New member, got $150 for first "real" knife...recommendations?

E

Ero2

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Nov 11, 2015
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Been doing a lot of reading and decided to finally join up and get some opinions! While I would like a Chaves 228, that just isn't in my cards for a while. So...have narrowed it down to Spyderco Paramilitary 2 (Black Blade), Kizer Ki3404A3, or a ZT 0450. Knife will see a bit of everything, but decided it's time for a non throw away knife. Already ordered a Spyderco Sharp Maker, and will practice on old knives to get the skill down. Also, totally open to other suggestions, but thought what I currently narrowed it down to would give you an idea of what I like.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance for any help!
 
Howdy and welcome to the forum.

A Paramilitary 2 will do you good, I've had one in my pocket for years. I've also owned ZT in the past, quality stuff. If I were to go out and buy a folder right now, it would likely be a Benchmade 275. Completely different than what you're looking for, but that's just me.

I'd also consider a traditional folder. Something like a Schatt and Morgan perhaps.
 
I don't own any Kizers or the ZT 0450 (though I have looked at them recently), but I have the Paramilitary 2.
There's a reason why the Paramilitary 2 is so popular, and you will discover that when you buy it.
So buy it!
BUY IT NOW!

...the only downsides of this knife, IMO, are: its "tactical" look may offend some of the snooties one encounters whilst polishing one's monocle at the caviar store; and it's ever-so-slightly bulky.
 
For $150 you can likely get a PM2 in S110V so my vote goes there!
 
I own a paramilitary 2 and a zt 0450 . Both excellent knives .. but if I could only have one as my only knife. The paramilitary 2 wins out . Fast as lightning and closes just as fast . Not to take anything away from the 450 . But to me the 450 is a speciality knife . If I want a lightweight and discreet knife . Or a second knife . The para is all the knife most of us will ever need . The forward finger choil is perfect . Even though I've been getting into higher end knives the para always holds its own. The 450 is awesome too, blade wise it's up there with the para 2. But the handle is smaller . Great for edc and occasional cutting jobs . But not for heavy or long term cutting . I think it would not be as comfortable. It is a sweet flipper too . I'm not sure I helped . It boils down to the para is a perfect edc and the 450 is an awesone side kick , not a one and only.
 
Sounds like the PM2 wins easily, will the steel difference be substantial to someone who may not know any better?

Also, do you guys just practice sharpening until you get it? Or do you let someone else sharpen?
 
Pm2 in any flavor.

Remember that black will show scratches more if that matters to you.
 
I think the PM2 is great - I even have one! I don't often carry it, however. I'm likely talking to myself here, but my Tasman SE gets the most use, followed by the Delica and Endura. Every Spyderco I've used has been exceptional, but I'm not convinced you have to spend a lot of money to get a high quality user.

22523278967_976ee416bc_c.jpg


The Delica was my first, and has opened thousands of boxes. PM2 came second, but after about a week of carrying it, it became the weekend warrior - back to the Delica I went, lol. I wasn't sure about the Tasman initially, The Kayak-Fisher-Dude (my brain isn't working today, sorry) sold me on H1 and serrations, and he nailed it. I have a Sharpmaker, and I seem to be incredibly incompetent when attempting to operate it, however, the serrations seem to be pretty easy to maintain. While I'm near certain I'm not doing it correctly, it can bite you if you're not paying attention - it'll cut through anything. I don't go near the water, but I do toss it in the dishwasher from time to time. :D I've been using it to trim small trees lately. The waved Endura is my newest knife, and I wasn't sure about the sabre-grind or the color, but I had to have the wave. The Endura is way more stout than I ever imagined (for some reason I had it in my head the blade was as thin as the Delica, but much longer), the wave feature works better than I expected, and it's quickly becoming a favorite.

I'm thinking that an Endura and an H1, serrated Dragonfly or Tasman would have almost all bases covered. I'm ranting a bit, but I am enthusiastic about the FRN and back-locks available from Spyderco. I'm over the idea of spending a bunch of cash on knives, as I really do put them through their paces - I have a BM 940 without a tip, lol.

If there's another knife I might point you towards, it's the regular-sized Ritter Griptilian with (I believe) M390 steel. If it's anything like my regular 556 mini-Grip, it's tough. IMO, not great value for money, but it'll get the job done.

With all of that being said, enjoy your new PM2. ;)
 
A pm2 is a necessary part of any collection, but it also has more functional application than many other popular knives (ergonomics, safe lock, easy open, grip, etc).

The ZT, however, will offer much more refined aesthetics and elegant fit/finish.

You're also referring to some very different opening techniques. The 0450 is flipper only, while the pm2 is hole only. That's a preference call that only you can make unless you plan to use with gloves or have other unique needs.

From my experience, Kizer's quality has been very good but not quite ZT level. Still, nothing bad to say about them (unless you subscribe to the USA-Made only thing)

Blade steel should be of very little concern if you enjoy using your sharpmaker, and either will perform just fine.

Having owned all of the above for years, I will continue to recommend the PM2 for people in your situation.
 
Jake_Lucas said:
A pm2 is a necessary part of any collection, but it also has more functional application than many other popular knives (ergonomics, safe lock, easy open, grip, etc).

The ZT, however, will offer much more refined aesthetics and elegant fit/finish.

You're also referring to some very different opening techniques. The 0450 is flipper only, while the pm2 is hole only. That's a preference call that only you can make unless you plan to use with gloves or have other unique needs.

From my experience, Kizer's quality has been very good but not quite ZT level. Still, nothing bad to say about them (unless you subscribe to the USA-Made only thing)

Blade steel should be of very little concern if you enjoy using your sharpmaker, and either will perform just fine.

Having owned all of the above for years, I will continue to recommend the PM2 for people in your situation.
Click to expand...

What he said .. the steel is a wash .. zt does their s35vn very good . Spyderco s30v is also very good . I'd say the s35vn is a smigin easier to sharpen .. both keep their edge equally as good . So I wouldn't worry about steel differences in your choice ..
 
Find $20 more and get a Kizer Laconico Gemini. It blows the other choices away.
 
Any PM2 of your choice, or the ZT 0450. I have both. Be aware that the 0450 is a "short" knife in terms of closed length. It's very nice, but is too short in the grip, IMO, for a large hand. It is about the same size as a small Sebenza, so you know that it will fit lots of folks with less than LARGE hands.
 
Ero2 said:
Sounds like the PM2 wins easily, will the steel difference be substantial to someone who may not know any better?
Click to expand...
Fortunately, all the PM2 steels are good. Seems like the all black PM2 in S30V is exactly what you're looking for.
sc81gpbk2.1.jpg

And here it is at one of our supporting vendors ...
http://www.knifeworks.com/spydercopara-military2cpm-s30vg-10handleblackplainedge.aspx#.VkQQQmgo62c


Also, do you guys just practice sharpening until you get it? Or do you let someone else sharpen?
Click to expand...
I use the Spyderco Sharpmaker for routine maintenance. Easy to learn and use.
 
Para2 for sure IMO. Buy it and use it find out why it's so often recommended.
I have that Kizer, and I like it, but I find the tip down carry doesn't go well with the flipper - it tends to catch and partially deploy the blade when pulling it out of pocket if your not careful. Also, it's a bit smaller, the Para2 size is more useful size to me.
Don't have an 0450 so can't comment on that.
 
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in the early days I only want folder, now I only keep one folder and the rest are fixed blade.
 
PM2...I have 4 in 3 different steels. Each one was just about perfect out of the box! Choose the one that catches your eye, don't obsess over steel options. Also, don't wait for it to get really dull....touch ups on the SM are simple and quick.
I also have a 450 and love it! Little small tho.
 
Another vote for PM2. The orange CTS-XHP one is awesome, but even if you don't get that, the S30v is very good steel, Spyderco's heat treatment of it is excellent. The only reason why I'm not carrying mine today is because I got an S30v Millie with me instead.
 
MaximIsayev said:
Another vote for PM2. The orange CTS-XHP one is awesome, but even if you don't get that, the S30v is very good steel, Spyderco's heat treatment of it is excellent. The only reason why I'm not carrying mine today is because I got an S30v Millie with me instead.
Click to expand...

I agree, cpm-s30v is definitely no slouch.
 
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