ZT 0561 lockup issues and experience on return service

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maximus83

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Nov 7, 2011
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I found out my nice ZT 0561, one of the early versions that has the Elmax blade, has some lockup issues ("lock rock") so needs to go back for service.

For folks that have had this similar issues with ZT 0561 or similar models: what was your experience on reaching out to KAI for warranty service? Assuming my issue is real thus creating a potential safety issue, are they likely to tell me to take a hike, or fix the knife, or issue some kind of credit in their store? Have never dealt with KAI on warranty issues other than just requesting screws for clips and things like that.
 
KAI has solid customer service. I had to send in my 801 Copperhead in and they took care of me, free of charge. I don’t believe I’ve ever read anything negative about their warranty.
 
Yeah thanks for that. Good to hear. My only minor contacts with them for simple stuff like getting clip screws, etc, have been extremely positive. But here, we're talking about warranty service or refund on a $240 knife, so it'll be a bigger deal. Just wondering if others have had the same issue I did with ZT 0561, and how they handle that since the model is discontinued.
 
I had a zt0560bw that had bad lock stick. I would have to pry the lockbar to disengage it. I e-mailed and asked if they could fix it or add a steel insert. I was informed that it's a discontinued model so they don't service it. They also stated that if it was a warranty issue they would issue me a credit for full value towards a new model from their website.
 
I had a tiny bit of lock rock after a while and ZT fixed it no problem , rock solid !
 
yeah not sure theyll fix discontinued models? best to call and get verification first if ya want it regardless of defect.
 
I recently attempted to send in my ZT 0560BLK for maintenance due to a safety issue.

The detent was so weak that it deployed in my pocket the first day I carried it. On top of that, there was no lockbar insert so I attempted to get both in a single service round.

They said neither modification could be done since the knife is no longer in production and they have no more spare parts for it.

They offered me I believe a $320 gift card to their ZT online store in exchange for the knife, which unfortunately was rather low given I paid a premium for this knife given it's relative rarity.

In a surprise turn, they offered to refund the knife to the dealer (Knifeworks) and the dealer would then offer me a full refund on the knife. Everyone won in this scenario and I ended up using my refund to buy a Sebenza from the same dealer.

The whole process took around two months, but it was well worth it!
 
KAI will fix it. To them, lock rock is an easy fix (although I do not know how they do it, it is definitely not blade or scale replacement).
 
sharp_edge said:
KAI will fix it. To them, lock rock is an easy fix (although I do not know how they do it, it is definitely not blade or scale replacement).
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Are they likely to fix on a DC'd model, though? Or give a credit in their store? I've heard different views on that.
 
When mine was repaired it had long been discontinued. The lock rock wasn't bad it just wasn't perfect. They fixed it and now it's perfection! Their warranty has been outstanding and the CS employee was very nice as well.
 
skyhorse said:
When mine was repaired it had long been discontinued. The lock rock wasn't bad it just wasn't perfect. They fixed it and now it's perfection! Their warranty has been outstanding and the CS employee was very nice as well.
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I m glad to hear this. I have a 551 that was repaired by them when the lock bar had progressed completely over to the right side of the blade on lockup.
After it was returned, the knife had some minor lock rock. I ve delayed sending it back. But I would like it fixed. Maybe I ll call. I really like that knife and wish ZT offered more models with unassisted thumb stud opening. The customer service on my first call was outstanding.
 
maximus83 said:
Are they likely to fix on a DC'd model, though? Or give a credit in their store? I've heard different views on that.
Click to expand...

That I don't know for sure. I was saying of my experience of a ZT0562cf that had slight up and down blade play when locked. It appears they did not replace the lockbar insert. I suspect they replaced the pivot and/or the stop pin (with a slightly bigger size?).
 
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