ZT 0560/0561 or ZT0630. Which one to buy and why?

[FerFAL]

I'm looking for advice and opinion on both knives. Which one do you like most and why?

ZT0630

ZT0561

Where I am at right now>

I just love the 0560/0561 like any knife guy would. The thing is beautiful. I am a bit concerned about how well it holds up to extreme abuse, the one you generally dont put a knife through, but still, some stories out there about the knife not locking as well as it should. Probably hyped out of proportion but still.

Then I really like the 0630 as well, especially as a defensive use knife. I do like it as well although not as much as the 0560, its also a bit shorter, maybe a bit too short? I like the wave feature though.

Anyway, just not sure which way to go and would appreciate opinions and advice/ Which one would you get and why, any personal experience worth mentioning?

FerFAL

 

[kniferbro]

I'm looking for advice and opinion on both knives. Which one do you like most and why?

ZT0630

ZT0561

Where I am at right now>

I just love the 0560/0561 like any knife guy would. The thing is beautiful. I am a bit concerned about how well it holds up to extreme abuse, the one you generally dont put a knife through, but still, some stories out there about the knife not locking as well as it should. Probably hyped out of proportion but still.

Then I really like the 0630 as well, especially as a defensive use knife. I do like it as well although not as much as the 0560, its also a bit shorter, maybe a bit too short? I like the wave feature though.

Anyway, just not sure which way to go and would appreciate opinions and advice/ Which one would you get and why, any personal experience worth mentioning?

FerFAL

As far as the lock up goes. They are both built by ZT and should exhibit the same locking characteristics. If ur gonna be putting the knife through some down and dirty work, I would go with the 0630 as it rides on washers instead of bearings. Not that the bearings can't take abuse. I would just prefer washers on a blade that's going to get dirty.

 

[stabman]

Get the 0561 first, as it is discontinued.
Then, get the 0630 next, as it is awesome.

(I have both)

Don't worry about 0561 toughness:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1286779-You-can-t-do-THAT-with-a-ZT

 

[hhmoore]

My dollars would go to the 0560/0561. In fact, they did...and I have a far greater appreciation for it now, than when I bought it. I've had mine for a couple years now - I figured I would sell it when I got my XM18...or at least move it into the Knives I Dont Use box; but it stays with my carry knives, alongside my CRK, Hinderer, Strider, and aluminum handled PM2.

As far as the 0630 - I'm not going to knock it, it just doesn't appeal to me. I thought the Wave feature was cool 15 yrs ago when I bought my Commander...and I appreciated it when I took my Commander out of the storage box to sell. I wouldn't turn away from a knife I wanted just because it was waved; but it isn't a selling point, for me.

Whichever you choose, you'll be getting a good knife.

 

[FerFAL]

Get the 0561 first, as it is discontinued.
Then, get the 0630 next, as it is awesome.

(I have both)

Don't worry about 0561 toughness:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1286779-You-can-t-do-THAT-with-a-ZT

At this point I like the 0630 more, but I think the 0651 is more of a classic. Still not sure what to do.
About it being discontinued, I still see them sold everywhere, even in Amazon by ZT. Are they making them again? beisdes, if its such a good sellers, why woudlnt they start makign them again?
FerFAL

 

[stabman]

About it being discontinued, I still see them sold everywhere, even in Amazon by ZT. Are they making them again? beisdes, if its such a good sellers, why woudlnt they start makign them again?
FerFAL

http://zt.kaiusaltd.com/knives/knife/zt0561

Discontinued.

Just because a knife gets discontinued, does not mean all the knives in dealer stocks instantly disappear.
That's why I said get one now while you can.

As of now, there are no plans to bring it back into production.
If they did make more due to demand, it might be a sprint run type of thing, although Spyderco does that more often than ZT.

It's like their marketing guy said, people always want to move onto the new thing. They can't brag as much about old models as much.
At least, that's what sales say.

We think "Oh, I want one, and some other guys on Bladeforums like it...it must sell a lot!"
Sales figures say otherwise, which is the only reason it's been discontinued.

So yeah, if you want one, get them while supply and prices are good.

 

[EChoil]

If you like the 630 buy the real-deal Emerson.

The 560/1 series are great knives. Future classics. It sounds like you prefer the 560 anyway. Unless you are going to subject it to extreme outdoor use or a lot of dirt, I'd go with it.

 

[highestpoint]

I have the 630 and absolutely love it. It's so smooth and just feels great in hand and can take a beating (as can all ZT's knives).

I also wanted the 0560 and actually held the blackwash in hand today and was thinking about buying it, until I held it. Just didn't care for it. I wouldn't mind it if it were say, 180ish price range then I would grab one.

After holding both the 0630 gets my vote.

 

[shinyedges]

get the 630, ive had both and like the 630 and 620 better.

 

[flarp]

I have both and wouldn't hesitate to recommend either. The 0560 is a little bigger than the 0630. The ergos on the 0630 fit my hand a little better, but the 3-D machined scales on the 0560 do have a great feel to them. Both are very solid in hand. I like the flipper more than the thumb disk, although both of them do open and close very smoothly. The 0630 does also have the wave opener, which also works very well. Lockup is solid on both. I haven't used my 0630 much, but I have the 0620 a bit more. My 0560 has gotten quite a bit more use (in large part because I've had it that much longer), and it's held up great for me.

 

[FerFAL]

I have both and wouldn't hesitate to recommend either. The 0560 is a little bigger than the 0630. The ergos on the 0630 fit my hand a little better, but the 3-D machined scales on the 0560 do have a great feel to them. Both are very solid in hand. I like the flipper more than the thumb disk, although both of them do open and close very smoothly. The 0630 does also have the wave opener, which also works very well. Lockup is solid on both. I haven't used my 0630 much, but I have the 0620 a bit more. My 0560 has gotten quite a bit more use (in large part because I've had it that much longer), and it's held up great for me.

Thanks for the replies folks.
You know, Im a bit worried that the 0560 isnt as solid/tough as the 0630. TO be honest we've sen 0560/0561 frame locks fail a bit too often for my taste. Granted, spine wacks, and then some other sutff that get a bit ridiculous but that in all honesty a much cheaper cold steel voyager would take without blinking.
The frame lock just isnt as strong a design so I suppose its not fair to comapre, but am I crazy in thinking the 0630 has been made a bit tougher than the 0560? I'm thinking here about the steel insert, but also about the washer vs ball bearings which should hold on better against lateral force.
FerFAL

 

[B.F.U]

First off, the 0560 handles tough use. I've done super stupid stuff with them and they've been fine. They're lock is a well executed frame lock, but it's still a frame lock. The 0630 is also a good knife. In my opinion, having had both, it's an Emerson with better materials and better manufacturing. They're different knives though, for their size and opening differences. The only reason the 0630 would be tougher is because it has washers rather than bearings, the frame lock on it is not stronger than on the 0560. Like you said, titanium frame locks are not actually a comparatively strong lock (despite the internet commando love for them).

I've had both and sold them. I bought the 0560 again. They often go for ~$160 in the exchange.

 

[FerFAL]

First off, the 0560 handles tough use. I've done super stupid stuff with them and they've been fine. They're lock is a well executed frame lock, but it's still a frame lock. The 0630 is also a good knife. In my opinion, having had both, it's an Emerson with better materials and better manufacturing. They're different knives though, for their size and opening differences. The only reason the 0630 would be tougher is because it has washers rather than bearings, the frame lock on it is not stronger than on the 0560. Like you said, titanium frame locks are not actually a comparatively strong lock (despite the internet commando love for them).

I've had both and sold them. I bought the 0560 again. They often go for ~$160 in the exchange.

Thanks ALLHSS, if you dont mind me asking,
1)What kind of stupid things did you do with it? I'm not planning on busting my knife against a brick for a youtub video, but I want a knife that can honestly tolerate some abuse if ever needed. (example, used for self defense, prying or cutting materials it shouldnt in an emergency situation, etc)
If we go by Cliff Stamps video, the 0560 is practically garbage, alothugh I would question why not send back to ZT a clear lemon. Then again the Russian guy in youtube insanely abuses a 550 (check 550 hard use, click subtitles) and somehow the knife holds on. Granted, the Russian is smarter than some American youtuber that aparently dont know how to hold tight a framelock and go nuts when it disengages with light spine tapping. But still, what the Russian guy did to that 550 is disturbing and the knife took it like no other frame or liner lock managed to in previous videos. I also think the washer pivot of the 550 had something to do with it, and maybe why ZT is not using the KVT ball-bearing system in thier 0630...
2)Id love to know, why did you buy the 0560 again after selling it? Maybe you had a reason I can use in making up my own mind.:thumbup:
FerFAL

 

[Quiet]

Here's an idea, why not get one and NOT purposely try to break it?

 

[FerFAL]

Here's an idea, why not get one and NOT purposely try to break it?

Here's another idea, how about reading what I post before acting out like that?
1)I never said anything even close to "purposely trying to break it"
2)In fact, I specifically said: " I'm not planning on busting my knife against a brick for a youtube video" inpost #13.
3)Then I explained why in spite of having no plans of purposely breaking the knife, I did want a knife capable of tolerating some abuse if called upoon during an emergency.
If I simply need a sharp blade for detail cuts or opening mail, then the blade in my Leatherman Charge will do, or the Victorinox Minichamp in my keychain.
But if I'm getting a big heavy folder that in their own website main page claim "Hard-Use Premium and Professional Knives" , "The knives have earned a reputation among their devoted fans as being "built like a tank" or a "real beast" or even being—proudly—"overbuilt"." Then I expect them to handle some prying, chopping, stabbing, etc, within reason if ever needed.
FerFAL

 

[Quiet]

Here's another idea, how about reading what I post before acting out like that?
1)I never said anything even close to "purposely trying to break it"
2)In fact, I specifically said: " I'm not planning on busting my knife against a brick for a youtube video" inpost #13.
3)Then I explained why in spite of having no plans of purposely breaking the knife, I did want a knife capable of tolerating some abuse if called upoon during an emergency.
If I simply need a sharp blade for detail cuts or opening mail, then the blade in my Leatherman Charge will do, or the Victorinox Minichamp in my keychain.
But if I'm getting a big heavy folder that in their own website main page claim "Hard-Use Premium and Professional Knives" , "The knives have earned a reputation among their devoted fans as being "built like a tank" or a "real beast" or even being—proudly—"overbuilt"." Then I expect them to handle some prying, chopping, stabbing, etc, within reason if ever needed.
FerFAL

Oh, I read what you posted just fine. Read my comment again. Prying, chopping, and stabbing? From a folder? Any of those tasks would much more easily be accomplished by a fixed blade.

But hey, whatever, man. You got this all figured out. Just don't come in here complaining when you break your folder purposely abusing it by using it for things it wasn't designed for. I wouldn't use any knife you've listed here for "chopping, stabbing, prying", etc. Use the right tool for the job. Don't want to be told that? Then you probably shouldn't post here.

Also, when you break your knife (and you will), you'll probably want to delete this thread before you send an email to ZT asking them to fix it.

 

[crocogator106]

I love the 560/561, I've just never really like the Emerson series with the wave. I've read may times where it will ruin pants pockets if you EDC it. But they are both ZTs where you really cant go wrong. You might consider the 550, its got the looks/style of the 550/561 but runs on washers like the 600s. Its not quite a big as the 560/561 but I've ready many reviews where its the perfect ZT. I've had a 566, 801, 801, 450 and 562 (which is my favorite). I've always wanted a 3rd gen 561 but never took the plunge. Check on Kershaw Guy's website. Hes still selling 561 discontinued ZTs all generations. I just prefer the newer ones with the steel lock bar insert to prevent lock stick on the titanium frames. Just my .02 hope this helps!

 

[panzeron]

I understand what the OP is saying . He never said he wanted to purposely break the knife . Like when you buy a performance car that foes 190mph . Do you need that ? Not usually , but it's nice to know it's there if you do . My umnumzaan has a glass breaker . I've never in my life needed a glass breaker . But if I'm ever in a life or death situation, it's nice to know it's there . That's what the op is saying . You may find yourself in a situation where in an emergency. You might have to put your knife to an extreme job . And he puts a value on having a knife that can take it . I've noticed a theme here on the forum . Where people come at others with righteous indignation . And also put words in their mouths .

 

[Quiet]

I understand what the OP is saying . He never said he wanted to purposely break the knife . Like when you buy a performance car that foes 190mph . Do you need that ? Not usually , but it's nice to know it's there if you do . My umnumzaan has a glass breaker . I've never in my life needed a glass breaker . But if I'm ever in a life or death situation, it's nice to know it's there . That's what the op is saying . You may find yourself in a situation where in an emergency. You might have to put your knife to an extreme job . And he puts a value on having a knife that can take it . I've noticed a theme here on the forum . Where people come at others with righteous indignation . And also put words in their mouths .

People love to sit there and dream up a bunch of fantastical scenarios during which they'd need to use a knife for something not as intended, which is fine. But, the fact is, there are very few folding knives out there which will stand up to outright abuse (like the OP is describing). That's what fixed blades, hammers, and prybars are for.

Also, hey, leave your ring-sting over your thread getting locked and a Mod setting you straight over your language at home, mkay? We don't need another thread dragged under over it. :thumbup:

Personally, I'm curious as to what sort of chopping could be done with such a pocket-knife sized blade in the first place. I own a 0561, and have handled a 0630. Neither strike me as heavy use prybar knives. Your mileage may vary.

 

[kniferbro]

People love to sit there and dream up a bunch of fantastical scenarios during which they'd need to use a knife for something not as intended, which is fine. But, the fact is, there are very few folding knives out there which will stand up to outright abuse (like the OP is describing). That's what fixed blades, hammers, and prybars are for.

Also, hey, leave your ring-sting over your thread getting locked and a Mod setting you straight over your language at home, mkay? We don't need another thread dragged under over it. :thumbup:

Personally, I'm curious as to what sort of chopping could be done with such a pocket-knife sized blade in the first place. I own a 0561, and have handled a 0630. Neither strike me as heavy use prybar knives. Your mileage may vary.

And some people like to sit there and dream up every possible reason why a poster is wrong. For what reason I have no idea.

You are adding nothing to this thread. It is quite obvious form the OP's posts that he is not intending on "intentionally breaking" the knife. You are flexing just to flex.

Why do people care about safety ratings on a new car they are buying? When they ask the salesman about the safety features does the salesman reply "woah are you going to intentionally crash your car? You'd be much better suited with an armored car."

Maybe read more and post less. If you don't like a thread move on. OP isn't spreading misinformation, he has a simple inquiry. Answer or go away