COMPARISON: ZT 0561 vs Spyderco Paramilitary 2

J

JoepReinen

Joined
May 11, 2011
Messages
187
When i first got my ZT 0561, I liked it very much, but can it compare to my PM2?
Let's find out!
I'm going Nutnfancy order on this one:D

-POU
Pretty the same, just EDC them, The ZT is a beefier option than the PM2.

-Steel(Not much a steel guy, don't know very much about it)
PM2: S30V It's good, but it's hard to sharpen. It maintains the edge pretty good.
ELMAX: Extremely corrosion resistant, lasts a good edge.
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Lockup:
The lockup on the PM2 is very strong, It's a compression lock.
You don't see that too often.
ZT: The lockup on the ZT is all around perfect. It has perfect 50% of the liner in place.
It features the Hinderer stabilizer.
Both knives have zero up/down side/side blade play. Just nothing:thumb up:
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Handle material:
The material on the ZT is G10, but it's 3D machined so it gives a very nice grip.
The other side of the ZT is Titanium. Also 3D machined, I like it very much and it's not slippery at all.
PM2: Black G10, very good, not to rough that it will tear up you pants, and not too soft that it will slip out your hands.
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Ergonomics:
There are absolutely NO hotspots on both knives, although the PM fits my hand better(I'm 15 years old, with small hands:o)
On both knives you can go reverse grip.
I like the PM more, because you can choke up for fine cutting tasks.
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Clip:
Both pretty the same, no weird designs.
The ZT has less knife sticking out.
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Value:
I paid 185 euros for the PM2. yeah i overpaid...
For the ZT also around 180 euro.
They're both great value, reliable knives.
They won't let you down, that's for sure!

Cool Factor:
They're both awesome, although the ZT has a little more cool on it, I think because the titanium and brown scales.
The PM looks badass to with the DLC coated blade and black scales.

Conclusion:

Both knives have excellent fit and finish, The ZT almost feels like a custom knife.
The scales fit perfectly, and everything is beautifully finished.
The PM2 stays my favorite.
It's more compact, and it's faster to open.
ZT:9
PM2:10
 
Good comparison. I have to agree with pretty much everything you said. I've had both but each went to a new home. However, I would consider a PM 2 again. It was a certain kind of perfect, just not for me at the time.

It is possible to choke up a ZT 561. After modifications of course. Here's the one I had that I received in a trade. The previous owner did all the cool stuff to it.

 
Great review, impressive for your age!
I also like the PM2 accompanied with theZT 0770cf on the 1st place.
 
I think that was an incredibly well written review. You stated facts as well as your opinion. I personally think the ZT edges out the PM2, but that is simply an opinion. I am an AVID Spyderco fan, but I personally feel as if the ZT 56X series is about the most perfectly executed production knife in existence. Your review was excellent none the less.

To find out that you are only 15 floored me. I congratulate you and your parents on you being not only articulate, but obviously an intelligent young person. Thank you for your review, I look forward to reading more of your writing.
 
Nice write up

The ZT would go first before I let a PM2 leave .

The PM2 is lighter. Cuts better because of tht Grind.

And the clip was the only thing I hated about it. So I fixed it .


from the
TheoriginalspacemanNow its IMHO as perfect as you can get
 
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Comparing the PM2 to a 560/1 is like a higher end not quite super bike to a Corvette. Apple's to oranges. Cats to dogs. Things you can't really compare because they are totally different. Both nice, but equally good in different ways.

That said, you did a pretty good comparison. I can't say I wouldn't make the same comparisons. Tinker with that 561 a bit to perfect the flipping action (modifying the lock bar and oiling) and you won't want to touch another knife if you can avoid it. Oh, who am I kidding? I would ditch all of my knives for my 801, but I still have a damn near Gollum obsession over fondling them all. My precious can't get jealous of my other preciouses.
 
I own multiples of both. You can buy a sprint run PM2 for the same money as a 561 new. I carry a PM2 all the time and keep a 560-561-566 in a pile with 30 other folders.

I do agree an originalspaceman pocket clip is a must for a pm2 I have 4 on pm2s and 1 on a domino. I have even given them as gifts.
 
Well done dude, and those are some nice knives for a 15 year old.

I love my 561 and both of my Para2's, but for different reasons.
 
Wow very well written for a person of any age. I thought I was reading a review written by a seasoned vet. I have never owned a PM2 but do love my 561. As for the steel I do not have a lot of experience but do own blades in each mentioned variety and prefer the S30V. It seems to hold a better edge than the ELMAX but I have yet to really get a good edge on the ELMAX so my opinion may change. Anyway, excellent review. Next time I would suggest not disclosing your age. it does not have anything to do with anything and there may be some people out there that may question your credibility due to your age alone when it is not warranted. I will be looking for knife reviews from you for years to come. Do you have a youtube channel?
 
Thank you all for your awesome comments.
I sure will do this some time in the near future!
I have a YouTube channel, but I don't do anything with uploading wise.
Maybe I will do Youtube reviews some time:D
 
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