Spyderco pm 2 or Zt 0801

R

Romet

Joined
Jun 19, 2013
Messages
2
Hi, im looking for edc folder, but i cant decide whitch is better. The zt 0801 is more solid, but weights more. Does anyone own both and can suggest whitch to buy? Is Zt too heavy? Suggest other knives at this price range too. The weight doesnt matter that much, but i want to carry it in my pocket without disdurbing myself.
 
I only have the para 2, its an amazing knife (strong and light). If you dont have 1 its one of the knives that everyone should try. If you want ti, elmax, and a beefier knife then go with the 0801. Either way you prolly wont regret it.
 
The pm is a great slicer, while the 0801 is a great flipper. Order both and send back the one you don't like!
 
Same blade length, spyderco is about an ounce lighter, and will carry much flatter and easier in pocket. Have never held the 801, looks like a reasonably comfy handle, but the pm2 has a much more ergonomic and utilitarian design for my uses. Also a better blade profile, grind, and it will undoubtedly cut better.

The two steels used are the same grade, the bigger difference you will notice will be in the grind and blade geometry.

If you care about lock strength, the pm2 will have the stronger lock. I don't particularly care for actually using the compression lock, though, and will generally prefer a frame or liner lock for ease of use.

Spyderco is cheaper. :)

There is a clear winner in my mind, but really comes down to personal preference. IMO the spyderco is a more utilitarian workhorse than the zt, but both well easily get the job done. Get what makes you happier when you hold it.
 
Get a Gayle Bradley, best of both- first rate ergonomics, hole in the blade (if that's a plus for you), super steel, 4-way clip mounting and a big/beefy strong hard user at about 1/2 between the two price points.
 
I never enjoyed the compression lock or shorter cutting edge to handle ratio so the PM2 would be out for me. 801 looks great; $190. As the two you mentioned are USA made, a third consideration priced in the middle is the Benchmade Rift. About the same size in the pocket, great blade to handle ratio, and the big bonus of Axis lock. It's a sweet spot knife :thumbup:
 
I've had a bunch of Para2's and I still have a ZT 0801. As far as looking nice over LONG haul if you really plan in keeping and using it a lot, I think the 0801 will look nicer longer. Plus you can have the blade replaced for a small fee. Spyderco does not replace blades. The lockbar has an insert on the 0801 so wearing it out shouldn't be an issue. The para2 does cut better.
 
I'm not sure the 801 is more solid necessarily. Don't let the lighter weight of the PM 2 fool you; it is a tough knife. The compression lock is certainly stronger than the framelock on the 801. They are both great knives though, and you won't be disappointed with either. Depends on whether you like flippers or thumb actuated knives.
 
I own both.

PM2 if you'll just be doing light-medium cutting chores. The ergos are fantastic, and it's very light. If you don't like the blade to handle ratio then hop over to the ZT. S30V is a great steel and ffg makes it an excellent excellent slicer. compression lock is unique and fun. PM2 is also a great option if you like the 4 way position pocket clip.

The ZT is more beefy and can take more punishment. Elmax is fantastic. My Elmax didn't have any of the supposed problems faced by some of the people on the internet. 0801 can slice well, but not as well as PM2 because of the thickness of the stock and the grinds. If you like flippers then I would highly recommend 0801. It's flipper action is up to par with my Shirogorov. It's fairly snappy. Ergos on the ZT is very very nice and the lack of jimping just eliminates the hot spot on the spine of the knife. It fits very very well in my hands. The 0801 is definitely more fun than PM2 and it'll be no slouch in performance either. For a titanium flipper,ball bearings, and lock bar stabilizer/overtravel + steel insert under $200 is excellent for the money. It is heavier because of the two slabs of titanium, but I don't mind it. I love Spydercos to death, but 1:1 blade to handle ratio just looks better. You do get more cutting edge with the ZT.

Both knives are must haves... but I honestly prefer the 0801 over the PM2. I'm just a big flipper lover.
 
I own both, found the 0801 for a great deal and could not pass it up. Otherwise I am a Spyderco guy. I don't regret buying it, but it is not really considered much in the morning when I look at all my knives trying to decide which to carry. I can echo the Gayle Bradley if you are looking for something a little in between. The Gayle Bradley and PM2 are my top two folders right now. The smoothness and low resistance on my 0801 is unmatched by anything I own, and the flipping action with the crazy detent is very nice. The 0801 while very nice just doesn't scream working knife to me like the PM2 does. The Compression lock is preferred imo, The steel (I do have the CTS-204P PM2) is preferred. I had some real bad deformation on the 0801's factory edge, but have had no issues since I put my own edge on it. The ergos of the PM2 is just fantastic. I feel in total control of the PM2, while with the 0801 not so much. The 0801 is comfortable, just not secure feeling. I also hate the clip on the 0801, and like the hour glass clip in general but replace most Spyderco clips with aftermarket low-ride type.
 
Honeslty, I have never been able to warm up to the PM2. I like the action, feeling of sturdiness, blade steel, and blade shape of the 0801 FAR more than the many PM2s I have handled.

Literally every PM2 I have handled except for the M390 and CTS-XHP versions have had horizontal blade play. Getting them tuned to the point where they locked up solidly and had smooth pivots was a chore for each one. Centering is a whole issue in itself with those...

The 0801 needs no such tuning. It'll fly open and be rock solid right out of the box. It'll be dead centered and sharp. The more forward-facing tip makes it much better for day-to-day tasks IMO. 0801 every time. If you were to pick up either, now would be the time as the prices and availability are better than they have been in quite some time.
 
Want to carry it, get the para

Watch a movie and have something fun to flip ,get the ZT
 
The PM2 is light, and cuts like crazy. The pivot and compression lock are excellent, simple and durable.

The lock and blade thickness and handle design combine to be strong enough for any chore a folding knife should be doing. If you need stronger, you need a fixed blade. This knife is much thicker at the tip than the Military, just because of how it is ground.

Same thing with "blade to handle ratio", if 3.4" (or whatever) of blade isn't enough, you probably need to step up to a fixed blade.
 
It's unfair for me to choose since I never had an 801, the only reason is because Im waiting for the 801CF I have preordered. BTW, Im a Para2 fan. Excellent EDC...Bladeshape, belly, ergos, deployment, lockstrength, thinnes in the pocket, light, fires like a rocket, closes as fast as an axis... Dont be fooled, its plenty strong maybe stronger than some tough guy framelocks with paperthin lock relief cutouts. Perhaps the tip is fragile because it is so pointy...Just the way I like tips to be... Pointy... Hard use freaks have turned knives upside down, now pointy sharp tips are a problem........Perfect for EDC, not so perfect for hammering.
 
Get the 801. It has handled everything I've thrown at it with ease. Elmax seems to touch up super easy and I haven't experienced any deformation or issues with elmax
 
Romet said:
Does anyone know, how spyderco paramilitary2 holds up after few years?
Click to expand...

I've been EDCing mine regularly for the last few years and it has held up fine. I'm sure there are some guys on here who have carried them much longer that can chime in here.
 
Hairlesstwinkie said:
I own both.

PM2 if you'll just be doing light-medium cutting chores. The ergos are fantastic, and it's very light. If you don't like the blade to handle ratio then hop over to the ZT. S30V is a great steel and ffg makes it an excellent excellent slicer. compression lock is unique and fun. PM2 is also a great option if you like the 4 way position pocket clip.

The ZT is more beefy and can take more punishment. Elmax is fantastic. My Elmax didn't have any of the supposed problems faced by some of the people on the internet. 0801 can slice well, but not as well as PM2 because of the thickness of the stock and the grinds. If you like flippers then I would highly recommend 0801. It's flipper action is up to par with my Shirogorov. It's fairly snappy. Ergos on the ZT is very very nice and the lack of jimping just eliminates the hot spot on the spine of the knife. It fits very very well in my hands. The 0801 is definitely more fun than PM2 and it'll be no slouch in performance either. For a titanium flipper,ball bearings, and lock bar stabilizer/overtravel + steel insert under $200 is excellent for the money. It is heavier because of the two slabs of titanium, but I don't mind it. I love Spydercos to death, but 1:1 blade to handle ratio just looks better. You do get more cutting edge with the ZT.

Both knives are must haves... but I honestly prefer the 0801 over the PM2. I'm just a big flipper lover.
Click to expand...

+1 :thumbup:
I have both too, and I agree with the above comments completely....

Another reason I like the 0801 better for edc is that it is easier on the pockets, the titanium scales just kinda help it slide...the g10 on the pm2 is excellent for grip but can be hard on fabric....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top