Which folder? ZT VS Spyderco

[Mossyhorn]

ZT is the way to go.

 

[Noctis3880]

Do you really think the para 2 is that tough? I have never held one, but that ZT 0200 is more metal than anything else.... not to mention the fact that is a stinking monstrosity.

I guess this would qualify as enough to join me into the ranks of the ZT fanbois. I am starting to sound like an apple freak.

The tip isn't much for stabbing or prying, but the part of the blade at the tang is quite thick. I have no doubt I could whittle a log with it, and the compression lock holds up as well as any liner lock.

The ZT would be better if you plan on going caveman on a tree, but my Para2 holds up fine in thick cardboard cutting:thumbup:.

 

[wongKI]

Tough is ZT's trademark, not Spyderco's.

 

[Tsujigiri]

Out of those two I think I'd go with the Manix 2. But I think the 0200 is a better option than either of those if you want a tough knife.

 

[Artfully Martial]

Out of those two I think I'd go with the Manix 2. But I think the 0200 is a better option than either of those if you want a tough knife.

I totally missed the hard use criteria. Yeah, the 0200 would eat these knives alive. This one is simple. Jump ship and get the 0200.

 

[DennisStrickland]

the spydie bradley is the toughest long cutter in both companies inventory but it costs around 140.00. m4 w/o a doubt is the most flexible & long cutting alloy.---dennis

 

[Cblock]

I haven't owned a spyderco yet but the 0350 I do own and this thing is solid, the liner lock is super thick, bulky tough feel with no blade play on mine. I've been using it about 4-5 months now cutting heavy cardboard, plastics, etc. and it works excellent. I recently picked up a Blur and Leek CB and in all honesty haven't edc them once because I just can't live without the bulky hefty feel of the ZT... Only downfall of the 0350 and most ZT's I think is the recurve blade, at first it looked "cool" but once i started cutting things i found I preferred more of a drop point style.

Bought a 0551 should be here tomorrow.. can't wait

 

[Ankerson]

the spydie bradley is the toughest long cutter in both companies inventory but it costs around 140.00. m4 w/o a doubt is the most flexible & long cutting alloy.---dennis

Yep, it's a great blade. :thumbup:

If they want stainless then the Para 2 is the knife.

 

[cziv]

the spydie bradley is the toughest long cutter in both companies inventory but it costs around 140.00. m4 w/o a doubt is the most flexible & long cutting alloy.---dennis

I have to 2nd or 3rd that - but why did Spyderco make it so butt ugly? :barf:

 

[Tostig]

Tough is ZT's trademark, not Spyderco's.

Yea , no offense but how does the Paramilitary , Manix 2 etc even begin to stack up to a true hard use knife like ZT offering's ?

They don't....

They do have great blade steel but then so does ZT. Spyderco does make better slicers , but the OP did not ask for that.
I'm not trying to diss ,I'm sure Spyderco makes some well built folders but were talking two different species here when it comes to actual toughness.


Tostig

 

[ono724]

I've got the Manix 2 and a ZT0200. In my opinion, for pure hard use EDC, you can't beat the ZT. If you want something slimmer and slightly lighter, but still pretty tough, the Manix is a good choice...

 

[Reeek]

Spyderco is one of my favorite knife MFG 's but I'm finished with the Manix 2 platform. It's super ergonomic for my hands and deploys very nicely but I have some reservations about the Manix 2's durability if you had to use it harder than general EDC.

I could be way off base with that notion but it's my money and even though I've had every Manix 2 in the book except for the Stag Arms and Moon Glow versions, I'm buying other platforms from Spyderco.

I like the Para 2 platform even though I sold my last one recently. I prefer the Superleaf over the Para 2 by a slight margin anyway and I currently have one in my rotation. I wish the SuperLeaf were offered in other steel choices though.

 

[cziv]

Spyderco is one of my favorite knife MFG 's but I'm finished with the Manix 2 platform. It's super ergonomic for my hands and deploys very nicely but I have some reservations about the Manix 2's durability if you had to use it harder than general EDC.

I could be way off base with that notion but it's my money and even though I've had every Manix 2 in the book except for the Stag Arms and Moon Glow versions, I'm buying other platforms from Spyderco.

I like the Para 2 platform even though I sold my last one recently. I prefer the Superleaf over the Para 2 by a slight margin anyway and I currently have one in my rotation. I wish the SuperLeaf were offered in other steel choices though.

Can I ask what put you off the Para 2, which to me (never held either) appears to be a bit tougher than the SuperLeaf. Longer blade, same lock, better handle ergos. Am I off the mark?

 

[Revolverrodger]

Either the ZT 350 or 300

 

[singularity35]

Either or.

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[hatidua]

I carry a Spyderco Military daily, but in terms of toughness, it's got nothing on a ZT 300 series.

 

[Reeek]

The handle is the key for me. I don't like the thumb ramp location on the SuperLeaf at all. The SuperLeaf thumb ramp sits rearward of the lower index finger choil and feels a little awkward to me. It makes you want to put your thumb on top of the spine when you are choking up. This postition works well when you grip the SuperLeaf handle in the rearward position though.

The Sage thumb ramp is directly above the front index choil and allows for a pinch type grip for detail work with the blade. I'd much prefer the SuperLeaf thumb ramp was situated more like the Sages but I like the size, weight, blade and handle of the Superleaf more plus it comes with the awesome Spyderco wire clip. A plus as well. The added real estate on the SuperLeaf allows for much roomier access to the compression lock tab. I can access the tab with the tip of my right index finger without adjusting my grip on the handle. And the SuperLeaf takes the win for smoothness too. It's one of the smoothest knives I have and has zero side to side blade play to boot. Depress the tab and give a slight wrist movement and the blade fully closes without any fanfare whatsoever.

THereis a compromise between the two but if the SuperLeaf were to get a repositioned "Sage type" thumb ramp and S90V steel with CF scales, it would be a world class EDC IMHO. And I still prefer the SuperLeaf over the Para 2 by a slight margin.

Can I ask what put you off the Para 2, which to me (never held either) appears to be a bit tougher than the SuperLeaf. Longer blade, same lock, better handle ergos. Am I off the mark?

 

[Razor]

The ZT 350 handle was to short for me. I have never handled a manix 2. I hope to soon. It is kinda hard to beleive the manix 2 would not be strong enough. Hard use knife, fix blade.

 

[nevermind35]

I've owned and used most every knife mentioned in this thread so far (Yes I know I'm truly sick) and I have to say that my all time favorite hard use folder right now is the original mini manix. Its very similar to the Manix 2 but its more comfortable to me without the very proud jimping all around the handle. Its very debatable and only my opinion but if push came to shove and I really needed to use and abuse a folder I'd want something other than a frame/liner lock. I really like the thick overbuilt lockback on the mini manix and think it could take just about anything.

However I just recieved my sterile HEST folder the other day and it is now definately high up in the ranks. Its just what I like in a hard use knife, a comfortably roomy handle, short thick blade, grippy g10 on one side, smooth stonewashed ti on the other for easy access from the pocket and the rotoblock just might be enough to change my mind about hard use framelocks. However that is to be determined as I carry it the next while.

 

[goodeyesniper]

No doubt the Para 2 is an awesome knife. I love my Spydercos and have quite a few of them. But none of mine feel like they're anywhere near the brute/grunt tough that the ZT 200 is. But I don't have a Para 2 either. So, I'll ask the same question; is the Para 2 as tough as a ZT200 for brute work?

The problem about "hard use" knives is it is often 99.9% how the user thinks it "feels" Yes, a thicker knife *feels* heavier duty than others, but I've held thick knives that would self destruct doing some tough wood working, and thin, lightweight knives which would do it for days. A good knife like a para2, that most people don't consider "hard use" will hold up to everything they will actually use it for.

The only reason I'd put the para2 behind some ZTs is because of the more slicey geometry, and thinner tip. This can make it easier to damage the edge, or break the tip, that said I would be surprised if most people here praising the ZT, would come close to breaking the para2 using it exactly the same way. Sure, if you're going to be stabbing and slashing through cinder blocks, don't use a para. Then again, you should probably just sell all your knives and use something else.

ZT makes some very great knives, I'm just sayin...

One thing I will definitely give to bulkier knives is their comfort in hand for harder use. A larger, thicker handle that is well designed will be less likely to cause you discomfort when you're using the heck out of the blade.