Zt 551

R

Robert Hode

Joined
Sep 12, 2012
Messages
6
Hi guys
New to the knife world so please be gentle.
Wanted to buy my first high end folder. I found a NIB ZT 551 for $200. Is this a good "starter" knife, and is this a good deal. I couldn't find many comps. on this knife to estimate a good price.
The only folder I have is an Emerson/Benchmade CQC7 that's pretty worn after being used as a work knife (fire dept.) for a number of years.

Thanks for your time
Bob
 
I'm against an expensive knife as a starter knife only because, well, in my experience, every knife I've purchased has taught me something about what I like and should look for and dislike and should avoid in future purchases. Starting big is a good way to overlook something you don't like in that knife and lose money when you sell it. If by 'starter knife' you mean you get sucked in the vortex that is bladeforums and buy a bunch of knives, it might be better to start cheaper--which isn't to say you need to start at a $10 gas station knife.

On the other hand, you can sell that 551 for around what you paid for it, so you wouldn't lose much if you do decide to try something else instead. Also, the 550/551 is well respected around here, so it's definitely not an inherently poor choice.
 
551 is a very nice knife and Elmax is very good steel, but you can drop your price by as much as $50.00 to $60.00 and get a 550 and it will do everything the 551 will do at a cheaper price. You can even turn that savings into a new custom scale from Monkey Edge or Hinderer to really personalize it!! Best of luck in your choice.....
 
I would get a new 550 with updated pocket clip for around fifty bucks less. Actually, that is what I bought a few days ago.

It is a very stout knife - I imagine it would serve you well. I would not recommend it if you want a knife to play around with on the couch though.. It is kind of hard to open and kind of hard to close. As a positive - it has the most rock solid lock up of the knives I have. There seems to be quite a bit of variation in the lock-up on these - some being super solid like mine, and some being a little lighter and easier to open and close.
 
Maybe look at a Manix 2 XL also.

It's about $100, and is a big beefy hard use folder too. The blade flys open easily and closes easily with one hand.
 
Robert Hode said:
Hi guys
New to the knife world so please be gentle.
Wanted to buy my first high end folder. I found a NIB ZT 551 for $200. Is this a good "starter" knife, and is this a good deal. I couldn't find many comps. on this knife to estimate a good price.
The only folder I have is an Emerson/Benchmade CQC7 that's pretty worn after being used as a work knife (fire dept.) for a number of years.

Thanks for your time
Bob
Click to expand...

That price is a good one Bob.

I'd say jump on it! They are great knives and worth every penny!

Thank you for you're service.
 
If you could spare another 200, id say spring for a 3.5" xm-18.

As a fire fighter you could buy direct from Hinderer and get a steal on one. And if heaven forbid it doesn't strike your fancy you can sell it and make every penny back.
 
I say get a less expensive 550 and a scale from kryptoglow. His quality is unreal and the utility of a glowing scale is hard to argue with. Also a 550 is worth every bit of what you'll pay, very high quality.
 
Steel_Addiction said:
If you could spare another 200, id say spring for a 3.5" xm-18.

As a fire fighter you could buy direct from Hinderer and get a steal on one. And if heaven forbid it doesn't strike your fancy you can sell it and make every penny back.
Click to expand...

^^^ I hadn't read this before replying. He's 100% correct.
 
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