Para 2 vs ZT 550

E

et45

Joined
Sep 22, 2006
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Looking for a new EDC folder and have narrowed my choice down to these 2.Anybody own/owned both of these and how do you compare the two.
 
Well, I have the 0550 and I love it. It is a thick, tank-like, hand filling(in a good way) absolute beast. The ergos are perfect imho. The clip is deep carry if you like that (I do).

You will know that it's in your pocket and it won't slice as well as a Spydie but basically you don't ever have to worry about abusing it. Whatever you are doing, the 0550 can take it.

Regardless of what you choose, I highly recommend that you eventually get an 0550.
 
ThomasW sent me a ZT0550 to demo here in the Stan. I was a bit skeptical at first because I love my 0300 so much. Now it's probably my favorite knife. Go with the 0550, you won't be disappointed.
 
I've had both. I really, really like the Para 2. It is now my EDC. I wasn't crazy about the ZT, though that doesn't mean it's not a great knife. For me it came down to the ergonomics - the 0550 is much wider, both in the pocket and in the hand. It has kind of a 'square' feel, very beefy. The P2 is thinner and more streamlined, and I like it's lock better. That's not to say that it has a better lock than the ZT - personally, I just like the compression lock better. But, like OzarkMike, I really liked the ZT's deep carry clip. I actually like the 0350 better than the 0550, but that's probably becuase it's more similar to the Para 2 - slim ergonomics, G10 on both sides.

Honestly, I think it usually comes down to which one you like the looks of more. They're both really solid knives, and both brands are known for their really good customer service. They will both sharpen a pencil or open a box about the same.:)
 
I would go with the Para. I have a para and have had both. The only area the 0550 is better in is toughness and that's debatable but I think it is. The para is lighter, thinner, and a better slicer. Not to mention comes in any flavor you want. Just my .02.
 
I would love to have a 550, but it's a few knives behind some others on my list. However, ever since I got my para2 a couple months back, it's all I've wanted to carry. It carries incredibly well for it's size and is very light weight and a great slicer. As a general purpose EDC, I think it would serve you much better with the ffg blade. The 550 is a bad-ass knife though!
 
I have had both. I kept the para 2 and sold the 0550 (gen 1). It was just a little beefy and I traded it away for something else that I got rid of. I think it depends on what you want in your EDC. What will you be using it for, etc. You will probably find the 0550 is too much knife for many EDC duties and the para 2 is just right. Either way, they are both very solid, and worthy of your consideration.
 
The Spyderco is a fine knife, but I'd take the ZT any day.

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I have both and carry both (my brother has borrowed my Para2 for the last month). Like others have said, the ZT is a tank of a knife while the Para is a little more carry friendly If I had to keep one it would probably be the ZT but since I don't have to make that decision, I'm keeping both. I did a review on the ZT 0550 here: http://centavogear.blogspot.com/2012/10/zero-tolerance-0550-2nd-gen-hinderer.html
I'll knock out a Para2 review once I get it back from my brother (if I do). I may have to buy another :)
 
I don't have a 550, but do have a 551 and para2. I love the ergos on both, but for me the 0551 is just too much to rfp carry daily. Para2 is my edc. Frankly I think it's as tough as I'll ever need, but if I want a fixed blade but can't carry one, I'll grab the 551. Love both, won't get rid of either, but if I were choosing 1 for edc it would be the spydie.
 
theoriginalspaceman said:
I've had both. I really, really like the Para 2. It is now my EDC. The 0550 is much wider, both in the pocket and in the hand. It has kind of a 'square' feel, very beefy. The PM2 is thinner and more streamlined, and I like it's lock better. personally, I just like the compression lock better. I actually like the 0350 better than the 0550, but that's probably becuase it's more similar to the Para 2 - slim ergonomics, G10 on both sides.
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Spaceman and I agree right down the line.
I've had a 0550, a 0551 and while both are excellent, I don't need that heavy-duty of a knife. It's heavier, blockier, etc. I've had about five 0350's in various flavors and I much prefer them, although I've sold them also.
I collected PM2's in supersteels for a while, and had to sell them to pay bills. My good bladesteels are now gone, but I loved 'em and still do. I had about twelve or so and they're gone. The compression lock is the best lock I've ever tried. So quick to deploy and to put away. I have a few PM2's left now, but basically the cheaper ones. The PM2 is slim and easy to use, quick to put away, so easy that there is no substitute. You don't feel like you're carrying a brick, but it will do anything you need done, IMO.
For me, there is no choice at all, but I am a very casual user. I don't spend any time in the woods, but I do cut cardboard boxes occasionally.
 
Thanks for the replies and Random Dan for the side by side photos.Think I will go with the Para2.I had an original Para and while I loved the knife hated the tip down only carry.Now to find one somewhere.
 
I have several Para2s...it is my favorite knife and my EDC far, far more often than anything else! So my choice is probably obvious. However to be fair I do not own, nor have ever even held, a 0550. For whatever reason I have tended not to favor the over-built "tanky" knives. But I have to admit, the Gen2 0550 has caught my eye! It's so very "mechanical" looking (moreso than the Gen1 was for some reason)...and as such, very intriguing and I am starting to think maybe I wouldn't mind having one after all! :). I don't think it could ever replace my beloved Para2 as favorite, but it would be a nice change-up knife to carry for something different from time to time...and make a nice Ti framelock addition to my meager collection.

Hmm...maybe I'll have to sell off one of my Para2s to fund a 0550 purchase! ;)

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SpyderNation
#0009
 
I made a video awhile back comparing them.

[video=youtube;vFORRMgqhno]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFORRMgqhno[/video]
 
Good comparison vid... how do the ergos compare going back and forth between the two knives in real time? I love the ergos of the Para2... best I've ever felt... is the 0550 as good, worse, better?

BTW, a local brick & mortar has a 0550 listed on their website for $212!!! Called and asked what generation... it's a Gen2... dang tempting to go down and check it out!!! Dang tempting!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
 
Go for it. Don't fight the impulse. Locutus "the enabler" D'Borg :)

jon1all said:
Good comparison vid... how do the ergos compare going back and forth between the two knives in real time? I love the ergos of the Para2... best I've ever felt... is the 0550 as good, worse, better?

BTW, a local brick & mortar has a 0550 listed on their website for $212!!! Called and asked what generation... it's a Gen2... dang tempting to go down and check it out!!! Dang tempting!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
Click to expand...
 
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