ZT 0562CF M390 Blade cracked at jimping

Out of interest, if the OP continued to use the cracked blade would it be just fine or is there a risk of a more catastrophic failure?
Matt
 
I don't believe the problem is as wide spread as one might think. I've had quite a few 550's pass through my hands and have used them all quite hard and only have had this issue pop up once. My issue was my fault entirely, anyone who had any experience with electrical cable knows how thick 500mcm cable is and what it takes to cut it. Chopping it multiple times without the knife failing the first time is actually a testament to how touch theses knives are.
 
I've hammered knives through electrical wire up to 750mcm and steel armored multi conductor cables dozens of times over the years when proper cable cutters weren't available. One knife broke on the 1st tap, some suffered minor damage, others had zero damage. All of the ones that broke or suffered major damage were of the stainless variety. Lineman pliers were most often used as the hammer.
 
jpm2 said:
I've hammered knives through electrical wire up to 750mcm and steel armored multi conductor cables dozens of times over the years when proper cable cutters weren't available. One knife broke on the 1st tap, some suffered minor damage, others had zero damage. All of the ones that broke or suffered major damage were of the stainless variety. Lineman pliers were most often used as the hammer.
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Yep, I used 440 channellocks myself.
 
Never heard of anyone hammering a knife through 500 before, thats impressive! Honestly I've just never thought of doing that, if i didnt have cable cutters available i'd just grab a hacksaw or recip saw lol
 
DrunkenMaster said:
Never heard of anyone hammering a knife through 500 before, thats impressive! Honestly I've just never thought of doing that, if i didnt have cable cutters available i'd just grab a hacksaw or recip saw lol
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I've used hacksaws too but prefer a blade. The saw tries to separate the strands and leaves burrs at the exit. Takes a lot of clean up if you're putting a lug on. I find hammering a knife through, especially if you roll the wire/cable and cut all the way around it, to come out much cleaner.
 
jpm2 said:
I've used hacksaws too but prefer a blade. The saw tries to separate the strands and leaves burrs at the exit. Takes a lot of clean up if you're putting a lug on. I find hammering a knife through, especially if you roll the wire/cable and cut all the way around it, to come out much cleaner.
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Good to know in a pinch. I'm not sure I could bring myself to do that to a good knife though, maybe I need a dedicated work beater. Only been in the trade 3 years but it's always interesting to hear how other people do things, thanks. :thumbup:
 
Well one my situations (I've done it a few times actually with different ZT's) called for a knife because our cable cutters were broken, no recip or hacksaw available. Had a transformer blow (4160v to 480v) and entire building was without power. Had to run 16 piece of 500mcm (12' each section) and everyone was scrambling trying to get bugs, liquid tape, vinyl and silicone tape, emergency lights, etc. As we were unrolling the cable, chief asked if I had something in my pocket to cut the cable (he was joking of course) and I said "yep" and pulled out my ZT (560bw at that moment) and began to baton the cable with my channellocks acting as my hammer. Knife handled the task no problem.

Second time was almost the same situation but it was a 4160v switch that blew and again, we needed to tap into some Cooper switches to temporarily power a section of a different building. 12 pieces of 500mcm at 6' each...that's when the 550 cracked on piece number 6 or 7.

I've put the 560bw through some stuff, just to see how far it would go...here is some 2" copper pipe I tried batoning through
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Sometimes your knives just gotta stretch their legs, ya know?
 
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metsfan said:
Well one my situations (I've done it a few times actually with different ZT's) called for a knife because our cable cutters were broken, no recip or hacksaw available. Had a transformer blow (4160v to 480v) and entire building was without power. Had to run 16 piece of 500mcm (12' each section) and everyone was scrambling trying to get bugs, liquid tape, vinyl and silicone tape, emergency lights, etc. As we were unrolling the cable, chief asked if I had something in my pocket to cut the cable (he was joking of course) and I said "yep" and pulled out my ZT (560bw at that moment) and began to baton the cable with my channellocks acting as my hammer. Knife handled the task no problem.

Second time was almost the same situation but it was a 4160v switch that blew and again, we needed to tap into some Cooper switches to temporarily power a section of a different building. 12 pieces of 500mcm at 6' each...that's when the 550 cracked on piece number 6 or 7.

I've put the 560bw through some stuff, just to see how far it would go...here is some 2" copper pipe I tried batoning through


Sometimes your knives just gotta stretch their legs, ya know?
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That's awesome! Thanks for sharing, makes me even more excited for my 0550 which is on the way!

Edit: How does ZT's S35VN hold up against the ELMAX blades?
 
DrunkenMaster said:
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing, makes me even more excited for my 0550 which is on the way!

Edit: How does ZT's S35VN hold up against the ELMAX blades?
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I really can't tell much of a difference. I've pushed both far beyond their intended uses, I cut a lot of abrasive materials so no edge lasts real long with me. Ceiling tiles, fire felt, fiberglass insulation, ream copper pipe, and regularly cut on metal or concrete/cement...just overall edge killing stuff so both perform pretty equally for me.
 
metsfan said:
I really can't tell much of a difference. I've pushed both far beyond their intended uses, I cut a lot of abrasive materials so no edge lasts real long with me. Ceiling tiles, fire felt, fiberglass insulation, ream copper pipe, and regularly cut on metal or concrete/cement...just overall edge killing stuff so both perform pretty equally for me.
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That's good to know then, at least the S35VN is easier to sharpen from what I hear.
 
DrunkenMaster said:
That's good to know then, at least the S35VN is easier to sharpen from what I hear.
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I found they both sharpen pretty much the same, but then again I don't do high polishes on my edges, but I've heard that s35 polishes much better than Elmax. A mirrored edge definitely has its benefits, but those benefits are lost in my tasks.
 
I had the blade on a 0551 crack in the same spot. ZT replaced the blade under warranty. No worries.
 
Striders are prone to this too... So you're not alone :)

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