Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Or Zero Tolerance 0550

The ZT's got some pretty high "fondle value" but for a pure user it's paramilitary all the way for me.
 
I've had both, sold off the PM2 thinking I could get another any time, and if it weren't for the inflation on current non-store prices I would have another by now. Always held on to the 0550s I bought and really depending on the task would determine what I would carry that day, but for all around, don't know what to expect that day use, my vote is for the 0550. Better to have it and not need than need it...well you know the rest.
 
Yes, two different knives. I edc an 0550. Have been for awhile. The ergos are great on both knives. The PM2 is light and a slicing machine. The 0550 is a tank that carries very well. Get both, they both are winners. You will have no buyers remorse if you decide one over the other though.


minimize said:
Is the 0550 smooth opening when using solely the thumbstuds (no flicking)?
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Very smooth.a little nano-oil or whatever you use doesn't hurt though.
 
I like ZT and have more Kai knives than any other brand but I'd put my PM2 up against a 0550 any day for strength and put my money on the PM2. That being said, I am not fond of much on the 0550, one of the uglier ZT's, however I do love most of the other ZT designs. I have a 0200, mostly for zombie apocalypse duty (lol). YMMV
 
Adrenaline_6 said:
Yes, two different knives. I edc an 0550. Have been for awhile. The ergos are great on both knives. The PM2 is light and a slicing machine. The 0550 is a tank that carries very well. Get both, they both are winners. You will have no buyers remorse if you decide one over the other though.




Very smooth.a little nano-oil or whatever you use doesn't hurt though.
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Awesome. Thank you.
 
Totally different knives to me. I own a few pms and pm2..1- 0550.. The 0550 is a heavy tank of a knife. The pm2 a stealthy slim kinda light knife. My 0550 is hard to open. Requires an awkward for me hand position. Super strong detent...although not really a bad thing as I like a really strong detent over a knife that opens in your pocket on its own.

Both really good knives...but....

All in all pm2 is hard to beat as a slicing knife. Then again I dont consider these 2 knife models direct competitors....other than both being folding folding knives. As usual ymmv and I expect a respect that.
 
I can't comment on the ZT as I've never owned it however I just got a PM2 a couple days ago. I should start by saying I'm usually not a huge spyderco fan, only due to personal preference. I've owned a few in the past - tenacious, resilience & undura4 - all very solid but just not a huge fan of their blade shape. I prefer the MDP style blades like the BM Griptilian, etc. However I do LOVE the large opening holes, so easy and comfortable to open the blade. With that said, I'm somewhat impressed w/ the PM2 I just got. First experience using the compression lock and it feels incredibly solid. I find the blade length to be adequate for normal EDC tasks. Blade jimping is really great with a big solid thumb stop thanks to the shape provided by the large opening hole. I don't think I can really complain much? And like I said that's coming from someone who normally isn't big on spyderco. It seems retailers are out of the PM2's right now but you can find them on here fairly regularly in the $120-130 price range. For that I would give it a try. Worst case scenario, you don't like it, turn around and quickly sell it for little to no loss since they're still in such high demand. Hope this helps!
 
The PM2 is like a Mustang... the 550 is like an F-150... kinda depends on where you are going and what you are gonna do there...
 
[video=youtube_share;K-AILC2c_gI]http://youtu.be/K-AILC2c_gI?t=8m23s[/video]

Save up and get both like I did! See my vid! [Hey that rhymes!]
 
Like others have said, they are two very different knives. The 0550 like all ZT's is over built, with a much thicker blade than the Para 2. It's heavier and bulkier as well. I have both and find that all of my Para 2's have been smoother openers than the two 0550's that I've owned. Plus, a non flipper ZT just seems weird. Given the choice between the two knives I'd choose he Para 2.
 
Adrenaline_6 said:
The ergos are great on both knives. The PM2 is light and a slicing machine. The 0550 is a tank that carries very well. Get both, they both are winners. You will have no buyers remorse if you decide one over the other though.
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^^^ That. Between my PM2 and 0550, they've probably seen equal carry and use. The PM2 may not have the beefy, tank-like feel of the ZT, but it's a very solidly built knife. The ZT is a big, hefty knife, but it actually carries quite comfortably (I have a 2nd gen model with the deep carry clip).
 
There both great knives but very different the ZT is a tank compared to the Para2 but in a good way. You probably need to buy both.

 
I love both they get there fair share of carry time with me but if I were to be going out and have to dress up a little tough to carry the ZT. They are both super smooth and fun to play with too.
 
Really can't go wrong with either, though as many have said they are two different animals. Have a 0550 but I must admit the PM2 is on the top of my radar screen as soon as I start seeing them available.
 
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