ZT 560 Initial Thoughts VIDEO

[lanceh17]

Well all i have to add is that i wish i was lucky enough to have a 0560 to gripe about!! If you have any trouble getting rid of your 0561 when it comes let me know!

 

[ono724]

I have a Strider SNG GG. I like it because it is thin, which makes it nicer to carry, and I like it because it’s light. Thin, light, and strong, a great combo.

However, it is not comfortable to use for extended heavy cutting because of the handle design. The handle digs into my hand more than other knives. I also doesn’t sound very solid due to the overall handle design features. It doesn’t sound hollow and cheap like a Griptillian, (I love Grips BTW), but it does have some resonance.

Overall, I like the SNG very much, which is why I still have it.

I also have an XM-18. I like it because it has a thicker handle and is very comfortable to use for extended heavy cutting. It looks and sounds very solid. In fact, it is easily the most solid feeling folder I own. The workmanship is a notch above the clones.

However, it is not particularly thin or light, (5.6oz), which makes it less desirable to carry.

Both of these knives are no doubt more durable than I am and unless I do something totally stupid, I have no fear of ever breaking them.

I like both of these knives despite the downsides. However, I have had other very nice folders that I just couldn’t warm up to.

Like Bobnery says, sometimes there are things that you just don’t like about knives. It doesn’t mean they’re bad, it just means that they aren’t what you thought they’d be. Sounds like he hasn’t talked himself into liking something, just because everybody else does. Good for him.

I don’t care for Sebenzas, not because they are bad knives, they just bore me to death and offer me no gee-whiz features.

Where is my pre-order $103 ZT 0780? I think I am going to like that knife very much. But, if I don't, I won't fool myself into liking it.

I don't think "fooling yourself into liking it" is the point. There are many things in the world that takes some getting used to before liking it.. clothes, food, beer, music, knives..etc. Personally, for me, I wouldn't make a snap judgement on anything that I just got new. I got a Spyderco Manix 2 that initially wasn't my cup of tea, but the thing ended being one of my favorite EDC's. Just took some time getting used to the look and feel of it, and honestly, I still think it's ugly as sin, but a great knife.

Just my .02..

 

[hoxhunbe]

The only thing I care about with the ZT560/61 is where in the world I can finally buy one!

I'm tired of living vicariously through such videos (as good as this and other videos are )...

 

[bearcut]

I don't think "fooling yourself into liking it" is the point. There are many things in the world that takes some getting used to before liking it.. clothes, food, beer, music, knives..etc. Personally, for me, I wouldn't make a snap judgement on anything that I just got new. I got a Spyderco Manix 2 that initially wasn't my cup of tea, but the thing ended being one of my favorite EDC's. Just took some time getting used to the look and feel of it, and honestly, I still think it's ugly as sin, but a great knife.

Just my .02..

I didn’t particularly like the Sng when I first got it.
After a month or so I found that I really liked the design.
I didn’t fool myself into liking it.

Read what I said about Sebenzas.

 

[Thomas W]

I think another part might be that the light weight stuff takes getting use to. I'm not sure how many people want to spend $250+ on a knife that they have to get use to. Maybe the 0750 and 0780 might help to break that barrier (not excatly big knives, but they are pretty light).

The 0700, 0750, and 0780 are all in another style category. These 3 incorporate smaller overall profiles than their bigger relatives. It just gives the users another handful of choices to fool around with.

Our hope is to have a knife or two (or more) for everybody.

...sometimes there are things that you just don’t like about knives. It doesn’t mean they’re bad, it just means that they aren’t what you thought they’d be. Sounds like he hasn’t talked himself into liking something, just because everybody else does. Good for him.

Very few can really know for sure whether they like the 056X, because very few are on the street. They like what they see and read. The knife will speak for itself, and won't need "fooling ones self" to know if it's a good piece overall.

I will say I feel confident about the 056X's being accepted as a likable, viable, high end Ti framelock flipper.

 

[Ore_Ele]

The 0700, 0750, and 0780 are all in another style category. These 3 incorporate smaller overall profiles than their bigger relatives. It just gives the users another handful of choices to fool around with.

Our hope is to have a knife or two (or more) for everybody.

Well, if you're trying to make something for everyone in every category, maybe a ZT multi-tool? hint hint, nudge nudge?

 

[jvarn81]

Well, if you're trying to make something for everyone in every category, maybe a ZT multi-tool? hint hint, nudge nudge?

Wow, good point, never thought of a ZT multi tool, I would preorder now!

 

[bobnery]

Bearcut you make a perfect example by mentioning the Sebenza I love it for the reasons you dislike it. That's why I love to have a choice

 

[bobnery]

Bob -

You are always entitled to your own opinion, and you have expressed that it's not your cup of tea. No problem. It's good for us to what people like and also what they dislike. We do the best we can to take in these influences and distill them into something that people want.

As weight is concerned, some people like more heft, and some people don't. However, I rarely hear that a knife weighing less is a true dealbreaker. I don't think it's that big of a stretch to say that the lighter weight might grow on people.

AS to removing the liner and thickening the G-10, there are ways around this, but the liner actually serves as a bearing surface for the ball bearing washers. Out of curiosity, what do you think would be the advantage of thicker G-10 vs G-10 and a liner?

The overall point is that the customer has something new to get used to.

My reasoning for thickening G10 and skipping liner was to avoid the hollow sound with a solid slab while keeping weight the same. My problem wasn't really weight it was a combination of things. I realize the liner provides surface for bearing but aren't they encased in plastic? Seems like a washer between a solid slab of G10 and KVT bearing would ride as well as liner but I dam sure ain't a knife maker just an opinionated SOB

My main turn offs again were rough edges and the hollow sound. Also while it did balance on a finger at choil it did feel a bit blade heavy in hand which I did not mention in opening post. Notice too that I said those rough edges may have been isolated to mine I haven't noticed any other mention


Also I do have a question. What part of opening speed plays a bigger role the strong detent or KVT? That detent seems firm enough that washers would fly open

 

[capid1]

Bobnery,

You are not the only one with the rough edges/jimping issue. My 0560 arrived yesterday and I swear the jimping is sharper than some of my old serrated blades(bit of an exaggeration but its damn sharp for jimping). No I don't have a girly hand issue either. They tend to get beat up doing the whole military thing when it's -15 in Minot. Other than that it's a great knife!

 

[Billthesheepdog]

It took me a bit to fall in love with my CR Sebenza, It was so small and simple. Now I adore it and it is a go to knife. Even in S60 which I have come to dislike.

The 0551 I just got opens differently than any I have ever had. if my fingers put any pressure on the lock bar at all it won't open. If I put the index finger and the rest on the clip it opens fine. I have to re train my hand is all. The 0551 reminds me of the Strider AR and GB I owned. Overbuild and assured lockup. The lock bar was not an issue with the Striders. Just me I guess.

To me the 0551 in size and weight is what my AR/GB should have been! It they had I would still own both of them I am sure!

Overall I like the 551! I wish it had a name!!

 

[bobnery]

Bobnery,

You are not the only one with the rough edges/jimping issue. My 0560 arrived yesterday and I swear the jimping is sharper than some of my old serrated blades(bit of an exaggeration but its damn sharp for jimping). No I don't have a girly hand issue either. They tend to get beat up doing the whole military thing when it's -15 in Minot. Other than that it's a great knife!

Yeah I wish I thought of this, but I bet some of those edges were sharp enough to easily pop a balloon. I was going to peel an orange or shred some cardboard on the video, but did not want to damage or scuff it up before resale. If my 561 comes with similar edges I think I may try the balloon thing out and see if it works. I wonder if each one is machined with the pattern in same spots on handles, or every once in awhile it just works out that the edges end up sharp.

 

[capid1]

How about a picture instead? Before I get remarks on the close up I only did it to show how the jimping is indeed sharp. I'm sure if the spacing was decreased the sharpness would be less apparent.

Yeah I wish I thought of this, but I bet some of those edges were sharp enough to easily pop a balloon. I was going to peel an orange or shred some cardboard on the video, but did not want to damage or scuff it up before resale. If my 561 comes with similar edges I think I may try the balloon thing out and see if it works. I wonder if each one is machined with the pattern in same spots on handles, or every once in awhile it just works out that the edges end up sharp.

 

[DrOpPoInT1110]

The sharpness of the scales is one thing but as for decreasing the weight, I think Kershaw/ZT made a very good decision. I haven't received my 0561 yet but my Tilt still amazes me every time I pick it up. It's a big knife with a not-so-big weight. I like that concept a LOT. To me, as long as the knife isn't compromised structurally by reducing the weight, I think it is a great feature. As far as I can tell, the Tilt is NOT a weak knife that I feel would ever break under any normal use. The amount of thought put into the design is amazing and is clearly shown in the finished product. From what I've seen and heard about the 056X series thus far, they are following right in suit. I'm really looking forward to mine! :thumbup: