I just need help deciding - Cold Steel SR-1 vs. Spyderco PM2

el gigantor

el gigantor

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Oct 5, 2015
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So I'm looking to pick up a solid folder for my next purchase, and I have it narrowed down to 2 choices: The Cold Steel SR-1 and the Spyderco Paramilitary 2. This will become my EDC, and since I like camping and hiking a lot, it'll also accompany me on my journies outdoors.

I've researched as much as I could, and my mind will melt if I watch one more Youtube review. My local store has the PM2 (which felt great in-hand), but not the CS. I have no intention of beating the hell out of this new knife setting up a campsite or anything, as I have a Becker BK-2 for that. That being said though, I may expect the folder to do some assorted hard-use work down the line..

The CS has a slightly nicer steel and I love Andrew Demko's designs, but the Para seems something more capable as an all-arounder. The price difference on the site I'll be ordering from is less than one dollar, so that's no help!

Any input or questions would be fantastic. Thanks guys!

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Waaaay different knives! If you’re pairing up with the BK-2, I’d go with the PM2. It will slice and do detail work better than the SR1. The SR1 can be used as a hammer if it gets dull, so there’s that.
 
ScooterG said:
Waaaay different knives! If you’re pairing up with the BK-2, I’d go with the PM2. It will slice and do detail work better than the SR1. The SR1 can be used as a hammer if it gets dull, so there’s that.
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Oh I totally get that they're different. I've just fallen in love with both of them, and see too many pros and not enough cons in either to decide..
 
el gigantor said:
Good god! Are all those yours?! I actually almost drooled on my keyboard. Have you used any of them as a work knife?
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Yes, several. The digi-cam S30, the gray with black PVD M4 blade and the BHQ M4 have seen a lot of use. I’ve been carrying the Cruwear (gray) lately and it’s a great steel.

Hard to go wrong with a PM2 and Cold Steel makes a nice knife too. That SR1 is just too thick for my EDC use. When I carry Cold Steel, it’s a FFG American Lawman or an Ultimate Hunter.
 
This is Blade Forums. The place where the PM2 is the equivalent to "The One Ring". There is no way you will get the answers you are looking for here. :D

That being said. If I was in your shoes I probably would get the PM2 use it for a bit, and if you don't like it sell it. The resale on those will give you a much smaller hit than any CS knife.
 
ScooterG said:
Yes, several. The digi-cam S30, the gray with black PVD M4 blade and the BHQ M4 have seen a lot of use. I’ve been carrying the Cruwear (gray) lately and it’s a great steel.

Hard to go wrong with a PM2 and Cold Steel makes a nice knife too. That SR1 is just too thick for my EDC use. When I carry Cold Steel, it’s a FFG American Lawman or an Ultimate Hunter.
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Awesome. I appreciate the input!
 
I'd go pm2.
The sr1 reminds me of the Finn wolf. Which I did choose for a walk about backup to a fixed blade.
 
NorthernSouthpaw said:
This is Blade Forums. The place where the PM2 is the equivalent to "The One Ring". There is no way you will get the answers you are looking for here. :D

That being said. If I was in your shoes I probably would get the PM2 use it for a bit, and if you don't like it sell it. The resale on those will give you a much smaller hit than any CS knife.
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That's super helpful too. Well, this took a lot less time than expected!
 
The para 2 would carry much better. the sr1 is like a brick in the pocket. its also hard to unlock. the g10 is very rough, and the pocket clip is so tight you can barely get it in or out of your pocket. had one,sold it for all those reasons.i did bend out the pocket clip,which helped but everything else remained the same. And early sr1 screws strip out when you remove them and try to put them back in unless you get lucky. found that out the hard way too. theres a few threads on the cold steel forums about it.
 
goldie said:
The para 2 would carry much better. the sr1 is like a brick in the pocket. its also hard to unlock. the g10 is very rough, and the pocket clip is so tight you can barely get it in or out of your pocket. had one,sold it for all those reasons.i did bend out the pocket clip,which helped but everything else remained the same. And early sr1 screws strip out when you remove them and try to put them back in unless you get lucky. found that out the hard way too. theres a few threads on the cold steel forums about it.
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This is what I was hoping for; someone with practical experience with the SR-1. Thank you very much!
 
Going by your posts how about this: A used PM2 from the exchange and a Mora Fixed Blade, like a Robust. That's within budget I'd assume and you can use the PM2 when you want and if you're hesitant about using it for something you can beat on the Mora?
 
b00n said:
Going by your posts how about this: A used PM2 from the exchange and a Mora Fixed Blade, like a Robust. That's within budget I'd assume and you can use the PM2 when you want and if you're hesitant about using it for something you can beat on the Mora?
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I've already got the Becker BK-2 for a fixed blade, although I've heard great things about Mora. I'll have a look at the exchange right now.
 
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