Barrage m390 vs pm2

[DarkPatriot]

Exactly like the title says. I'm in a position where ill be buying my last knife for a while and I can't decide between the two. I have had a regular barrage with the 154cm plastic handles, liked everything about except for the handle material. Same with the spydie pm2. Liked it, didn't keep it. I know the two are nothing alike, just want some input on which you like and why especially if you own/owned both. Does the g10/aluminum on the m390 barrage version do alot for the grip? Whichever one I choose will join my edc line up, so breaking down boxes, opening blister packaging, cutting rope etc will be the uses. Thanks

 

[Cypress]

The M390 steel is mo betta, and the Axis lock is 8,913 times easier to use than the lock on the PM2.

BUT, I don't find the Barrage to be a visually pleasing knife, and all assisted-opening knives turn my stomach.

I fully own up to being a Benchmade fanboy, but I am currently carrying a PM2 and am trying to get used to the lock.

 

[DarkPatriot]

Just out of curiosity why don't you like the assists, Cypress? I'm ambivalent about them so it's not really a deciding factor for me.

 

[jiml]

Got the m390 online, was the most unattractive knife i'd ever seen, due to that hideous handle. Couldn't stand the knife, till i ordered up some ghost jade micarta, carved out some new scales,and turned it into one of my favorites.

 

[Cypress]

Just out of curiosity why don't you like the assists, Cypress? I'm ambivalent about them so it's not really a deciding factor for me.

I don't like not having control over how quickly or slowly the knife opens. I also don't like the crutch it gives people (imagine a rifle scope that automatically creates bullseyes without even trying). That last one sounds vain, but "meh". I also associate spring-assist knives with Kershaw, and I'd rather consume live yellow jackets than pay for a Kershaw knife.

But mostly, I don't like how the assist is a "loophole" trinket for laws governing autos. I own and carry several autos, so if I want a spring knife, I'll just plop an auto Benchmade or Microtech into my pocket and strut around cockily.

 

[Inkbender]

I don't like not having control over how quickly or slowly the knife opens. I also don't like the crutch it gives people (imagine a rifle scope that automatically creates bullseyes without even trying)...

They actually have created this-- look up the Xactsystem "smart rifle." For a mere $22K, you can hit that 10 ring every time supposedly up to 1,200 yards.
Taking all the art and skill out of it... :grumpy:

Back to the subject at hand though.
Personally, I do not find the compression lock harder or easier to use than the Axis lock.
Both can be deployed and disengaged equally quick, ambidextrously. Some left handed people say they have issues with the compression lock... I don't get it.

Like Cypress, I am also not a fan of assisted folders-- was once super amped on them, but in the end found that (for me) they were not any faster.
In fact, the assist mechanisms created a chances for the knife to jump out of my hand, even while closing (again, maybe that's just me)!

The Barrage is pretty rad. It's got clean lines. I like it.... even steered my uncle towards one, which he loves.
However, for the most part, I love a good choil, so I'd still lean PM2. Then again, M390 is pretty sweet, and it's tough to find a PM2 with it.
Spyder hole vs thumbstud is not a big deal to me, but maybe it would be to you. I like both.

 

[whp]

I have both. i love the blade of the 581, but i dont like the loss of control of the assisted opener. The ergos of the pm2 are much superior to me. Lockup of my 581 has become wobbly w/o much use. The pm2 is a better knife.

 

[sogflash]

It's not that hard removing the spring to make it a manual knife. It's a lot harder to put the spring back.

I've removed the spring on mine and I like it as a manual knife. I don't have a PM2 so I can't compare them.

 

[DarkPatriot]

All good thoughts. What I'm thinking is ill probably order a barrage the beginning of August (along with a LM charge tti and some other stuff I "need." ) I'll put some money away here and there and pick up a pm 2 when I can. Thanks everyone.

 

[bdmicarta]

I have both and I like both. The 581 is much fatter and a little bit heavier than the Para2. The 581 opens fast and hard because its spring operates through most of the blade travel, but the Para2 opens very positively too due to the large blade hole. The 581 looks like it would be a much more expensive knife but they are probably functionally equal.