ZT 0561 or Southard or ?

C

catchthecarp

Joined
Nov 25, 2012
Messages
82
Hello all,

I'm a new person here, I just started dipping my toe in these waters. I recently found this site and as a result I've added a couple of Spyderco's to my meager collection, a Leafstorm which I love and is now my EDC along with a PM2. Now I'm looking to purchase my first flipper. My budget is $250 with a little wiggle room. I have a two contenders in my sights, a ZT 0561 and a Spydie Southard. I'm asking for some advice and opinions from those who have experience with these two knives. I've done some homework, here, there, watched YT vids, but cannot make up my mind. The ZT is larger and heavier but that isn't a show stopper. Pros and cons of one over the other? Right now I'm leaning towards the Southard, the two Spyderco's I currently own have me swayed in that direction. Southard? ZT 0561? Others in my budget I should consider? TIA.
 
Having both, my vote goes to Southard. I really like the ZT and won't be getting rid of it, but the Southard just carries more comfortably while harnessing a blade that is only about a quarter inch less in length. I like that the Southard takes up less real estate in pocket... it carries smaller than it feels and looks when deployed. You're also looking at 4.1 oz (Southard) vs 5.8 oz (056X)... which translates to a pretty noticeable difference (while being active wearing shorts for example). There's an obvious handle length and side profile (when closed, laying one on top of the other) difference-- the Southard (blade and handle closed) completely fits on the closed 056X scale alone. The extra handle length and the extra weight is what knocked the 0560 out of my usual EDC, except on occasion (which is always a joyful one despite what's being noted :)).

Granted, the ZT is a great knife and there is so much more to love about it beyond the nitpicking I've done... also, it just wants to open and close more than the Spyder. By this, I mean that if you were to not succesfully flip open both blades, the ZT can complete its action due to that blade heft + the KVT system. It will also close shut on its own once the framelock is disengaged and you angle it accordingly... pretty cool. The Spyder's opening/closing action is super buttery smooth as well, but doesn't complete the action for you like the ZT (maybe this will change as I break it in). This is obviously not really a yay or nay selling point at all, just something that was noticed. Can't go wrong with either one, but you can see which direction I'm leaning based solely on comparative dimensions/profile here. I'm sure somebody else can chime in on ELMAX vs CTS-204P... long night at work and I'm tired :p

Good luck!
 
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I'd say get the Southard, it's better fitted and finished, and is more "gentleman" than the 0561, but that's more personal preference than anything.
 
DagaOculta said:
Having both, my vote goes to the southard. I really like the ZT and won't be getting rid of it, but the Southard just carries more comfortably while harnessing a blade that is only about a quarter inch less in length. I like that the Southard takes up less real estate in pocket... it carries smaller than it feels and looks when deployed. You're also looking at 4.1 oz (Southard) vs 5.8 oz (056X)... which translates to a pretty noticeable difference (while being active wearing shorts for example). There's an obvious handle length and side profile (when closed, laying one on top of the other) difference-- the Southard (blade and handle closed) completely fits on the closed 056X scale alone. The extra handle length and the extra weight is what knocked the 0560 out of my usual EDC, except on occasion (which is always a joyful one despite what's being noted :)).

Granted, the ZT is a great knife and there is so much more to love about it beyond the nitpicking I've done... also, it just wants to open and close more than the Spyder. By this, I mean that if you were to not succesfully flip open both blades, the ZT can complete its action due to that blade heft + the KVT system. It will also close shut on its own once the framelock is disengaged and you angle it accordingly... pretty cool. The Spyder's opening/closing action is super buttery smooth as well, but doesn't complete the action for you like the ZT (maybe this will change as I break it in). This is obviously not really a yay or nay selling point at all, just something that was noticed. Can't go wrong with either one, but you can see which direction I'm leaning based solely on comparative dimensions/profile here. I'm sure somebody else can chime in on ELMAX vs CTS-204P... long night at work and I'm tired :p

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Pretty much nailed it. I prefer the southard by a large margin. As for ELMAX vs CTS-204P, I can fill in that part. I find both steels to be well suited to the knives they're used in. The ELMAX in the ZT is tougher, and easier to sharpen but won't hold an edge quite as long as 204p, but that makes sense as the ZT is perhaps intended to be abused a bit more than the southard. On the other hand 204p is essentially American made m390, which pretty much speaks for itself. It is run harder than ELMAX, has better edge retention, and can be sharpened to a very low angle while maintaining stability (my southard is at 25° inclusive). 204p is more difficult to sharpen than ELMAX, but really isn't all too different than s30v in that regard. Both steels are extremely rust resistant. All in all it comes down to toughness vs edge retention. Neither are a slouch in either category, but if you plan on beating the heck out if the knife or doing a substantial amount of field sharpening, ELMAX might be better for you, if you dont need extra toughness but routinely find yourself cutting lots if abrasive materials such as rope or cardboard, 204p comes out on top. Personally, I much prefer 204p to ELMAX.
 
My vote goes to the Southard as well. I have handled the ZT and It's way to heavy and bulky for my liking. I also do not like the large flipper it has, and the jimping on it is useless.
 
Had a 550 and 551. Both very nice; never felt the need to chop down a supertanker. Most happy with Brad Southard.
Plus, it's smaller, thinner and lighter and ...oh yeah, that's important also.
 
I own both and EDC the Southard instead of the 0561. 0561 is an incredible knife but not really EDC friendly due to its size. If you're looking for something you can EDC then go with the Southard.

:D
 
I'd go with the ZT, but I like big, beefy knifes. The KVT Bearings are amazing, its built like a tank and is one hell of a knife. The 0561 is not meant to be a EDC, its meant to be a tactical folder and was made as such. I like the Blade Shape better as well as the pocket clip. Also the ZT can be had for around $200 from some places, which is a steal
 
My vote goes to the Southard. I have had a 560, and no longer do. I traded it off. I have two Spyderco's from the Taichung factory, their fit and finish is EXCELLENT. And, I would expect the Southards to be comparable being it's built in the Taichung factory. Plus, I like m390, and the Southards steel is comparable. I like the lines of the Southard much better.
 
The 56X line are pocket monsters, awesome knife but better suited for a glovebox imo. That said I much prefer the clip on them to the Southard.
 
I have handled both and prefer the zt 560. I currently own 2 560's and no southards. I'm not saying that the southard is a bad blade in any way, in fact it felt very nice in the hand and well made. I just don't particularly like the blade shape on it compared to the 560. I also like the heaier beefier feel of the 560. To me it just feels like it could handle more than the southard. Both are very nice blades and I am sure that you will be happy with either one.
 
The 561 is amazing. Of course I am a little biased and the 056x series are my favorite knives.
 
I just traded my Southard - the fit and finish was great, steel was even better - but I like my 560 much more. It is a personal preference as both would be a great choice.
 
560 for me. Ergos are great, one of the nicest production blades out there. I don't notice the size of the 560 much because of the deep carry clip. My recommendation would be to try out a ZT since you already have a few Spydies. You can't go wrong either way but variety is the spice of life!
 
If you don't mind a bigger folder take the ZT 561.
If you care about size, and weight, take the Southard.

I just returned my Southard today, bought yesterday.

Both are very well finished, and honestly the only differences in finishing/fit were on the insides. Which in my opinion the ZT 561 has little less finish but has so much more going for it.
Chamfered edges on the pocketing really adds a level of class I didn't see on the Southard. Pocketed/skeletonized liner and framelock. Carbodized lockbar. Powder coated hardware (durable).
The CNCed scales really add a level of "Custom" feel compared to the southard's plain G10/Ti Framelock. Not to mention the framelock gets polished before stonewashing.

I am unsure how anyone can say the Southard is better finished.
 
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I don't have the Southard, but I do love my 0560. Extremely well-built and the fit and finish is perfect. I was also concerned about its size and pocket carry, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it carries very well, at least for me. Don't get me wrong I love my Spydies, have 8 of them, but the 0560 was my first exposure to ZT and it's been a very good one.
 
56 (800x405).jpg welcome!
I like both - But, If I had to choose which to keep - It would be the the Southard. Blade's length is close, with less heft than the 0561. It feels lighter clipped to my pocket. Good luck on your choice.
 
I came really close to getting the ZT 0561, had it in my cart and was one click away before having a change of heart. I went with the Southard, just placed my order. Thanks for all the feedback, it was interesting reading everyone's impressions. I will keep a eye on the classified's for 0560/0561, I still want to try one. The way I'm going thru money on knives lately my next one will be used.
 
Southard. I don't need a tactical folder, so why carry one? Yes, the ZT's are great...IF you need all that bulk.
 
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