I'm tired of my PM2

S

Stolenives

Joined
Jul 12, 2017
Messages
57
I know the para 3 came out, I wasn't looking for the next iteration of the design. I was expecting a different experience from the PM 2. Before I bought the knife which is the (now) production s110v I had come to understand that this was "the" spyderco to have, blade steel notwithstanding. The model came with such praise I thought it was going to fill the hole in my heart. Two years ago I lost my benchmade Osborne 950 rift. I should have known better, they just aren't the same. It was also consequently my first venture into spyderco. Truth be told I have bought other spyderco since, I can appreciate the company I just didn't love that model. My question to you all is; what is a great alternative to the PM 2? I know you may be thinking well, if you loved the rift so much why not just buy it again? I have thought about it but I want to experience other knives and hope to one up the rift. Lay it on me!
 
It would be helpful to know the reasons that you did not like and grew tired of your PM2. Not a leading question, just to find out your preferences in terms of fit and ergonomics.

P.S. Just looked up the BM 950 Rift which I was not familiar with and see that it is a vastly different kind of folder: bigger, different grind, different blade shape, etc.
 
A Manix may fit the bill a little better than the PM2. It uses the CBBL system so it's kind of like an Axis lock. Blade wise, it's quite different being a leaf shape, that's not a bad thing, though.
 
If you enjoyed the rift why now staying at benchmade?
Adamas, Contego, Lobo... look like interesting alternatives after a Rift

I am not surprised you have been discounted by the PM2 as it is a completely different approach compared to the rift. Size, weight, handle to blade ratio, etc... are all very different

Maybe you can have a look at ZT for a more substantial knife

I prize Spyderco for EDC but after something that may be considered somehow heavy duty it may not be much convincing

A ZT0909 can be something to have a look at IMO
 
All very great points; when I bought the BM I was blown away with it. Immediately. The design was the first thing I noticed, specifically the aesthetics. This was back in 2009 and I never even heard of G-10. The blade is essentially a beefed up version of the 940, meaning it had a great deal going on in terms of blade geometry, grinds and swedges, angles that are conducive to slicing but somehow simultaneously not fragile or delicate. You weren't breaking the tip off on that thing if you opened a paint can with it. (I don't treat my knifes that way but it's just to emphasize my point). The PM, slices well, its speed of deployment is whatever, it's really not outstanding but who really buys a knife cause it pivots the fastest...? The lock is clever and solid and easy to maneuver one handed. It checked all of the boxes and that's why I bought one. When I got it I immediately started carrying it. It served its edc purposes well, I food prep with it and I break down boxes with it, it cuts well, cleanly, and for a long time between sharpenings. It even disappears in the pocket for it being as large as it is. What I don't like is the cheap hollow feel of its construction. It's not a cheap knife, the materials are top shelf and spyderco makes a great knife; utility knife. You know that feeling of opening one of those $10 box cutters they want to make look like a pocket knife? They're usually found in lowes, Home Depot, or Walmart. The feeling of having something less substantial I think is the issue. I have a delica 4 ffg. Love that thing. I have a mantra, carry it everywhere. I have a BM REI edition 531, it's a great office edc and doesn't feel substantial like I'm craving; quite the opposite and I love it. The PM fills a large edc role well for a lot of people but not for me because it just isn't what I feel is what a med/ large edc construction. It's just an endura with a beefier handle. That handle has hot spots to me both on the clip position, which I've tried tip up and tip down as well as where the edges of the handle because it's so flat it just puts pressure along its spine. Do you have any suggestions based off what I'm trying to describe?
 
Southard Tolk. Lighter and thinner than the 950. Slightly larger overall with a longer, beefier blade in CTS-XHP.
 
Stolenives said:
Do you have any suggestions based off what I'm trying to describe?
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Try aftermarket scales on the PM2, that made all the difference in the world to me. If you don't think the PM2 merits spending the money to make it what you want, or you just don't want to risk spending the money to find that you still don't like it, dump it & move on.
The right choice? I have no idea, to be honest. I've been trying to find the ideal knife for some time, lol. Have you tried the BM Barrage in M390? For a solid feeling EDC, I love my ZT 0550 (I have a copper scale on it, which adds to the weight). If you don't mind a slightly smaller blade (3.25"), check out the ZT 0456.
 
Manix2xl is the most substantial spyderco folder I've had except maybe the titanium military. ZT's (my current favorite is the 0562Cf) are way beefier than most benchmades I've seen
 
Honestly I think one of the best Spydercos is the Gayle Bradley 1 or 2. It is an amazing production working knife. These knives are just amazing workers.
 
One of the things I like best about my g10 military knives is how light and sharp they are, like a feather attached to a 4" razor. I read a story years ago about how an attacker bled to death without realizing he had been cut by, guesses? A spyderco military
 
Lapedog said:
Honestly I think one of the best Spydercos is the Gayle Bradley 1 or 2. It is an amazing production working knife. These knives are just amazing workers.
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You recommend the 2? I know the original GB has a large following, most comments said the GB2 was inferior in every respect so I didn't buy when I had a chance.
 
Try the Bradley 2 from spyderco it's a work horse built tuff. One of the best production folders I think spyderco makes.
 
I think the GB 2 was met with some aprehension at first. I think mostly because the liners on the GB2 are thinner.

Over time I have seen nothing but positive praise for the GB2. The GB1 which I own is already an amazing knife with a following of those in the know.
 
IMG_1473.JPGHere is my Bradley 2 with a forced patina which I like. As I stated above it's a tank of a knife the m4 stays super sharp even after a lot of use. Rides great in the pocket it's kicked everything but my case sod buster jr out of my pocket.
 
gonebad395 said:
View attachment 734892Here is my Bradley 2 with a forced patina which I like. As I stated above it's a tank of a knife the m4 stays super sharp even after a lot of use. Rides great in the pocket it's kicked everything but my case sod buster jr out of my pocket.
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That is a really nice patina on it and I think that's awesome advice I never really looked into the BG or GB 2 but I think you sold me on it. Of course the price is probably the only downfall, not saying it isn't worth the money and it is $40 less than the rift that I had. I also never really looked too much into the knife because I think a liner lock is my least favorite locks because that's what gas station knives use as a mechanism and I have a hard time getting over that but I'm beginning to realize that's just silly
 
Stolenives said:
That is a really nice patina on it and I think that's awesome advice I never really looked into the BG or GB 2 but I think you sold me on it. Of course the price is probably the only downfall, not saying it isn't worth the money and it is $40 less than the rift that I had. I also never really looked too much into the knife because I think a liner lock is my least favorite locks because that's what gas station knives use as a mechanism and I have a hard time getting over that but I'm beginning to realize that's just silly
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You should really look past the price because the knife in my eyes now that I own it is worth double what they charge for it. The lock is solid and I've never for a second thought it would fail me. This knife is imo one of the best knives that I've ever dropped in my pocket. The m4 tool steel will rust but if taken care of like a knife should be you'll be fine. And btw the patina was done with apple cider vinegar for 4 hours. Give it a try if you don't like it sell it on the exchange you'll get your money back fore sure
 
If you want a knife that you will love Try out these three. Gayle Bradley 2 I like it better than the Gayle Bradley 1. The GB 1 was overbuilt and stiff and very hard to close. If you do Get the GB1 send the knife out to have the choil over the lock enlarged and it will be fun to flick and open and close. Its also the greatest deal for the money, Carbon Fiber and M4 for less than $150. I think that 1 mod changes the whole knife.
Second is the Domino, it comes in 3 different colors and the blade is great steel. It fly's open and very easy to close, Its super smooth on bearings and it's has a frame lock (you mentioned that you didn't like liner lock's)
And last is the Brad Southard. I have one and I am not crazy about it personally but it actually is a great knife, also a framelock. It's the first flipper that Spyderco ever made. I hope this was somewhat helpful.
 
Last time I considered the GB2 at $120, the same website had the Ontario xm-1d on clearance for $40, bought 3 of those instead. Those xm-1 desert camos cause a palpable stir of envy at a gift circle!
 
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