Zero Tolerance 0561 Review/Question

SeppukuSamurai

SeppukuSamurai

Joined
Aug 19, 2014
Messages
1,435
So I just got my hands on my ZT 0561, ordered via Knifecenter.com and came in just a few days ago. The knife reminds me a lot of my Manix 2 XL, which is a favorite of mine. The ergonomics of the handle are superb. Second only to the Manix 2 XL in my book. The fit and finish are again just superb. I've come to expect this level of quality from ZT as they have yet to send me anything less than exceptional. It's one of the nicest knives I've had the pleasure of owning, especially at this price point.

I have one minor issue that seems to have affected many of us. This thing has the strongest detent I've personally experienced. I can open it with the tip of my pointer, but with that method a slight wrist flick is necessary to ensure full deployment. I'm sure this will work itself out once it's broke in. Its also got some pretty aggressive jimping on the G10 located below the thumb ramp on the spine. That's a plus for me, as I like a really grippy knife but I can definitely see why some people have complained of it. I've worked all my life, so my hands are rougher than some but I wouldn't say they're anything above average. I'd still say it should be manageable as long as you're not a baby :).

The knife is also deceivingly large. The pictures don't do it justice and in my opinion will not be fully realized until you have it in front of you. That being said, it dissappears in your pocket with its deep carry clip. I really like the clip, probably my favorite off of a production knife straight from the factory.

My question for you guys is -
Does the detent become more manageable by simply using/carrying the knife or will I need to take measures to bring it where I want it to be?

Why is there jimping on the wrong side of the flipper?
 
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You might have your fingers putting pressure on the lockbar. Try putting all three fingers on pocket clip as you open it n see if that makes any difference.
 
Typical issues come from having fingers on lockbar and as a result, increasing the tension. Try lightning up your grip.
 
Congratulations on the new knife!

It's a classic in the ZT lineup.

The detent should break in with some use.

The grooves on the flipper are a Hinderer design thing - I have not see why Rick prefers the traction on what I call the backside of the flipper, but it's his choice on his designs.

best

mqqn
 
ZT 0561 was discontinued last year so I'm surprised you just ordered it from KC. When I checked KC just now I couldn't find any listing. Perhaps you got a 0562 or 0562CF?

Anyway, on the old 0561 the detent was mild so perhaps you're applying pressure on the lockbar while trying to flip it open. If so, just place your fingers away from the lockbar.
 
Thanks for the save Ramzar, I found the 0561 with brown G10 shipped and sold from Amazon. It was the 560BW I purchased from Knifecenter. I saw the blackwash and I got two...I have a problem!!
 
ChrisKnife said:
Thanks for the save Ramzar, I found the 0561 with brown G10 shipped and sold from Amazon. It was the 560BW I purchased from Knifecenter. I saw the blackwash and I got two...I have a problem!!
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All have the same issue?

If it's hard opening the answer is still the same until it breaks in. Perhaps you're applying pressure on the lockbar while trying to flip it open. If so, just place your fingers away from the lockbar.
 
I'm unsure of what "old" means, but if you're referring to pre or post lock insert, both my 560 and 561 have it. I did my homework and found issues stemming from ti/steel contact.

Detent really does seem to be the issue fellas. I was already aware of the issue of applying pressure on lock bar while trying to open the knife. I'm confident it will work itself out as I received a 620cf I found to be a little stiff and it was good to go within a day of use.

Another thing I have noticed is the G10 overhang by the lock. Why!? It would have been better without. Time to rectify....
 
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ChrisKnife said:
I'm unsure of what "old" means, but if you're referring to pre or post lock insert, both my 560 and 561 have it. I did my homework and found issues stemming from ti/steel contact.

Detent really does seem to be the issue fellas. I was already aware of the issue of applying pressure on lock bar while trying to open the knife. I'm confident it will work itself out as I received a 620cf I found to be a little stiff and it was good to go within a day of use.

Another thing I have noticed is the G10 overhang by the lock. Why!? It would have been better without. Time to rectify....
Click to expand...

The 0560/0561 series has been discontinued minus the 0560BW. If all of the ones you have include the lockbar insert then you don't have a sticky lock issue. The detent will work itself to smoothness with open/close cycles. I usually add a tiny drop of nano-oil on the detent ball to help things along.
 
nwmetalbug said:
If you have a strong detent count your blessings it will smooth out to a great action
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Agree, mine was so strong that it literally bruised my finger if I flipped it more than 10-20 times per day for the first month or two that I had it but now it is my one of my best flippers. Flies open from any position with a normal light switch or push on the tab.
 
I just got a 0560 bw last week as a gift from my wife. I love it but the detent is stout. This is a ZT classic in my book.
 
Sweet! That's what I want to hear. I'd rather have to coax it into perfection then come that way and end up loose.

I actually bought the 0561 because it was such a classic and was being discontinued. I kind of hoped it'd be worth a little more than I paid a few years off and gave me a reason to have a new knife in haven't handled before. That lasted for about 20 seconds after opening the box. We bonded. L o l
 
My 0561's serial number is almost 8800 and the detent is so strong I can't thumb or middle finger flick it out. I've tried a million different grips and can't get it to open without the flipper.

I don't understand why the jimping is on the wrong side of the flipper OR why there is jimping on the back of the frame right where your finger comes down during the flip. Otherwise, I generally love the knife and catch myself starring at the "3D machined" (I adhor that term) titanium and G10.
 
ChrisKnife said:
I'm unsure of what "old" means, but if you're referring to pre or post lock insert, both my 560 and 561 have it. I did my homework and found issues stemming from ti/steel contact.

Detent really does seem to be the issue fellas. I was already aware of the issue of applying pressure on lock bar while trying to open the knife. I'm confident it will work itself out as I received a 620cf I found to be a little stiff and it was good to go within a day of use.

Another thing I have noticed is the G10 overhang by the lock. Why!? It would have been better without. Time to rectify....
Click to expand...

Just keep at it and as said a drop of your choice of oil on the detent ball helps tremendously.

The extra G10 around the lock cutout wasn't to my liking either. I used a dremel on 3 of the 4 I have had to take it down all the way. You wouldn't be able to tell by looking that I did and it made a huge difference in the disengagement!
 
bad_juju said:
Just keep at it and as said a drop of your choice of oil on the detent ball helps tremendously.

The extra G10 around the lock cutout wasn't to my liking either. I used a dremel on 3 of the 4 I have had to take it down all the way. You wouldn't be able to tell by looking that I did and it made a huge difference in the disengagement!
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I was hoping someone would have done it already to share the results. Any pictures of them? I plan on taking a Drexel to the one I've deemed a user as well. I'm hoping I can manage to NOT butcher it :p

I really love these collaboration series with hinderer, I only fish they'd of invested a little more time into smoothing out the edges. Still, one of my favorite production folders I've had the pleasure of owning up until now.

Anyone know what's coming out of ZT in 2016?
 
ChrisKnife said:
Anyone know what's coming out of ZT in 2016?
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The new ZT regular production models will be announced at the 2016 SHOT Show in Las Vegas on January 19–22, 2016.


The following three ZT Limited Editions announced at the 2015 Blade Show will show up sometime in 2016:


0999

0999_profile_render_le_1020x400.png

0999_backside_closed_1020x400.png


0606CF

0606cf_profile_1020x400le.png

0606cf_back_closed_1020x400.png


0392WC

0392wc_profile_1020x400le.png

0392wc_back_closed_1020x400.png
 
I'd say the OP won in respect to the detent. Mine had almost zero detent, and opened inside pocket one too many times. Breaking down the detent during a break-in period is much, much easier than trying to add it. I finally was able to correct mine (factory warranty and customer service trip was useless) with a little bubba-smithing.

The blade divot needed to be expanded just the tiniest amount, as the lock was not dropping all the way against the blade when closed (detent ball not dropping all the way into dimple). I was really worried about botching it, so it took about 15-20 cycles of disassemble-ream-reassemble-test before it landed. Now the blade locks in place on close, and requires just the perfect amount of pressure to rocket that sucker out. At first I thought maybe it needed too much force to open, but then realized that the discomfort was merely from the jimping, and not the actual pressure. It's really just about the same force required now as my 562CF and other newer ZT's.

But the rough jimping at that exact spot does seem a little misapplied. I was going to smooth mine out a little with file and buffer, but by the time I got the detent issue worked out, I had a 562CF in hand that carried much better for me. I may still work on the jimping at some time because I really do like the knife. I think just rounding out the sharp edges would help with finger wear, and still give plenty of thumb traction because of the monstrous spacing.

I have also thought about grinding the G10 lock recess. I think that would be easier to do without worry for me, because replacing the scale if needed would be cheaper than the blade or frame. G10 is actually pretty forgiving to clean up if a little file/sanding/polish is needed.

Enjoy your new 561. It really is a great knife.
 
bflying said:
I'd say the OP won in respect to the detent. Mine had almost zero detent, and opened inside pocket one too many times. Breaking down the detent during a break-in period is much, much easier than trying to add it.
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I totally agree.

The 0560/0561 went through cycles regarding the detent strength mostly due to customer feedback / complaints. It started medium-strong but by the time I got around to them in Spring 2013 they were medium-weak. My examples are 0561, 0560CBCF and 0560BLK. So, I never warmed up to them.

Now, if the current 0560BW has a strong detent I will definitely consider getting one!
 
Now might be the time Ramzar, they won't be around for long...I was only able to find the 0561 on Amazon, but I didn't search too hard.

Hopefully they give the model a facelift and bring her back later on.
 
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