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

Blade to handle ratio on the sr1 is way off too; the huge handle offsets the blade to make it smaller than it is. As an edc unless your a giant Frankenstein, the sr1 will be very noticeable when carried, might even get annoying.its blocky.If it was in a backpack or clipped to a molle vest it would be good,but in the pocket? I don't think it would be comfortable.
 
el gigantor said:
Any input or questions would be fantastic. Thanks guys!
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First off I don't own the SR-1. I do have many, many Cold Steel EDCs.
I do have the exact Black, Black Para 2. Hahaha it became my only safe queen because I couldn't bear to put a blemish on it. I have since added a Para2 in Camo for my hard use DLC coated blade user :thumbsup:. It turned out to be the best fit and finish of all of my several Para2s . . . again :thumbsup::thumbsup: !

Looking at the SR-1 :
  • the saber grind isn't something I would want. If you enjoy hammering your knife through car doors that one's the way to go though . . . and again . . . I love my Cold Steel knives; I'm not saying anything against them.
  • Next that gap between the choil and the blade when the knife is folded would bug the piss out of me visually. For contrast look at how clean the lines are on the folded Para in the same area ! ! ! !
  • My experience with SHORT Cold Steel pocket clips such as that short (and wide) little monster on the SR-1 has not been good. They tend to be way too vise like and inflexible. The clip on the Para2 is perfection.
  • A back lock is my last choice. I have tons of knives with back locks, that I tolerate, but the compression lock is so much more fun to use and plenty strong.
  • And to beat the dead horse a little more; try that back lock before you buy, Cold Steel back locks can be nearly impossible to release if your hands are cold, tired and or damaged. I might be over reacting but not much. I have many, many Cold Steel Triad / back locks and end up modifying most of them to work MUCH easier.
  • The handle on the SR-1 looks nice and thick (I like that) but the curve in the back of the Para is useful when your hand is on the rear of the handle reaching down say to cut card board that is spread out flat on the floor or some such. This is kind of a Cold Steel thing too . . . check out the long handled Cold Steel Voyagers and the vids that show how reach is important in a knife.
  • For me the finger guard on the SR-1 is in the wrong place; I would want it further toward the blade or a choil on the blade like the Para.

Sounds like I just hate the SR-1 and that isn't the case.
It could well be the best knife for you.
I would buy both and unload the one you don't need.
Easier said than done.
 
I vote for the Pm2 due to the fact that it’s more versatile edc choice. The Pm2 also comes in so many flavors.
 
Wowbagger said:
Sounds like I just hate the SR-1 and that isn't the case.
It could well be the best knife for you.
I would buy both and unload the one you don't need.
Easier said than done.
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The list you wrote up is very helpful. I've actually got a Recon-1 in AUS 8 as my beater knife, and love the thing.
 
These are not comparable knives . Maybe a CS Lawman or AK-47 folder , but not the SR1 which is a tank knife made to replace a fixed blade . If you want something to compliment your BK , I'd go for the PM or one of CS slicier models .
 
In the picture provided the SR1 is in S35VN steel. If the SR1 was ever released in CTS-XHP and you can get one, that would be my choice. If the difference is between S35VN and S30V, it's a coin toss.
 
I've owned both and I'd pick the PM2. The SR1 is a replacement for a fixed blade. Thick stock and durable saber grind. Thick, rough G-10 scales.
The PM2 will cut much better and carry better.
 
I think it really breaks down to the action, especially the lock. I hate back locks so the compression lock wins because I like it. So PM 2 it is.

BTW I don't have an SR-1, but do have an American Lawman and a PM 2. Again, so PM 2 it is.
 
The PM is the best around edc on the market. The Lawman is comparable. Neither is as strong as the SR1 although the Lawman is closer.
The SR1 is heavy to carry . Consider getting the Recon 1 in xtp while they re still available. Essentially as strong as the SR1, but light enough to edc easily.
 
AF said:
I've owned both and I'd pick the PM2. The SR1 is a replacement for a fixed blade. Thick stock and durable saber grind. Thick, rough G-10 scales.
The PM2 will cut much better and carry better.
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This sums it up.
I own both. If you want high performance cutting the PM2 is an easy win. I have a bunch and my favorites are the Cruwear and M4. If you want a folding icebreaker, the SR-1 is your choice. I actually use mine for that - in winter to break ice on dog water buckets. I've used it for splitting small branches for firewood too. It cuts reasonably well for such a thick blade, but it is a thick blade and will not do typical knife duties nearly as well as the Pm2. It is also much heavier and not nearly as easy to pocket carry (mine is in my chore coat).
 
Own and used both for a long time, they are in no way at all comparable knives. Both have a completely different role to fill, PM2 is better for EDC and cutting, SR1 is better for outdoor use if you don't want to carry a fixed blade, and it's a lot of fun, after i reprofiled it to 21 degrees per side it cut fairly well for it's blade thickness.

If you want the best of both worlds (strength and cutting ability) get a Recon 1, pound for pound toughest knife around that still cuts like a laser.

Two completely different breeds of knives here.
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el gigantor said:
I'm 7ft1 and 260lbs. For real!
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Yessir, you're a big guy. I would think that your hand size would appreciate the larger brother of the PM2...the Military model. Available in a bunch of great blade-steels, and can work harder than the PM2. Pretty much the same cost as a PM2...perhaps a bit more. Many are often seen (as new) on the Exchange here.
 
Spyderco.
It looks more ergonomic.
Also, the Cold Steel is marketed as a "weapon". The Spyderco isn't.
 
I'd go with the SR-1, then convex the primary grind. It'd be unique, attractive, it would make it your own, and zero grinds drastically enhance cutting performance.

Convexing that kind of stuff is a bitch though. Took me 3 hours to 'vex my 451. Worth it though.
 
Definitely the PM2. I only have 6 or 7. :)
It’s one of the best EDCs. You can get wide range of steels,s30,s35, m390, s110, m4, cruware, and more. Not much difference between s30 and s 35. Daily use you can’t tell. I am not fan of coated blades. The coatings get marked up, more friction on cuts even the dlc. Only exceptions are on rusty steels like m4.
 
So my dad is your size almost to a t. The paramilitary is too small for him. He is a CS fanatic. Has quite a few spydercos and others but my paramilitary was too small for him. I would imagine you have simila hand sizes. If I were you I would pick the SR-1. Depending on what you’re going to be doing with it one may be better than the other, but the triad lock is incredibly strong if you had to do something dumb with it and I know it will more than likely for your hand much better.
 
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