looking for a hard use folde fr hiking/camping: ZT 0200 or Spyderco ParaMilitary2, m?

KYenglish

KYenglish

Joined
Nov 26, 2010
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Hey guys,

first new thread, look at me go. Anyway I'm looking fr a hard use folder, I have my fixed blade for hiking and camping but I normally carry my EDC folder(BM mini grip), which works but was thinking of upgrading it to something that could stand up to harder use.

I've been looking at the ZT 0200 and Spyderco ParaMilitary2? Anyone have an opinion these knives in this role, or is there something better.

thanks,
 
I have a PM2 and a zt 0300....The PM is a much better all around edc in that it slices better and is lighter in the pocket, also the compression lock is strong as hell. That being said the zt does have a much thicker tip and all around blade but since you have a fixed blade for prying and what not id go with the PM. Just my opinion hope it helps
 
The PM2 will do everything well and slices better than most. I like a knife that actually cuts. Its light weight puts it way ahead of other nice knives.
 
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I have both of those knives. The 200 used to be my hiking knife and it's a beast of a knife. The ZT feels like it could take a ton of abuse, which is why I used it as my hiking knife.

BUT, the reality is that all that strength and size are unecesssary for most hiking/camping chores. For me, the minigrip would be all I'd ever really need while hiking or camping (provided I've got my FBs w/ me as well). I'd probably go for the PM2. I think it's the best knife deal out there right now. The ZT is also WAY heavier than the PM2. That extra weight does get annoying.

If it's just "harder use" that you're interested in though, then I'd go w/ the ZT. Personally, I think the Minigrip and the PM2 are comparable in that regard. The ZT is a step up.
 
Since you already have a fixed blade, you can use that for harder tasks. Get the PM2 for pure cutting performance.
 
Kru03 is right about the demands made of most hiking knives. In that scenario I would recommend an Al Mar Ultralight of the length you desire,

For a true hard use folder I think you have to throw the Chris Reeve Sebenza into the mix.
 
I had the ZT 0200 and it is one beast of a knife. I didn't put it through hard use but I think it could have made a nice prybar if in a pinch. That being said, I got rid of it because I am not good at sharpening and couldn't sharpen the deep recurved blade.

If you can sharpen it yourself or don't mind sending it in to KAI for a free sharpening when needed, I say go for it.

I don't own the PM2 so I can't talk about that one.

Let us know your decision.
 
My hiking/camping folder is the Ontario RAT-1. Good knife and cheap to replace. Of the two you mentioned, I'd take the Para 2... :thumbup:
 
If you do not take a fixed blade to your hiking/camping than you probably need something bigger and stronger than PM2. If you do - than ZT200 would be an overkill.
And it looks like you do...
I personally do not have PM2 so it is very difficult for me to say how much stronger it is compared to mini-grip you have used so far. But certainly if mini-grip was OK for you - going straight for zt200 looks like a bit of extreme to me. Keep it simple and keep it light. ZT200 is not light, and it does not make sense to pair it with a fixed blade... what would you use the fixed blade for? ;)
Should you consider other options? These two knives are way too different to be considered as viable alternatives for the same task...
 
When it comes to hiking, my rule of thumb is to always go with a fixed blade if you can. I usually carry a big blade with me which is my AK Bowie and a mora for any small tasks. I wouldn't really trust a liner locked knife to hard use either.
 
Free2game said:
When it comes to hiking, my rule of thumb is to always go with a fixed blade if you can. I usually carry a big blade with me which is my AK Bowie and a mora for any small tasks. I wouldn't really trust a liner locked knife to hard use either.
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You must not have used a ZT before, they're stout to say the least. I'd go with the 0200, but I don't mind the extra weight.

-sh00ter

Edit: 0350 might be worth a look, it's a little more pocket friendly and still plenty strong.
 
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When in doubt..add pics! ;) Here are my best folders...para 2 and ZT350 are here. While my para 2 gets the most carry time, I do prefer the Ritter Grip in the woods and the ZT would see more action if the freaking clip wasn't so tight! It's a very capable knife too...I had the 350 out recently and remembered it's really a nice blade. I will say I have worked the tip on the para pretty well and it's held up fine. That said, the point is one reason the Grip sees more woods time. Great blades all! :thumbup::thumbup:

IMG_3498.jpg
 
thanks for the replies. it all helps. I think the zt may be over kill. now I think about I'm just trying to justify getting one. I jade the played with one at the knife works once and like it.

my folder. works as an edc which I just have with me when I go camping as a backup/small job knife.

the pm 2 might make more sense, it looks like one hullava knife as well.
 
There's no such thing as a "hard use" folder. If you have a fixed blade, why is "hard use" even a requirement? :confused:

If it's just so you can get another knife and feed an addiction then get both. And a smatchet to round it out. :D
 
The OP asked for a harder-use folder.
KYenglish said:
was thinking of upgrading it to something that could stand up to harder use.
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No contest. The ZT spanks the Spyderco every day. Thick blade, strong tip, massive frame. I'm a Spyderco fan, but almost all of them have fragile tips, most have thin blades. They're excellent for any normal chores, but hard use (the exceptions not withstanding) they are not. If you prefer a Spyderco,I'd suggest a Superleaf. Way less fragile than a Paramilitary 2, and the same excellent lock.

PS: To me, hard use means stuff you'd prefer to use a small or medium sized fixed blade for. Light prying, light digging, light chopping, that sort of thing. I would not choose a PM2 for that, any ZT would be perfectly fine. A superleaf probably too.
 
KYenglish said:
I've been looking at the ZT 0200 and Spyderco ParaMilitary2? Anyone have an opinion these knives in this role, or is there something better.
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I've used both of those knives. Get a CS American Lawman. It's handled every darn thing I've thrown, sometimes regrettably, at it and it still locks up like the day I bought it. Solid. Or, get Andrew Demko to build you one with better steel.
 
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