photoman12001
Gold Member
- Joined
- May 23, 2008
- Messages
- 2,673
I just picked up a couple of decent deals on ZT 0550s on the Exchange and have to say that I'm really impressed with them. For some reason I expected them to be larger than they really are. Don't get me wrong, they aren't small by any means. I really noticed the smaller than expected size when I compared them to my 0350s. The footprint of the two models really isn't that different except for the thickness. The 0550 is much thicker than the 0350.
One of the 0550s is a well used generation 1, the other a moderately used generation 2. It's crazy how different the actions are on these knives. I got the gen 1 a few days before the gen 2. Once I started messing with the gen 2 its action seemed almost too light since I had gotten accustomed to the gen 1. The action is very smooth on both knives but the gen 1 has a much stiffer lock bar. Overall I think I prefer the gen 1 slightly but I won't be getting rid of either. The handles are large but very comfortable.
Both knives have a very slight amount of vertical blade play if you open them slowly. A quick opening usually results in no blade play. It was possible to get a smooth action and no side-to-side blade play by adjusting the pivot screw. The gen 1 did require some Loctite though or the pivot would loosen quickly. I haven't noticed it since applying the Loctite. I like the detent strength on both. There is enough strength that once enough pressure is applied to get the detent ball to release the blade it just I flys out, but it doesn't require too much force. In fact, I have to concentrate to get the detent to release the blade but not open fully. The gen 1 does require a little more force but it's not too much. Mine is pretty well boken-in though.
I have been primarily carrying a 0350 for a few weeks but now I'm mostly carrying the 0550 gen 1. I bought it because I wanted a knife that already had lots of use so I would actually use it. So many of my knives that are new or lightly used just sit in my collection. The 0550 isn't small but I don't have any issues carrying it unless I'm in a suit. Then I reach for something smaller but the 0550 is still in my bag.
Overall I really like the 0550. I am glad I picked up a couple of them.
The lock bar cut out was moved to the outside of the titanium frame and enlarged on the gen 2.
The gen 2's pocket clip was switched to a deep carry version.
Here are some photos with a 0350.
One of the 0550s is a well used generation 1, the other a moderately used generation 2. It's crazy how different the actions are on these knives. I got the gen 1 a few days before the gen 2. Once I started messing with the gen 2 its action seemed almost too light since I had gotten accustomed to the gen 1. The action is very smooth on both knives but the gen 1 has a much stiffer lock bar. Overall I think I prefer the gen 1 slightly but I won't be getting rid of either. The handles are large but very comfortable.
Both knives have a very slight amount of vertical blade play if you open them slowly. A quick opening usually results in no blade play. It was possible to get a smooth action and no side-to-side blade play by adjusting the pivot screw. The gen 1 did require some Loctite though or the pivot would loosen quickly. I haven't noticed it since applying the Loctite. I like the detent strength on both. There is enough strength that once enough pressure is applied to get the detent ball to release the blade it just I flys out, but it doesn't require too much force. In fact, I have to concentrate to get the detent to release the blade but not open fully. The gen 1 does require a little more force but it's not too much. Mine is pretty well boken-in though.
I have been primarily carrying a 0350 for a few weeks but now I'm mostly carrying the 0550 gen 1. I bought it because I wanted a knife that already had lots of use so I would actually use it. So many of my knives that are new or lightly used just sit in my collection. The 0550 isn't small but I don't have any issues carrying it unless I'm in a suit. Then I reach for something smaller but the 0550 is still in my bag.
Overall I really like the 0550. I am glad I picked up a couple of them.
The lock bar cut out was moved to the outside of the titanium frame and enlarged on the gen 2.
The gen 2's pocket clip was switched to a deep carry version.
Here are some photos with a 0350.
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