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

I wanna play. I don't own a Kizer, but do have the other two the OP mentioned.

Not the first to say it, but the PM2 and ZT450 are VERY different knives. Both amazing, but couldn't be more different. So....If you want this knife for heavier work load, outdoor activities and such, go with the PM2. If you want a very well made, but much smaller, stylish titanium knife to carry to the office, or do home/office type tasks, go with the 450. I'm not saying the 450 is not built to handle anything thrown at it, because it can. It's just much smaller in both grip & blade.

On my grab-n-go shelf right now, I've got the ZT 450, 452CF & 562CF, and Spyderco PM2, Domino & Chaparral, and a couple of traditionals. The six+ days a week when wearing jeans, the most carried is the 562 or PM2, with another smaller blade tossed in back pocket...usually the Chaparral or a Slippie. When wearing slacks or khakis, I usually grab something lighter like the 450, Chaparral. Unless I want something both pretty and bigger, then it's the 452CF or Domino.

In the "what's better" category between ZT and Spyderco, they are also VERY different in line up. I have at least a dozen of each right now. So long story longer....go with yer gut. :) Have fun searching and comparing. It's half the fun.
 
That's something that I never thought about, I'm a different guy at home than I am in my suit all day, and carrying a blade in a slack pocket might lend itself to the titanium of the ZT 450 as much as I would prefer/like the PM2...I'm in a suit 5 days a week.
 
You could always get a deep carry clip for the PM2 and it'll ride low in the pocket and be pretty much unseen. The ZT450 and PM2 are both great choices and either way you'll get a great knife. I don't have a 450, but I have a 550 and a 566 and the quality on both is fantastic
 
It seems like you have gotten some good advice here so far. My opinion is only based on what I own and that is the PM2, it is an excellent knife for EDC carry. That being said I am an Electrician and my office is a construction site, so nobody ever bats an eyelash when a knife is pulled out. In my opinion the PM2 is one of the best knives available for daily all around use.

For your needs the ZT 450 might be better if your main use is a knife to take to work, it will be more discreet but as others have mentioned you can get a titanium deep carry clip off the Bay that will make the PM2 much more discreet in your pocket. Whichever way you go I am sure you will soon end up with both in the near future.
 
Both good choices. I have a pm2 and have fondled the 450. Spydercos are hit (big hit) and miss for me. I like most of the zt's I've owned or handled. You may as well get the diamond or cbn stones for the sm if you want to use that system, or else you may (it's a crap shoot) be re profiling the edge for hours to achieve full burr-dom at 20 deg. And even with the diamond rods, it may be a long session.
 
Another one right in the middle I don't think was mentioned is the zt770cf. Between in in size, very light, great looking carbon, but assisted.

While my current single most carried is the zt562cf, above the wanted price range, I really wish there was a ZT Sinkevich right between the 450 and 452 in size. A full inch difference is pretty considerable in a folder. A cf version with 3.5-3.75 blade would probably knock everything out of my daily jeans/office carry. Just spit balling. I have a problem buying every variation that piques my interest. I have a real problem. "Hello, my name is Bflying......". [emoji3]

And one more thing since the op mentioned sharpening. Now that you are getting the itch for higher quality/priced blades, look into saving for a KME Sharp system. For blades that you like to use, but keep looking pretty, nothing is better than a perfectly even bevel that is also razor sharp. Any of the guided systems will give great results with practice, but the KME is my favorite, and one I think has the shortest learning curve. I really don't like being a fan boy, but think it's really that good for the price. If it was my only system, I wouldn't preach quite as much, but I have most of them and the KME is now used probably 95% of the time.
 
Welcome... In all seriousness, I would buy 8 different opinels. This way, you have an immediate collection, a new obsession, and 8 amazing knives.
 
Welcome, I have about 50+ knives the only Kizer I have is Ki405 its a g10 with ti framelock, honestly one of my favorite knives, its so light for its size. I have a zt0801 that is very close to 450 but slightly different deep pocket carry is a must for me, I aso own a PM2 I love the Compression lock, it beats almost every other knife out on that option alone, BUT its almost like every other Spyderco I have just a different lock. It all depends on what your looking for The 450 is a ball bearing flipper they are amazing to flip but you cant get it dirty all the time, or you have to clean it and keep it oiled. The Kizer is also a ball bearing flipper and from what I read people like it better then the ZT801 and ZT450 its very similar. While the PM2 is just like most other Spyderco's you can abuse them and they keep on ticking, if I were you personally I would get a Spyderco Tenacious for 40$ shipped from amazon although its not the exact same knife its very similar, then buy a 450 or 801 from someone on here used I picked my 801 up for 130 I think used and its in great shape.
 
My thoughts? Go handle all of them.

I don't know where you're located, but a good knife show would be fun with a hundred and a half in your pocket.

Reading about the "best" knife for you is one thing. Handling them nails it down.
 
I constantly switch between the PM2, Manix 2, and Delica 4 for edc. Depends on what I'm doing that day. I have a PM2 in my pocket right now and it stays in my pocket 75% of the time! I definitely recommend the PM2!
 
I think the PM2 is too large and heavy to be a suit knife. It'll bulge and pull your slack pockets unless you're wearing something substantial like wool. To EDC a PM2 in a suit, you might have to clip it inside the jacket. You should probably look for weight in the 3-4 ounce range and a less "fat" pocket profile. Check out the Kizer 3310 Mistral or the ultimate suit knife, a CRK Mnandi (out of your price range but a PERFECT example of an EDC suit knife). Also keep in mind, larger tactical looking blades can make sheeple very nervous. A blacked out PM2 is a little aggressive for office carry. All you need is startle a couple of fools and HR slams down a "no weapon policy". If you're set on a Spydie, a Delica would be a better fit.

Good luck!
 
IMO, the PM2 is a terrific baseline knife. It doesn't have anything superfluous and, as a result, it's a great starting knife to have, use and appreciate and then (if you so choose) branch out from. Rather than starting with a flipper or something ti-handled, I'd go with this and see how you like it, and then adjust accordingly. My experience with knives has been that I get one, use it, and then adjust when I make my next purchase. It's kind of this never ending quest to find the "perfect" knife (for me).

However, besides this point, I would also say that the PM2 is just hands down a great knife. It's one of my favorites. It took me a while to get it, and it actually took me ordering and handling one to finally understand the hype. I'd go with the PM2. I've had ZT's in the past (though not the 450) and while I did love them, nothing can compare to my PM2.

I'll also add that if you have any money left order, I'd strongly recommend getting a strop and some compound. A sharpmaker is a great tool, but 9 times out of 10 I find myself passing my knife along my strong to get it shaving sharp rather than hauling out the SM.

As always, let us know what you get and post some pics/impressions when you do! :thumbup:

Oh, and congrats on the impending purchase! :cool:
 
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