Hesitating between two knifes...

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kaozer

Joined
Apr 22, 2016
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I have been torn between the zero tolerance 0450 (170CAD) and the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 s110v (210CAD). I was wondering between the two which would be considered a better deal or just a better choice. I am also open for suggestions as long as they are not more expensive than the PM2
 
As much as I love my pm2, over the years it has developed a little vertical play. I've also broken a few spydies and kershaws. The latter were fixed where as spyderco only offered me a discount on another. After that discount it was still more than I could buy a new one at any retailer. I haven't since bought a spyderco, nor will I unless it's used at a good price. All that said spyderco makes a great knife for light use. I would say the zt is a better buy and comes from a company that will support it should a problem arise.
 
0450. My 0450cfzdp is one of my top 3 EDC knives. My first and only flipper. Couldn't be happier and I think I'll be heart-pressed to find another Ill like nearly as much. So light, slim, excellent blade profile, rock solid lockup, zero play, perfectly centered, very smooth action, strong detent. Excellent slicer/precision blade. Very Impressed with my first and only ZT/flipper. Again, in my top 3 EDC knives next to the CRK Lg Inkosi and BM 940.


I frequently pair it with my CRK for EDC




As well as my Aurora :D Very deadly combo on the farm. Slicer/Precision, General purpose main blade, and Large/Abuse blade.

 
Standard BF answer - Get both!

Can't go wrong with either. Depends on which better suits you.

For me, the ZT makes for a better EDC. Luv the PM2's S110V but don't care for the 'blurple' scales.
 
Hey deer. Ive heard some stuff about the 0450 like the ergo on the back is kinda rough for the pinkie finger and that a lot of them have the blade off center. What is your experience with that?

Tavish: I might just get both! Maybe not this christmas ahah. Seriously though ive been thinking of getting the pm2 and later one putting some black scalloped g10 handles on it. Whats your take on that?
 
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kaozer said:
Hey deer. Ive heard some stuff about the 0450 like the ergo on the back is kinda rough for the pinkie finger and that a lot of them have the blade off center. What is your experience with that?

I might just get both! Maybe not this christmas ahah. Seriously though ive been thinking of getting the pm2 and later one putting some black scalloped g10 handles on it. Whats your take on that?
Click to expand...



My blade is dead on center. Everything about the knife I received is perfect. And I actually have XL clown hands and my pinkie doesn't even touch the handle. My pointer, middle, and ring fill up the whole handle. Iv heard of a person with medium size hands hating it but it fits incredibly into my hand. It feels perfect/natural to me.






Here it is next to a few blades for sizing




As far as the Pm2 goes I have no experience. Only spyderco I own is the sharpmaker. But I here its quite the blade! Iv looked into them before but took the 940 over it because of size/weight/blade length/slimness/axis lock/thumb stud/customer service/satisfaction with prior BMs.

940 held my top spot for a while and didnt think anything could replace it. Then I got my hands on a 0450cfzdp and it tied with the 940. Since, Iv gotten a CRk Lg Inkosi CF and that has taken my top spot. I don't think there is anything else on the market (current production or custom) that could replace any of these. (That 908 is my 4th :D )
 
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Oh man that 0450 is tiny! I'm used to carry stuff like the manix 2 or a benchmade griptilian
 
The pm3 is about to drop I've seen a lot of people selling off their pm2s, you could find one cheap on the exchange I bet.
 
I have both but they are two completely different knives.

The 450 is beautiful, light and small but has what cuts like a thicker blade and is less slicey. The handle ergos don't bother me, but you do have to "learn" where to hold it to get a consistent flip. I also strongly suggest a deep pocket clip. Rides well in the pocket.

The PM2 is considerably larger. The handle is very comfortable. The blade is very slicey. It does take up some room in the pocket, which is a minor sacrifice. I don't care for the appearance of the PM2 because it just doesn't look proportional. Also suggest a deep clip to improve its ride.

I have ended up carrying the PM2 more because it seems to just take and hold an edge longer than the 450. That will always win out for me.

I also suggest getting both off the exchange. You will save mucho dinero . . . Or just feed a habit!

Just my opinion and you got what you paid for.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
 
I have all of the available variations of the ZT 0450 from the original release to the ZDP-189 and every one came with a centered blade. I'll echo what was said earlier about it being on the small, somewhat petite size (and I have small hands).

The Spyderco Paramilitary is a radically different knife especially in height. Mine is a digicam model and is well made. The reason it has been relegated to "safe queen" duty is because of several close calls I experienced when closing the blade with one hand. For whatever reason, thin slivers of skin kept being shaved off my pinkie finger. There are many, many knives to choose from in this world so I decided there was no point in tempting fate. Sure, boatloads of folks are ardent fans of the Paramilitary (of whatever generation) but my experience goes to show the wisdom of personally handling a knife before purchase if it's at all possible.

Not meaning to derail this thread, but if you're inclined towards something from the ZT lineup with a 3.25" blade and in the vicinity of $160, you might give a serious look at some iteration of the 0770. The thickness of the 0770 is the same as the 0450 but its height is significantly taller, which in my opinion makes gripping it more secure. Weights are close with the 0770 being a tad heavier if you are comparing an all-titanium handled 0450 with a carbon fiber 0770. An aluminum-handled 0770 adds roughly another ounce. I would personally avoid getting the earliest and cheapest (~$120) 0770 with the black anodized aluminum handles because mine proved to be quite slippery in the hand, and like my Paramilitary, has been banished from my active rotation. If I was looking to add a new 0770 to my collection today and I didn't already have one in M390 steel, the currently available carbon fiber S35VN model would be my choice, with the latest gray all-aluminum model also meriting consideration.

One big caveat regarding the 0770: it is an assisted opening SpeedSafe model, a feature much despised my many folks who inhabit these forums. I personally have no issue with assisted openers (and picked up two Kershaw 1776 damascus Links recently) but you should be aware that many experienced purists just can't abide by them. As I suggested above, it would do you good to try before you buy.
 
I would like to thank you for your recommandation but as a canadian the 0770 is not in the same price range as those two. As for trying in person... Well all they sell in my area are buck gerbers and low end sog's. Cant find a single zt or spyderco anywhere, figures itd be significantly overpriced anyway
 
Interesting. Oddly enough, a Vancouver seller has both the carbon fiber 0450 and the carbon fiber 0770 listed at exactly the same price: $243.22 CDN.

Sorry it's impractical for you to handle any of these models in person. Good luck with whatever you commit to!
 
Ahh might be why i was looking at the titanium handle 0450.
Anyway thank you for your time and your help :)
 
These are two very different knives in my opinion.
I had an 0450 and traded it on, but have gone back and bought another para2 a few months after trading one every single time, this time I'm keeping it haha.
while the 0450 is really nice, I just didn't think it had a great "identity" for what I wanted. I expect small knives to cut very well, they don't have the handle length to put any leverage into and frankly I'm not going to be beating on one of those little guys, and the 0450 is just too thick with too abrupt a grind.

The para2 however cuts very well, and has a full handle for serious work. The other downside for me was that the 0450 had to compete with a small sebenza for pocket time or my dragonfly, both of which cut circles around it. Where as the para2 is competing with bigger "full pocket" knives, which is out cuts.

I suggest you get both, maybe used if you can to minimize the hit on resale if you don't like them. They are different enough that I doubt you'll find yourself picking between them if you have both.
 
Thank you for taking the time to respond, i have tried to look for used but end up being 10$ cheaper than a brand new one, i might just get the para2 first thank you :)
 
PM2? Excellent choice. New scales? Time will tell.

You've probably guessed by now there's no definitive answer but how it fits YOU.

I've EDC'ed many and fondled many more and still can't narrow my choice to one. Or two ... or three ...
 
Oh i know what you mean, i couldnt pick a favorite right now and i still have not fondled all that many knives ahah! Although i did get very usefull point of views and opinions.
Theres allmost too many good choices for one person to try out!
 
For me, PM2 by a mile. All around more capable blade with nicer steel, better ergos, better geometry and a lock I far prefer.
 
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