Action Similar to a PM2?

B

BeantownJ

Joined
Dec 17, 2012
Messages
275
Hi all,

I recently picked up a couple of the knives I have been wanting for a while, including a Small Sebenza 21 and a couple different paramilitary 2's. The tight tolerances of the Sebenza are absolutely amazing and the fit and finish appear to be second to none but I really have never handled a knife that opens as easily and as silky smooth as the PM2. With that said, it is a little to big for my EDC needs as I really need a 3" blade. I was wondering what other knives are out there that "feel" similar to or even better than the PM2 in terms of opening and closing. Just for reference I have listed the knives I own below:

Small Sebenza 21, Techno, Sage 1,2 and 3, Paramilitary, Paramilitary 2 (various runs), Native 5, Ritter Mini Grips and DragonFly2.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer.
 
If we're not talking specifically about the lock mechanism, I would give the Kershaw RAM a whirl, and I say that as someone who doesn't really care for flippers. The action is obscenely fast and smooth, lockup on the two I own is rock-solid in all directions, and the Hawk Lock will remind you of a ball lock, bolt lock, or AXIS, at least in terms of how it is disengaged. Fast and sleek. To me personally, she ain't much to look at, but I warmed up to the design literally in seconds as I first got my hands on it. It's that smooth and fun to open and close.

The only other knife that comes to mind to rival the smoothness of the opening of the PM2 is the Manix 2 Lightweight -- that knife is so smooth it's almost spooky. Mine feels like it's on greased bearings. Too big for your purposes, but still worth checking out someday if you get the chance.

Good luck!

Here's a photo (including a couple you own) for some size comparisons:

RAMManix.jpg
 
I don't think any knife can beat the PM2 for the money paid. Sure, Sebbies are nice, but you can buy three PM2's for the price of one Sebbie. The PM2 compression lock is in a class by itself, IMO.
I've had quite a few of each, and like both brands, so I feel free to give my opinion.
 
Sonnydaze said:
I don't think any knife can beat the PM2 for the money paid. Sure, Sebbies are nice, but you can buy three PM2's for the price of one Sebbie. The PM2 compression lock is in a class by itself, IMO.
I've had quite a few of each, and like both brands, so I feel free to give my opinion.
Click to expand...

I don't think we're talking about the PM2 vs. the Sebenza at all, nor specifically lock type or price-vs-performance. The original poster was interested in smaller-sized blades (3" or so) that give off a similar vibe to the PM2. BeantownJ likes the PM2... they just want something smaller.
 
My mini grip is silky smooth, opens like an assisted blade its so quick. And closes just as smooth/fast.
 
+1 on the Kershaw Ram. One of my earliest posts was asking about cheaper, left-hand-friendly flippers, and the RAM fit the bill perfectly. It opens up so fast you'd swear it was assisted, it locks solidly with no play, and the locking mechanism is easy to manipulate with either hand. If you hold down the lock, the blade free-floats. Beautiful. The only thing I changed on it is the scales - I sanded them down a bit, because Kershaw is in a longstanding war against pockets, and feels they must fray them all.

I got eBay sniped out of a DLC-coated one. Closing price: 43 bucks.
FORTY THREE DOLLARS
AASFHBASJBFKSNCLKSNAQWYQNWUH
I want to find whoever bought that knife and murder 'em. I mean, sure, they did the same thing I was trying to do, but they did it better and that is unforgivable >:(
 
My Galyean Pro Series Small JYD is incredibly smooth.
It has IKBS so it's silky.
I love this knife, and I had given up on flippers. This was just one I had fallen in love with and had to have.
If you can find one, I say pick it up.
 
i have a PM2 and like it a lot. Have you checked out a BM 710? i am recommending blindly here. i have the 705 (mini 710) and like it quite a bit. i have been looking for a 710 myself. just throwing out suggestions.
 
My Sage 1 is similar to my PM2 in opening. Also fits your desire for a 3 inch blade.
 
Thank you all very much for the suggestions - definitely a couple knives mentioned here that I want to try. I guess really I am just going to have to wait until a PM3 comes out (which in my dreams will have the lock and action of a PM2, the blade of a Native 5 and the ergos and weight of a Sage2). A guy can dream cant he?
 
The two knives I have that I think are smoother than my PM2 is my Hogue EX-02 and my Zt0560/1
 
Manix 2 - I have a Para 2 as well and just bought the Manix 2 DLC to me is pretty great. Opening is very similar to the Para, ergos are exceptional, G10 is a little grippier and it is rock solid. I highly recommend it.
 
The Spyderco Junior is pretty close to a reshaped and sized down PM. I love mine, and it beats even the Sage in smoothness of opening. Quite the nice knife for the price.
 
The PM 2 has a couple of things going for it. It has a nice crisp detent for one, it holds the blade just enough to get it to "pop" open with a bit of force. Secondly, the near 3.5" blade gets a nice bit of momentum once it is flying open. Smaller blades do get some momentum but not nearly as much... The smaller the blade the less momentum...the less momentum, the more wrist flick needs to be involved. This is assuming the pivot is tightened just enough so that there won't be side to side blade play. My HEST 2.0 at 3.1" is very comparable to the smoothness and speed of a PM 2 but then again, the blade is thick and heavy and gets a bunch of momentum when you flick it open. Probably the closest to the speed and feel of a PM 2 but in a 3" blade would be my Spyderco Zulu, Al Mar Mini SERE & my Ritter Mini Grip...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top