Spyderco PM2 Vs ZT 0560

0560 first and then the PM2. You will appreciate the PM2 more that way. I'm kidding. I own both. Love both. I wouldn't consider my collection complete with out either. They are completely different knives with almost nothing in common.
 
Compare the weights of the two, and then compare those with what you carry now. Some people prefer light, others like heavy. Which are you?
 
Geez Guys, I definitely wasn't expecting such amazing responses! I am sorry, I was a little vague, as I was in a rush, but I am back now and I can explain a little more. As far as preferences go, I do like big knives. I like heavy knives. Specifically, I like Framelock Flippers, which fits the 0560 to a T. On the other hand, I have heard time and time again on how good a knife the PM2 is, and like it was mentioned, I do love the customization aspect of the PM2. The only reason I was asking honestly is because I am a High School Student working a $7.50 an hour job, and like mentioned before, I plan on buying both, so I was just curious as to if I should go the cheaper route faster or the expensive route for a little more wait, as I know most of you have been in the same position. So my final explanation really is that I want the 0560 more for style and toughness, but the PM2 more for dependability and popular opinion. Thank you guys so much for your input. It really has brought some points to the table that I did not look at before, and will definitely be taken into consideration!
 
Williebaugh23 said:
Geez Guys, I definitely wasn't expecting such amazing responses! I am sorry, I was a little vague, as I was in a rush, but I am back now and I can explain a little more. As far as preferences go, I do like big knives. I like heavy knives. Specifically, I like Framelock Flippers, which fits the 0560 to a T. On the other hand, I have heard time and time again on how good a knife the PM2 is, and like it was mentioned, I do love the customization aspect of the PM2. The only reason I was asking honestly is because I am a High School Student working a $7.50 an hour job, and like mentioned before, I plan on buying both, so I was just curious as to if I should go the cheaper route faster or the expensive route for a little more wait, as I know most of you have been in the same position. So my final explanation really is that I want the 0560 more for style and toughness, but the PM2 more for dependability and popular opinion. Thank you guys so much for your input. It really has brought some points to the table that I did not look at before, and will definitely be taken into consideration!
Click to expand...

Given that additional info, score the 0560. It's discontinued and will just get harder to find. I'm generally of the opinion that the PM2 is a much better knife, though worse prybar, but it's not going anywhere and you can pick one up at your leisure.
 
If you do like heavy knives, I would go PM2 -> 560 for the most enjoyment. I think you will ultimately like the 560 more so going PM2 first will maximize your jollies. Going from ZT framelock flippers to Spydercos can seem underwhelming especially if you equate weight to quality.
 
Size and weight and pocket space taken.

The PM2 wins.

560 is just "Big" in everything.

PM2 with FFG blade cuts better.


Now if you said PM2 vs 562.

That would be challenging.
 
mjpgolf1 said:
You can get a Kershaw Cryo and have the same look and feel for $35 instead of spending $200+ on a ZT.
Click to expand...
I'm sorry; but that is crazy talk. The Cryo look is similar, at best; but in no way comparable, let alone the same. And the feel is even further off than the look is. It's also tiny. The Cryo II is a little bigger, but still small in comparison. I bought a Cryo II, and was very unhappy with it. I returned it, and ended up buying another from a different seller - that one was nearly as bad. It's pretty sad when an assisted opening knife doesn't deploy reliably. That is one of the few knives that I have ever thrown away - I couldn't even bring myself to give it to somebody.
I'm not in the least anti-Kershaw, either. I've still got some that I've had for over 15 years. Maybe I got 2 lemons - it happens - but, even if they didn't have issues, the 0560 is still a far superior knife. Worth the $325 MSRP, or whatever that translates to with MAP? Perhaps not (I likely wouldn't have paid that at the time); but definitely worth the going price for unused or lightly used specimens on the Exchange.
 
I have both and love both. I would recommend the PM2 for an EDC, however....but you'll get both eventually, right ;)

I may recommend getting the 0560 first as I believe they will become harder to find as time goes on.
 
hhmoore said:
I'm sorry; but that is crazy talk. The Cryo look is similar, at best; but in no way comparable, let alone the same. And the feel is even further off than the look is. It's also tiny. The Cryo II is a little bigger, but still small in comparison. I bought a Cryo II, and was very unhappy with it. I returned it, and ended up buying another from a different seller - that one was nearly as bad. It's pretty sad when an assisted opening knife doesn't deploy reliably. That is one of the few knives that I have ever thrown away - I couldn't even bring myself to give it to somebody.
I'm not in the least anti-Kershaw, either. I've still got some that I've had for over 15 years. Maybe I got 2 lemons - it happens - but, even if they didn't have issues, the 0560 is still a far superior knife. Worth the $325 MSRP, or whatever that translates to with MAP? Perhaps not (I likely wouldn't have paid that at the time); but definitely worth the going price for unused or lightly used specimens on the Exchange.
Click to expand...

I'll give you that. I understand that the ZT is superior. I would hope so for the cost. I was simply making a comparison that if you want to scratch that itch for that style of knife you can spend less than $40 and buy a Cryo or Cryo II. As I said in my original post, I really tried to like ZT. They get great reviews and many people love them so I really gave it a good try. I just found that they were way overpriced for what you get. I mean can anyone honestly say that most ZTs are really worth double the price of a PM2 or a Manix 2? I just think they are nuts with the prices they ask compared to other manufacturers that's all.
 
Given that I didn't have to buy new scales to make the 0560 tolerable, sure...after all, the aftermarket PM2 scales cost about as much as (or more than) the knife.
As I said before, this is an individual decision that each person has to make for himself, based on his own set of preferences, like, and dislikes. It doesn't matter how many people tell Person X how awesome a particular knife is...there's always a chance that he'll get it in hand and not feel that spark.
Personally, I prefer the 0200KW over the 0560; even though I'd probably admit that the 0560 is the better knife. I had to grind down the texturing on the G10 because it was eating my pockets...but that was free. I carried the 0200 almost exclusively for a couple years, despite buying other knives. I finally forced it out of my pocket, and tried Carson Tech, the aluminum handled PM2, CRK, XM18, SnG, Tolk, etc (admittedly, I usually had the 0200 in my jacket or pack during that period)...then one day I stuck it in my pocket again, and it has kept that spot ever since.

The tag-along spot has also been reclaimed by the knife that held it for many years - a Kershaw Vapor II.

Figuring out what we like isn't always easy, especially when there are so many choices & we often can't handle the knives before purchasing.

Best of luck in your search, Williebaugh23.
 
I do love everything about the PM2. For light/medium chores, it would be hard to beat. Blade shape is perfect for most daily tasks and it's light. I don't have the 0560 but I do have the 0566 and as others have stated, the ZT's are a different animal, but great in their own way. IMO every knife enthusiast should own a PM2. I was reluctant and didn't get the hoopla..but now I get it.
 
I've got both. If you like big heavy knives, skip the PM2. I'm sorry but you will be underwhelmed as it is a super light knife compared to the big ZT. While the PM2 is an amazing knife for EDC, it's not a tank in feel/heft. The 560 for its size does carry rather slim and well. So both great options, just different ends of the spectrum in my book. Have you looked at the Military? If you like big knives, the Military dwarfs the PM2. Weight isn't much more, but size is. I love my Military.

Is there a reason you have it just to these two options? There are tons of great bigger/beefy knives out there.

I would also recommend if you are on a budget, your best money spent is to get a GOLD Membership here (like $30) and buy some like new in the box used knives. You can probably snag a lightly used 560 for about $150 if you are patient. It could also open up your options to some other HD knives you hadn't thought about. There are some really great values to be had in the Exchange.. just don't snag anything I've got my eye on :-).
 
Williebaugh23 said:
Geez Guys, I definitely wasn't expecting such amazing responses! I am sorry, I was a little vague, as I was in a rush, but I am back now and I can explain a little more. As far as preferences go, I do like big knives. I like heavy knives. Specifically, I like Framelock Flippers, which fits the 0560 to a T. On the other hand, I have heard time and time again on how good a knife the PM2 is, and like it was mentioned, I do love the customization aspect of the PM2. The only reason I was asking honestly is because I am a High School Student working a $7.50 an hour job, and like mentioned before, I plan on buying both, so I was just curious as to if I should go the cheaper route faster or the expensive route for a little more wait, as I know most of you have been in the same position. So my final explanation really is that I want the 0560 more for style and toughness, but the PM2 more for dependability and popular opinion. Thank you guys so much for your input. It really has brought some points to the table that I did not look at before, and will definitely be taken into consideration!
Click to expand...

Welcome to BF! :thumbup:

If I were you, I'd keep an eye here on the sales exchange. The money that you can save buying both of these knives here on the secondary market, can sometimes be substantial:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/892-For-Sale-Production-Folders-(Individual)

Best of luck!
 
Insipid Moniker said:
Buy knives that cut first. PM2 or, if you want something with the bigger, beefier feel the 0560 offers, a Manix 2 XL.
Click to expand...
This is good advice. I have the 0560 and the Manix2 xl, and I think the Manix2 xl is a better bargain and and a better knife overall. The PM2 is my overall favorite edc.
 
Sorry guys, I am still trying to figure out how exactly to work the thread replying and stuff XD. Trust that I did read all the messages though and will try to respond to them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top