ZT 0561 vs. Dendra Defender

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VolundoftheForge

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Jan 3, 2012
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Hey guys, I'm in the market for a new folder and recently came across Dendra Knives. I used to have a 0560 that I traded off, and was considering buying a 0561 to replace it, but after seeing these new blades, my decision has become a little more difficult. My main concerns with Dendra are being a foreign company means it may be difficult if warranty becomes an issue, and also they're relatively new so finding good reviews is a bit difficult. Anyways, any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
I don't know if it goes for the entire Dendra line, but Lionsteel makes the Defender. I wouldn't imagine warranty to be an issue. It certainly looks like an interesting blade. I'm waiting for one to pop up on the exchange at a good price.
 
I have both knives. The Defender is a very cool nice at a great price. However, the 560 is IMO still superior. It's much smoother due to the KVT bearing system and has a carbidized lock face which helps prevent the sticky lock. My defender has a sticky lock, not a deal breaker for me but considering you can find a used 560 for not much more than the Defender, makes it an easy descicion in my book. The 560 is also lighter and made with a better steal.
 
xICEMANx said:
I have both knives. The Defender is a very cool nice at a great price. However, the 560 is IMO still superior. It's much smoother due to the KVT bearing system and has a carbidized lock face which helps prevent the sticky lock. My defender has a sticky lock, not a deal breaker for me but considering you can find a used 560 for not much more than the Defender, makes it an easy descicion in my book. The 560 is also lighter and made with a better steal.
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Do all 561s have a carbidized lock face? My brother recently got one and it has the stickiest lock I've ever seen. Hard to disengage with 2 hands sometimes. I have seen multiple examples that have the same problem. Could the carbodized face be a new feature and maybe these sticky ones are older stock or something?
 
xICEMANx said:
I have both knives. The Defender is a very cool nice at a great price. However, the 560 is IMO still superior. It's much smoother due to the KVT bearing system and has a carbidized lock face which helps prevent the sticky lock. My defender has a sticky lock, not a deal breaker for me but considering you can find a used 560 for not much more than the Defender, makes it an easy descicion in my book. The 560 is also lighter and made with a better steal.
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Wanted to say I enjoyed your review. I've been seriously considering the Defender myself. Wanted to ask if you've had a chance to put it threw it's paces at all and what you think of the D2 they use?

Thanks!
 
For now, I would suggest the ZT because the Dendra's are just too new. Wait awhile before getting one so people can post long term reviews on how well it holds up overtime. They are both very nice, two very different steels, Elmax vs D2.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. I still am drawn to the Defender, since I don't know why but I find the 0560's blade to be over-rounded and it just doesn't appeal to me that much. I don't really want to end up a test subject for this model, but for the price I may have no choice. ;)
 
Bigfatts said:
I don't know if it goes for the entire Dendra line, but Lionsteel makes the Defender. I wouldn't imagine warranty to be an issue. It certainly looks like an interesting blade. I'm waiting for one to pop up on the exchange at a good price.
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didn't Lionsteel make the first Hest folder? If so, you might want to rethink that warranty comment, lol.

Never heard of Dendra, you guys need post some good pictures already!
 
xICEMANx said:
I have both knives. The Defender is a very cool nice at a great price. However, the 560 is IMO still superior. It's much smoother due to the KVT bearing system and has a carbidized lock face which helps prevent the sticky lock. My defender has a sticky lock, not a deal breaker for me but considering you can find a used 560 for not much more than the Defender, makes it an easy descicion in my book. The 560 is also lighter and made with a better steal.
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Couldn't agree more I just sent my Dendra Defender back. I tried everything while adjusting it to flip correctly. After I adjusted the pivot the blade touched the scales but it would at least flip then. After the second flip with my wrist it locked every time after that vey frustrating. I tried graphite cleaned all the oil off and it still would lock up. But with that being said I loved the design and the blade profile and finish was amazing on it. I have higher hopes for the the Typhoon and Deer Hunter. I would go with the ZT 561 or Zt 0200 just my 2cents
 
I have never heard of Dendra. They look awesome. I still don't have my 561 so until then, i'll probably hold off
 
While on the subject, are there any other flipper frame-locks(besides the Southard which has been beaten to death) that can compare? I rather like the design of the Surefire Charlie.
 
pbcg said:
Wanted to say I enjoyed your review. I've been seriously considering the Defender myself. Wanted to ask if you've had a chance to put it threw it's paces at all and what you think of the D2 they use?

Thanks!
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The D2 they use seems like a good steel. Hasn't been through a ton yet. I overall like the knife it's just that sticky lock! Extremaddiction said his broke in over time and doesn't stick anymore.
 
That's funny, I've been considering picking up a Typhoon for a few weeks now.

And was just looking at one right before seeing this post.

I love my Lionsteel SR-1A, so I'm sure the Defender is made with the same quality.

The first Dendra I was introduced to was the Defender, but I'm really diggin the Typhoon.

Anyone else have a Typhoon at all???
 
xICEMANx said:
The D2 they use seems like a good steel. Hasn't been through a ton yet. I overall like the knife it's just that sticky lock! Extremaddiction said his broke in over time and doesn't stick anymore.
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Thanks for the input. For the price I think it's a pretty good value too? That's why I asked about the D2. Lot of variance especially manufactured overseas but I've read pretty good thing about Lion Steel in general so your impression backs that up. Appreciate it. Like I said, liked your review, thanks again.
 
I would go with the Defender based on my personal experiences with my 0561.
The heat treat on the Elmax of the ZT is really soft and really lacking any performance as an edge holder.
My 0561 is from an earlier batch so it has some lock rock and blade play.
 
Go with ZT. I've handled about 10 0560s including my 0560 CBCF, and they all have had great lockup out of the box. My 0560CBCF has been flipped hundreds of times already and the lock hasn't moved or developed any play or stick. Only one or two had any minor stick out of the box from the ones I've handled. For the steel, you need to look for an amber tinge on the bevel. I've never owned elmax but I've heard people have or haven't had problems with it. Guess it depends on the knife. All the 0560s flipped very well to incredible though. Some were tighter than others. Others were super smooth (some probably just shipped with the pivot screw tightened down a bit too much). Some had strong detents, some had weaker detents. Just from what I saw in the batch I sampled, there were some variances in the knives, none so extreme though that I'd have considered any of them blems though. Me personally, I'd like to sample from a batch if possible (goes for any knife), but that's just because I'm really picky.
 
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