ZT Flipper Action Question

Stumpy72

Stumpy72

Joined
Jul 5, 2018
Messages
1,063
I’m considering a ZT 0770CF, which has the KAI “Speed Safe” torsion bar-assisted flipper opening system. I have a ZT 0450, so I know how the ZT KVT Ball Bearing Pivot flipper opening system works. How does the Speed Safe assisted opening system work compared to the KVT BBP system in terms of ease/speed of opening?
 
You'll likely get varying answers to this. For what it's worth, here's my opinion: SpeedSafe will open a bit quicker than a manual flipper, and with a bit more "snap." The major difference between SpeedSafe and a manual is in how it closes. There is significantly more resistance on closing the SpeedSafe, on account of the resistance offered by the spring. It's a bit harder to close one-handed, but with a little practice, not a big deal. My suggestion would be to buy a cheaper SpeedSafe knife (or get your hands on one) and see how it feels to you.
 
HappyDaddy said:
My suggestion would be to buy a cheaper SpeedSafe knife (or get your hands on one) and see how it feels to you.
Click to expand...

I fully agree with this. Also worth noting that the torsion bar can sometimes break/fail (NBD, they’ll send you another free of charge). I’m personally not a fan of assisted openers.
 
I prefer unassisted, but have two knives with SpeedSafe— a Kershaw Clash and a ZT 0566. Closing my assisted openers is smooth to the point where you feel the spring tension create a sort of wall, then you can feel firm resistance through the rest of the path. It’s not hard to close against. My preference is unassisted in case of hypothetical torsion bar breaks. I’ve carried, used, and flipped each of mine a lot without issue. The Clash was my gateway into modern folders, and was my daily carry for a couple years while I was running a freight team. It was in and out of pocket countless times. Still fired fine, last time I saw it.
 
The speedsafe on this knife is super annoying on closing. It's got alot of tension. My blur is by far world's better. Still like the knife for what it is, but not a fan of speedsafe in general.

Opening would be the same speed wise. The speedsafe probably faster and more force but 0450 is worlds better imho action wise for my taste. But again I'm just not a fan of speedsafe.

Mine doesn't have the capability to de assist, which would be worlds better. But sadly no detent or detent hole to do so.

Its still a great knife with amazing steel.
 
Last edited:
Fire Beard said:
I fully agree with this. Also worth noting that the torsion bar can sometimes break/fail (NBD, they’ll send you another free of charge). I’m personally not a fan of assisted openers.
Click to expand...

When I owned a Kershaw Cryo the Speedsafe torsion bar broke twice. Kershaw will send you new spring free of charge but it's still annoying to have to deal with.

That's not to say that it's a very common problem, I probably just got unlucky. However, it is worth taking into consideration.
 
You can deassist it if needed. Ive seen YouTube videos of people who've done it.
 
Thanks for the inputs. Based on what’s been said here, I’m going to pass on going down the assisted flipper path. It sounds like dubious and minor benefits coupled with a higher probability of mechanical problems than I want to deal with.
 
Personally, I am a fan of the ZT/Kershaw assisted opening. My first flipper was a ZT0350, and I just got used to it. Ive had a couple without the assist, and struggle getting used to those. My 3 that I rotate are my ZT0350, 0566, and Kershaw Cryo. Action is the same on all of these, since they all have the speedsafe opening, and I like it!
 
Sergeua said:
You can deassist it if needed. Ive seen YouTube videos of people who've done it.
Click to expand...
Not all of them work well deassistes. Mine didn't have a detent/hole to keep the blade shut. Not sure about the newer ones though.
 
I have a 0350 that whorks fine, and I never had a problem with the torsion bar.
I have de assisted it to test it without the bar.
It was fine, but actually I don't see the point in this tuning so I put the bar back in place after a while and it never failed on me.

The advantages of the assist vs ball bearings:
- the knife opens with "authority" (even more :) )
- the handcuf of a shirt doesn't block the opening of the knife
- the torsion of the bar had to the security of the lock (prevent the blade to fall)
- easier to clean and maintain

The advantages of ball bearings vs assit:
- easier to clause (free falling blade)
- no risk of breaking the bar
- easier to play with

If I compare more 0350 to my 0562 and 0801, I like them all.
I am not into flippers anymore but they are good knives and I have put my 0350 on hard use at many occasions without any problems.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top