ZT 0561 VS. What? For <$300

Radjxf

Radjxf

Joined
Apr 8, 2006
Messages
288
Hello, knife newb here. After living for almost 5 years in Montana, most of the time we're out in the boonies hunting and fishing.

I've decided I need to upgrade my "weekend carry" knife to something heavier and tougher built.

I've had: Spyderco Delica VG-10, Same in serrated blade, a few Benchmades and a new Spyderco Paramilitary 2 in S30V.

I need a tough, last-long knife with steel that will really hold an edge, but not chip. I've had chipping problems with VG-10, S30V and Aus-8.
These came about doing typical backcountry stuff: skinning animals, cutting small sticks, opening packages, cutting small ropes, etc.

Bottom line is I'm looking for a folder with blade around 3.5"-3,75", very grippy scales, NO RECURVE blades, fairly thick along the spine and good edge retention without chipping. Needs to be able to do a little bit of careful, reasonable prying without destruction. Would like to stay under $300 new or used.

So, I have an opportunity or two to purchase a new ZT 0561. What else should I be considering given the above requirements? Oh, and not interested in assisted-openers, but may consider one if it really picques my interest and can potentially be disabled.

Thanks in advance, I look forward to learning from you guys.
 
Benchmade 810 Contego. Don't worry about the M4 blade steel rusting. I live in Miami and have subjected mine to all sorts of moisture and not even the first sign of rust yet. It is a beast of a knife with a tremendous amount of grip. Get one while the discount codes at Knifeworks are still available otherwise the price will go up soon.
 
Spyderco Southard with a 3.5" blade of CTS-204P (similar to M390) that's a solid 0.157" thick (can pry), grippy G10, titanium frame lock and a great flipper to boot. Personally, for its price it can't be beat.
 
My 0801 didn't chip when it hit bone last weekend several times. The tallow came off really easily with hot water. It has the same steel as the 0561. I have really enjoyed using it. Easily brought it to hair popping sharp. It's solid, heavy and should last a long time. With the $30 reblade option from ZT I think it's a great deal. Only drawback is that it's fully titanium. ImageUploadedByTapatalk1386390845.950553.jpg
 
Benchmade Adamas model 275 folder in D2 steel. One great knife. I have one. I have NOT used it; I don't get out much. I have read a whole bunch or rave reviews on this knife. And...it's NOT expensive.
 
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I would go with the ZT 0561. I love mine and it really got me hooked on flippers and ZT in general. Got for it.
 
You described the 0560/0561 in your requirements. It should be perfect for your application.
 
I like some of the recommendations here. I love the Southard, it's my every day knife and I think it's hard to go wrong with a Southard. My ZT 0560 has gone forgotten after buying an 0801, but in my experience I'd have to admit while I'm no steel snob, ZT's elmax edge retention is nothing special. They're fine, but definitely nothing impressive like the higher end steels, as far as wear goes. CPM-M4 rocks, though, so I think the Gayle Bradley could be a solid choice for you.

Your "very grippy scales" comments makes me think of the stock Southard scale and one other knife that's been mentioned here already, the knife that I think best fits your listed requirements: the Benchmade 810 Contego. You get a huge chunk of CPM-M4 goodness in the blade, it's a tough knife that's built to last, and the main complaint that I've heard about it is that it has over the top gimping and texturing all over it, so it's plenty grippy.
 
Thanks gentleman for the thoughtful responses.

I would love an SNG, but too much $ and not sure about losing so much useable cutting length to the finger choil.

The Southard gets mentioned a lot, but just 'looks' [never handled one] on the light side for my purposes. Remember, I'm in MT and given the places I go and things I do, I need a very tough knife and smoothness/light weight/looks are much less important.

Thanks again for the recommendations. I'll keep an eye on the Exchange and/or maybe I can deal on the 0561 that I found.
 
Military in S90V or haunt the exchange to find an SnG for $300 (It does happen, they just go quick)
 
Sonnydaze said:
Benchmade Adamas model 275 folder in D2 steel. One great knife. I have one. I have NOT used it; I don't get out much. I have read a whole bunch or rave reviews on this knife. And...it's NOT expensive.
Click to expand...

I tend to agree.

If you need something stronger, get a fixed blade.

The G10 scales are very grippy.

Awesome knife.

BTW, the axis lock on the Adamas was built extra strong. Videos on the BM site show it took well over 1000 lbs to make it fail.

I'm a believer and have several.
 
Sonnydaze said:
Benchmade Adamas model 275 folder in D2 steel. One great knife. I have one. I have NOT used it; I don't get out much. I have read a whole bunch or rave reviews on this knife. And...it's NOT expensive.
Click to expand...

I tend to agree.

If you need something stronger, get a fixed blade.

The G10 scales are very grippy.

Awesome knife.
 
As a MT native (Columbia Falls and Bozeman), my bruiser folder is a Benchmade 810. I sanded the handles down a bit to take some of the sting out of the jimping and slabs. Before the 810, I carried a Benchmade 520. The 154CM steel is way easy to sharpen, and that knife was essentially a pry bar that folded. It now resides in the center console of my car for emergencies.
 
In Montana I'd have a fixed blade on my hip every day. I carry an Insingo every day, and have an Umnumzaan and Sebenza also. But for any real work I prefer fixed blades. You can get a top of the line custom bushcraft style knife for under 300 bucks. I can see a folder in the office, but a fixed blade would almost seem mandatory in the mt wilderness.

If you must go folder, I prefer frame locks and axis locks with a soft spot for slipjoints. I have a Ritter Griptilian, 710, BM Marlowe collaboration and mayhem for the last of my tactical folders.
 
Which part of the boonies, and what activities are you doing?

As you may know, "hunting and fishing" can mean a great many things in our state.
 
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