Zero Tolerance zt 550 or Hogue ex 01?

[seadoo6]

I am really torn between these two. I have watched and read just about everything i can find online. i still am not sure, i can get 4in hogue tanto g-mascus for same price as the 550. i just really think the 550 is kinda ugly, i know it would be way better with replacement scales but thats just so much more money. The hogue has an amazing g10 scale already on it. But the frame lock, hinder design and s35vn is so cool too on the 550. Please help, thanks.

 

[jwblack911]

hmmmm. hard choice. i cant get tell you what is best for you, but personally i enjoyed my hogue ex-01 tanto more.

heres some things i liked and didn't like

0550
likes
the blade thickness
pocket clip
the smoothness of the engagement/disengagement of the lock. it didnt hurt your finger after you unlocked the knife 5 times in a few minutes lol
s35vn was a nice steel, honestly as long as it doesnt rust if i put it in my pocket wet (my hands are usually wet from my job) and stays sharp steel isn't something i t doesnt matter to me much as long as its not pot metal
the blade sharp and verall design was great

dislikes
the blockness of the knife wasnt totally for me
it filled my hand out but not perfectly for my thinner large sized hands
i wasnt a fan of the factory g10 scale at all

*the knife was smooth, certainly, but it wasnt SMOOOOOOOOTH if that makes sense. it has low friction in the pivot but it wasn't what i expected


ex-01
likes
aluninum handle shape fit my hand perfect
tanto blade i really liked, the spine has some really cool grinds on it
the pocket clip was perfect, and the knife entered and exit'ed so quick
*in my line of work time = money, when i need my knife i need it quick, i need to make a quick cut, and i need to get it away safely quick. this knife did all of that
i love 154cm steel
the stonewash was fantastic
the locking mechinism was wonderful too. not lefty friendly but I'm a righty
the knife packed a huge blade into a little handle, and you got alot of blade for the weight
the blade was so smooth when opening and closing


dislikes
the lock up was tight, precise and consistent yet it still felt somewhat like a toy button to me
the aluminum was prone to small scratches from metal.

last dislike is that i sold mine lol :/

overall i enjoyed my ex-01 more, but try to get to a shop and get a hands on with both before deciding

 

[RAGS]

Don't have the 0550 so I can't speak to that, but do have a 0560 which is similar. While my 0560 is a great knife,I prefer the Hogue. Its more comfortable to carry in pocket for me at least.The button lock is very secure, there are some vids of the designer testing the lock strength and it seemed to be at least as good if not better than most other systems.Opens fast and smooth as butter.One last thing if it matters,I find the knife to be VERY lefty friendly( I am left handed), it has double sided thumb studs and the button lock is just operated with the index finger instead of your thumb. Good luck with your choice,I really don't see how you could go wrong with either one.