stretch ZDP-189 or para-military 2

M

mr dylan

Joined
Mar 27, 2010
Messages
205
So im looking at getting another knife and i was wondering which one is all around better for edc? It isnt going to be used that hard, mainly for cardboard and opening food boxes. How is the edge retention of the ZDP-189 over the S30v? Which one is a better slicer? Do you prefer the back lock over the compression lock? is one drastically better than the other? Ive heard a ton of praise for the pm2 but ive also heard alot of good things about the stretch. Im really torn at the moment. Your help is greatly appreciated, thanks.

edit: also comparison pics would be so helpful
 
I own both and I really like both:p If I had to sell one, it would be the Stretch. The P2 is just perfection. The Stretch is great too but I like G10 over FRN.
 
yeah i like g10 more then frn but im just not the biggest fan of plain black g10, just a little boring for me
 
ZDP-189 has better edge retention than S30V, but CPM-M4 blows both out of the water if you'll consider the Gayle Bradley. Between those two, though, I'd go with the PM2. I'm not convinced that the small gains in edge retention of ZDP-189 are worth the risk of chipping or snapping, and I'd rather have the lock and handle of the PM2.
 
I much prefer the ergos and the lock of the Stretch. There are maybe 2 or 3 Spydies that come close to "perfect" for me, and the Stretch is one of them.
 
I have larger hands and my Stretch bothers the pinky with extended use. No such trouble with the Para2.
 
Id have to say Para 2, its just awesome... That being said, you should get the Stretch aswell
 
Both knives are going to be very close as far as slicing cardboard. The Stretch has a thinner blade but both are flat ground. The point on the Para 2 might have a little more utility.

I like both types of locks but if lock up with no blade play is a concern then it is hard to not go with the Para 2. I would possibly let the steel affect the decision depending how long you need to use it between touching up the edge.

I don't have experience with the FRN Stretch but I prefer the way the carbon fiber Stretch feels in my hand as well as the way it carries in the pocket by just a bit. You picked two good options.
 
i don't have a stretch but i have an endura4 ZDP and a para 2 (both are excellent knives). the para2 has been getting alot of pocket time since i got it. the para 2 is one of the best EDC knives IMO. the egro's are damn near perfect.
 
Last edited:
I'm surprised no one's posted comparison pics yet. On the Stretch, I've only owned the CF model with ZDP-189 (2 or 3 of them) & have had a few of the older Para Militaries.

I would say you will want to handle them to see which one you'd like. On paper, the Stretch seems better, but I never warmed to it & prefer the Para. IMHO, the Para 2's a better folder than the original.

As to S30V vs ZDP-189, ZDP definitely holds its edge better/longer & for me, it was pretty noticeable. However, S30V is plenty for me
 
This is a tough one. I've traded off or sold most of my Spydercos except for a few and included in those few are my Para 2 and my FRN/ZDP-189 Stretch. You really can't go wrong with either. I don't know if I can choose between these two. I will say that whichever you decide to go with, you will not be disappointed.
 
The Para2 has better ergos, though ZDP would be a step up in edge retention. However, I feel S30V is a more balanced steel with better corrosion resistance and toughness.

Though the Gayle Bradley would be the best choice for a dedicated cardboard eater so long as you don't cut food with it.
 
For the money, the Para 2 is hard to beat...

I have a CF/ZDP-189 Stretch in my pocket right now. Its a great knife and the steel has impressed me no end.

Its also not as prone to corrosion as you might think. And I havent experienced any chipping.

I would say get both. ;)
 
I love my Para 2 and would consider it the top of the line $100 folder ( flow though ,g-10, compression lock)

I'm not sure about the Stretch but have heard good things
 
Buffalohump said:
For the money, the Para 2 is hard to beat...

I have a CF/ZDP-189 Stretch in my pocket right now. Its a great knife and the steel has impressed me no end.

Its also not as prone to corrosion as you might think. And I havent experienced any chipping.

I would say get both. ;)
Click to expand...
True, if you use a knife like a knife and not like a prybar then ZDP is perfect for the job.
 
Nothing comes close to the Stretch IMO. Okay, maybe the Para is "close" but not quite there.
 
The frn zdp-189 Stretch is a great cardboard slicer and is very light too. I use mine at work. Highly recommended.
 
For your stated uses the difference between those blades isnt a huge deal but to me the lock is. I love the compression lock and not a big fan of back locks. Plus, to me the stretch looks funky while the para2 is just... the para2. Ergonomic, one hand use, good blade shape, can slice. I would take para2 all day, especially over frn.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top