ZT 550 or ZT 560? I can't decide

Rasco

Rasco

Joined
Jan 3, 2014
Messages
2,028
Hey guys,
I've been collecting for about 5 years now, and I've always been hesitant to go over $50 or so, but I recently picked up a Spyderco PM2 and now I've got the fever.
Now that I've broke my $100+ cherry, I'm looking to score another high quality knife, and I think I've got it narrowed down to these two

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Since either way it's going to be my most expensive purchase to date, I figure I'd better do my homework, and who better to ask than yall.

Mostly I'm curious about the difference, if much, between the steel types.
Or if anyone has owned/handled both, your impressions?
 
Having both Id go with the 0550 only knife I have doubles of

0550 feels better in hand plus is easier to unlock with the wider lock bar

as for edge retention Ill take s35vn over elmax any day

0560 is more fun to open with its flipper and kvt
 
I have an 0561 and I absolutely love everything about it. I had a chance to handle a 0550 and thought it was nice, but it seemed slightly too thick and heavy for its size (for me). The one I handled also had some very minor horizontal play. You get a lot more blade for the weight in the 0560. In addition, the 0560 is easily the most fun knife to flip in my entire collection. It takes a few days to break in, but once it does it glides open and closed with barely any input (frictionless is how I would describe it), and the lockup is Sebenza-like with absolutely no flex or play anywhere no matter how hard you try.

Edit: Also, if you have slightly larger-than-average hands I especially recommend the 0561. The don't own any knives with a handle so perfectly shaped for my hands.
 
I've got both...and if I had to purchase one of them again, it would be the 0550. In fact, I already did - I've got the stonewashed Gen 1 and the black bladed Gen 2. I can post some comparison shots for you when I get home in the morning.
 
hhmoore said:
I've got both... I can post some comparison shots for you when I get home in the morning.
Click to expand...

That would be nice, thanks.

Thanks guys, this is basically confirming my thoughts.
I think I'd rather go S35VN, but the aesthetics of that 560 just speak to me more.
I'm gonna look at the 561 and some other variants and see if I can narrow it down.

I appreciate the feedback thus far
 
I think I'm gonna go 0560/61.
It has the 550 beat in almost all the categories I care about, leaving it really just down to the steel type, which I don't think is that big of a difference.
Even if S35VN is a little better (?), I'm not sure that's enough to overcome all the features the 0560 has that I prefer over the 0550.
 
The 0560 isn't a bad knife; and I still carry it in my pack or jacket occasionally - for me, though, it's a little big for routine pocket carry. The flipper is nice, the KVT makes for smooth opening, etc, etc; but sometimes it's not about the fancy stuff. The main problem with the 0550 is that ugly scale... but neither of mine are wearing it.
I'll still post the comparison pics
 
Another vote for the 550, I have both black washed and the 550 just feels better...I actually have a first gen 550 as well. The feeling in my hand is very comfortable, and I love that there isn't a flipper, yet it comes out of the handle like butter with a thumb flick.

The 0560 I love, but its size makes its deployment slightly (and I mean slightly) different, I just think the 550 is way more comfortable overall.
I nearly got ANOTHER black washed 550 I liked it so much...must resist impulse lol.

Either way you won't be dissapointed :)
 
I think a lot of it has to do with whether you really want a flipper or not. Also Kershaw guy has a 1st gen 0550 for $145 and a blem for $135 so its quite a bit cheaper than the 0560.
 
I've had both, but sold the 560 to fund another 550. It was just too big, too chunky, and not overly comfortable in the hand, which was surprising seeing as I have big mitts.

The 550 on the other hand I have had up to three of at different times (two currently). Rides better in the pocket, feels better in the hand, S35VN is as good a steel as you could want, the whole package is just awesome.
 
I put the end of each knife up against a straight edge for the first two pictures.




I probably should have used the Gen 2 0550, since it has the deep carry clip <shrugs>

Check the specs, look at the pics, and buy whichever one is the best choice for you
 
I've had several 0550's, 0551, 0560 and 0561. Right now, I still have a 0550 Gen 2. HHMoore put up nice pics. The 0550 is MUCH nicer to carry, and in Gen2 has a deep-carry clip.
Certainly is my choice. Basically, it's smaller and still heavy-duty. Also, I'm tired of flippers.
If you are built like Paul Bunyan, perhaps you'd like the larger knife.
I have large hands, but do not want another knife in the 056x series. Tastes differ; both are excellent. All the steels are good.

Read this guy's thread...may help you decide.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...derco-Zero-Tollerance-just-arrived-very-happy
 
Try both for the lightly used price these days. You can get both for 300$ and sell the one you dont like.
I prefer the 0561. The 0550 is every bit as tough, but feels un-refined to me.
You will never really know unless you try each.
 
I own both and the 0560 is the one I carry the most. I really like the 0550 but I really dig flippers. While both are about the same thickness the 0550 feels thicker in your hand due to the squared slabs. The 0560 has a huge handle but once in hand you don't notice it. The difference in blade steel is minimal. You wont go wrong with either. Once you buy one you'll end up getting the other eventually so buy the once that speaks to you the most.
 
I see your pic attach is a 550bw. Now that is an exclusive knife from BladeHQ. I will choose that over the 560bw which is more commonly available.
 
My 0550s are about 1/16" thicker than the 0560 - not sure if the new scales are a factor in that
 
I have them both, and like them both. I carry the 0560 more. Do you want a flipper or not?
 
All this talk about the 0560 having a huge handle, I don't understand it. I have medium to large hands and the 0560 fits freaking perfectly. There's about half an inch that protrudes from my hand and to me that's a great thing when I need to pound on something. The 3D machining of the handle, the placement of the finger groove, etc. make it fit very securely in my hand. The finger guard curves very nicely around my first finger. Basically, it's very comfortable for me. The only thing I'm not a huge fan of is the height of the blade. Seems a little unnecessary, but doesn't change anything really. Very lively for a good size pocket knife.

I guess if I wore slacks everyday I'd want something smaller, but I wear jeans or cargo pants most days and the 0560 isn't too big at all.
 
Sonnydaze said:
...If you are built like Paul Bunyan, perhaps you'd like the larger knife...
Click to expand...

Haha I'm 6'8" 325 :P
I have big ol mitts, and that's one reason the larger size of the 0560 appeals to me. The pockets on my pants are gonna be deep enough to accommodate either one with room to spare.
I've seen some pics of the 0560 next to the ParaMilitary 2 and they look pretty similar in size. Obviously the weight is different, but the PM2 fits my hand perfectly.

The flipper is almost a non-factor, it doesn't sway things one way or the other for me.
The deep carry pocket clip on the 0560 is a plus, but if you're saying the newer model 0550s have the same clip, then I guess that's also a non-factor.
And steel is pretty much a non-factor as well, both are great.

I was waiting for the first person to say "BUY BOTH" lol
In time, I just may, but I have to buy one at a time, so one will have to be first.

I think I might need to try and find a local store that has a 0550 or a 0560 on hand and see if I can actually feel one up before I decide.
Because I think it's going to come down to the feel, the texture of the scales, and which one speaks to me more.
 
IMO, the 550 is the 560's squatty little step-brother.
My 560 has always received more praise from people than any of my higher-end folders.
You probably won't even be able to tell the difference between s35 and elmax.
But you will notice a huge difference between the silky smooth action of the 560's KVT bearing system compared to the 550's washers, and the 560 has much better ergonomics and blade profile.
The machined Ti lockside of the 560 also adds flare and styling that makes the 550 look just plain.
 
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