CF / S90V PM-2 - is it worth current prices?

EZ Bake

EZ Bake

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Mar 5, 2009
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I'm considering paying the outrageous prices for one - but I plan on having the scales polished (which would essentially ruin the value of a sprint-run, and go against everything I normally like in handle-scale texture, but the two I've seen are soooo pretty).

I considered the Grey CTS-20Cp, but the Grey G10 just didn't do anything for me. My Blue M390 came in, and I ordered an orange CTS-XHP one. I've got a Digi-Satin one as well.

I've also been considering saving up and selling a few knives to get a Grail knife, but it occurs to me that the knife that fulfills all of my needs almost every time I carry is the Para-2. It's my go-to knife nearly 90% of the time, so what if I just got a really fancy sprint run version of one instead of one of my grail knives.


So, owners of the S90V para-2... is it truly worth the (inflated in today's market) prices?
 
This is really subjective. I probably would have paid up to $250 for mine. Of course people are paying a bit more than that and I was lucky enough to pre-order one and pay less.

For instance, I'd love to have a Manix in S90V but I'd never pay over $300 for one which really means I'll never have one. :)
 
Watch the exchange and pick one up like I did. I paid $275 for mine, and I think it's maybe slightly over priced at that price. I say that only because I also have the standard black model that I paid $100 for. There really isn't a huge difference between the two other than handle material. Sure the blade steel is nicer, but unless you cut a ton, it's not going to matter a whole lot. The handles do look amazing, but I don't know if that's enough to almost triple the value of the knife. I'll admit mine was a bit of an impulse buy, but I'm glad I did it. I like to show it off to people, and just knowing I own 1 of 600 gives you a special feeling as well.

In short, if you've got the cash, why not? If you can't really afford it, don't do it.
 
Is it worth it??? Only you can answer that. However, if you already have the M390 version, I'd say there is no particular need to get the S90V version. M390 and S90V have comparable edge retention and IMO, M390 takes a finer edge.

But...if you're a steel nut and have to have it, I'd recommend the CTS version. It's more readily available and you can save some money.

But...if you want the carbon fiber handles and have to have S90V...save up for it :)
 
my opinion:

the newer ones are more refined, thanks to spyderco's CQI. So, the M390 one i have is near perfect: flies open, perfect smooth lock, perfect centering.

my CF/s90v one is very nice, but the lock is quite sticky and the fit and finish are not like the m390 one. but it is quite pretty.

it all depends on you, though.
 
I have one and I love the looks of it ,but I don't feel like destroying it's value by opening some boxes-if I had to do it again I'd get me a 20cp and wait for some Grimsmo scales in anodized aluminum.
 
Not for me so I'm probably never going to get one. At this point, I'd guess that 80 percent of the people who buy the s90v para at today's prices won't be using them. It's mostly just pride of ownership and collectible value. If you're looking for increased performance that will match the price, I think that you will be disappointed.
 
I bought a CF PM2 in S90V and also the new Blue PM2 in M390. The CF version opens easier than the Blue G-10. Maybe the one needs to break in a little. Both are really nice but I like the CF version more than the G-10

With the prices that the sprint CF S90V is bringing right now I am sure there are companies noticing that and someone will bring out another PM2 with CF scales. Be patient and you will be able to get one. When any new PM2s are announced with CF scales you better jump right on it.
 
As someone said, very subjective. Note that the CF/S90V Military has not only never retreated in price AFAIK but has advanced to price levels on eBay that I think are just plain nuts (over $500). The CF/S90V PM2 is likely to hold and/or increase its value, too, I'd guess.
 
JNewell said:
As someone said, very subjective. Note that the CF/S90V Military has not only never retreated in price AFAIK but has advanced to price levels on eBay that I think are just plain nuts (over $500).
Click to expand...

Yeah, but it's a Military...... And S90V.... and Carbon Fiber. :D

One of the reasons I will never sell mine. :)
 
If your like me, once I have a liking for something, nothing else will do. Even if you purchase one in S90V and don't like it, you can probably sell it on the exchange for what you have in it. I have the 20 CTS version and its awesome. Go for it!
 
Here is my well used and beat up S90V Para 2. :D

DSC_34521.JPG


DSC_3455.JPG
 
I'm not sure now. If fit/finish are a concern, then it sort of defeats the purpose (though with it being this late, I'm in used-market territory for the most part and can verify fit/finish before purchasing I guess).

I've been considering having Carbon Fiber or other custom scales made for one of my existing Paras, but I would then be spending $200 for a regular Para with S30V and fancy scales. I could spring for a CTS-20CP and then get some custom scales made, but I'm back into grail-territory again.

I really wish I would have picked up another CTS-XHP just for the purpose of adding custom scales (XHP is one of my favorite steels), but hindsight is 20/20 I guess.
 
I think from a collector's point of view the S90V P2 would still be a decent value for a great knife. From a practical point of view I think the M390 P2 is all you'd need.
 
Why won't Spyderco make a standard knife in S90V? I know someone will say it costs more because it's harder to work with, well charge the difference.
 
TypeR632: Exactly! So many people want cf and s90v. Why does this have to be a sprint? I, and others, would buy these without a second thought.
 
I had one for a little while. I don't think its worth the current price at all. Much better knives out there for the $300+ price tag of the S90V PM2.
 
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