Comparison: Spyderco Para 2 and ZT0566

bj_key2003

bj_key2003

Joined
Sep 6, 2012
Messages
267
Here's a short photo comparison post of the Zero Tolerance 0566 and Spyderco's Paramilitary 2. These two knives, I believe, are comparable because of size, price, and reliability.
I ordered both knives within the same week because I realized that aside from my 4-5 Swiss Army Knives, the only folders I had were the my Rat-1 and Rat-2.*
That just won't do. After a few hours of research, these two knives are what I landed on. I'd had a couple of previously owned Para 2's in the past and had sold them off for various reasons and regretted every time. I knew what I was getting. I've also had ZT's in the past (0550, 0350, and 0560), but never the "right one" that both felt good and met my needs for general urban edc. Enter the ZT0566. I found this one used on one the forums for $100 shipped and couldn't pass it up. Anyway, here are the specs and some comparison pics:

ZT0566
Made in the USA
SpeedSafe® assisted opening system
Frame lock, lockbar stabilizer
Quad-mount (tip-up/tip-down; left/right hand) deep-carry clip
Steel: ELMAX®, stonewashed finish
Handle: Textured G-10 front, stainless steel back
Blade Length: 3.25 in. (8.25 cm)
Closed Length: *4.45 in. (11.3 cm)
Overall Length: 7.70 in. (19.6 cm)
Weight: 5.3 oz. (150.3 g)
blade thickness0.12 in.

Spyderco Paramilitary 2
Made in the USA
Oversized Thumbhole opening
Spyderco compression lock
Quad-mount (tip-up/tip-down; left/right hand) pocket clip
Steel: CPM S30V
Handle Material: G-10
Blade Length: 3.438 in. (8.7 cm)
Closed Length: 4.812 in. (12.2 cm)
Overall Length: 8.281 in. (21 cm)
Cutting Edge: 3.078 in. (7.8 cm)
Weight: 3.9 oz. (111 g)
blade thickness0.14 in. (.35 cm)

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Strange to me to see the Para2 actually thicker stock than the ZT
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I bought both with the intention of selling the one I liked the least... I'm still on the fence. I absolutely love the ZT0566, though. Don't be surprised if you see the Para 2 pop up on the sale page soon... we'll see.
I hope this helps someone out there who has not seen these two knives together.



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Don't sell the Para. Just stick it in a drawer if need be. Down the road when you want a change or that ZT feels like a heavyweight you'll be wondering about that lightweight Para2 you had. And at that point they may be hard to obtain.

I've been there a few times; believe me. Currently carrying an XM-18 and plan to for the foreseeable future, but still have a couple Paras stashed away. They really are that good.
 
I find that spyderco knives really start to shine once you put them to use. I've had many a spyderco that I didn't realize the perfection of the design until I started really using them. That's when the love affair starts.
 
My Spydercos (the PM2 being one in particular) have made my ZT's and BM's drawer jockeys. The more and more I use my PM2's, the more I realize it is pretty much the perfect EDC knife.
 
Comparisons between manufacturers are better done in General. Sort of strange to discuss other brands in a manufacturers forums. Apples to hamburgers and all.
 
I love my pm2's, but ive been strongly considering picking up a 0566. I just dont know how the zt would carry compared to my spydies, considering the 5.3 oz weight. Both are excellent knives regardless, Im sure you'll make a good choice either way.
 
? Of course they're totally different knives. If they were the same it wouldn't be a comparison at all... it'd just be, "hey.. look at my two same Para 2's"...
I was just trying to help folks out. These are two knives of similar size and price point that one may be considering. I figured that since Spyderco was represented I could post here. If it needs to be moved, that's ok with me.
I'll probably keep both as they're both fantastic edc choices.
Thanks negative Nancy's for being predictably abrasive. The internet wouldn't be what it is today without you and the millions like you to point out any and all things that don't fit into your definition of accuracy and/or perfection. Sheesh.
 
bj_key2003 said:
? Of course they're totally different knives. If they were the same it wouldn't be a comparison at all... it'd just be, "hey.. look at my two same Para 2's"...
I was just trying to help folks out. These are two knives of similar size and price point that one may be considering. I figured that since Spyderco was represented I could post here. If it needs to be moved, that's ok with me.
I'll probably keep both as they're both fantastic edc choices.
Thanks negative Nancy's for being predictably abrasive. The internet wouldn't be what it is today without you and the millions like you to point out any and all things that don't fit into your definition of accuracy and/or perfection. Sheesh.
Click to expand...

Nice......:rolleyes:
 
bj_key2003 said:
? Of course they're totally different knives. If they were the same it wouldn't be a comparison at all... it'd just be, "hey.. look at my two same Para 2's"...
I was just trying to help folks out. These are two knives of similar size and price point that one may be considering. I figured that since Spyderco was represented I could post here. If it needs to be moved, that's ok with me.
I'll probably keep both as they're both fantastic edc choices.
Thanks negative Nancy's for being predictably abrasive. The internet wouldn't be what it is today without you and the millions like you to point out any and all things that don't fit into your definition of accuracy and/or perfection. Sheesh.
Click to expand...

Hey, don't sweat Revdevil. Certainly don't take it personally. I think he's just like that.

FWIW, before I bought my PM2, I was seriously considering the 0566. I certainly appreciate your pics and comparison, regardless of the fact that I'm really enjoying the PM2. Some say they're drastically different but they're both folding knives about the same size that cut things. Not all that different. Your comparison is both appreciated and valid for this user. Post on.
 
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You should try de-assisting the 0566. I've always found this to be a huge improvement. Also, try adding a Hinderer-esque choil with a dremel. I'm debating doing the same thing.
 
I've certainly considered de-assisting the 0566, but have not actually found the assist to be a detriment so far. Time will tell at this point.
Sorry guys, also. No harm or malice intended. It was late and I was tired. :)
 
Your pics are just what I needed, for some reason I figured the PM2 was smaller than the ZT0566. I have the ZT and am looking at trading it or some of my other blades for the PM2. Now my decision is justified. Thanks for the write up.
 
I went through a similar thing and picked up a BM Stryker (which I'll be selling) overall similar in size and scope but not in price

I found that for the less cash I get better knife steel, lighter and thinner knife

For me weight means something if a two comparable knifes and similar in all regards and one is noticeably lighter I'll keep the lighter one.
 
The one area the Para 2 could seriously improve upon is the handle chamfering. It is toooo blocky. The Millie has good chamfering and feels much better in hand. I've bought and sold Paras as well but I think I'm gonna take some sand paper to my current one and see if I like it better.
 
I had both.

The 566 went to a new home.

It was a BRICK for weight.
Did not slice as well.
PM2 has a better feel.
 
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