Para2, ZT 0550, Manix 2, Stretch, domino, or ZT 0566

Z

Zippofanatic

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Sep 17, 2011
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I have been looking to get a new EDC knife for about 3 months now and so far I have come up with a Para2, ZT 0550, Manix 2, Stretch, domino, or wait for the ZT 0566. I just cant decide on one and I can only get one within the next year or so. So what would you all recommend and why?
 
Zippofanatic said:
I have been looking to get a new EDC knife for about 3 months now and so far I have come up with a Para2, ZT 0550, Manix 2, Stretch, domino, or wait for the ZT 0566. I just cant decide on one and I can only get one within the next year or so. So what would you all recommend and why?
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I'd get the Ontario Rat I or II for under $30 bucks and wait on the 0566 to be released.
 
Of that list, domino hands down. You might consider the zt 0801 as well. In my opinion, the domino and 0801 are the most compelling production knives on the market right now. Im personally tired of the hinderer designs, and frankly, the para2 and stretch just arent on the same level as the domino or 0801.
 
Well the normal answer for here would be "all of the above", but you already said that wasn't possible.

I would suggest the Para2 if you can find one at a reasonable price. If you need to save some money then go for the Stretch. If your budget allows then maybe the 0550. The Cryo II is becoming available and it is similar to the 0566, you could buy the stretch plus the Cryo II for less than many of the other single knives on your list. I have a Para2, Manix2 and 0561 so from my experience I suggested the Para2.
 
Out of that list? Southard or ZT 0801--whoops, apparently I'm bad at following instructions. ;)

Seriously though, the Southard is only a little more expensive than a Domino, if you can find one. And the ZT 0801 is less expensive than a Domino. I like flippers, and both are IMO superior flipper options.
 
I own all these and have a Domino on the way... 0566 when it comes out.

I say get the Stretch and use it exclusively for a month, you may never go back. It's my favorite folder, you may not get "cool" points here on the forum as you would with the PM2 but the owner of Spyderco designed it for himself and that's what he carries. I bought one on a whim and now I'm a believer. At this point, I tend to collect knives and squeeze in some use but the Stretch is my go to.

I'm excited for the 0566 I must say. Very excited.
 
Of course, it will depend on what you plan to do as the Manix and 0550 may be better suited for jobs a contractor may need for example... And that's not saying that the other options are weak or anything but by design they all have their advantages. If we're talking day to day carry, standard tasks, these will all serve you well but my vote is the Stretch. Unbelievable ergos, vice like grip with the textured FRN, light, good steel choices/ZDP ensures that I have a laser beam edge 24/7, blade ground very thin/slicing demon, useful choil.. Ok I'll stop :)
 
Thanks for all the recommendations! FCM415 I have been looking at the stretch the longest and it does seem very appealing but my hesitation is that I have a delica 4 ffg and im not sure it will be that much different other than the extra length on the blade. That being said, I love the look of the knife and it is very appealing. The para 2 seems to be one of the most hyped blades I have looked at and it is pretty hard to find at a reasonable price (but I have seen it available for the right price not too long ago). The Domino is awesome and I really want to try a spyderco flipper but I'm not sure I can justify spending around $200 on it. The ZT 0566 looks like it will be an awesome blade but I have no experience with ZT and I have become accustomed to the spyderco hole for deployment and I don't have any experience with speedsafe so im not sure if I will like it or not.

The point is keep the suggestions coming and thanks for all the recommendations!
 
I've been eyeing many of the same knives and I went with the para2. I skipped the domino since I already have the southard. The manix seems too heavy to me, as do most ZTs.
 
I love my Spydercos and my Para2 was my fave for a long time. Then I got a ZT550 and it's the knife that is always in my pocket now. All on your list are great knives though.
 
ozgooner they do all look to be excelent knives and whichever I pick it will be one of my most expensive knives. So far I have a Dragonfly G10, persistance, Delica 4 ffg, cricket, ladybug slat, Benchmade mini grip, and a SOG flash 2 and Sage 1 that im in the process of selling. Didn't really like the feel of the sog and the sage is great and I really wanted to love it but after a year it really didnt seem to win me over, not really sure why. So I am kinda looking for a replacement for the sage.
 
Hype or no hype, the PMII is a great knife. I enjoy using mine :)

It's not until you really put it to work, that you see it's function-ability.

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If you can, it's always best to head to a shop and handle what you're interested in purchasing before you actually buy it. I personally don't have any around where I live, so I tend to buy things based on pictures and word of mouth. That can cause issues. For instance, I picked up a Manix 2 because everyone raves about them, and once I got it in hand, I didn't care for it all that much, and it just sits in the case now. A lot of it boils down to personal preference. If you like flippers, ZT's with the KVT bearing system are fast and smooth as buttered silk. Or for variety, the PM2 comes in a multitude of flavors if you can track one down. Sprint and exclusive runs usually don't come cheap though. Then if you prefer frame locks or the compression lock, liner locks, yadda yadda... Beyond all that, all those knives you listed are solid choices, and I doubt you'll go wrong with any of them.

To answer your question of my personal preference, it'd be the PM2 Knife Works exclusive with green G10 and CTS-204P blade steel. I absolutely love the ergos, the choil is great for choking up on the blade, it's the perfect size for me, lightweight, flies open, the compression lock locks it up solidly, and the blade shape is well suited for a variety of tasks. As for buying the exclusive run, well, CTS-204P is a wonderful performer. Holds an edge like mad and is pretty high up on the list of good corrosion resistance. Plus, green is my favorite color. ;)
 
I love my Para2 for EDC, but each the knives on your list looks like a great one.
What do your EDC tasks consist of?
How big are your hands?
How sensitive are you to carrying something large and/or heavy?
Do you like flippers?

I love using the Manix2, but find it a little wide in my pocket.
My 0551 is a tank, but too heavy to carry daily.
I really like my Sage1, but, for me, Compression Lock > Walker Liner Lock, and M390 > S30V. So out it went.
(I still keep it in my coat pocket.)
I only briefly handled a Stretch before picking up the PM2, and haven't seen a Domino yet.

The only thing I've tried lately that would make me consider packing up the the Paramilitary is the 0801, but I haven't bought one yet and fear it may be a little heavy for every day. But it sure felt awesome!
0566 should be great, but since it's steel instead of Ti it's unlikely to offer much weight savings over the 0560 or 0801.

Do you have a shop nearby where you could handle a few of these guys?

Best of luck - and have fun!
 
Unfortunately I don't have a shop I could go to. I looked it up once and the nearest is about 4 and a half hours from where I live so I rely mostly on reputations and the experiences of others here on the forum. tjswarbrick, my hands are medium sized, general edc tasks are opening mail, occasionally boxes, food prep, and other odds and ends but nothing extreme or hard use. I don't mind bigger knives because I keep a smaller edc knife in the pocket just in case I feel a large knife may cause people around me discomfort. Weight isnt that big of a deal but I would like to keep it reasonable. And as far as flippers go, I'm not sure if I like them or not because I have never gotten the opportunity to use one. I thought of picking up a Cryo to see how I like flippers and that way if I don't like it, it didn't break the bank.
 
PM2. It has kicked all of my Benchmades and Microtechs out of my pocket due to its versatility. People will complain about the handle:blade ratio, but I think it's wonderful. The standard S30V steel is a great compromise between edge-holding ability and relative ease of sharpening. I want one in M390, but my other M390 blades are a burden on my stones.
 
for pure Edc would probably lean towards the stretch, then the pm2. as much as I wish I could like ZT knives, they always do just enough different than I'd prefer. The manix likewise does nothing for me.
 
Domino! I just got mine in today and I just cant fault it! I have a couple para 2's aswell and I do love them, but at the moment I would recommend the Domino. I have medium size hands and it just fits me perfectly, as comfortable as almost any knife I've held. If I had to find one flaw with it which is hard!!!! I would say that the gimping on the spine could provide a tiny bit more traction, but I'm just nit picking. And of course you cant go wrong with CTS-XHP. Get the Domino, you wont regret it :thumbup:
 
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