ZT 0562CF and ZT0452CF

I'm doing the same thing as my friend Steve right now, but watching the Snooker World Championships while flipping my 452CF.
What I notice is while flipping my middle finger rests in the lock bar cut out. When unlocking my ring finger rests in the cut out. I use the tip of my thumb right in the middle to 'push' the lock bar kind of down and to the left.
Simple and no dented thumb!!
Mine might e been a little tight when new, but broke in beautifully!!
One of my best, and easiest, flippers!
Stick with it Andrew, it is a fantastic knife!!! Wouldn't sell this one or the 562!!
Good luck!
Joe
 
Rat Finkenstein said:
toughen up your girlie thumbs! :p
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Hmmm, now, now, let's have respect for our elders. I just turned 65! I was waiting for someone to make a joke. In all seriousness, it is not about pain but practicality. I picked up a Rat 1 and then 2 because I liked the 1 so much. I made a mirror finish on th blade. If I lose it....no problem. Yet a cheap knife albiet not a monolock but liner lock...jimping...closes easily. My background is in science. There is something that tells me that a knife should not need to be "broken in." Perhaps it is more a practice thing. Yet, it does seem strange to me that it should be so difficult to close. Today I am going to nearby Frederick where there is a knife store that carries ZT so I will bring this one and check out his.

There was a certain irony when I happened to come upon this Russian video of a guy putting ta 550 zt through its paces...it really made me laugh. You never see American videos like this. I mean this guy wore gloves and was beating the hell out the knife....full downward stabs into wood, turning the knife over and baning the spine of the blade as hard as he could to try and defeat the lockup...that is why they would probably beat us in a ground war lol.
The 0550 has jimping on the lockbar....rugged....tough....I am bidding for one on ebay as I write this!
 
My background is in construction and I'm used to breaking in tools with moving parts. Pretty much every knife I've gotten new, and many I've picked up on the Exchange that had little prior use, has required break-in. Some just need to smooth out a bit like AXIS lock knives and those that run on PB washers (even CRKs), while others, particularly flippers and frame-locks, take some time to loosen up and work properly. There's no question that my 0452 was the most difficult-to-break-in knife I've had yet and I was pretty discouraged when I first got it. There's also no question that I'd prefer a deeper show-side cut-out for better access to the lock release, but, that said, the knife is still a favorite and will stay in both my collection and rotation.

As to the question of pushing the lock-bar over, this was an issue with some early runs of this knife and was something I inquired after when purchasing mine. Interestingly enough, I couldn't force the lock-bar over when the knife was new, but now that it's broken in I can to some extent, though I still have no problem disengaging the lock when I do, even with my almost-septugenarian arthritic thumb. I wonder if the OP's knife is an early model--my serial # is 4939.

Anyway, as with anything, YMMV and these two models in question may indeed just not be for you, Andrew, though both you and the knives may come around. Good luck with your bid for the 0550 and I hope it brings you greater satisfaction. BTW, I'd leave the spine-whack tests for others' knives--they're somewhat entertaining, albeit useless, and way beyond anything a folder should be subjected to.

Steve
 
OP - I took some pictures showing how to properly unlock ZT 0452 and ZT 0562. It is relatively difficult to disengage the lockbar with the technique showing in the first two pictures (one for ZT0452cf and the other ZT0562cf), whereas the technique in the last two pictures makes it easy. Pay attention to the angle of the thumb (and nail) pushing the lockbar. (I also have videos showing it but don't know how to embed them).

Difficult
20170429_115505_zpsvqd4pdct.jpg

20170429_115443_zpsvf5cul41.jpg


Easy
20170429_115517_zpsjkewgyuk.jpg

20170429_115449_zps9jz0vvtp.jpg
 
OP, can you tighten up the pivot on the 0452 at all? If it's a little loose, it greatly exacerbates the sticky lock/ lock overengagement issue.
 
That is the exact way I was trying to put into words SE! Both of mine are very easy to un lock when using this technique. I close all my frame locks this way.
Great pics!
Joe
 
sharp_edge said:
OP - I took some pictures showing how to properly unlock ZT 0452 and ZT 0562. It is relatively difficult to disengage the lockbar with the technique showing in the first two pictures (one for ZT0452cf and the other ZT0562cf), whereas the technique in the last two pictures makes it easy. Pay attention to the angle of the thumb (and nail) pushing the lockbar. (I also have videos showing it but don't know how to embed them).

Difficult
20170429_115505_zpsvqd4pdct.jpg

20170429_115443_zpsvf5cul41.jpg


Easy
20170429_115517_zpsjkewgyuk.jpg

20170429_115449_zps9jz0vvtp.jpg
Click to expand...
Great examples...pretty much sums it up for those with issues.
 
ChazzyP said:
My background is in construction and I'm used to breaking in tools with moving parts. Pretty much every knife I've gotten new, and many I've picked up on the Exchange that had little prior use, has required break-in. Some just need to smooth out a bit like AXIS lock knives and those that run on PB washers (even CRKs), while others, particularly flippers and frame-locks, take some time to loosen up and work properly. There's no question that my 0452 was the most difficult-to-break-in knife I've had yet and I was pretty discouraged when I first got it. There's also no question that I'd prefer a deeper show-side cut-out for better access to the lock release, but, that said, the knife is still a favorite and will stay in both my collection and rotation.

As to the question of pushing the lock-bar over, this was an issue with some early runs of this knife and was something I inquired after when purchasing mine. Interestingly enough, I couldn't force the lock-bar over when the knife was new, but now that it's broken in I can to some extent, though I still have no problem disengaging the lock when I do, even with my almost-septugenarian arthritic thumb. I wonder if the OP's knife is an early model--my serial # is 4939.

Anyway, as with anything, YMMV and these two models in question may indeed just not be for you, Andrew, though both you and the knives may come around. Good luck with your bid for the 0550 and I hope it brings you greater satisfaction. BTW, I'd leave the spine-whack tests for others' knives--they're somewhat entertaining, albeit useless, and way beyond anything a folder should be subjected to.

Steve
Click to expand...
My Spetsnaz days are over lol. No need to baton with a folder. Ah, sadly this reminds me of the fact that my beloved Randall #14 was stollen! I do really appreciate you feedback. While I have some experience with many different types of knives, most of mine are from early technology....before the 90s. I am curious as to how you broke your knive in?

FYI, I contacted the guy with the 0550 and he told me the knife is really hard to open AND close...so I let it go. I discovered a big knife store in Frederick, MD and too the 0652cf there. He said it was normal. I wear extra large surgical gloves. I think my hands are just too big for this knife...at least so far...I find it hard to avoid pushing on the lockbar while closing. I guess my thinking is that if the knife does not feel/work naturally in your hands....it is not for you. I hope Blade HQ will take it back if that is my decision.
 
@Chazzip. Thank you very much for taking the time to take these pictures. That was very kind of you. The problem is that it just does not seem like natural grip for how I hold all my other knives. I wear a large to extra large surgical glove...the 0652 just may not be for me. I returned the 0452 because the lockbar all too easily over traveled and prevented closure.
 
If you love the knife, there is no reason to return it Andrew. You're giving up on an absolutely excellent knife!!
You just need to get acquainted with it!
It is something new to you. There is just a bit of a learning curve. Once you get used to it, which you will be able to do, it becomes second nature.
If you don't love it you can always sell it and not lose that much at all. Then stay away from frame locks.
I can't agree with you on the subject of returning a perfectly functioning knife however.
Joe
 
OP please check where your pocket clip rest on the knife. I recently purchased a ZT0450CF and my pocket clip was preventing me from flipping and closing the knife easily. All I did was loosen to the screws and shift my pocket clip slight off the lock bar..and my ZT was flipping and closing smooth as butter...please quote/reply if this helps I'd hate to see someone give up on such a good knife.
 
palonej said:
If you love the knife, there is no reason to return it Andrew. You're giving up on an absolutely excellent knife!!
You just need to get acquainted with it!
It is something new to you. There is just a bit of a learning curve. Once you get used to it, which you will be able to do, it becomes second nature.
If you don't love it you can always sell it and not lose that much at all. Then stay away from frame locks.
I can't agree with you on the subject of returning a perfectly functioning knife however.
Joe
Click to expand...

Joe, thanks, I returned the 0452 because there was definitely something wrong with the frame lock. As for the 0652, its funny, I kind of hate to send it back...but the idea that a pocket knife has a learning curve is new to me. What I do find interesting is the fact that it is far easier for me to close it with my left hand leading me to think it is a left handed knife...which I know it is not.

From an analytic perspective, I should think the pressure required is equal to the inherent sprite g of the lock bar.....why should it change over time....it is titanium.

Also, I suspect many will think this strange but I feel any pocket knife under 4 inches is small...they feel that way to me in any case. Of course I have some that are easy to open even though they are small like the two component material Leak.

At this point I am going to take your advice and give it a whirl, /thanks again

OH, BTW, why do you guys refer to the individual at OP, original poster rather than merely by name?
 
Aquaholicc said:
OP please check where your pocket clip rest on the knife. I recently purchased a ZT0450CF and my pocket clip was preventing me from flipping and closing the knife easily. All I did was loosen to the screws and shift my pocket clip slight off the lock bar..and my ZT was flipping and closing smooth as butter...please quote/reply if this helps I'd hate to see someone give up on such a good knife.
Click to expand...

I had to send he 0450 back because there really was a problem with the locker....However, I am curious as to whether what you are referring to also pertains to the 0462CF? If so, how do I adjust the clip?
 
Andrew124c41 said:
I had to send he 0450 back because there really was a problem with the locker....However, I am curious as to whether what you are referring to also pertains to the 0462CF? If so, how do I adjust the clip?
Click to expand...
You just need a small enough torx bit(star)..im not sure what size I just took the knife I wanted to service into my my local hardware store and had them give me a match for my drill bit. I hope this helps sir..I really believe this is your issue ...
 
Aquaholicc said:
You just need a small enough torx bit(star)..im not sure what size I just took the knife I wanted to service into my my local hardware store and had them give me a match for my drill bit. I hope this helps sir..I really believe this is your issue ...
Click to expand...

I am not sure I understand. Do you remove the clip and drill new holes. Does this fix apply to the 0652CF
 
Andrew124c41 said:
I am not sure I understand. Do you remove the clip and drill new holes. Does this fix apply to the 0652CF
Click to expand...
No no just loosen the 2 screws that hold the pocket clip in and slightly turn the clip off of the lock bar..like this:


I'm only going off of google images as I've never owned the 0652 but it seems like ZT likes to have their pocket clips rest dangerously close to their lock bar on most models..
 
I looked at the knife and I thought about it and you are most certainly right. I tried loosening the clip but there is no way to get it totally off of the bar. What is interesting is how much easier it is to close with my left hand because the rest of the fingers are on the CF scale...nont on or near the lockbar....and the thumb is angled in such a way it is easier to move laterally. For a right handed person the right scale should really be cut much deeper IMHO.
 
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