ritter mk1 vs pm2 vs zt 350

[PatrickKnight]

Help me pick a new hard use edc. Pretty sure ill rule out the pm2 since its not to much designed for hard use as the others are more geared to that. Im really leaning toward the zt but I cant seem to get over the way the ritter looks it just draws me in for some reason.

 

[crimsonfalcon07]

I'd get the one that draws you the most.

Here's where I stand, personally. I bought a ZT0350 on forum recommendations, and it's a nice knife, but it never gets pocket time, and will likely be sold off here soon. The Ritter Griptilian is the only knife that ever manages to kick my HTM Gun Hammer out of my pocket (and that only rarely, and only after I made custom scales for it). That's all personal preference though. There are plenty of people that really like their 350, and the Para 2 is an incredibly popular knife. I'd probably trust the 0350 the most for serious hard use, but I think both of the other two are probably better in terms of general EDC performance. ZT knives are quite bulky, and what they gain in "built-like-a-tank-ness," they lose in performance. That's not a whole lot, mind you.

A few things to keep in mind about each knife:

Ritter grip--great finish, won't show scratches as easily, has the AXIS lock, which is easy to open, and very strong. Excellent performer in terms of sheer cutting and slicing ability. Biggest con is the handle. Get one with custom scales (cuscadi and wilkins are the most popular options), and you'll have a seriously great knife. I kinda doubt you'll really love it until you get new handles for it though, just FYI.

Para 2--not much to say about this. I never got one, because I don't like how long it is. There's a LOT of handle for the amount of blade you get. I prefer a knife that maximizes handle/blade ratio. This one doesn't. Probably the best cutter of the 3 you listed, however. Maybe not hard use due to the blade profile, but the compression lock is very good, and it would make a solid EDC for MOST people. If you're into abuse, perhaps not.

ZT 350--I'd put the most trust in this one for someone who would abuse their knives. It's a hefty piece, by far the heaviest of the 3, and you won't be likely to forget you've got it in your pocket. Solid knife, but the DLC and the blade design seem to somewhat inhibit it's cutting potential, from my tests. I did a 5 knife comparison review, if you're curious why I say that. I can't really pinpoint what I don't like about it. I just don't ever carry mine. I think that might be because I just don't like the way it looks as much as I do the knives I DO carry, and if I lost my Ritter Grip or my Manix 2 or any of my Gun Hammer's, it would definitely find it's way into my pocket.

You've got a good lineup there though, and if you like the looks of those knives, you'll certainly be happy with any of the purchases. Pick the one that calls to you the most. That's always the best advice I think anyone can give. No matter how good the reviews, if you don't REALLY want a knife, you won't carry it, and you'll eventually regret buying it.

 

[Sonnydaze]

I have a PM2 (CTS 20CP, a super-steel) and it's my EDC. It's a tough knife, but I wouldn't use it as a prybar in the manner that ZT knives are used.

The Griptilian is a very popular folder but I don't have one. I wouldn't want one without a set of Kevin Wilkins scales, which are pricey.

Consider how you are planning to use this knife. Are you wanting to use it as a prybar? Will you use it for slicing? What blade steel do you want?

Check out the thickness of the knife. Some of these folders are VERY thick and not comfortable for a EDC. My Para2 is 0.450" thick and very comfy.
It is also a very popular model in today's market.

Each knife has its strengths and weaknesses. You need to figure out your specific needs.
Sonny

 

[michaelm466]

I have an M4 Ritter, and four sprint PM2's, obviously I really like Para 2's. I also really like the Ritter, though prefer the G10 handles to the plasticy ritter handles. The PM2 actually has a thicker blade than the Ritter though they both narrow down to about the same thickness tip. Both will be great slicers, I've held and considered the ZT more than once, the only thing that keeps me from getting one is the recurve. I don't really remember how thick the ZT is compared to the PM2, but as long as you aren't prying with the PM2 I think it will work just fine for 99% of tasks. (i've even dropped a PM2 tip down from about a foot and half up into a metal sink with just a small roll in the tip that took about 30 seconds to sharpen out.

 

[PG5768]

Personally I don't own a ParaMilitary 2, but do own a couple Ritter MK1s and and a 0350. The best thing you can do is handle all three yourself and see which one you like the most. Personally I like the Axis lock on the Ritters very much and the snap of the AO on the 0350. Both carry easily in my pockets and perform all of my simple cutting tasks well.

The true BF answer is to buy them all.

 

[rpn]

I have the para 2 and Ritter and had the 350. They are all great knives in my mind and pretty close. I don't push my folders crazy hard like I will with fixed blades, so the para 2 gets the most carry time. For outdoors/woods carry, I prefer the Ritter and if it was a knife to abuse, I would go with the 350.

There was a recent Ritter thread and it got me carrying mine this week and I'm reminded what a great knife it is. The para hogs my pocket most of the time- pretty much a perfect edc. I tried drilling in green and hard wood and the para held up fine- although I cringed a little when I did it. The other 2 managed it fine and with more confidence.