ZT 056X - recommendations?

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webbman81

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So I've decided on one of the ZT 056X series knives as my next purchase. Looking for some recommendations between the 0560/0562/0566. They are all available in carbon fiber, correct? That's one feature I'm definitely looking for. I think the 0560 has the KVT bearings, do any of the others? Any help is appreciated! Ready... GO!
 
webbman81 said:
So I've decided on one of the ZT 056X series knives as my next purchase. Looking for some recommendations between the 0560/0562/0566. They are all available in carbon fiber, correct? That's one feature I'm definitely looking for. I think the 0560 has the KVT bearings, do any of the others? Any help is appreciated! Ready... GO!
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What size are you looking for? the 0562 is the only one with the slicer grind.

- T
 
I'm open to any size, really. Was hoping to get some input from those who might have experience with two or all three, and can offer some pros/cons between the three.
 
The 0560, 0561, and 0562 are all KVT. The 0566 is Speedsafe. If you want CF, there's the 0560CBCF (was an LE and already out of production), the 0562CF (still in production, but demand still greatly outpacing supply), and the 0566CF.

My personal pick right now would be the 0562CF (if you can catch a dealer while they still have them in stock). I've got the standard 0562 (Elmax/G10), and that carries, handles, and performs great. But there is just that extra coolness factor with the CF scales and the dual-tone finish on the blade. The blade on the CF version is also M390, so it should provide some better wear resistance as well.

Here's a size comparison of the Hinderer collab pieces that shows a 0560, 0562, and 0566.

KAI_Hinderers_20150124_open_800x516.jpg


KAI_Hinderers_20150124_length_800x475.jpg
 
I love and use all three (0560, 0562CF, 0566CF), but I gravitate towards the 0562CF. The 0560 is a little to large for me to carry when I'm city slickin'. I wasn't too fond of the 0566CF's SpeedSafe (made it extremely difficult to close one handed), so I removed the assist spring and now it is perfect. I do think the size of the 0562CF is perfection for any EDC occasion, though -- it did edged out my 940, which I though could never happen.
 
I have had the 0561, 0566, and 0562. I currently am carrying the 0562cf and I definitely like it the best, by a long shot. It feels the best in the hand, it flips as well as any flipper I've had and I've had more than a few and it is just beautiful in every way. And to me, 3.5 is just the best edc length.
 
I'm absolutely in love with my 0562, and my 0560 remains one of my favorite knives. I'm still in the honeymoon phase with my 562 though, so I'm a little biased. Once I get my 0560 back from ZT for it's frame replacement, I'll probably fall in love with it all over again.
 
I actually prefer the 0566. The blade stock is thinner, it's slim in pocket, and it manages to be great in a hammer grip in extended use. All 3 are great, but my order of preference is 0566 > 0562 > 0550 > ... OK, I really like the LOOKS of the 0560, but I've passed on it repeatedly. Too much pointless handle.
 
It's subjective but I find that when there are several similar kin blades I usually end up with the largest. When I purchase a " 'tweener " size I usually end up wishing I'd bought the larger and make the exchange. Only exceptions have been a Grayman Dua and a Large Espada....mainly because the next step up is huge.

I've owned a ZT 560 and 561. Both arrived flawless. They are very good knives and are exactly as the factory represents them. I can see how the stepdown to a 562 would be favorable for some though.
 
The 560/561 are good big knives. Since they've been around longer, there is more after market accessories for them, you can pick one up for a reasonable price from here. It's not a slicer, more of a working blade. With a little edge re profiling, the Elmax does well.
The 562CF is the hot ticket now, it's a good slicer and fun to have.
Don't have a 566, it reminded me of the 550 and I've got a couple of them.
I'm sure you could find a CF handle for any of them.
 
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