ZT 0550 or Spyderco PM2 for New EDC

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wut85

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Jul 10, 2011
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I'm torn between the ZT 0550 and Spyderco PM2 for EDC. I have carried the Spyderco Endura for the last 6 years. Though I've bought many other knives (Benchmade 9052, Sypderco Lum Tanto, Emerson Commander, Sog Trident, Kershaw Leek, Gerber Fairborn), I keep going back to the Endura for its slim profile and ease to carry. The purpose for this new knife is just to upgrade. I'm really interested in a frame lock knife and the ZT 0550 really seems like a good option. At this time $200 is the most I'm willing to spend. I would appreciate recommendations between these 2 knives or any other suggestions in this price range. I'm active duty army so always have my EDC on me.
 
The 550 is at the higher end of weight I'll carry but still acceptable since I'll still have the endura for a lighter carry.
 
Having carried an Endura for years, and now carrying a PM2, the PM2 gets my vote. It's light, strong, and in my experience it slices very well -- every bit as well as the Endura. The weight is very close as well, so it won't take as much acclimation as the 0550 might. Also, if you're used to the drop & flop method of closing the Endura, you'll transition easily to the PM2. I'd say the 0550 makes more sense if you've carried the Endura and now want something thicker and tougher, rather than just different. However, if you've really got a hankering for a framelock, you might not be able to resist the ZT.
 
I'd get the para. A knife is for cutting and you will get that from the para. The 550 looks great but I think you will be dissapointed with the cutting ability.
 
I'd say the Para 2 has been a much better EDC knife. Not that there anything really wrong with the 0551, but it's just a little chunky.
 
I would recommend the para for you, you are most likely wearing gloves most of the time since you are active duty. The para would be much easier to open but still the zt0550 is a tank! Either one would be a good choice but in this case I'd go with the para.
 
Thanks for the advice so far, keep them coming. My practical side is telling me to get the spyderco but that zt still looks appealing.
 
I would get the zt, its what i carry, plenty tough for everything, and cuts just fine. I dont care for the thin tip on the para. I can use my zt for dam near everything, from light prying to skinning deer. Just my choice, I still have a lot of spydercos, and carry a gayle bradley in my pack. But the zt is the best knife I have ever bought, in a folder.
 
I too love the 0550. I know the P2 gets a ton of love around here. I liked the P2. I like my 0550 a ton as well. However one thing to consider is the P2 is half the cost of the 0550. Unless you go with the M390 sprint run.
 
I say get the zt 0550, you already have some thinner blade light weight folders. The zt 0550 will round out your EDC options. I have the zt 0551 and really like it very solid knife and slices just fine. The only thing I experienced with my zt was it was very stiff opening when new,now it opens as smooth glass.
 
I love the zt 0551, keep it sharp slices fine and blade is thicker and have used for prying, great knife. Right now it is second to my Hinderer XM-18 non flipper.
 
weight is a major factor here. Paramilitary 2 is my edc. Got it in my right pocket now. Very versatile in opening. great locking mechanism. And once you over stress lock (batoning) it becomes stronger and goes over further. its odd but it happened it mine. I wouldnt recommend batoning knives though. I can open it a lot of ways and i can hold the compression lock and flip it closed one handed so its function over all . 0550 looks big and bulky to me i dont own one so i cant say anything on that side
 
I own both (0551 actually). They are both very nice but I have to agree with the others. The Para is just more practical. The ZT is a pleasure to own but it is just not that great or versatile a cutter. Get a Para.
 
dman62 said:
Get the Para 2 blue with M390 steel. Fantastic knife,
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Can you still get this, or were all the orders filled? It is LE right? How many are they making? I got a digi camo Para2 and a 0350 the same day. Love both The 0350 is a little beast, but the Para2 is nicer for pocket carry. It's my first Spyderco and won't be my last. But I'm still a ZT/Kershaw guy at heart. I think the blue Para 2 and a 0560/0561 are both must haves.
 
tradestar said:
Can you still get this, or were all the orders filled? It is LE right? How many are they making? I got a digi camo Para2 and a 0350 the same day. Love both The 0350 is a little beast, but the Para2 is nicer for pocket carry. It's my first Spyderco and won't be my last. But I'm still a ZT/Kershaw guy at heart. I think the blue Para 2 and a 0560/0561 are both must haves.
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It's still available here's a reference page for spyderco dealer exclusives http://www.spyderco.com/exclusives/
 
i have a para2 and a 0551 - i tend to carry the para2 a lot more. it is lighter and a better slicer. i love them both but the para2 is a better edc knife.
 
I have both also but tend to carry the 0550 more these days. If I want an easy to carry slicer then I pull out my Sage 2.
 
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