Zero Tolerance lineup question, 0550 alternatives

chickenfried

chickenfried

Joined
Feb 27, 2003
Messages
1,065
Might give ZT knives a try. Not really interested in flippers or AO models. But I like the blade shape and frame lock. So from the zt website it seems the 0550 is my only choice. But not really digging the specific g10 scales on that knife. Before you say it:p, don't want to spend money on new scales for a new knife. Hoping the website catalog is incomplete or there might be exclusives or limited editions that are alternatives to the standard 0550. Frame doesn't have to be titanium.
 
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ZT 0550 only comes with the G-10 scale. Your only choice is aftermarket scales at extra cost.

You could always try The Exchange for a ZT 0550 where someone has already put on a new scale.
 
Yeah, you're pretty much limited in the non flipper/AO department. I've been reading here where the AO models are being de assisted. I just picked up a ZT780 and it is a smaller frame than the 550. Even though it has a flipper tab, it is not a real flipper. From time to time, discontinued ZT's come up and may fit what you're looking for.
 
How about the 620 I'm wanting one of those. No flipper, or AO, but has the thumb disk and wave being a Emerson colab.
 
0550 scales can be had for pretty cheap. Or as others have said you can find them for a really good price with a scale already on it. The 0620 is also a very good option. Both knives are built like tanks and can take a lot of abuse.

 
thanks for the suggestion. But not into tantos. I'll keep an eye out on the exchange. Maybe I'll just grab a 0556 and try something new. Not sure I'd like that flipper nub sticking out in some uses.

That scale's more like it!
 
The 0566 is a great little knife too. It uses a steel frame so it should never wear out. As for the flipper they're pretty unnoticeable in the pocket and make for a great finger guard when open
 
The 566 is one of my favorites, so is the 560 both carry well and the flipper really isn't in the way at all. I like both better than the 550 and i like it a lot lol.

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Ajack60 said:
Yeah, you're pretty much limited in the non flipper/AO department. I've been reading here where the AO models are being de assisted. I just picked up a ZT780 and it is a smaller frame than the 550. Even though it has a flipper tab, it is not a real flipper. From time to time, discontinued ZT's come up and may fit what you're looking for.
Click to expand...

Wow, I really take offense to the comment about the 0780 not being a real flipper ;-) ... Seriously, both of mine flip like champs. My safe queen has not been touched and flips great, but my user has had the pivot, washers, and blade contact surface polished and Nano Oiled, so if you aren't happy with the action on yours, you might want to try that. The 0780 is a great suggestion, but with less than 300 out in the wild, it's normally pretty hard to find.

OP, you should give the 0550 a try while they are still plentiful (discontinuation has been announced), as they are a great knife!

Anyway, good luck on your quest!
 
You don't like AO or flippers you definitely need to try the 0620. Once you wave that bad boy you will be in love.
 
Maybe consider a Southern Grind Bad Monkey if none of the ZT's fit your preference?
 
Or you could do what I saw another member on here do recently and what I've been considering doing when I get the funds. Grab a 0620 and reprofile the secondary tip out of it so it's a more traditional cutting edge. I don't like the tanto cutting edge but that small reprofile makes all the difference in the world.
 
Exactly what Chrispy said I saw that one too and I'm not fond of tanto style blades either and thats what I want to do when I get one. Made it look really good.
 
I have a 0566FDEBW. It's a nice design, but a bit handle heavy - not to mention the flipper is quite stiff if you don't disable the AO torsion spring. It fires fast and hard though. Here it is compared to a 0350TS.

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Just get an 0566, take the torsion bar out and if you're feeling ambitious you can grind the flipper off. I've seen someone do that.

It's a hell of a knife. I just recently picked up a blackwash version and forgot how good it feels in the hand. I had one and sold it early this year. After that I carried 0550s, an 0551 and an 0561. Let me tell you, the 0566 is no slouch when it comes to sturdiness, not to mention bang for the buck.

 
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Ended up buying the 0550. Nobody complains about the feel of the handle in reviews so I can deal with the lack of aesthetics. Death match with a contego, loser on the chopping block.
 
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The 550 feels great in the hand and its a great useful size. I just didn't care for the scale either.
 
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