ZT 562 or ZT 562CF

BTGuy

BTGuy

Joined
Jul 5, 2016
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480
I've finally decided on what I want for my hard-use knife that I'll use for most tough cutting tasks, short of splitting cords of wood, prying things apart, and stuff like that. The Zero Tolerance ZT 562 is exactly what I'm looking for. Solid construction, great ergonomics, and a decent blade steel in either variation. What I'm left deciding now is do I want to pay the extra $50-ish dollars for the carbon fiber version with CTS-204P steel over the G10 version with Elmax steel. I wouldn't mind the carbon fiber handles, but I'm not keen on getting the harder steel since I'd rather the steel be tougher and easier to sharpen. Sure CTS-204P can slice more things than Elmax before it loses an edge. But, will it be more likely to chip when contacting hard surfaces. An example would be cutting through a piece of wood and hitting a piece of nail that was embedded in it. I'd rather the blade edge roll or dent rather than chip so I can more easily repair the blade. Not looking to keep the blade super shiny and constantly razor sharp. Just want it to last after some rough use and not be a pain to maintain. :P

I don't ask because I have no clue about the steel. I've compared the steels using results from others testing here on BF as well as other places (HRC tests, metal composition comparisons, general hard-use testing). But most of the information I find is not specific to the knives I'm comparing. Kershaw's heat treatment methods of the 2 steels would make a big difference too, from what I understand. And reading that Kershaw didn't impress with their initial batches of Elmax has me really wondering as well. If I could be certain that Kershaw heat treated properly and maintained an average of about 59.5 or higher HRC for their Elmax (on recent production runs) I'd certainly be happy with that. Most opinions I've found so far seem related to those earlier Elmax runs, which I'm hoping have been resolved but can't gauge well enough from what I've read so far.

I'm mainly asking for opinions from those who own either version of the ZT 562 and have used them. What do you think of the blade after some decent usage? Have you had any excessive blade chipping, denting, or other issues?

Thanks for reading and appreciate any replies! :)
 
This is only my opinion based on my own experiences. I had the ZT0562CF with M390. I liked the knife and it held an edge really well, but when it came time to sharpen the knife, it was a murderous task. When ZT switched over to CTS-204P I was scared of it based on my past experience with M390, so I avoided it. When the ZT0456 came out I could no longer avoid it because I love the design and size of the knife. Needless to say, I put a ZT0456 in my pocket. Since that time I have used and abused my 456 and the CTS-204P has blown me away. I have done things with my knife that I feel sure should have wrecked the blade, only to come away with not even a micro nick. I have carried it for over 4 months and the only form of sharpening I have done is running it up and down a strop. After stropping it goes right back to shaving hair sharp.

I tell you all of that to say this. With the Carbon Fiber Scales and the incredible CTS-204P steel, I personally think it is worth the upgrade. Regardless of which you choose, you will be getting an awesome knife.
 
Fantastic steel, gorgeous knife, locks up stupid tight and so much fun to flip!!
Also, Whitty above is a fantastic dealer and does a great anodizing job!!
Joe
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I second that regarding Whitty and usamadeblade

I also agree the CF is worth the upgrade. 0562 is a fantastic knife.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I think both steels are worth it.
I tested ZT's Elmax on my ZT0801 and it is very good.
I have the ZT0562CF and the CTS204P is fine too.

I think you shall decide mainly based on look and budget. The 0562 is a good flipper with good steel.
If you don't like the way CF looks, if you wants to custom your knife with special scales, or if you want to really hard use the knife go for the G10.
Otherwise the 0562CF is just right.
 
Perfect thread timing OP, I to am trying to decide and have the same ? regarding steel. Also like the stonewash blade better for a EDC but if the 562cf blade is no shinier than the PM2 I think I could live with it.
 
Thanks whitty! That's exactly what I was looking for. Opinions based on experience using the steel. Beautiful knife you got there palonej! I love how that anodizing blends in with the blue roller bearing inside the knife. You do some nice work there whitty. ;)

Another reason I initially couldn't decide between the 2 versions is that I think I'd prefer the G10 since I plan to use the knife pretty hard. I'm a bit concerned the carbon fiber won't give me as good a grip while using the knife as the G10 would. I want to make sure I have a super grip so the super steel doesn't give me a super gash lol. I figured the scale could be easily replaced on either, so the steel was what I'm focusing on as my deciding factor. I also noticed a very small difference between the 2 versions. The G10 version has a slightly more toothy gimping on the back-end as compared to the CF version. Can you tell I've studied way too many pictures of the knife. :P

Appreciate the replies guys! I'll be placing my order next week, so I still have time to flip-flop some more. At this point though, I'm leaning more towards the CF variant for the potentially longer blade life.

P.S. The ZT801 was my second favorite. I was eyeing the blackwash version for a while before I decided the 562 was a better choice for me for the more comfortable ergonomics. Still may pick one up at a later time though. :P
 
PC87,

If you don't like the shiny blade, you may prefer the Elmax version. I've looked at many pictures and videos of both and the Elmax has a more subtle blade finish. The CF version has kind of a two-tone thing going with the bevel portion being much shinier.
 
I can only comment on the Elmax/G10 0562 I have.
I love this thing. Its ergo's, heft, size, lock up and action are excellent for me, very solid and has the best pocket clip I've used as well.
It's an industrial grade looking tool and I use it as a work knife, alternating with a Manix XL.

This 0562 and a Para2 in Elmax have sold me on this blade steel. I've found the edge holding to be better than S30V and it seems quite similar to sharpen.
I've had no chipping issues with Elmax yet, and whilst I don't really 'hard use' my folders, they do get plenty of normal use.

Whichever you get OP I think you will be impressed. Just want to say that I see the Elmax/G10 0562 as exactly what your post seems to call for.
 
Do you plan on keeping the factory edge or will you re profile the edge to a thinner edge. That may make a difference in the two steels.
Also, the flipper tab, when the blade is locked provides a index finger guard. Therefore, either handle material should give you plenty of grip without fear of losing a finger.
Both steels are fantastic steels that will fit your needs. I've got the 562 in M390 and a 0770 in Elmax.
 
The blade on the CF version no so shinny.
I don't like shinny blades and I am a big fan of stonewash finish, but the blade of the CF is fine for me and I think it is a good match with the look of the CF handle.

I cannot complaint about the grip of the CF. It doesn't has texture has G10 has but if you don't use in under a rain or in wather I see no issue with the grip of the CF handle.
For hard users, I think only shocks can be something of concern with the CF compared to G10.

I have medium size hands but I feel the 0801 more confortable for me than the 0562.
The handle of the 0562 is very good in hammer grip, but just acceptable otherwise.
I feel better on the 0801, especially when using it for general EDC tasks.
And I think that I have a preference for Elmax over CTS204P
I have the 0801BLK and 0801BW and it is my favorite ZT knife, the 0562 beeing second.

Both knives are excellent and you are sure to get a good user knife with either.

Back to the 0562, for a real hard user, I would say go for the G10. The stonewash looks good and it will hide marks better than the semi-satin finish of the CF version.
And if later on you want to pimp your knife, there are lot of options for custom handles that are just SO fun! :)
 
Ajack60,
I'd most likely just keep the factory edge and touch it up as needed. whitty mentioned being able to simply strop the edge to bring back to a decent sharpness. I'll have to see how it goes after some use to know if I'll want to do more than maintain the factory edge.

Thanks Cursum and Therom for the comments on your experience with Elmax/G10. I probably would be better off with the G10 version specifically because I plan to use the knife for tough tasks, and the G10 and stonewashed blade would help hide some of the wear.

Appreciate the input!
 
Thanks for confusing me to the point of I dont know which one to get! Decisions!
 
I have a 562CF with CTS 204P. Great knife but for everyday carry for me it's a tad big. For hard use tasks it's great though. Just yesterday received my ZT0566CF with M390 steel. As per my typical mail order knife it came in less than sharp (it'll barely cut printer paper) and just like my 562 has a detent from hell. The 562 I got last year was so stiff you almost couldn't open it with the flipper. Took a good 100 times of flipping it to get it to lighten up and it's still stiff enough my 15 yr old nephew can't open it, and he's not a small kid. I'm hoping to warm up to the 566 and sell the 562. But as far as the steel goes, you'll love CTS-204P, it should handle anything you through at it.
 
562CF LAIKED MINE SO MUCH I bought a BNIB spare because I always want to have one.
 
Made my choice today and pulled the trigger (or flipped the flipper, rather :P) on the G10 version. I know I'll love the knife and treat it like a knife (not a prybar, etc.), but it will get used well and potentially broken. That and receiving a recently purchased Boker Exskelibur CF from another forum member helped me decide that I'm not very fond of carbon fiber handles on something I want to use less than delicately.

Thanks again everyone for the advice and opinions! :)
 
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