ZT560, C156, which one is better?

T

town81

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Apr 8, 2013
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Compare Zero Tolerance 560 with Spyderco C156...

The blade steels ELMAX and 204p, which one has better performance in edge retention, high strength, and toughness?

The flipper systems of ZT and Spyderco, which one is better?

And the last question is about the blade style, which one is more useful in EDC?

Thanks
 
I much prefer the Southard, but really, they're both great knives and fill different roles for most people. There is a pretty big size difference between them so really, there really isn't a comparison. The only similarities are that they are both high end production ti frame locks with bearing pivot systems made by excellent knife companies designed by top notch knife makers. Different knives, different sizes, different roles. For me the Southard makes more sense as is it a lot more edc friendly.
 
I am sure someone will post side by side pic
both are good
Southard is smaller, lighter, has better steel but looks kind of weird, one side is thicker than other and clip is a bit cheesy and is a bit overpriced for Taiwanese made knife
ZT 560 is bigger and heavier (although lighter than XM-18 3.5) but has superior fit and finish (although jimping is a bit too aggressive), made in US can get it for cheaper
 
I like the flipper on my 560 better. As far as steel I doubt you will see much difference between the two. EDC both are good options. The southard is smaller but the 560 carries welll for a large knife. Both good options, you can't go wrong with either.
 
I have both the ZT 0560, and the Southard. I really, really like them both, but if I could only keep one it would be the 0560. I like the size of both, and don't think the 0560 is too big for EDC, especially on weekends when I typically wear jeans. The Southard does go with me a lot though.

It will be interesting to compare the soon to be released ZT 0566 to the Southard when it arrives.
 
As others have described, both are very nice flippers and beyond that they're pretty different. The 0560 is a much larger, heavier knife to pocket, but it looks IMO it looks nicer (at least, it does unless you dye the Southard black and use your imagination to remove the goofy hole in the blade). The Southard is lighter, smaller, and more pocket friendly. They both flip like a champ, and both use great materials. I carry a Southard and wouldn't carry the 0560 because it's heavier/larger in the pocket than I'd like a regular carry knife to be, but it's a very nice knife.

You won't go too far wrong with either of them, so it's kind of a win win in any case. :)
 
I love my few Spydies... but they were made in Golden, CO, USA, Earth. My choice would default to my 0561, which I really like - but I like my 0551 even more! I am not so fond of flippers, so my vote really isn't worth much. Love the smoothness and inherently stout design of the 0561. If the knife's physical size is okay with you, it's a winner, albeit a substantial one! Here, for size comparison, are my Kershaw TILT!, ZT-0561, ZT-0551, & ZT-0301:

015.jpg


The 0551 is my favorite - I only bought a 'spare' of that knife. It's still available as the ZT-0550, just not with the ElMax blade.

Stainz
 
ZT 560:
Flipper action is smoother, less friction.
Tougher and stronger

See my abuse/hard use videos:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...Zero-Tolerance-561-Hard-use-and-Abuse-testing

Southard:
Edge retention is better

Cuts better? Depends what you are cutting.
I found the southard to not cut wide materials (cardboard, or wood) as well as the ZT 561 due to the weird edge geometry.
The ZT 561 has a flat grind with thick apex. This means as you make the initial cut the cardbaord is already pushed aside making it easier for the spine to push through. On the southard the aggressive hollow ground blade does not push the material out far enough, by the time you hit the spine, it's a dramatic change in thickness and makes it hard to cut. Causes the material to bend a lot, and to flex.

The ZT 561 could take chunks off wood while the Southard suffered biting deep due to that dramatic change in geometry.
Neither is optimal for cardboard or wood, but the ZT 561 did indeed work better.
 
I really like both, my opinion on the two:

ZT 560:
Heavier/bigger
more of a large sized folder, smooth
I like the 3-D machining of both sides
ELMAX: A good stainless, Edge retention will be right around maybe a little above S30V (although Kerhsaw/ZT tends to run their steel a little softer compared to Spyderco to gain toughness but loses edge retention), very stain resistant, tougher steel than 204P
- My 560 had excellent F&F, the blade flips open easier than the Southard, but I think that mostly due to the heavier/larger blade
- Have read a few posts of people that had F&F issues most were when it was first released, and were a very low percentage compared to how many have actually been sold

Southard:
- More of a medium size knife, although there is a lot of blade length for the overall size of the knife
- 204P will have better edge retention than ELMAX even if harder ELMAX
- Excellent out shallow cuts (rope, paper, etc) anything around an inch wide, it won't cut like a FFG Spyderco, but then again neither will the 560
- 204P is very rust resistant
- The action feels smoother/tighter tolerances than the 560, but the lighter blade doesn't provide the momentum in opening the 560 does so I'd say they're pretty even
- I have not problem with the pocket clip or the slightly different thickness scales (although I thought aesthetically it might but me at first).
- Haven't really heard much in the way of F&F problems overall if any.
- As far as Taiwain vs US manufacturing, at least from Spyderco's Taiwanese plant, of the two Taiwanese Spyderco's I have and the other 6-8 I've handled/looked at in stores all have had better centering and lack of blade play compared to US made knives from the the Big three (Spy, Kershaw/ZT, BM). Although I prefer buying US made knives, if given the choice between a US made Southard(Yay U.S.!) and Taiwan (consistently slightly better F&F) made Southard for the same price I'd flip a coin.

Bottom line:
If you prefer medium sized knives go for the Southard, if you prefer large knives go for the 560 and then get the other one later.
 
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