Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Or Zero Tolerance 0550

[polaris500]

While I dont have an 0550, I have an 0560 and had a 0200(and many other knives from other companies) and no matter what, I always seem to go back to my para. Its the best all around folding knife in existence...in my opinion. I say Paramilitary all the way.

 

[RamZar]

Both are great and you can't go wrong with either.

PM2 is much lighter and a better cutter. 0550 can cut plus get you out of sticky situations.

If you like the PM2 and want a beefier take on it go for the Spyderco Bradley.

 

[Orangeneck]

Is the 0550 smooth opening when using solely the thumbstuds (no flicking)?

It depends on the 550 you get. I have two gen 1 550's and one 551. Two opened easily. One of the 550's was impossible to open with one hand. It took >500 openings before it loosened up. Now its smooth as butter and i can use either hand to open it. There has been several threads in the defunct Kai forum here on this issue. I also use a little MoS2 dry lube to loosen things up.

As for the original topic, I love both PM2's and 550(1)s for EDC-it depends on what work I plan to do that day. PM2 for casual or dress occasions; 550 for working in the yard or on my friend's farm (Camaro vs Silverado analogy). PM2's are lighter and much better slicers; 550 for heavy duty work that involve some plying, digging out weeds and little tree sappings, etc.