Just plan on buying both eventually. For now, buy the one which grabs you the most. I love recurves, the 0350 was a no brainer. I don't own a 0566 yet but do own a 0550 and a 0560. I'm carrying my 0350 right now. Most of the weekend I was carrying my 0550. My next ZT will be something a little different, either a 0801 or a 0770 though. If I come across a deal too good to pass up on a 0566, then all bets are off
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Zt0350 or zt0566
- Thread starter Tantan
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 13, 2013
- Messages
- 2,574
I like my ZT0350 a lot.
It is clearly a heavy duty knife and it can take a lot.
The downside of this, is that it is not the best slicer around. For example for cutting food, or fruits I used my Paramilitary2 over my ZT0350.
But for hiking there is no comparaison.... I have my ZT0350 all the time.
FYI, I also own a BM osborne, a spyderco paramilitary 2 and 2 ZT0350: one ZT0350M390 (stonewash M390 steel and G10 scales) and one ZT0350BRN (black S30V steel and aluminium scales).
Then they are my references for comparaison.
Some additionnal points:
- I have no problem to sharpen the recurved blade witht he spyderco sharmaker.
- I prefer the ZT0350M390 over the ZT0350BRN (I like the M390 and I am more confortable witht he G10 scales, but that is only perosnnal feeling here)
- from a "technical" point of view spring assist opening and liner lock are good and never deceived me since 2 years (even during heavy duty job)
- the ergonomics are VERY good and you can safely use the kinfe with the blade either "up" or "down".
- don't neglect the weight of the ZT, you will need some good jeans
My regrets concerning the ZT0350: I miss a deep carry clip.
It is clearly a heavy duty knife and it can take a lot.
The downside of this, is that it is not the best slicer around. For example for cutting food, or fruits I used my Paramilitary2 over my ZT0350.
But for hiking there is no comparaison.... I have my ZT0350 all the time.
FYI, I also own a BM osborne, a spyderco paramilitary 2 and 2 ZT0350: one ZT0350M390 (stonewash M390 steel and G10 scales) and one ZT0350BRN (black S30V steel and aluminium scales).
Then they are my references for comparaison.
Some additionnal points:
- I have no problem to sharpen the recurved blade witht he spyderco sharmaker.
- I prefer the ZT0350M390 over the ZT0350BRN (I like the M390 and I am more confortable witht he G10 scales, but that is only perosnnal feeling here)
- from a "technical" point of view spring assist opening and liner lock are good and never deceived me since 2 years (even during heavy duty job)
- the ergonomics are VERY good and you can safely use the kinfe with the blade either "up" or "down".
- don't neglect the weight of the ZT, you will need some good jeans
My regrets concerning the ZT0350: I miss a deep carry clip.
I've got both a ZT 0350 and a 566.
The AO action on my 350 is amazing & it was my first ZT knife & my EDC blade for over a year. It is my fastest & hardest opening knife but it took a while to break it in & smooth it out. It is a bit heavy. I actually like the overall size since I've got big hands. The only problem I have with the 350 is the G10 on the clip side. It will eat a hole thru your pants.
The 566 is a very nice knife. The AO action is very weak compared to my 350 (& every other Kershaw/ZT knife I have). The size is good but I wish the choial area was a bit thicker (like the Cryo II). It has become my EDC blade and so far is doing very well. It took a lot of work to smooth out the opening & AO action but other than that, its been great. I do wish it had come sharper but it was easy to fix that.
Best advice is to handle & try them both.
The AO action on my 350 is amazing & it was my first ZT knife & my EDC blade for over a year. It is my fastest & hardest opening knife but it took a while to break it in & smooth it out. It is a bit heavy. I actually like the overall size since I've got big hands. The only problem I have with the 350 is the G10 on the clip side. It will eat a hole thru your pants.
The 566 is a very nice knife. The AO action is very weak compared to my 350 (& every other Kershaw/ZT knife I have). The size is good but I wish the choial area was a bit thicker (like the Cryo II). It has become my EDC blade and so far is doing very well. It took a lot of work to smooth out the opening & AO action but other than that, its been great. I do wish it had come sharper but it was easy to fix that.
Best advice is to handle & try them both.