ZT 0350 or 0551 question

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Wrobelan

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Aug 28, 2011
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I know that this is a stretch to ask when we all want a variety of knives, but I was wondering if a ZT 0350 or ZT 0551 would be worth it when I already hold a pretty sturdy knife like the BM 755 and really enjoy it. Anyone own both (one of the ZTs and the BM 755) and could not give one up?

Thanks
 
I already have a $20 bill in my wallet, should I put another $20 bill in there? The answer to either question is yes.
 
Yea I was thinking the same thing as I posted the question and started looking for the best price for the ZTs.

thanks
 
Wrobelan said:
I know that this is a stretch to ask when we all want a variety of knives, but I was wondering if a ZT 0350 or ZT 0551 would be worth it when I already hold a pretty sturdy knife like the BM 755 and really enjoy it. Anyone own both (one of the ZTs and the BM 755) and could not give one up?

Thanks
Click to expand...

I've never owned a BM 755 but I do own a ZT0550 and a ZT0350. Between the two, the 0550 is the way to go. And you can get one for a reasonable price if you look the right place.
 
I gave up my BM 755 pretty quickly once I held the 0550/0551. Wasn't a tough decision for me, but YMMV.
 
I really love the 0350 and the 0550, you really can't go wrong but I thing the 0550 is a lot of knife for the money so it gets my vote.

 
I really like the 0551 with the hinderer collaboration. One issue I have though, not having handled the knife because they are hard to come by in Lansing MI, is that the lockup does not seem to be equal. My BM 755 is very solid, but the knife is very thick.
 
And it has a pocket clip issue, that is well documented, that I have modified to make tip up.
 
If there is something wrong with a ZTs lock up it's a lemon. Or has gone to hell and back, but I think it would still take more than that.
 
If you wear a large size glove, you might find the 350 to be a little lacking in ergos. That said, my nod would be towards the 550/551.
 
I owned a couple of ZT350s for a while. Then I got a 550 and promptly sold the 350s. Best knife ever.

ZT550s_x3.jpg
 
I look at the 0350 as a entry level beefy style EDC type of knife. If you are into the more overbuilt type of knives and need a user I'd go with 0350. It's a nice enough knife you'll like to look at it but not so pretty your scared to really put it to work. If you want something fancier I'd look at the higher end ZTs. However, I would recommend the stonewashed fininsh 0350, it looks very nice on that knife.
 
The problem I had with both of my 0550s is the fact that it was SO overbuilt, it just didn't appeal to me. However, it was a great knife for what you can get them on the exchange for. 3.5 inches of hinderer designed solid brick of a knife that can handle anything you throw at it for $150 or less?? No brainer in my mind. I EDC a Sebenza 25 and started thinking that was all I needed. I was into thinner knives I guess and that is why I traded the 0550. I just recently picked up an 0561 and for the size of that thing, it is VERY slim and "carryable". It's funny how my opinion changes, I am now thinking about getting rid of my military because I have the 0561 and picking up another XM-18. I had one of those at one point and traded it for the Sebenza 25. I think the moral of the story is, get a 0550 and a 0350, if you don't like one of them, sell it and then you will know for sure. Your tastes may change, if you are anything like me, they will change often. Good luck!
 
I have two 0551's and a 0561. Not so fond of flippers, so I bought the backup 0551 - I like that knife. Sadly, I bought an early production BM-755... it's my most common EDC knife! The m390 is great, too, with ElMax a close second. The 755 doesn't slice as well as the 0551, no doubt there. If you 'need' to buy a knife, consider a 0551 - or a backup BM-755!

Stainz
 
I have both the 350 and 550, I really like flippers so I think the 350 is really nice for the cost its the little things in that knife that make it really easy to use. But if your not an assisted opening or flipper fan than the 550 wins out hands down. The 550 is great as well really nice quality good steel and very well built, but if you don't care for the thumb stud placement then it might not be for you. Have you looked at the 801? That knife wows me, lots of knife there for the money. Or the 561, again great knife but both are flippers so comes down to preference of your style
 
Thanks for the input. I don't really want to go bigger than 3.5 inches for the blade. My current edc folders are all under 3 inches. Also, I don't currently have a flipper, so that, along with the sv30 steel make a 0550 pretty attractive. The hinderer design is also incredible. I just am not sure that I will use it more than the 755.

I think I'll just have to bite the bullet and get one and find out for myself.
 
Wrobelan said:
Thanks for the input. I don't really want to go bigger than 3.5 inches for the blade. My current edc folders are all under 3 inches. Also, I don't currently have a flipper, so that, along with the sv30 steel make a 0550 pretty attractive. The hinderer design is also incredible. I just am not sure that I will use it more than the 755.

I think I'll just have to bite the bullet and get one and find out for myself.
Click to expand...

FYI, The 0550 is not a flipper design and has S35VN steel, S30V. I still recommend trying one out though!
 
The 0550 is one hell of a knife. I edc it as well. The s35VN gets very sharp and sharpens easy enough and since I reprofiled it to 30 degrees inclusive, it cuts very well for a beefy blade. I don't see the problem of the thumb stud that some people find. As long as you push the stud in the direction that the stud actually travels when the blade opens, which is more upwards than out, it opens very fast and smooth. I highly recommend it as long as your not planning on edc'ing it in dress slacks.
 
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