Zero Tolerance 0350 or Spyderco Paramilitary 2

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PirateBlaster

Joined
Nov 7, 2011
Messages
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I am in the market for a new knife and it's between the ZT 0350 and the Spyderco Paramilitary 2. I understand that they are quite different from each other in form factor. However,the prices and materials are relatively the same and are equally attractive to me at this point. I've read/seen enough reviews on each INDIVIDUALLY to know the specs on both knives. I want to hear preferences specifically COMPARING these two models. So, if you own both or have at least played with both let me know what you're thoughts are. Thank You.

Weight isn't a concern as I will EDC a heavier knife.
 
I love ZTs, but I feel that the handle of the 0350 is too short for me. I prefer the 0200 or 0400 in terms of ergos. I don't have a Paramilitary, but I do have a Military that has just about become my favorite knife to carry. It just feels better to hold than the 0350, and offers a good choke-up grip. The Spyderco's FFG makes it a crazy slicer, but the ZT's beefier blade geometry offers more peace of mind when it comes to rougher tasks I think. If the 0350 was as comfortable to hold as the Spec Bump or 0200, it'd be a harder choice. I would pick the paramilitary 2.
 
I own a PM2 and have messed with a 0350 briefly. I honestly want to own both knives, but I happened to buy a Para 2 first. I think the Para 2 is an awesome EDC. I love to carry it. I think the 0350 would be a nice EDC as well, but the para would be my choice and usually is.
 
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Thank you for your guys' input. Spyderco PM/M is such an elegant looking knife. The ergos do seem to be more inviting to the hand than the ZT. The aspects of the ZT 0350 that I like are:

Flipper combined with speedsafe assisted opening-I feel like it would be pretty satisfactory to play with.
Though, its not as big as its older brother, 0300, it's visually a beast and somewhat intimidating which I have to admit I like.

Any comments about the lockups/locking mechanisms on both?
 
I don't own a ZT350, but it looks much wider than the Para2 (which I do own). I prefer a blade that dissapears in my pocket yet still can do any task a folder would be asked to do. I vote P2.
 
I briefly owned a 0350 and own a para 2 and for me the para is a better overall edc for my uses because its 2 ounces lighter and the blade shape/grind just cuts better. The compression lock is much stronger than the beefy liner lock on the zt but the 0350 is more robust overall so that is something to consider. Both are fantastic folders and I definitly regret getting rid of my 0350.
 
in all seriousness, you should try and get both at some point. They are such different knives that you would love both. :D

Yes, I am an enabler!
 
i think it depends on the tasks you intend for it.
i had a para2, it wasnt for me. tip was too thin, and ergos didnt work for me, even though it was quite comfortable. compression is a great design, great slicer, overall a very good knife especially for the price, but it just wasnt for me i guess.

i say get the ZT350 first, because para2 comes on the market almost daily, if can find it for a good deal if you're on the look out.
 
RevDevil said:
in all seriousness, you should try and get both at some point. They are such different knives that you would love both. :D

Yes, I am an enabler!
Click to expand...

:thumbup: Most useful advice so far haha. You can bet I will have them both in my possession one of these days. I appreciate everyones' feedback. I will probably end up going with the ZT due only to the fact that I have a few Spydies already to tie my over until the inevitable (which is buying a Para2). I do use my use my knives, but I like the message that they send people who see them.

Examples:

chive-"aww"

delica 4-"oh look, a knife"

para2-"that's sexy, can I hold it?"

ZT 0350-"O_O"......whooosh-click*"ahhh! he's gonna kill us all!!"
 
PirateBlaster said:
:thumbup: Most useful advice so far haha. You can bet I will have them both in my possession one of these days. I appreciate everyones' feedback. I will probably end up going with the ZT due only to the fact that I have a few Spydies already to tie my over until the inevitable (which is buying a Para2). I do use my use my knives, but I like the message that they send people who see them.

Examples:

chive-"aww"

delica 4-"oh look, a knife"

para2-"that's sexy, can I hold it?"

ZT 0350-"O_O"......whooosh-click*"ahhh! he's gonna kill us all!!"
Click to expand...


LMAO- That pretty much sums it up too :D
 
PirateBlaster said:
:thumbup: Most useful advice so far haha. You can bet I will have them both in my possession one of these days. I appreciate everyones' feedback. I will probably end up going with the ZT due only to the fact that I have a few Spydies already to tie my over until the inevitable (which is buying a Para2). I do use my use my knives, but I like the message that they send people who see them.

Examples:

chive-"aww"

delica 4-"oh look, a knife"

para2-"that's sexy, can I hold it?"

ZT 0350-"O_O"......whooosh-click*"ahhh! he's gonna kill us all!!"
Click to expand...


You should try a ZT 301...

I carry both often. I like a heavy duty knife and slicer combo.

zt310andcamopara21.jpg
 
As others have said it really depends on what you will use it for; if the final straw is the wow affect go with the zt0350.

I personally own the para2 and have held the zt0350 a few times. I will eventually have it as well but hands down to me the para2 blows it and all similar length knives out of the water (I haven't carried any of my other knives since I got my para2 a few months ago).

I like the para2 because it is the perfect size for me. Very ergonomic: it is so comfortable, and the handle length is great. I trust this knife lock up more than even my axis lock, the compression lock is amazing; the thing locks up with a loud thwack like a bank vault. A lot of people say the blade thickness and tip are thin; I greatly dissagree. The para2 blade is pretty thick and will handle all edc jobs (and a lot of abuse) about as well as the zt350 while being a way better cutter (and of course a lighter, smaller blade profile). Their are many benefits for the 0350, it is a great knife, thus why I want one. The main or most noticeable benefit I see is that when you get it in your hand you know it wont break, the thing is a tank. If you need the knife to beat the crap out of things go with the 0350.

Overall, both knives are great, I personally put the para2 in a slightly higher class than the zt0350; either way you will be happy. :thumbup:

Hope this helps you some.
_Czech
 
^^^That's a rugged looking 301. The para2 looks like a gentlemen's knife in contrast. I have an ontario rat-1 that has similar handle to the para2. Though, not the same quality quality material, the rat-1 has a similarly shaped handle and FFG blade which is great for slicing.
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As time passes, I'm falling in love with the menacing look of the ZT 0350 and confidence-inspiring the build appears to be.
 
PirateBlaster said:
:thumbup: Most useful advice so far haha. You can bet I will have them both in my possession one of these days. I appreciate everyones' feedback. I will probably end up going with the ZT due only to the fact that I have a few Spydies already to tie my over until the inevitable (which is buying a Para2). I do use my use my knives, but I like the message that they send people who see them.

Examples:

chive-"aww"

delica 4-"oh look, a knife"

para2-"that's sexy, can I hold it?"

ZT 0350-"O_O"......whooosh-click*"ahhh! he's gonna kill us all!!"
Click to expand...

Seriously? :D that is the only right answer Round here. I have a few of each knife and have been very happy with both. Lol @ the
ZT 0350-"O_O"......whooosh-click*"ahhh! he's gonna kill us all!!"
Click to expand...
 
hardheart said:
hmm, didn't know the PM2 had a thicker blade than the 0350, interesting.
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Wow..I didn't realize about the blade thickness until you pointed that out. It's actually pretty impressive and seeing a side by side picture really surprises as to how the para2 is longer in the handle and the blade length. The area for finger placement on both looks similar in length (minus the fingerchoil on the para2). If they had the ZT scales in digicamo this thread wouldn't exist! haha
 
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