ZT 0560 or Lionsteel SR1A? (edited)

dkb45

dkb45

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The HEST has been take off. I never saw anything about it not being ambidextrous. That is deal breaker.

I know what my first higher end knife will be, and I am stuck between the ZT 0560 and SR1A (my recommendation thread ended up bad, now I have a huge list of wants on a limited income -.-).

The prices are about the same. I will start by saying that I am southpaw, and I will carry the knife in my left pocket with the lefty clip. I need some input from lefties on these.

My biggest worry with the SR1A is that the blade on it has a LOT of belly. I don't need and am not much of a fan of belly. The clip is also pretty tiny, and the handles seem like they might not provide a whole lot of traction (this one is the least important, never had a knife, even super slick ones, slip out of my hand).

The 560 is a damn fine knife. I don't have any real issues with it aside from sheer size and the edge retention on the blade. I have heard about some of the 560s coming in at under 60 Rockwell and getting absolute garbage edge retention. For a knife that is nearly $200, I want to hold an edge like a champ.

I encourage discussion of these two. It will be at least a week before I have the money, so there is more than enough time to discuss all aspects. Thanks in advance!
 
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I've had both and the SR-1A blew the HEST out of the water IMO. It's just an amazing knife. The ergos are perfect and I never felt like my hand was going to slip while using the knife. The clip is pretty small but I liked it. It fit very snug and didn't interfere with my grip while holding the knife. It was extremely smooth and had one of the best lockups I've ever had on a knife. The lockbar had the perfect amount of tension which made the detent delightful. It is honestly up in my top three favorite knives which is saying something for me seeing that I've gone through a bunch of knives (trading addict:D)

And a few pics to push you over the edge:)



 
Also, I don't believe the HEST has the slit in the Ti side to allow left handed carry. You can switch the SR-1A clip to left handed carry though.
 
seelow123 said:
Also, I don't believe the HEST has the slit in the Ti side to allow left handed carry. You can switch the SR-1A clip to left handed carry though.
Click to expand...

That right there might be a deal breaker. It MUST have a lefty clip available. I may wind up choosing between the SR1A and the ZT 560. If it turns out the HEST doesnt allow lefty then I will edit the title and my post.
 
They do make a left handed version of the HEST just so you know. I've actually been contemplating these two knives as well and I'm leaning more towards the HEST as of today. Some other things you may not have realized are the size difference between the two knives, the SR-1a is quite a bit larger than the HEST. Also the SR-1a has a convex grind and the HEST has a regular V grind.

I was also concerned about all the problems that I've heard people have with the HEST, but if I choose to go with the HEST I plan on going with the Blade HQ exclusive version with the red G10. That being said maybe the quality control was a bit better on the red version, at least that is my hope. Also I started a thread a few hours ago asking about lock problems on the HEST and everyone that has commented thus far hadn't had a single problem with with their knives so that was reassuring.

Hope some of this helps good luck choosing between two really cool knives. I'll more than likely be picking up one of the two within the next few weeks myself.
 
I don't want to get a lefty exclusive version. Those mean higher prices or lower availability. I think I may be ruling the HEST out because it doesn't seem ambidextrous.
 
I have a 0561, great knife excecpt it has a lot of Jimping. It has it on the lock, which is a good thing if your wearing gloves, but if your like me, don't wear gloves and play with your knives a lot it's not so good.
 
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Well in that case I would definitely go with the 0560 I've had mine for quite a while and it's fantastic.
 
Jimping on the 0560 can be a bit sharp on the earlier models but I believe this was changed in later models due to consumer response. Mine was a bit rough, I went over the edges with a bit of fine sand paper in a dowel (or pencil). If you do pick the 0560, its a great knife.
 
cEdge said:
Jimping on the 0560 can be a bit sharp on the earlier models but I believe this was changed in later models due to consumer response. Mine was a bit rough, I went over the edges with a bit of fine sand paper in a dowel (or pencil). If you do pick the 0560, its a great knife.
Click to expand...

Mine doesn't have this problem at all jimping feels perfect.
 
seelow123 said:
The Sr-1A is FFG with a convex edge;)
Click to expand...

Now is it a proper convex, or just a v grind that was made slightly convex? I know that sounds weird, but many people should know what I mean.Does it appear to be designed to be convex or was it just convexed as an afterthought?
 
The DPX Lefty Versions are the exact same price as the righty versions.
They're readily available and the exact same price, so if you want the DPX, go for it.
They truly are awesome knives.

The ZT's jimping never bothered me at all and felt really good in the hand.
The size of it is really not a problem, it's a great all around EDC and it doesn't feel as big as it is.
The weight is well distributed for a knife its size.
I carried mine for about 6 months with no problems what so ever.
The edge retention on the Elmax is great, I really wouldn't worry about it. I've never had one issue with Elmax steel. I think you'd actually be pleased with this steel.

The SR-1 was designed to be convex, it was not an after thought. They have a great beefy feel in the hand and are solid. D2 steel is really an awesome steel and is one of my personal favorites. =] As for the belly, I don't think this would really cause as issue as the tip is still well pronounced.
 
I am likely going to be buying a used knife to cut cost down a bit, so the HEST is almost completely out of the question. I have seen like a dozen up fro sale, and not a single one was lefty. It does also have more issues issues than the other options.

My issue with the belly isn't how the tip is, it is sharpening that belly. I cannot get the angles right for doing it freehand on my belt sander.

All that said, nobody recommends the SR1A over the 560? I know the 560 is a pretty sweet knife, but I wouldn't think it would be a total blowout.
 
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