And the winner is... the PM2 in K390

TRfromMT

TRfromMT

Joined
Jan 4, 2016
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This month I sold the entirety of my folder collection. Long story, but it came down to 2 reasons: 1) I have been contemplating how to adopt more minimalistic habits in my life; and 2) I was saving up for a motorcycle (which at the outset seems at odds with the 1st reason, but there is a connection there, too.). Oh, I also kept a Boker Roundhouse that was given to me, and that remains my dedicated shop knife.

Prior to the great selloff I had a 4 Shiros, a gold class Benchmade, a CRK and maybe a few others. Not a large collection, but certainly some very nice knives. All of them were carried and saw some use, even some rather expensive Shiro's. I also sold off many of my fixed blades, but those were not daily drivers, just a collection of rather nice fixed blades. I did keep a few fixed blades that are unusualy special to me.

Anyway, I asked myself at the outset - if I had to get down to one folder, could I do it? Well, turns out I can. I guess I got a little momentum going an stuff just started selling. I also asked myself, to be mentally prepared, if I did have to get to one knife that I could depend on, what woudl it be....?

Answer is the PM2 in K390. I dressed it in Aramis grand line carbon fiber scales, and this knife just sings to me when I use it. The steel is truely astonishing in terms of edge retention and durability. It's my favorite, hands down.

I imagine I'll add things back in over time. I am not sure yet if I am comfortable with just one knife. No room for error. But the "If I had to exist with just one pocket knife" question has been answered.

PM2 in K390 for the win.

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Reducing "stuff" can be very hard, but having it usually has difficulties as well. I applaud your efforts. Simplicity in life can be sublime, freeing, just as owning and riding a motorcycle can be (about 35 years riding here). Thanks for sharing. :cool:
 
two is one and one is none.

congrants on getting to none folding knives. 🤡😅

seriously though, I should probably try and do the same in a few areas of my life.
 
Wow man. I admire your commitment here. My knife habit has always been in conflict with this same philosophy, so I get it.

I could live with my Straight Spine Stretch in K390. It’s even better than the PM2. You should try one. ;) haha

Stay safe on the bike and share some pics when you get it!
 
Love it, my main EDC for quite some time has been a para 3 in k390. This steel just keeps going all day long, crazy stuff. Such practical and useable knives. Bummer I couldn’t nab one of your shiros though :-)
 
Point of all this was not to focus on me or streamlining. I'd call what I'm doing more about balance, than minimalism. The knives had gotten way out of balance.

Rather it was supposed to be about the K390 PM2. If there is a 1-knife option, this is a solid contender.
 
Mister Coffee said:
TRfromMT TRfromMT Have you had to deal with corrosion issues on the K390? (I've got an Endura and three other Spydercos in K390.)
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I forced a patina on mine with a vinegar soak when it was new, gave it a nice grey tone with a little bit of rainbow under the right light, that has held up without a spec of added corrosion for about two years of carry with no oil and barely ever wiping down. Really love this steel. I'd be curious how it holds up without the forced patina.
 
TRfromMT said:
Point of all this was not to focus on me or streamlining. I'd call what I'm doing more about balance, than minimalism. The knives had gotten way out of balance.

Rather it was supposed to be about the K390 PM2. If there is a 1-knife option, this is a solid contender.
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I don't think I could do a PM2, if I was Cutting back...
If I did, it could probably be my PM2 in DLC 10v..

Tho, I could, as it's my most carried, go for the Shaman in Z-wear.. with a side of, K390 Ladybug.
Which is my most carried combo...
 
353 said:
Curious, what made you prefer the Endura?
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TRfromMT said:
So, the Endura has an edge over the PM2? (See what I did there.)

I'm curious, too.
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I ended up liking the longer, thinner/slicier blade on the Endura way more than I thought I would. I also liked the handle ergos more. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed using the PM2 and for many folks it'll be a favorite. I favor the Endura but also rotate in the PM2 and a Native 5 in M4 for when a smaller blade is called for.
 
I applaud the effort. I think the same thing often. I just never sell anything. I have a good collection of Spyderco Sprints and a few CRK.

I have 2 PM2’s that I don’t carry. An original BBS M390 and a 4V. I like them well enough. Just when it comes time to pocket a knife that size I grab my ZDP-189 Endura or my GB1 in M4. I can’t seem to force the PM2 into the pocket.
 
I can imagine the good feeling of downsizing the knife collection. I was able to downsize my Military and PM2 collection though at about the same time I increased other models so the total $ spent continued to increase. :confused:

I agree with some above posters that Spyderco's K390 is perhaps the best steel for me. It keeps a keen edge for insanely long and the edge can be sharpened to super thin without any stability issue; corrosion does not seem to be an issue either. I have a K390 Endela, which is basically my "beater" folder. I also have a K390 Delica as a small carry folder.
 
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