ZT 0566 alternative?

G

Gideons

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Dec 9, 2015
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Hey guys,

I'm a big fan of the ZT 0566BW, but I did get tired of replacing torsion bars. I like the traction, blade length, thin profile, ergonomics, handle length it and overall how tough/capable of knife it is in a small package. I do also own a Spyderco Domino, but the ZT 0566BW despite being heavier carries a lot better in pocket. The obvious alternative in my mind is the Hinderer XM-18 3inch, however I've read that the 0566 is closer in handle length/size to the 3.5'? Any other alternatives for the ZT 0566BW?

Requirements:
Flipper
DLC Preferred
No linerlock or backlock
3.25" Blade
Handle Length: 4.40" +
Handle Width: 0.49" or less


-Gideons
 
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How many torsion bars have you gone through?

The 0566 I had I deassisted. Not sure if that is still a possibility with the current models (do they have a closing detent).
 
craytab said:
How many torsion bars have you gone through?

The 0566 I had I deassisted. Not sure if that is still a possibility with the current models (do they have a closing detent).
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Well, I do fidget a lot with my knife. But over the past 2 years, I think 4 or 5? The torsion bar is a lot thinner than the one in the ZT 0301. I could try that out, just was curious if there was any knives similar to it that I was unaware of.
 
Gideons said:
Well, I do fidget a lot with my knife. But over the past 2 years, I think 4 or 5? The torsion bar is a lot thinner than the one in the ZT 0301. I could try that out, just was curious if there was any knives similar to it that I was unaware of.
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Dear God! That is awful luck! I've never had a torsion bar fail. What does Kershaw say when you contact them?

Do other 0566 owners have this issue?

On the topic of a recommendation, the 0562 is just slightly larger. I'd look at that as a replacement. Another alternative is to have the 0566 modded to your desire. If it really is the perfect knife for you it might be worth it to have it setup the exact way you like.
 
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craytab said:
Dear God! That is awful luck! I've never had a torsion bar fail. What does Kershaw say when you contact them?.
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I've had one for a year and I've gone through only one, but I don't carry it all the time. I can notice the second one getting a little weaker already. The torsion bar is probably too small for that blade. The first one broke and it was working more or less de-assisted, and surprisingly I liked it better with the assist. I'm curious to know if others have this problem too...
 
My wife's torsion bar on her 0566 broke about a year after carrying it. Called ZT and they sent a new one in the mail a month later. I tried de-assisting hers, but the action was horrible and wouldn't flip worth a flip! So now, the torsion bar stays in it.
 
91bravo said:
My wife's torsion bar on her 0566 broke about a year after carrying it. Called ZT and they sent a new one in the mail a month later. I tried de-assisting hers, but the action was horrible and wouldn't flip worth a flip! So now, the torsion bar stays in it.
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Yeah, the action on mine deassisted wasn't great either. It's clear they make it to be assisted. That said, I am glad they put a closing detent in (at least on the run I had). I wish companies would do that more.
 
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I didn't know they didn't put a closing detent on some of the models. I believe the one my wife has does in fact have a closing detent. Hers was bought years ago when they first came out.
 
91bravo said:
I didn't know they didn't put a closing detent on some of the models. I believe the one my wife has does in fact have a closing detent. Hers was bought years ago when they first came out.
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I'm not sure if there are some without closing detents. I know mine had one. I just wanted to express that even though the version I had has a closing detent, recent versions might have changed. Still a good idea to have one though. I wish more knives did so the attempt to deassist was even possible. I get why it is not done on budget blades, but on something like the 301? At that price level they can take the extra care to drill a detent hole. I had a 301 with an after market detent hole drilled at it was a much better knife. Only reason I sold it was...well....strider. yuck. Couldn't use it in good faith.
 
The 0609 is unassisted, the right dimensions, and comes in plain and (sprint run) DLC versions. The action is fantastic, so it’s a great fidget knife. More importantly, it’s a truly great user. The normal version is in CPM 20CV steel, which is outstanding.
 
RBid said:
The 0609 is unassisted, the right dimensions, and comes in plain and (sprint run) DLC versions. The action is fantastic, so it’s a great fidget knife. More importantly, it’s a truly great user. The normal version is in CPM 20CV steel, which is outstanding.
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The 0609BLK I was interested in getting, but while I was trying to decide if it was worth the risk of possibly getting seized by the CBSA they sold out. I'm not sure what I think about the blue handle on the current sprint run.
 
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