pm2 or benchmade 551

It depends what is most important to you. I think the PM2 feels better in the pocket because it is thinner, but the Grip feels better in hand because it's thicker (my PM2 fits my hand about perfectly and is very comfortable to use, but I imagine my Grip would be more comfortable for longer/hard use because it has a thicker/more ergonomic handle). I do not like the plastic scales the standard Grip comes with, though. I think they feel very cheap/plastic-y when closing because the steel liners don't go all the way down to the bottom of the scales.

If I was getting a Grip to replace my PM2, I would want a Ritter grip (due to the better grind and steel) and I would want G10 scales. Though both of these add cost over the stock Grip and make it much more expensive than a standard PM2. You could go with the new CPM-20CV G10 Grips, which you can find in gently used condition on the Exchange for ~$140.

To your original question, the 551 is definitely as capable a knife as the PM2. I much prefer S30V to 154CM, however. Holds an edge much longer and sharpens up on my Sharpmaker very easily. I'd go for the PM2 because it's my favorite knife, but a Grip is also a great knife.
 
I like the Ritter Grip much more than my para 2's. The blade shape on the Ritter is perfection. I outfit mine with some custom scales
 
I wish the Ritter grips came with the sheepsfoot blade option, much prefer the spydie hole. I'm not as enamored with the pm2 as most of y'all. That said I still own one, and own no Benchmades. Sold both grip and mini grip.

Sent via pony express
 
I was EDCing a MiniGrip when I got my first PM2 and I was extremely disappointed. It took up way more real estate in my pocket and was dead even in length of actual cutting edge (check it out). I didn't think the handle was comfortable and there was too much of it for the length of the blade.

While the full-size Grip is bigger than I like for EDC (unless hiking, etc.) I think it is a much better knife than the PM2, if nothing else, just based on how much blade you get and the more comfortable handle- and, of course, the Axis lock just makes it way more fun than the PM2.
 
Being left handed I prefer the Axis lock.

I've been carrying the M4 PM2 for a while and I'm more used to the compression lock. But it's still not my favorite.

Gratuitous dyed M4 PM2 pic.

 
craytab said:
I could go without a grip. I could not go without my PM2.
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I couldn't go without my Grip. I have been doing fine without a PM2. Not to say I have not been tempted. I bought my son one but it has been unable to displace his Mini Grip.
 
I own both.

The PM2 looks better for sure and has WOW! appeal the 551 does not have.

But... the 551 feels more solid in the hand. Opening and closing the knife feels safer with the Griptilian.

As with many Spyderco knives, to my personal opinion -no flaming please!- , the PM2 is a gorgeous looking slicer but lacks meat. It's too light for an outdoors/farm EDC use.
I'd be working in an office/urban zone, it would be definitely be my EDC. I own one, but for selfish collector's purpose only.

Ultimately, the ugly Grippy is a better EDC knife, IMO, than the PM2.

But I'd keep both =)
 
Personally, I would take the Ritter Grip or the sheepsfoot blade version over the 551.

Why don't you keep the PM2 and pick up a Griptilian? They both bring great things to the table so I can see owning both.
 
sabre cat said:
Personally, I would take the Ritter Grip or the sheepsfoot blade version over the 551.

Why don't you keep the PM2 and pick up a Griptilian? They both bring great things to the table so I can see owning both.
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Absolutely agree. The Ritter is great! It's shape, and the thumb studs work great on it. It's so awesome I just picked up a mini Ritter, that's a sweet little blade. And carbon fiber M390, yeah man. I do like the shape of the 550 as well.
 
I prefer the PM2. I've had Grips in the past, but I was not a fan of the slick scales. The real deal breaker for me was having the omega springs break in my Grip about 2 months apart. Not the end of the world, but a pain having to send it back. I would not have been happy had they broken in the field.
 
jstn said:
I prefer the PM2. I've had Grips in the past, but I was not a fan of the slick scales. The real deal breaker for me was having the omega springs break in my Grip about 2 months apart. Not the end of the world, but a pain having to send it back. I would not have been happy had they broken in the field.
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I read here on BF about omega springs breaking but, I have never had it happen. Also, when I remember, I ask Benchmade owners I am in contact with if theirs have ever busted. Nope. Never.

Personally, I think being worried about spring breakage should be a non event. The knife works with only one spring anyway. What are the chances of both springs breaking at the same time?
 
I prefer the PM2 simply because once I got used to the Spydie hole the thumb studs just felt clunky and awkward. I know they make a Grip with a hole, but I don't care for sheepsfoot blades.
 
I've owned plenty of each one but I'm not really a fan of either.

If I had to choose I would take the Grip, the PM2 is a decent knife but that thin FG blade just doesn't give very much confidence IMO.
 
sabre cat said:
I read here on BF about omega springs breaking but, I have never had it happen. Also, when I remember, I ask Benchmade owners I am in contact with if theirs have ever busted. Nope. Never.

Personally, I think being worried about spring breakage should be a non event. The knife works with only one spring anyway. What are the chances of both springs breaking at the same time?
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Technically, you can make it work if both springs break by sticking a stick or something in there. I am sure it is unlikely they both break at once, and mine occurrence was likely rare, but for me, if I can get a knife with one less pieced to break I am going to.
 
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