Help me decide. Spyderco Paramilitary 2 or Zero Tolerance ZT0350?

Montanabladefix

Montanabladefix

Joined
Aug 23, 2011
Messages
224
Looking for a upgrade from my EDC Kershaw Blur. (Which I love). To be honest I will have both when Its all said and done. Just trying to decide on which one next to buy.

Leaning towards Spyderco Paramilitary 2 and then saving up for a ZT hinder design, But any thoughts?
Pros - Cons? Favs?
 
From someone that's had both, the 0350 is superior IMHO. ZT's are tanks, the para only shines over the 0350 when weight is an issue. I've had an s30v, CTS-20cp, and s90v para and they all had blade play:grumpy:. Im sure I could of fixed them myself, but just sold them to fund a few 0551's. :D
 
i have the para 2 and love it. i have handled the ZT a few times before at the gun shows and am very interested in it, it is on my short list of next potential knife purchases.

one thing i have noticed is that people who like, or are used to a faster opening pocket knife, don't like my para 2. they all try to flick it open and can't, and don't like the whole knife for that reason. i personally like it, because the knife is a tool not a weapon for me, and super fast opening is not a top priority for me. i also have not had blade play with mine.

you can't really go wrong with either.
 
depends if you are more of a hard use person or a slicer person.

i think both would be good though :D

P1030173.jpg


P1030174.jpg


P1030175.jpg


P1030176.jpg
 
can't go wrong with either. i prefer the zt, but its honestly up to your wants. both will do what a edc blade needs to handle. yes the zt 0350 might be "tougher" but tougher at what, opening a box and doing small tasks a small small buck knife would handle. the only thing i do with my edc blades my small back up can't do is food prep. its just too small. i carry a larger knife because i like to its just my preference.

if u like it light and sleek go for para 2

if u like it strong, tough, hardcore and are not worried about a extra once or so in ur pocket get a zt.

-happy holidays
 
One of these day's I'm gonna save up my pennies for a ZT 350. I love the whole ZT line of knives, and have looked at most the threads with ZT knives here on the forum. If I had to chose between the Spyderco or the ZT, it would be ZT hands down.
 
I have one of each and am not disappointed with the fit and finish of either. The ZT is certainly more solidly constructed in both the body and blade which has its pluses and minuses. The Spyderco is a much more efficient cutter and that, along with the very strong and easy to manipulate (after a bit of practice) compression lock, has elevated it to EDC status.
 
jwblack911 said:
can't go wrong with either. i prefer the zt, but its honestly up to your wants. both will do what a edc blade needs to handle. yes the zt 0350 might be "tougher" but tougher at what, opening a box and doing small tasks a small small buck knife would handle. the only thing i do with my edc blades my small back up can't do is food prep. its just too small. i carry a larger knife because i like to its just my preference.

if u like it light and sleek go for para 2

if u like it strong, tough, hardcore and are not worried about a extra once or so in ur pocket get a zt.

-happy holidays
Click to expand...

"if u like it light and sleek go for para 2

if u like it strong, tough, hardcore and are not worried about a extra once or so in ur pocket get a zt." -jwblack911
I'm think i need a ZT. But para 2 is on the list of must owns.
 
I agree with prior posts; the Para's FFG is better for slicing but the ZT feels like a tank. As was also said, you'll probably want both in the end.
 
The Para2 feels better in the hand than the 0350. Choosing between the Para2 and the 0200 would be a more challenging decision, ergo-wise. However, if you like the Blur's AO, the 0350 might suit you more in addition to having a flipper. The Para2 is very easy to flick open though, even without AO. I'm sorry if all that hasn't made your decision any easier, but you can't really go wrong with any one of them. Even better if you get one of each :)
 
I don't have the ZT but I suspect for heavy duty use it would edge out the Para. The Para is a great EDC and a mean slicer. I probably am a bit biased though. It is one of my favorite Spyderco models.

P1020094.jpg
 
After presents, fun, and food yesterday my brother and I were talking knives (first year I didn't get anybody one) and his exact comment to me was "if you ever want to get me a folder again make sure its a ZT"

This coming from someone that carried a spyderco military for several years before getting a 0350. His reason was simple, it is tough, cuts well, and the edge lasts longer through his uses (CB Elmax blade). Basically a knife you don't have to worry about using.
 
I walked into my local knife shop today with money in hand and my mind set on a para 2. I left with a 0350 am very happy with my decision. I will still get a para 2 but will probably wait for some sort of used sprint run to turn up. Imo, zt for hard edc including lots of use at work. And the para2 for evening edc and night on the town self defense carry.
 
Carried Syderco exclusively for 20yrs. Received a ZT 350 a few weeks ago and I have put all my spydies in the safe.
 
I would get the Para just because I don't like re-curves, but also because it has a distal taper full flat grind. I'm a sucker for those.
 
I own both knives. They are excellent. If I had to choose only one of them, I would definitely go with Spydie. Both knives have good fit and finish. Para is a better cutter and it is lighter.
if you need a knife for hard work I.e. prying, go with ZT.
I pried open a paint can with my 350 (regular s30v blade) without any problem. I wouldn't even try to do it with Para
 
I've owned both at some point and I have to disagree with people saying the 0350 is built stronger. Para 2 has a stronger lock and thicker blade stock (3mm vs 4mm). The 0350 does have a thicker tip and has full steel liners. Heavier doesnt always equate to sturdier and with all things considered I would say they are about equal in overall strength. Now the bigger, badder ZT 0300s are a different story and probably wouldnt even be close to compare with a Para 2.

If you have to choose between the two and weight is an issue than get the Para 2. If you dont care about weight than I would go with the 0350. Both are excellent folders and its a shame I no longer own either of them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top