i bought 3 0550s i liked em so much.Two were purchased off eBay and were blemishes,scored those for a 100 bucks each.Couldn't find any thing wrong with either.They were gen 2s with the DLC coating, and i bought a gen one direct from zt for full price.These are in my pocket all the time and being used hard and still look awesome.Great review.
My 0550 S/N 7792 has indeed incorporated the inserts. At first I couldn't open the darn thing with the thumb studs for the same reason you stated - I was holding my finger over the lock bar. I still drool over your beautiful mirror edge finishes on your sharpening finishes. You stated that you use about an 18 degree primary bevel - what is the secondary bevel that you use?
Given the strong detent on the ZT0550 and the ZT0566, the two ZT/Hinderer collaborations I own, it puzzles me why ZT positions the pocket clip in the tip up carry mode so that it bears on the lock bar. The XM-18's pocket clip is angled so that it doesn't add extra tension to the lock bar. I've moved the pocket clip of both my ZTs to the tip down position and, in my opinion, it makes both opening and closing the blade much easier.
I have a 0561, had a stiff detent but after carrying and flipping plenty of times and it broke in. Detent got way smoother. I like my 561 but I can see how the issues it had pushed away a lot of people. To each their own. Love the videos, keep it up!
Hey Rob they now have Gen 3's of this knife with a stainless steel insert on the lockbar, sounds like a great design improvement on an already great knife.
The CRK Umnazaan doesn't use the insert. It's only necessary if you flip couple thousand times a day. Or maybe not in tolerance. They canbonized but I believe thats not even necessary. Catering to a compulsive flipping disorder
I appreciate the review, I just disagree on a number of points. My 0550 doesn't fly out. In fact, I sent it back to Kershaw because it was so hard to open as to be nearly impossible to open with the thumb studs. Its better now, but still enough to tear up my calloused thumb. On the flip side, I wish my 0560's detent was a little tougher. Don't get me wrong, it still flies out of the handle, but it could be even better. I also have no trouble closing the 0560. Looking at your hands in the video, could the difference be the final digit of your fingers which seem a little longer than average?
I like the tension and I like a heavy recoil spring. Mine is 0413 not sure how many they made. But I'm carrying it now. Was doing the cold steel recon 1 but switched to this.
Man, I am bummed to hear about your thoughts on the 560/561- I have a 550 which I love and was looking forward to getting a 560 as a step up. Perhaps not.
Yeah the 0560 series is very eh and I can't agree more about the sharp jimpin/detent issues. I've had 4 0561s and they've all had extremely weak detents that fall out if you barley shake the knife.
I feel your pain. I couldn't mount the clip on my 0566 for lefty carry cause the screws wouldn't bite into the thick g10 scale. Defective knife users I guess...
Hello, I initially picked the wrong ZT0550 video to comment on so this is a double post (sorry). I ordered a ZT0550 on eBay and got a Gen. 2 versus the Gen. 3 that I was told was being offered. Is it worth it to get a Gen. 3 versus the Gen. 2? I appreciate your opinion and videos. Thanks!
Steve Pickering That's a tough one, Steve. The difference is primarily the steel lock insert. Some 550's have pretty weak Ti lock faces, which has caused problems. Mine is rock solid. But if you wan to take all worry out of the equation, go for a Gen 3.
TheApostleP The lockup appears tight to me. Watching the video again I think that the wear pattern looks pretty similar to yours. The Serial Number is in the 4700's so I think that I'm going to keep it. Maybe I can have you enhance the choil and sharpen it for me after the new year? Thanks for your quick response and help! :)
Hi Rob, just to start...love your reviews! Have a question...I know your favorite knife to carry is the BM 940, however, I'm not sure if that's what I'm looking for? In your opinion, if you were a guy like me, that needs an EDC, hard use, works outside in Oil and Gas maintenance, loves to camp/hike/Bushcraft, always waiting on that wilderness survival circumstance, and because it's a pocket knife, it's always there and available...what would you recommend? I purchased the ZT 0561, however, just too big, and the jimping was brutal, so I returned it for the Edge Pro....so again, I'm not a "collector", that puts knives in a safe, I use....not abuse...but use and carry everyday....any suggestions....Also, I prefer Tip down carry or 4 way carry option, so the lanyard lays down deep in my pocket, which reduces the chance of the knife following out and becoming lost (snagging on a branch, etc..)...I appreciate it!
Arrgh!!! Now you are reeeaaalllyyy making me miss my 0550!!! Have a friend who has one with the new lockbar insert... pretty cool! :) Pretty tempting!!!!
First, greetings in His name, brother. Second. I have a 0561, I do not mind the design, mine seems to work for me (S/N >5000). But the ELMAX blade may be another story. I cut some carpet and pad with it right after I got it, it dulled bad. I have been trying to regain a good edge, I just can't seem to get one. ZT offers free resharpening, but I've heard they are slow. Short of selling it, what should I do? Can you get a good (and lasting!) edge on one of these ELMAX blades? What's the deal?
Thanks for commenting, Isaac, and may God bless you richly! Your experience with Elmax is extremely common. The steel has a very low grindability, meaning that the abrasive loads up and won't cut efficiently after very little contact with the steel. The tendency for a sharpener when this happens, especially on powered equipment, is to bear down harder on the belt or wheel, which is the wrong thing to do. This causes lots of fruitless friction, which causes heat, which then over-tempers the edge of the knife, creating softer steel right at the cutting edge where you need full hardness the most. Each knife that has this problem will be a little different in terms of how much steel must be removed in order to get to good hard steel. Sadly, there is no concrete answer to your question of how much is enough. Also, there's no guarantee that Kershaw won't burn the edge again when you send it in for their free sharpening service -- you do get what you pay for :(. I can sharpen your knife for you, but you won't know if enough material has been removed until you start working with the knife again. But generally, it takes much more than one aggressive sharpening to achieve this. I'd sell it.
TheApostleP I got stubborn with this knife, I really didn't want it to beat me. I went from using Arkansas stones to a diamond sharpener, I kept the blade wet, it looks like I got an acceptable edge on it...now I'll see if it holds. Thanks for your reply and I look forward to more of your great videos!
Ryan Hunter Its a lil late, but the scale is made by Cuscadi. He is the only one that I have seen use that type of Carbon weave. It is called Aero Carbon.
Thanks, Wesley! This might sound odd, but I use a 3/16" chainsaw sharpening tool for the dremel. It's a grinding bit, like a long thin drum sander. Works great, but you need a wet cloth close by to keep the blade cool. You don't want to over-temper that edge!
Ironically I almost bought this one off of the USN. Then balked for the BW version. Arrives tomorrow! Awesome discussion. I'll let you know how I like it.
I love you review. When I was looking for a knife I thought something a little more expensive but then like you I decide that for the money the 0550 was going to be a very hard to beat. I also think that factory scale is ugly and I want to replace it but I'll probably how to make me one if I can get a nice Carbon fiber like yours
Love my folders to be butt heavy, they aren't meant to be choppers. I even weigh down my Spydies with some nice Ti backspacers. That said, I have a pair of G3 550s, and they are the perfect folder for me, other than the non-recessed clip. Love your vids BTW, thanks for all of your efforts!
Enjoyed the video brother.I never have owned the 0550 but from the looks seems to be a very smooth knife.I have 5 knifes in s35vn and have never had any problem with them seems to take a edge well and hold it very good all have a blessed day Randy.
TheApostleP it'll still overkill your wallet for what you get, but hey we've all paid more just because something has a benchmade, spyderco or zt logo on it
Whats wrong with elmax? Yeah zt does it piss poor but its a great steel, im loving it on my para2, it actually managed to kick out my beloved socom and the greatest knife ever imo the military. I cut up a ton of cardboard and it was still phonebook paper sharp and hax 2 tiny and I mean tiny spots reflecting light. But you're right about 560 series, its a terrible knife in design and execution and gave a great steel a bad name.
There is nothing "wrong" with Elmax. It has, however, proven to be pretty diffucult for most production knife companies to work with and end up producing finished blades that consistently reflect what the steel is capable of. Also, for a "user" knife steel, as a sharpener, I don't think steels with extremely low grindability are the best application. There are other steels with far more than adequate edge holding capability, which are much easier to sharpen then Elmax. I'm not picking on Elmax, btw -- I have the same thoughts about S90V and S110V, as well as others which feature high concentrations of vanadium carbides.
I know, I know! I promised I'd call so you could talk me off the ledge if even ever considered buying another ZT! I didn't call. I bought it impulsively. I like it. I really like it! But I've broken a trust. I'm convicted. I'm remorseful. Please forgive me!!! :)
i bought 3 0550s i liked em so much.Two were purchased off eBay and were blemishes,scored those for a 100 bucks each.Couldn't find any thing wrong with either.They were gen 2s with the DLC coating, and i bought a gen one direct from zt for full price.These are in my pocket all the time and being used hard and still look awesome.Great review.
ZT 0550 Vs the universe 🙌🏻
My 0550 S/N 7792 has indeed incorporated the inserts. At first I couldn't open the darn thing with the thumb studs for the same reason you stated - I was holding my finger over the lock bar. I still drool over your beautiful mirror edge finishes on your sharpening finishes. You stated that you use about an 18 degree primary bevel - what is the secondary bevel that you use?
Given the strong detent on the ZT0550 and the ZT0566, the two ZT/Hinderer collaborations I own, it puzzles me why ZT positions the pocket clip in the tip up carry mode so that it bears on the lock bar. The XM-18's pocket clip is angled so that it doesn't add extra tension to the lock bar. I've moved the pocket clip of both my ZTs to the tip down position and, in my opinion, it makes both opening and closing the blade much easier.
Thank yo hi think I have messed up the centering on a few knives trying to polish the washers I have been using the spyderco sharpmaker stones
I have a 0561, had a stiff detent but after carrying and flipping plenty of times and it broke in. Detent got way smoother. I like my 561 but I can see how the issues it had pushed away a lot of people. To each their own. Love the videos, keep it up!
Hey Rob they now have Gen 3's of this knife with a stainless steel insert on the lockbar, sounds like a great design improvement on an already great knife.
The CRK Umnazaan doesn't use the insert. It's only necessary if you flip couple thousand times a day. Or maybe not in tolerance. They canbonized but I believe thats not even necessary. Catering to a compulsive flipping disorder
no flipper this time? Love the fiber. very good looking knife.
I appreciate the review, I just disagree on a number of points. My 0550 doesn't fly out. In fact, I sent it back to Kershaw because it was so hard to open as to be nearly impossible to open with the thumb studs. Its better now, but still enough to tear up my calloused thumb. On the flip side, I wish my 0560's detent was a little tougher. Don't get me wrong, it still flies out of the handle, but it could be even better. I also have no trouble closing the 0560. Looking at your hands in the video, could the difference be the final digit of your fingers which seem a little longer than average?
mine is a gen 1 ser # 33, ridiculous tension on the lock bar
Do you still have it
@@donaldwortham2409 yeah, i never really used it but it sit in a safe
I like the tension and I like a heavy recoil spring. Mine is 0413 not sure how many they made. But I'm carrying it now. Was doing the cold steel recon 1 but switched to this.
The 0550 design is based on Rick Hinderer's Camp Knife, not the XM-18..
Wow I really like the tone of the copper and the copper lock stabilizer.
Man, I am bummed to hear about your thoughts on the 560/561- I have a 550 which I love and was looking forward to getting a 560 as a step up. Perhaps not.
Yeah the 0560 series is very eh and I can't agree more about the sharp jimpin/detent issues. I've had 4 0561s and they've all had extremely weak detents that fall out if you barley shake the knife.
I feel your pain. I couldn't mount the clip on my 0566 for lefty carry cause the screws wouldn't bite into the thick g10 scale. Defective knife users I guess...
Clearly :(
Just got back into nice knives after a little layoff. You have some nice helpful reviews. I wish the 550 had the blade thickness of the 566.
I'm sitting here watching this, flipping open and closing my 0560 and wondering what all these complaints are about.
So the Gen1 550 developed bad lock? Or was it the 560?
Hello, I initially picked the wrong ZT0550 video to comment on so this is a double post (sorry). I ordered a ZT0550 on eBay and got a Gen. 2 versus the Gen. 3 that I was told was being offered. Is it worth it to get a Gen. 3 versus the Gen. 2? I appreciate your opinion and videos. Thanks!
Steve Pickering That's a tough one, Steve. The difference is primarily the steel lock insert. Some 550's have pretty weak Ti lock faces, which has caused problems. Mine is rock solid. But if you wan to take all worry out of the equation, go for a Gen 3.
TheApostleP The lockup appears tight to me. Watching the video again I think that the wear pattern looks pretty similar to yours. The Serial Number is in the 4700's so I think that I'm going to keep it. Maybe I can have you enhance the choil and sharpen it for me after the new year? Thanks for your quick response and help! :)
ZT 550 is a real HD (Heavy Duty) knife. Sad because i cant buy him here in Serbia. Hope so that will change soon...
Newbie. What is the forum you suggest to buy used knives? Thanks.
Can you do a video on how to polish and debur
washers
Yes, Alex, I can. That sounds like a good one to put in my "How To" playlist. Keep your eye out for that one.
Rob do you still own this knife? It's may 2016.... If so how is it holding up?
Hi Rob, just to start...love your reviews! Have a question...I know your favorite knife to carry is the BM 940, however, I'm not sure if that's what I'm looking for? In your opinion, if you were a guy like me, that needs an EDC, hard use, works outside in Oil and Gas maintenance, loves to camp/hike/Bushcraft, always waiting on that wilderness survival circumstance, and because it's a pocket knife, it's always there and available...what would you recommend? I purchased the ZT 0561, however, just too big, and the jimping was brutal, so I returned it for the Edge Pro....so again, I'm not a "collector", that puts knives in a safe, I use....not abuse...but use and carry everyday....any suggestions....Also, I prefer Tip down carry or 4 way carry option, so the lanyard lays down deep in my pocket, which reduces the chance of the knife following out and becoming lost (snagging on a branch, etc..)...I appreciate it!
Arrgh!!! Now you are reeeaaalllyyy making me miss my 0550!!! Have a friend who has one with the new lockbar insert... pretty cool! :) Pretty tempting!!!!
First, greetings in His name, brother. Second. I have a 0561, I do not mind the design, mine seems to work for me (S/N >5000). But the ELMAX blade may be another story. I cut some carpet and pad with it right after I got it, it dulled bad. I have been trying to regain a good edge, I just can't seem to get one. ZT offers free resharpening, but I've heard they are slow. Short of selling it, what should I do? Can you get a good (and lasting!) edge on one of these ELMAX blades? What's the deal?
Thanks for commenting, Isaac, and may God bless you richly! Your experience with Elmax is extremely common. The steel has a very low grindability, meaning that the abrasive loads up and won't cut efficiently after very little contact with the steel. The tendency for a sharpener when this happens, especially on powered equipment, is to bear down harder on the belt or wheel, which is the wrong thing to do. This causes lots of fruitless friction, which causes heat, which then over-tempers the edge of the knife, creating softer steel right at the cutting edge where you need full hardness the most. Each knife that has this problem will be a little different in terms of how much steel must be removed in order to get to good hard steel. Sadly, there is no concrete answer to your question of how much is enough. Also, there's no guarantee that Kershaw won't burn the edge again when you send it in for their free sharpening service -- you do get what you pay for :(. I can sharpen your knife for you, but you won't know if enough material has been removed until you start working with the knife again. But generally, it takes much more than one aggressive sharpening to achieve this. I'd sell it.
TheApostleP I got stubborn with this knife, I really didn't want it to beat me. I went from using Arkansas stones to a diamond sharpener, I kept the blade wet, it looks like I got an acceptable edge on it...now I'll see if it holds. Thanks for your reply and I look forward to more of your great videos!
Do you have any idea who makes that carbon fiber scale?
Ryan Hunter I don't, Ryan. I bought it used and it was already installed. Very nice one though.
Ryan Hunter Its a lil late, but the scale is made by Cuscadi. He is the only one that I have seen use that type of Carbon weave. It is called Aero Carbon.
+TheApostleP Go to BladeHQ, knife accessories. There it be.
Great review, brother! What method did you use to remove the excess edge around the sharpening choil?
Thanks, Wesley! This might sound odd, but I use a 3/16" chainsaw sharpening tool for the dremel. It's a grinding bit, like a long thin drum sander. Works great, but you need a wet cloth close by to keep the blade cool. You don't want to over-temper that edge!
Ironically I almost bought this one off of the USN. Then balked for the BW version. Arrives tomorrow! Awesome discussion. I'll let you know how I like it.
Can't wait to hear about it! Did you get the new gen with the inserted lock face?
I'ma total noob. What is the USN and the Cove(?)? Thanks!
A knife forum. Usual suspects it's called. Cove is a subforum on the site as to where you can purchase new or used knives.
TheAidansdaddy17 Thanks!
"I'm probably going to keep it" ... probably.
Not burnt edge? I thought you said it was a ZT ;)
The edge isnt' burnt because it's not Elmax :)
TheApostleP I know ;) still fun to poke at Kershaw... I mean "ZT."
Very nice knife - thanks for sharing
I love you review. When I was looking for a knife I thought something a little more expensive but then like you I decide that for the money the 0550 was going to be a very hard to beat. I also think that factory scale is ugly and I want to replace it but I'll probably how to make me one if I can get a nice Carbon fiber like yours
Love my folders to be butt heavy, they aren't meant to be choppers. I even weigh down my Spydies with some nice Ti backspacers. That said, I have a pair of G3 550s, and they are the perfect folder for me, other than the non-recessed clip. Love your vids BTW, thanks for all of your efforts!
Enjoyed the video brother.I never have owned the 0550 but from the looks seems to be a very smooth knife.I have 5 knifes in s35vn and have never had any problem with them seems to take a edge well and hold it very good all have a blessed day Randy.
You too, brother!
love the carbon fiber, I don't have any of those detent issues on my 0560.
Some didn't... but most did :(
Great video. I had a zt0560BLK... Was a fantastic knife.. had no issues.. though I did end up trading it for something else I wanted even more lol.
Awesome looking Knife
Thanks, Gary! I was pretty fortunate to find this one.
Gotta love the steel and the eye appeal (rhyme intended). .
Never been a fan of kershaw or ZT. The ZT line just seems like over kill for a pocket knife
Actually, I think most of the time ZT's products LOOK like overkill, but in reality are pretty flimsy where it counts :(
TheApostleP it'll still overkill your wallet for what you get, but hey we've all paid more just because something has a benchmade, spyderco or zt logo on it
Whats wrong with elmax? Yeah zt does it piss poor but its a great steel, im loving it on my para2, it actually managed to kick out my beloved socom and the greatest knife ever imo the military. I cut up a ton of cardboard and it was still phonebook paper sharp and hax 2 tiny and I mean tiny spots reflecting light. But you're right about 560 series, its a terrible knife in design and execution and gave a great steel a bad name.
There is nothing "wrong" with Elmax. It has, however, proven to be pretty diffucult for most production knife companies to work with and end up producing finished blades that consistently reflect what the steel is capable of. Also, for a "user" knife steel, as a sharpener, I don't think steels with extremely low grindability are the best application. There are other steels with far more than adequate edge holding capability, which are much easier to sharpen then Elmax. I'm not picking on Elmax, btw -- I have the same thoughts about S90V and S110V, as well as others which feature high concentrations of vanadium carbides.
I think the domino scale might give that thing a run for it's money
Maybe :)
Man you should message me id love to show you my cutom 0550. I think you'd definitely appreciate it.
Also i agree the 'stock' g10 grip sucksss
I don't know you anymore : )
I know, I know! I promised I'd call so you could talk me off the ledge if even ever considered buying another ZT! I didn't call. I bought it impulsively. I like it. I really like it! But I've broken a trust. I'm convicted. I'm remorseful. Please forgive me!!! :)
is this nice perfect
When you get tired of it sell it to me, please.
Beautiful knife, but I think you like to torture yourself. I mean that in the kindest way and with much love brother. God bless :)
I understand completely :)
Ok I'm wrong I won't argue but please take the time to check out www.dhgate.com then make a search for ZT knives there all clones.
Nothing wrong with the original 0550 design dummy
kduncan29 There is also nothing wrong with using complete sentences and punctuation.
I like it