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Zero Tolerance 0560 as EDC Feedback?

Joined
Nov 7, 2012
Messages
39
How is the ZT 0560 as an EDC for normal utility stuff not camping, hiking, or anything hard use. How does it hold up to normal tasks? is the blade thickness too big for food prep? I like good looking knives and this one has caught my attention even if it's a tactical survival knife, my other option would be a Spyderco but they just don't appeal to me... the spydie hole is a big turn off for me.
 
I can't speak for food prep because I don't like doing it with knives I cut cardboard/clean fingernails/cut car bumpers etc etc etc with.

I carried my 0560 and 0561 for over a year almost every day and I never found a task it couldn't handle big or small.
 
...an EDC for normal utility stuff, not camping, hiking, or anything hard use.

Thinner blades cut/slice better than thicker blades...in general. Obviously.
The 560 is a very well-built folder, designed for heavy-duty use. Note the following from the company web-site...

"The ZT brand first made its appearance in 2006 when we saw a place in the market for a Made-in-the-USA line of hard-use knives that would meet the needs of professionals, such as the military, law enforcement, and other first responders, such as firefighters and emergency medical personnel.

The initial products were combat knives, but since that time, the line has expanded to include a variety of general-use and premium knives. Although Zero Tolerance products are larger, heavier knives, many customers use them as everyday carrying knives."


So yes, you can use a 0560 for everyday carry, but...WHY? I've had quite a few ZT's; they are great folders.
I sold my 0560; I do have a 0550 (smaller knife, thinner blade of 0.157"), but I don't want/need a blade even that thick for casual cutting/slicing. I feel that MY needs are better served with a blade that is about 1/8" (0.125"), or a bit less.
 
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Spyderhole is one of the fastest and most reliable methods of opening IMO.
I carried mine for a bit, its a tad on the thick side behind the edge< otherwise it does OK
 
This, plus its just to big for a edc knife IMO.

ITs not too big, its just a bit of a really bad slicer LOL. I gave mine a FFG
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I prefer the cutting performance of my striders over the ZT. Striders arent as thick behind the edge
 
It works just fine. I carry mine often, since it's a rather light knife for its size and I like all the other features it offers. Mine was a bit sticky at first and the factory was a little obtuse, but after a little reprofiling I love it.

The blade is OK for food prep, the guard can sometimes be a hindrance when working on a cutting board.
 
ITs not too big, its just a bit of a really bad slicer LOL. I gave mine a FFG
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I prefer the cutting performance of my striders over the ZT. Striders arent as thick behind the edge

I really like what you did there. FFG is, IMO the best grind for a knife. I really prefer spyderco's grinds over all others. How does that 560 slice now?
 
Spyderhole is one of the fastest and most reliable methods of opening IMO.

People keep saying that, yet I'm terrible at it. Am I defective???? Thumbstuds (well designed ones) are my favorite opening method. With that said. The 0560 is a fantastic knife, problem being I don't know your carry preferences so I can't say if it'll be good for you.
 
I don't like the hole openers either, they aren't all that effective for me. I love flippers, the 561 opens so quick and easy it will handle anything you need it to do.
 
Just received the new Blackwash version and it will be my sole EDC outside of the office (a Case Peanut fills that role). Subscribed to this one to see what responses you get.
 
my 56x's have all done very well for edc. Not a good slicer, the blade is thick, but otherwise does and has done everything I have ever asked. I generally carry another blade for food use. I have 2, 561 & CF/CB, but the blackwash is calling to me. :thumbup: Great knives, and one of my all time favorites from ZT.
 
The wife just bought me a 560BW for my birthday. Much lighter than it would seem and there just aren't enough "OOOO's " in smooth to describe how nicely it opens.
 
I got the 560 when it was first released but haven't really ever carried it. Too big for my personal EDC needs but I love the design so got it anyways. Lately I've been EDCing either the Cryo, Caly3 or Para 2 (along with my staple small EDC Ladybug or Dragonfly) but I'm anxiously awaiting the 566 and I hope it better suites my main EDC needs.
 
Definitely doesn't slice as well as my Para 2 or my Southard, but if you reprofile the edge angle and keep it sharp, the knife will slice serviceably if not admirably. I like my 561 because I like the opening, the grip, the steel, and the size. The deep carry clip does take some getting used to though. I recommend a lanyard.
 
I think it is just fine for EDC. Especially if you have bigger hands. You could find better slicers but how thin do you have to slice stuff for EDC??
 
I EDCed one for a bit when they came out, Elmax is great and the knife carries really well for being so large. Hinderer design is great as well. Liked that it had no choil and gave me maximum edge for the blade length, but at the end of the day it was too much knife for me (usually EDC a small sebenza), and it had a bunch of hot spots, specifically the clip if you do tip up. If you can get over the size and the hot spots, its a great knife for relatively little money (considering you get a ti framelock, elmax, bearings, kershaw/zt warranty, etc). I'd give it a try, you can find them for closer to or less than $175 on a good day.
 
Nice knife, well made, well designed, but too big for edc in my opinion. As others have stated, its not ideal for lighter duty edc tasks either. I sold mine for those very reasons.
 
I have one in my rotation and it rocks not a great slicer as others have said but I was very happy with it in general.
Also its a large knife I had read the stats seen picture comparisons but until I had it in hand I never understood how large it was but for me it works as I have large hands and like large blades my other edc is an 810 contego which is also on the large side ...what do you normally edc ???? Because if you are used to edcing a smaller knife it could be a big change for you
 
I carry mine and have so daily for 3 months, it got a bit smaller.
The only real issue when it's in my front pocket is bending to the ground, kinda gets jammed in my leg... Maybe my pants are to tight lol!!

For peeling fruit I choke up close to the blade so it's not to big.
 
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