808 too, but we're talking about bigger knives
). It's slightly heavier being all titanium, but I just really love the action, blade shape, grip in hand, etc. I have the original natural titanium version, but the all black DLC version (if you can find it) is just sexy. The blackwash versions just don't entice me that much.
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I think that RamZar posted a comparison list of these models several weeks ago...might be helpful in picking one.
He is VERY thorough. Perhaps he can give us the link. I get confused myself by all of these models, and I've been interested in another ZT for some time now.
He is VERY thorough. Perhaps he can give us the link. I get confused myself by all of these models, and I've been interested in another ZT for some time now.
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If you never have owned a ZT, Perhaps an older model ZT0550 might give you a taste of a quality higher end folder you mention. This model although discontinued still represents pretty much the same that is offered today in the ZT line of quality, which is very high end ego's, construction, and steel. With a little effort one of these can be found just above the $100.00 mark in new condition... Not a 560 but maybe a good start...
Thanks guys for all the input I am starting to lean towards the 452cf. The 562 I'm sure is a great knife but not the size I'm looking for. So it looks like I am going to have to get both 452 and 560/61. Probably the 452 since I have always wanted a knife with carbon fiber scales thanks guys you helped a lot.
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I know you are leaning toward the 452cf, and I still love mine. But.....I just got my 562cf in today, and dang, it is sweet! It's everything that is good about the 560, AND everything I wanted changed... And more. It's a bit heavier than 452, but absolutely sweet. Smooth, fast, perfect detent, and the grip is just perfect in my hand. Now I'm conflicted on which to carry.
whitty
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I would advise getting the 560 or 561 first only because they have stopped making them. The only one they are still making is the 560BW. They will soon only be found on the secondary market!
Either way you choose you will not be disappointed!
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Looking at a ZT0560 side by side with a ZT0452CF, the edge is thinner on the latter. You'd have to do some grinding on the ZT0560 to get an edge that thin (which I have). I do not have a ZT0562 to compare, but I would expect the edge thickness would be similar to the ZT0452CF.
I note you said "large" blades---not "longer" ones.
In that case get a 0560/61. Love mine.
If you have the extra funds, I would save a bit longer and grab the real deal(XM-18) over either of the ZT's. You will get a much nicer knife(from the man himself Rick Hinderer), with better fit and finish, stronger design, a frame lock that works properly for sure, and not everyone and his brother has one like the ZT's.
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....or you can save a few hundred and get a knife that actually flips. Glad we have choices!
I wouldn't mind spending the extra money if it were in fact nicer.
I'm not trying to fight here man, just giving another suggestion.
They flip fine once broke in. At least Hinderer can make a frame lock that works properly lol. I can't count all the problems I have read about ZT's locks sticking, over travelling, or some other malfunction. Are you honestly trying to say that the mid-tech ZT is better then a real XM-18? That's ridiculous man. ZT's are more show then go, everyone knows that. You ZT fan boys are hilarious lol. ZT's are ok, I really like there fixed blades(not so much the folders).
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I'm no fanboy, I've actually sold almost all of my production knives. In fact my last 3 ZT's are going up for sale tonight.
At least zt doesnt make excuses for their knives. Everyone who owns an xm seems to say things like "once they are broken in" or "they are for firefirghters, the general public is much too stupid to know how to use them". Zt is a couple hundred cheaper, maybe a little less refined but overall is a helluva lot better knife that someone doesnt have to make an excuse for!
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Withdrawn, this isn't the place for this discussion.
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Tachead, would you be willing to bet you can flip your xm open 200 times in a row, using the same finger, without a single failure to lock, without your finger bleeding from having to preload so much? And not using your wrist? I've had two xm-18 3.5" slicers and neither one of them had a detent. I had to use wrist action to get them to open and lock. I think I could do it easily with a 0392bwbrz.