Spyderco PM2 Vs ZT 0560

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Williebaugh23

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Mar 31, 2016
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Hi! Let me start off by saying this is my first post, and I am glad to be a part of the group. My question is, for an EDC, should I get the PM2 or the 0560? The issue is, I really like the 0560, but it is over $100 more than the PM2, which I still plan on getting regardless. Would it be more worthwhile to just save up longer and get the 0560 or should I get the PM2 to satiate you appetite for now. Any thoughts would be appreciated!
 
I would go ahead and get the PM2. It's an awesome knife, and you'd have it now. Then again, I am pretty impatient.
 
I'd save up and get the ZT. It's a lot easier to save up the money for a PM2 after you buy the ZT then the other way around.
 
Those two really are very different knives. The 0560 is a big, beefy tank of a knife, while the PM2 is a slimmer medium to medium-large knife. I would probably liken the PM2 more to the 0566 (if you're leaning towards one of the Hinderer designs), or perhaps more so like the 0770CF (slim, lightweight, and a slice-y high, flat grind). A minor point also is that the 0560 has been discontinued, so their availability will eventually drop off. I think there's still ample inventory across the dealer base for now, so there isn't an immediate rush if you do plan to get one.
 
For EDC I'd say PM2 all the way. For fomenting revolution or invading a small landlocked country I'd say ZT560. That's a really tough comparison, I don't think those two knives will the same niche. The PM2 is definitely a timeless EDC classic that you can't go wrong with. For opening mail, breaking down boxes, slicing food, cutting rope the PM2 is your EDC is your knife, among other great choices like the BM Grip or ZT566.

The ZT is a beast. Pictures, videos and spec sheets do not do that knife justice, it is an absolute monster. If you are a mechanic or someone that will absolutely beat the crap out of your knife everyday I'd say ZT. For me the 560 was just too big and more knife than I needed.
 
Kind of a Hummer and Corvette comparison. If you want heavy duty, the ZT. If your want a regular EDC I'd go with the PM2.
 
I own a ZT 0560BW and it is a hell of a knife. It is also pretty easy to EDC so I would without a doubt recommend the ZT 0560.
 
I would go PM2. got the recommendation quite a while back, went with it, and love it. and you can choose your configuration/colors from the available for sale options.
 
Never owned a 0560 I'm sure it's nice. I've had about 12-14 PM2's so I'll vote that
The PM2 is fun to customize too
 
Like everybody else has said, these are two very different knives. For my tastes, the 566 or 562 are better everyday GP knives. If that's what you want first, I'd go with the Para 2. When you want a confidence-inspiring knife that'll do anything you can dream up and laugh at you for being such a wimp, the 560 is your answer. It really is a fine example of ZT's knife-making capability, it's just more of an occasional carry knife to me than the Para 2 is.
 
What always works for me when I'm down to such a tight decision is to base it on where my preferences tend to go. It works to avoid a lot of regret.

If you tend toward longer blade lengths and 'sturdier' knives, go with the 0560 because if you don't you'll always be wishing you had.

If you are more the weight-saving, slimline, lesser blade type, wanting minimal pocket bulk, then the PM2 is your answer.

IMO the 0560 is the 'better' knife, as it should be for $100 more. The PM2 is an inarguable classic and a wonderful EDC. I think you should go by your tastes rather than statistics on this one. Nothing worse than buying a cheaper knife and always carrying it attached to the remorse that you didn't get the other one.
 
Ultimately, it is an individual decision that you will have to make for yourself...based on your personal preferences. I read all the PM2 love, and wanted to experience it for myself. Bought one, and didn't like it. I wanted to - I recognized the quality, the way it fit my hand, and the flat ground blade - but I plain ol' couldn't make myself. Time went by, and I tried another...and still didn't like it; but I recognized that it was an issue with the scales. Eventually, I bought another, and immediately put aluminum scales on it - and liked it enough to put it in my pocket occasionally. Earlier this year, I bought one in s110v, and put wood scales on it. A short time later, and it seems like ages since I have touched either one.
I have an 0560, as well - it is a very different knife as has been said. It is noticeably larger and heavier than the PM2. The blade is thicker, and not so much of a slicer. I like it much better, and have carrried it much more than the PM2s.
 
Got a PM2 for my boy, it's a good slicer and lightweight but I don't like the way it feels in my hand. I have a ZT0560 without the steel insert that feels real nice and would be my choice over the PM2 for everyday carry.

Keep looking, saw a ZT0561 with steel insert sell on the exchange for $130.
 
Go pm2. It's a ton of knife for the money. I'm not trying to stir anything up here but in my opinion those ZTs are waaaay overpriced. You can get a Kershaw Cryo and have the same look and feel for $35 instead of spending $200+ on a ZT. I'm sure all the ZT fanboys will slaughter me for saying this but OP asked for our opinion and I gave it. I really tried to like ZT knives when I started collecting. I gave them a shot and for the money Spyderco and Benchmades are much more up my alley. If I'm going to spend close to $300 on a knife I will go a few bucks more and just get something special like a CRK Sebenza or similar.
 
Buy knives that cut first. PM2 or, if you want something with the bigger, beefier feel the 0560 offers, a Manix 2 XL.
 
I am more of a heavy duty knife user, as in I do much more than slice with my knives, so the 560 is my choice of the two. I've had a few pm2's and gotten rid of them all. It's a very high quality knife with great fit and finish and an excellent slicer but not really for me. If you are not going to lightly pry with your knife then the pm2 is a great choice. If you would rather a knife that can handle it all, including some light prying, then the 560 is a much better choice.
 
Very different knives. I'd go PM2 first, then decide if you need a bigger, much heavier knife. Plus it is easy to find a deal and get your money back on a PM2.
 
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