ZT 550 Gen. 3

[flash900]

While I'm glad to see ZT add a steel insert to this or any model, I wonder how much of an improvement it is to those who own an earlier version of this popular Hinderer design.

I have a hard time envisioning that I'll actually wear out one of these monsters!

Neither my Gen. 1 or 2 has a sticky lock. The blades are well-centered and flick open (and closed) easily with one thumb.

Curious: Has anyone found this such a significant upgrade that you've replaced your Gen. 2 with one?

One thing that might get me to consider buying a Gen. 3: Changing the G10 scale to an Anso-sculpted design. From the original 551, I've thought the stock scale is one of the more boring designs to come out of ZT.

 

[rxavage]

I carry the 550 with me every day but there is nothing exciting about the knife, aesthetically speaking, from the scale to blade geometry but it's built like a tank and holds an edge. I have only experience the gen3 but I've considering snagging a gen1-2 and most likely will at some point.

 

[toker]

A steel insert may prolong the lock life of a knife, but IMO, the benefit is more hypothetical than real. A well made titanium framelock is going to last a long, long time. Look at Chris Reeve's knives.

 

[RevDevil]

A steel insert may prolong the lock life of a knife, but IMO, the benefit is more hypothetical than real. A well made titanium framelock is going to last a long, long time. Look at Chris Reeve's knives.

While this is true, even the new Sebenza 25 has a ceramic ball now. So in theory, the lock face should be more protected against lock rock than say a standard Ti lock face. I have not seen lock rock on some ti frame locks though, Hinderer knives are built like brick poop houses and there is no steel in there. S

 

[RamZar]

My first 0550 which was a Gen 2 had a bit of a sticky lock. 0550BLK which is a Gen 2 is the smoothest one. Must be something with the DLC. I got a Gen 3 last month to complete my collection of every single 0550/0551. The hardened stainless steel lockbar insert is the way to go with all titanium or aluminum frame locks. How practical and/or necessary it might be can be quite subjective. One thing I don't like about the Gen 3 is that the detent is strongest and the slightest pressure on the LBS prevents you from opening it. The previous generations are not like that.