ZT 0560 Alternatives

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eon blue apocalypse

Joined
Apr 11, 2015
Messages
499
Folks, I'm very close to pulling the trigger on a 0560bw. I've handled my brothers 0566 and I have the following blades that are similar: 0300, 0350, and a BM 275 Adamas.

My collection also includes a few SAKs, a 110 Hunter, an 0450 and a d'eskabar, among a few other misc fixed blades and folders.

I am attracted to the 0560 because it isn't assisted, has bearings (something I love about my 0450), and is large while being more pocketable than my 0300.

The knife will be mainly used for edc duty - that can mean whatever you want, but I want a knife that can handle whatever I feel like that day - indoors, outdoors, wherever.

I just want to make sure I explore all my options and consider all alternatives in this price range (please nothing considerably more expensive than the 0560) the before I lay out the cash.

I've read and read and read these forums and feel like I've considered most others but I'm starting this thread with a very open mind.

Thanks
 
I have the 550 and love it there is 1/4 inch difference in my blade and the 560. I own zt's in s35v, m390,elmax and s35v. the 550 is elmax and while I don't mistreat my knives and try for to destruct them I find the elmax to be just about ideal for me. I wouldn't hesitate on the 560 at all, if I wanted one.
 
I've owned all of those except the 0450 & 566...

I'm currently carrying my third 0561; it's a heck of a nice knife but quite thick behind the edge compared to an 0300 or 0350 so cutting performance is not as good imho.

I'd give the 0560/561 a thumbs up but there many other options out there as well for a nice larger edc type folder.

The spydie gayle bradley comes to mind as awesome slicer with superb steel.

Another is the benchmade 581; I'm on my third of that knife as well if that tells you how much I like it... :thumbup:
 
Don't hesitate. Picked one up off of the exchange last spring and it's probably my favorite knife other than my Beckers.

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Pics for fun; I've really enjoyed my last 561; mine is slightly modded now:

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Waved and de-flipped the flippa! ;):thumbup::cool:
 
eon blue apocalypse said:
Maybe this is a weird comparison, maybe not, but does anyone have experience with both the 0560 and the Spyderco C156 Brad Southard?
Click to expand...

I have both and carry the ZT more often. I carry the ZT in my back pocket and it rides really nice for such a big folder. For EDC type cutting tasks I think the Southard is better suited because of the overall size and blade shape. I find me missing a choil on the Southard but don't mind not having it on the 0560. The ZT is so smooth and feels indestructible, but I believe it needs a smaller knife to go along with it. I usually pair it with a medium sized Spyderco like a Native 5, sage, Delica etc.
 
Munchy said:
I have both and carry the ZT more often. I carry the ZT in my back pocket and it rides really nice for such a big folder. For EDC type cutting tasks I think the Southard is better suited because of the overall size and blade shape. I find me missing a choil on the Southard but don't mind not having it on the 0560. The ZT is so smooth and feels indestructible, but I believe it needs a smaller knife to go along with it. I usually pair it with a medium sized Spyderco like a Native 5, sage, Delica etc.
Click to expand...

Thanks I really appreciate your feedback. I always have a smaller folder (99.9% of the time a Cadet or Electrician) in my pocket to accompany my primary knife.
 
The 560 is an awesome knife. I carry one at work and when off of work frequently, and I've never had an issue yet. My cutting tasks range from the standard cardboard to fiberglass insulation, ceiling tiles, and even reaming copper pipe and its handled all of that without a hitch. Hell, even use it to jimmy door locks and to pry up heavy shipping staples.

I don't need a knife to hold a razor edge, especially when I'm hitting metal with the edge of a blade all the time. My needs are for a workable edge that won't chip easily and will hold up to moderate abuse and the elmax blade of the 560 has done all that and more.

Best slicer? No. Holds a keen edge forever? Nope. Good, all around utility knife? Absolutely!

If you're looking for a good knife that'll hold up to some smack, the 560 won't disappoint.
 
Well since no one told me I was crazy for considering the 0560 over [insert any knife here] I finally pulled the trigger. Can't wait until it gets here.

Would love to see more photos of 0560(and variants) while I impatiently wait, if anyone has more to post!

Thanks for the feedback everyone!
 
The picture is an oldie but a goodie. Good ol' 0561. It's gotten a few more scratches on it since this photo was taken.
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Just buy it! I personally prefer it over the smaller SS frame locks ZT's as its almost the same weight but bigger.
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Agree with several other posters. Just buy a 0560 or 0561. No other knife (0562 included) can substitute it.
 
Came in today. I'm in love with it. It's great; the ergos, the blade length, the blackwash (which takes away my ocd about scratches and ensures that I will use it).

It's truly awesome.

I can't seem to make imgur work to post a picture though...going to have to do some reading on how to do this again.
 
Nice choice! I have the 560 and a 562 on the way that I bought here! Be careful it will want a brother soon...
 
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