ZT 0562 vs ZT 0562CF

[BTGuy]

I can understand your dilemma. I went through the same thought process before getting my ZT 562. I ultimately went with the G10/Elmax version partly to have grippier scales and partly because I wanted the a more forgiving and easier to sharpen steel.

What others have said is true though. Regardless of the scale type, the ergonomics lend to the knife feeling very secure in the hand. I've since changed my G10 scale for a polished Ironwood scale and still have little worry of the knife slipping out of my hand.

Go with the version you like the look of best. You mentioned wanting a little bling. Maybe check out Whitty at USA Made Blade and getting it anodized also.

 

[b00n]

I can understand your dilemma. I went through the same thought process before getting my ZT 562. I ultimately went with the G10/Elmax version partly to have grippier scales and partly because I wanted the a more forgiving and easier to sharpen steel.

What others have said is true though. Regardless of the scale type, the ergonomics lend to the knife feeling very secure in the hand. I've since changed my G10 scale for a polished Ironwood scale and still have little worry of the knife slipping out of my hand.

Go with the version you like the look of best. You mentioned wanting a little bling. Maybe check out Whitty at USA Made Blade and getting it anodized also.

If I was stateside I'd definitely gone with Whitty/USA Made Blade, it's such an awesome service to get them anodized from him.

 

[BTGuy]

If I was stateside I'd definitely gone with Whitty/USA Made Blade, it's such an awesome service to get them anodized from him.

Same here. I actually contacted him about getting it from him first, but unfortunately he had to decline due to having many stopped at the Canadian border before. Scott seems like a great guy. Too bad CBSA made it so I didn't get a chance to deal with him.

 

[b00n]

Same here. I actually contacted him about getting it from him first, but unfortunately he had to decline due to having many stopped at the Canadian border before. Scott seems like a great guy. Too bad CBSA made it so I didn't get a chance to deal with him.

Not to derail the thread, but I really hope somebody is gonna get fired for that mess you Canadians have to deal with. It's really something when a state agency tries to make their own laws essentially.

 

[waverave]

Can anyone chime in how the G10 is on this particular model?

As others have already mentioned, the purchase on the 0562 is very secure and the difference in grip between the CF and G10 scales is negligible. You can find the 0562 in Elmax too if you would prefer that steel (I find it a little easier to maintain) but otherwise I would go with what you think looks better really. It will be a great knife either way. I think the only real way to solve your dilemna is to buy one of each and be done with it

 

[dkb45]

I've had both the normal G10 and currently have the CF 562, and I don't find that much of a texture difference. CF is a little less grippy, but it is still textured, and the knife has jimping and contours to keep it in hand. The only real improvement with the CF version is the cooler scale, better steel, and 2 tone finish (satin bevels, stonewashed flats). The steel alone is a huge improvement though.

If you get an Elmax G10 version, though, there will be very little difference aside from cosmetics, Elmax is just a tiny bit lower grade steel than M390/20CV.

 

[ScooterG]

As others have already mentioned, the purchase on the 0562 is very secure and the difference in grip between the CF and G10 scales is negligible. You can find the 0562 in Elmax too if you would prefer that steel (I find it a little easier to maintain) but otherwise I would go with what you think looks better really. It will be a great knife either way. I think the only real way to solve your dilemna is to buy one of each and be done with it

Heck of a first post! The “buy both” is a common BF mantra...you catch on quick!

 

[RBid]

I got the G-10 Elmax version when the 0562 was new, after having handled both. I like the blade finish better, I prefer the G-10 texture in hand, and I appreciate the slight step down in wear resistance as opposed to M390. For most casual owners, who are never going to use it enough to benefit from the extra edge retention, or get sufficiently into sharpening to enjoy working M390, the S35VN version is probably best.

 

[Armen]

I can understand your dilemma. I went through the same thought process before getting my ZT 562. I ultimately went with the G10/Elmax version partly to have grippier scales and partly because I wanted the a more forgiving and easier to sharpen steel.

What others have said is true though. Regardless of the scale type, the ergonomics lend to the knife feeling very secure in the hand. I've since changed my G10 scale for a polished Ironwood scale and still have little worry of the knife slipping out of my hand.

Go with the version you like the look of best. You mentioned wanting a little bling. Maybe check out Whitty at USA Made Blade and getting it anodized also.

Lookswise the carbon fiber is to my liking. I also like the two tone blade.

 

[Armen]

Cf version is just satin finish.

Looks like a two tone finish and the blade looks a bit more shinier

 

[Lapedog]

I've had both the normal G10 and currently have the CF 562, and I don't find that much of a texture difference. CF is a little less grippy, but it is still textured, and the knife has jimping and contours to keep it in hand. The only real improvement with the CF version is the cooler scale, better steel, and 2 tone finish (satin bevels, stonewashed flats). The steel alone is a huge improvement though.

If you get an Elmax G10 version, though, there will be very little difference aside from cosmetics, Elmax is just a tiny bit lower grade steel than M390/20CV.

I honestly disagree that Elmax is a “lower grade” steel than m390/20cv/204p. If you look at the makeup of the two steels you will see that Elmax is in some ways the “little brother” of m390 family. By that I mean they have very similar proportions of the elements that constitutes them; just m390 family has a little bit more of each alloying element.

Elmax is likely tougher than m390 because it has less alloying elements. M390 family (20cv / 204p) are likely going to be more abrasion resistant.

With that said the m390 family is an all time favourite of mine and strikes me as a perfect balance of characteristics.

 

[sXePhenomenal]

I honestly disagree that Elmax is a “lower grade” steel than m390/20cv/204p. If you look at the makeup of the two steels you will see that Elmax is in some ways the “little brother” of m390 family. By that I mean they have very similar proportions of the elements that constitutes them; just m390 family has a little bit more of each alloying element.

Elmax is likely tougher than m390 because it has less alloying elements. M390 family (20cv / 204p) are likely going to be more abrasion resistant.

With that said the m390 family is an all time favourite of mine and strikes me as a perfect balance of characteristics.

You right they all fit into the ultra premium steel category I feel like comparing them is nearly splitting hairs

 

[Ajack60]

Some of you may have read my thread about returning my 940-1 and picking up a ZT 0450CF. I was so impressed by the fit and finish of the 450 that I want to pick up a slightly larger ZT to take the place of my Para 2.

I do like the look of ZT's carbon fiber but find it a bit slippery on my 450CF (maybe because it's thin and less to hold on to). I've almost dropped the knife a few times because of this. For this reason I was gravitating toward the 0562 (S35VN steel) over the 0562CF.

Can anyone chime in how the G10 is on this particular model? On my para 2 the G10 feels like a cheese grater but its super grippy. If the G10 on the 0562 is just as slick as the Carbon Fiber I'd rather have the Carbon fiber. If it's grippier I'd prefer the G10.

Thanks!

Yes, the smaller knife is harder to grip and hold firmly while opening the blade. That’s the reason I got rid of mine and got a 452. The 562 is wider and give you more grip making it easier to hold on to. I do like carbon fiber and have several ZT’S and other folders in carbon fiber. I don’t have any issues having a firm grip with the ZT 452, 462, 562, CRK’S or Shirogorov’s with carbon fiber slabs.

 

[Cursum Perficio]

I've had an 0562 G10/Elmax for a few years, awesome folder, G10 is grippy enough but not too much, and the ergos are great.
It's one of two folders I have that have made me a real Elmax fan.

 

[highestpoint]

I had ZT's elmax on a 566 and it was just as awesome as any other m390 or cts204p steels I've had. I wouldn't worry about the steel but as said before the $40 increase in price is justifiable.. & if you're worried about the grip..

Smokey Mountain Knife Works has the 0562blk with the DLC coated 20cv and g10 @ $240 which I think would fit your needs

 

[Armen]

Yes, the smaller knife is harder to grip and hold firmly while opening the blade. That’s the reason I got rid of mine and got a 452. The 562 is wider and give you more grip making it easier to hold on to. I do like carbon fiber and have several ZT’S and other folders in carbon fiber. I don’t have any issues having a firm grip with the ZT 452, 462, 562, CRK’S or Shirogorov’s with carbon fiber slabs.

I think the 0450CF is a great size to carry around in an office environment. I will be keeping mine because I love the fit and finish and quality. Per my original post I was looking for a bigger ZT knife to replace my PM2 for weekend carry. It would make sense that a wider handle would be easier to hold on to even if the handle is carbon fiber as well.

 

[sharp_edge]

I think the 0450CF is a great size to carry around in an office environment. I will be keeping mine because I love the fit and finish and quality. Per my original post I was looking for a bigger ZT knife to replace my PM2 for weekend carry. It would make sense that a wider handle would be easier to hold on to even if the handle is carbon fiber as well.

Spyderco PM2 and ZT 0562 have the same overall length although the latter's cutting edge is longer. If you are looking for a ZT that is longer than PM2 and with a substantial handle, think about ZT 0909, 0920, 0804, 0560/0561, and 0200.

 

[Armen]

Spyderco PM2 and ZT 0562 have the same overall length although the latter's cutting edge is longer. If you are looking for a ZT that is longer than PM2 and with a substantial handle, think about ZT 0909, 0920, 0804, 0560/0561, and 0200.

I plan to carry the 0450CF during the work week because it wont scare the sheeple at the office (as long as they dont see me flip it out) and the 0562 on weekends for whatever tasks come up.