ZT 0550- Talk me into it

[MRaymond]

So, I had thought I made my decision. I ordered my ZT 0550 only to find out that there was an error and they were actually sold out. This has given me some time to really think about this purchase and wonder if this is a knife I really need. It seems to be everything I am looking for in the "heavy duty" folder niche and the aesthetics are pleasing to me. So, tell me some real world first hand experiences that will help tide me over until I find one in stock. Anyone know a reputable dealer that has them in stock? (please send an email if you do) What do you love about your 0550? What do you wish was done better? Pics with comparisons to other common knives will help as well Thanks!

 

[Rockywolf]

I like mine a lot. Lock is a bit sticky at first, just keep working it. Due to the strong detent, I sometimes struggle using the thumb stud to open it, so I grip the blade between my middle finger and thumb, opening it slightly, then sliding my thumb upward to the thumb stud and opening it the rest of the way. I can do it very quickly now. I'm loving this knife!

 

[DeAdEyE956]

The 551 might still be available ..... I like the elmax so I got that. I am undecided of the fate of my 550.

 

[gundude73]

The 0550 is awesome IMO.

 

[Reeek]

Because it compliments the 0560 quite well and doesn't feel cheaper - just different . . .

 

[Elsilrac1]

I really like my 550 - almost as much as my 560. I have carried both since I got them.

 

[MRaymond]

Thanks for the posts. Reeek, those are some great pics. I ended up buying an bnib 0550 from a member on here with an OD green hinderer scale along with a stock one and looking at the pics of your yellow one I think I know which scale is going to stay on. Is there an aftermarket for the stock scale?

 

[Reeek]

Me too - good point

I really like my 550 - almost as much as my 560. I have carried both since I got them.

 

[Reeek]

I doubt it. Rick's scales are much more attractive and they function very well. Although I kept my OEM, it's just going to fade away into oblivion I can't imagine anyone would want to buy it aftermarket unless they wanted to pretty up a user for sale.

Thanks for the posts. Reeek, those are some great pics. I ended up buying an bnib 0550 from a member on here with an OD green hinderer scale along with a stock one and looking at the pics of your yellow one I think I know which scale is going to stay on. Is there an aftermarket for the stock scale?

 

[ranger232]

Wow! Great pics! I'm getting my 560 in the mail tomorrow and after seeing these pics, I'll know I'll be counting every damn second now!!

 

[scotteboy]

Great blade. Edge was crap out of the box but who really cares. Everything else was spot on. I dont have any folders that compare. Its a big thick slab o ti and steel that is really freakin cool and rock solid. Not a slicer so as long as you know that you just cant go wrong with getting one....or two

 

[Windex_]

Go buy it, hold it, use it, and try to talk yourself out of it.

 

[DeadinNC]

I have a like new one (ZT550) I will sell you for 175.00 shipped.

Let me know

Mike

 

[Stainz]

I still have the good fortune of having a locally-owned sporting goods store with a magnificent assortment of knives - including the ZT-0550/551/560/561 all in stock! I'll be blunt, my wife made me go back there for a third trip in eight days - to buy a 560/561. I obeyed - and came home with a 561 - super knife - and my first purchase since last fall. Of course, I love it - even if I am a traditionalist and prefer thumbstud deployment (551) to flipper use (561). I was exceedingly happy with my 551 - even to the point of buying a spare later last year. Great fit to my hand - and the bottom of my back pocket (I carry clipless knives.). I can't imagine anyone not liking the 0551/0550 - great knives. Obviously, I like the 0551 and it's ElMax steel - got each of them for <$200 OTD. The 561 may become a favorite... but it's still <2days old. The 550 is a nice knife - especially if you can't find a 0551!

Stainz

 

[orangish ducktape]

Were those yellow scales aftermarket scales, or was it a special edition that I missed?

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-orangish ducktape

“Simplicate, and add lightness”
-Colin Chapman

 

[Reeek]

That is the after market Hinderer scales available at several retailers It brought new life to my beloved 0550 and I have carried her even more since I installed it

Were those yellow scales aftermarket scales, or was it a special edition that I missed?

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-orangish ducktape

&#8220;Simplicate, and add lightness&#8221;
-Colin Chapman