ZT 0550 Gen 3 or ZT 0562?

W

WillieD

Joined
Jan 22, 2004
Messages
266
Thinking about getting another larger folder and its down to these two. I don't own any framelocks and the only flipper I have is a Skyline. I usually carry either a Para 2, Millie, or a ZT 0350. I like the 562, but its new and will be around for awhile yet with time for prices to drop, right? The 550 is discontinued and the pricing seems to be pretty decent. Looks like it fires open pretty good using the thumbstuds. I'm guessing the 550 will take up as much space as my 350 and the 562 a bit less. Not a big deal depending on what I'm wearing. Anyway, as you can tell, I'm very indecisive...lol. Any thoughts on this that will push me one way or another? Thanks

ETA... is the only difference between the Gen 2 and Gen 3 550 the steel lockbar insert? Is it that worthy of an upgrade incase I see a deal on a Gen 2?
 
Last edited:
If you want a flipper go with the 562 the 550 May disappoint you. I have the 550 but hardly carry it because of that.
 
I own both and they're very different. The 0562 IS smoother, better cutter, carries better, and has held an edge slightly longer.
The 0550 is just a beast. Not as smooth, but quite nice for a non flipper on washers. It carries pretty well for its size too.
If a general use EDC is what you desire, the 0562 is the easy choice. For harder, more extended use, I would pick the 0550. Both are solid choices though.
Yes, the only difference between gen 2 and 3 is the steel insert. Gen 2s come with a carbidized lock face. I would personally go for a gen 3.
 
Last edited:
My 0550 is incredibly smooth. It's the only blade I currently own that I open and close for fun, and closing it is nearly as satisfying as firing it. It's a rocket. I don't typically care about speed, but this thing is just silly awesome.

As for practicality, I have carried and used the 0550 a pretty good amount. One of the things I reference a lot here is how great it is in hand during extended use. People criticize it for being a "pocket brick", but it is literally designed to be a folding camp knife. In fact, here's a picture of the "Hinderer Camp Knife":

4jTksT.jpg


Not surprisingly, it is actually well suited to doing most tasks short of chopping or batoning. This and a saw or hatchet will treat you well.


As for which way to go... I prefer the 0550, but I'll be picking up an 0562 tomorrow as well.
 
Both the 0550 and 0562 are awesome knives. I like the 0562 a little more, but it is a really close call.

Both are bigger than the 0350, but through some miracle of the design, they actually carry a bit more comfortably. Go figure... The 0562 is a bit longer than the 0550, but the 0550 is noticeably thicker and bulkier. For long, extended use, the 0550 is very comfortable to use due to its handle. The 0562's handle is also very comfortable, but I haven't put it through nearly as much use as my 0550 yet.

The only difference I know of between a Gen 2 and 3 0550 is the lockbar insert. I have a Gen 2 that I've used a fair bit, and the lack of a lockbar insert has made no functional difference at all. The main thing I've noticed with my ZT's with the steel insert is that the initial lock stick on some new knives is not there. However, after using the knife for a couple of weeks, the lock stick disappears by itself anyways.

Here are some shots of the 0562 and 0550 next to a 0350 and PM2 to give you an idea of size.

ZT0562_0550_0350_PM2_open_800x545.jpg


ZT0562_0550_0350_PM2_closed_800x398.jpg


ZT0562_0550_0350_PM2_length_800x530.jpg
 
Thanks for the input and great pics! Kinda leaning toward the 550 for some reason. Glad to hear they both carry better than the 0350. My only bitch with the 350 is that with some pants, it is a bit wide when trying to get my hand into my pocket. My Millie is like that too. I have to say the Para 2 is a great knife, but I kinda baby the tip a bit. Isee some greatdeals on new or like new 550s too. Whats the verdict on Elmax vs s35v? Not that I'm a steel snob or push steel to the limit, but just some opinions. Thanks!
 
I just went through this very same decision process. I went with the 0562. I am very glad I did. This knife is soooo smooth. The main reason I went with 0562 is after watching and reading every review I could on the 0550 it became apparent that the 0550 has a bit of a break in period. The 0562 is great right out of the box.
 
Good point, but what about after its broke in? Doesn't the 550 just use washers as opposed to bearings in the 562? I have read its easier to clean out something without bearings. Any input on the differences there? I have no doubt the 562 is a great knife. I wouldn't consider it if I didn't think that. Just playing devils advocate...lol.
 
The 0550 does use washers. After some wearing-in, my 0550 is as smooth as any of my bearing knives. Cleaning washers and bearings is the exact same procedure - flush with hot, soapy water while working the blade back and forth to get out all the oil, lint, dirt, grime, etc. Then dry it out (hair dryer, compressed air, whatever). Then add a drop of oil on each side for washers. You can run the KVT without oil as well, and it's still just as smooth.
 
After a very brief break-in, my 0550 has been awesome. Very smooth action, with enough detent to hold the blade where I place it anywhere through the path, and I can lightly shake it closed. Perfect.
 
WillieD said:
Good point, but what about after its broke in? Doesn't the 550 just use washers as opposed to bearings in the 562? I have read its easier to clean out something without bearings. Any input on the differences there? I have no doubt the 562 is a great knife. I wouldn't consider it if I didn't think that. Just playing devils advocate...lol.
Click to expand...

The 0562 is the first bearing knife I have owned. I cannot tell you about cleaning it yet. I don't forsee any issues though.
I will pick up a 0550 at some point. Honestly I don't think you can go wrong with either one. The 0620 is on my short list as well.
 
I've been around the world with knives over the years and I just always come back to the 550/551. I have four now and will be adding the gen 3 and a black version soon.....it may be a brick but it is the best brick I find to carry in my pocket....bar none!!
 
I've picked up a 0562, and have tried it out at work. I love everything about it. I still prefer the 0550.

Part of my filter is my view that knives are for cutting, and while I don't get into the "hard use" thing, I appreciate the reality of extended use. Simply put, I like something hand filling when I'm working for long periods of time. As awesome as the 0562 handle is, the 0550 is even better. It also puts my hand a little closer to the cutting edge.

To be clear, I am well aware that this post amounts to "both great, personal bias says X". I respect dissenting opinions.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top