ZT Hinderer

anthony cheeseboro

anthony cheeseboro

Joined
Aug 8, 1999
Messages
5,094
I love the look of this knife, and I may pick it up in a month or two. Today, I checked one out, and I loved it's very solid and beefy feel. The fit and finish are definitely first rate too. I did have one major disappointment though: the thumb stud was difficult to use, and actually a bit painful for my right thumb. The knife was a bit easier to use left handed, and was fairly easy to flick open. I did not try another Hinderer, that store has many in stock, and maybe this knife was just a sticky. Does anyone else have experience with the ZT Hinderer?
 
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0550 or 0560?

I just picked up a 0550 on the exchange, should be here tomorrow. I've read it gets easier to flick open with the thumb stud, but can be pretty stiff at first. I'll let you know how it when it comes tomorrow.

I loved how beefy it was too when I tried it out, its a freaking tank!
 
The one I tried was the 0550. I sure hope it does loosen up, because it otherwise looks like a dream of a tactical knife!
 
Try holding the knife vertical and pushing the thumb stud straight up instead of out. I had the same experience as you until I tried it this way. Knife opens very easy this way.
 
being able to open it more easily left handed pretty much confirms that you were pressing down on the lock bar while trying to open it right handed. this ads drag and tension to the blade, which makes it very hard to open and seems to be the biggest "issue" with people who are new to the 055X series. changing your hand position along with a little practice and break in will yield much easier and faster opening. at least this was my experience with my 0550 when i got it. :thumbup:
 
solidorange said:
being able to open it more easily left handed pretty much confirms that you were pressing down on the lock bar while trying to open it right handed. this ads drag and tension to the blade, which makes it very hard to open and seems to be the biggest "issue" with people who are new to the 055X series. changing your hand position along with a little practice and break in will yield much easier and faster opening. at least this was my experience with my 0550 when i got it. :thumbup:
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As a USC alumnus, I'm not sure I can trust you, but I'll give it a shot!;)
 
The ZT55X and ZT56X both will break in with use and become buttery smooth. I have a 560 and a 551! They both are excellent knives, just give it a good week to "work it out".
 
I think the ZT 0550 might just be one of the best knives on the market. Fit and finish is just outstanding. Detent on mine was so stiff I could not open it one handed at first. Week or two later it is smooth as butter. Built as solid as any knife I've ever seen but looks good too. I don't think you would regret buying one. Here is mine with a 0300.

IMGP4043.jpg
 
arrowhd said:
I think the ZT 0550 might just be one of the best knives on the market. Fit and finish is just outstanding. Detent on mine was so stiff I could not open it one handed at first. Week or two later it is smooth as butter. Built as solid as any knife I've ever seen but looks good too. I don't think you would regret buying one. Here is mine with a 0300.

http://m282.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/arrowhd/IMGP4043.jpg.html?newest=1
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Oh, I'm getting one. I just have to pay off some household bills first.
 
Anthony- What everyone has said about being alittle stiff at first then becoming buttery smooth is exactly my experience with the 551 and the 550 I just picked up. I also was pushing on the lockbar as well, but now have a technic down and love the knives. Just ordered a scale for my 551, can hardly wait for it to get here.
 
Anthony, I noticed you live in Colinsville, and mentioned trying the knife out. I went to college at SIUE and am soon moving to Granite City, so just wondering if there is a high end knife shop around where you are able to handle some of the knives? Thanks
 
jstn said:
Anthony, I noticed you live in Colinsville, and mentioned trying the knife out. I went to college at SIUE and am soon moving to Granite City, so just wondering if there is a high end knife shop around where you are able to handle some of the knives? Thanks
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I go to Grand Prairie Knives in Troy. Mike Peyton and crew run maybe the best cutlery shop in America, IMO.
 
Both are great. My 0560 is great and I love it. I have tried out the 0550 and it has a good feel to it. I have a few 0550s in stock if anyone is interested :)
 
My 550 has worked in so well I can flip it open like it has KVT with a flick of my thumb nail...It even gets more pocket time than my 560. I love the orange scale that makes it sheeple friendly.

zt550.jpg
 
Pick one up. They are great knives.
They just need a break in period.
Try putting your middle finger on the lock bar stabilizer and the other fingers off of the lock bar, push up not out, and do this like a thousand times because you'll want to anyways, and you should have yourself a nice broken in ZT 0550. =]
 
I love my 0551. It has quickly become one of my favorites, second only to my umnumzaan. It really is that good. I also got a 0560 and while I like it I don't think I like it as much as the 055x. I'm actually contemplating selling it. It sits on a box while I make up my mind while my 0551 rides in my pocket.
 
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