ZT 562 CF vs Spyderco PM2 CTS-204P... Recommendations?

[caldwelr]

I've been thinking about getting the ZT 562 CF, but would have to sell my sprint PM2 in CTS-204P to do so. Not taking into account the exclusivity or rareness of one knife over another, as that is not important to me, which one is the better knife when taking into account cutting performance, durability, ergonomics, design, etc? I like the looks of the ZT over the PM2, but was wondering which one would be a better overall performer... I am in the military and I love to hunt and fish, and so I will be taking it into the field quite often, though I always try to take good care of my knives and use a leatherman when necessary. I would also be using this knife for everyday sort of activities. The bottom line is, this knife will be getting quite a bit of use, and though I am sure both knives would handle all of my tasks reasonably well, I want to make sure that I will not be losing any functionality by going to the ZT 562 CF.

Thanks for your time and I look forward to reading your responses.

 

[michaelm466]

Steels are very similar, though Spyderco sometimes runs their steel harder than ZT. Both will be quality made, ergonomics will be subjective, so really is about aesthetics and ergonomics. I would suggest keeping the PM2, as it's limited and will just be more expensive to but later, and save up for the 562cf since it's regular production then you can keep both or sell whichever you font like as much

 

[Rolex John]

I sold my ZT 0777M390 because I didn't want to hard use a knife I couldn't easily replace. That's the problem with limited edition knives - they're fine if as long as you don't envision ever replacing them.

Beyond that, the 0562CF will have a little thicker blade stock. Many Spyderco knives make me nervous about snapping them.

 

[KAEDC]

PM2 is a slimmer, lighter overall package, complete with all the advantages and disadvantages that comes with. ZT will be beefier and heavier all around. Both will be solid workhorse knives. Biggest differences IMO are:
1. Flipper vs thumbhole, this is hands down just a personal preference.
2. KVT vs washers, KVT has the sightly more maintenance potential, since it is somewhat easier too get dust/grit into
3. Frame vs comprssion lock, mostly personal preference here too, tho compression lock does keep your finger out of the blad path during closing so I see it as slightly safer

I don't personally see you losing any functionality by getting the 0562CF, unless you use the PM2 regularly in spaces that the larger/thicker 0562CF simply wouldn't fit into lol.

 

[Rolex John]

Sorry for the duplicate post - BF seems to be having system errors today.

 

[bld522]

Hmmm. That's something of a tough call. I think it would depend largely on what you'll be primarily using the knife for. The 0562CF is a derivate of the XM-18 and the XM-18 is purpose-built for use by military personnel. At 5.5 ounces, it's quite a bit beefier than the PM2 at 3.9 ounces and should hold up better to the rigors of military engagement. The PM2 would be my choice for a hunting knife, however. I suspect its FFG would prove more useful for performing hunting chores. Whatever you decide to do, though, you can't go wrong. They're both great knives! :thumbup:

 

[Art_Vandeley]

Keep the para 2. The 0562cf is regular production

 

[caldwelr]

Steels are very similar, though Spyderco sometimes runs their steel harder than ZT. Both will be quality made, ergonomics will be subjective, so really is about aesthetics and ergonomics. I would suggest keeping the PM2, as it's limited and will just be more expensive to but later, and save up for the 562cf since it's regular production then you can keep both or sell whichever you font like as much

True, I have heard that Spyderco's steels are a little harder, but that has it's benefits and it's detractions. The point that the PM2 is limited and more valuable is true, and that is a legitimate point for many people, but I'm not a collector of knives... I do have plenty of them, but I'm not concerned about which ones will appreciate more in value, etc., as I obtain the knives for the purpose of using them.

PM2 is a slimmer, lighter overall package, complete with all the advantages and disadvantages that comes with. ZT will be beefier and heavier all around. Both will be solid workhorse knives. Biggest differences IMO are:
1. Flipper vs thumbhole, this is hands down just a personal preference.
2. KVT vs washers, KVT has the sightly more maintenance potential, since it is somewhat easier too get dust/grit into
3. Frame vs comprssion lock, mostly personal preference here too, tho compression lock does keep your finger out of the blad path during closing so I see it as slightly safer

I don't personally see you losing any functionality by getting the 0562CF, unless you use the PM2 regularly in spaces that the larger/thicker 0562CF simply wouldn't fit into lol.

Good points. I hadn't really given much thought to the differences between KVT and washers, though I have heard others say that before. Will it be so bad that the knife would seize up from dust/sand/dirt getting into the pivot?

Does anyone know whether the ZT 562 CF is easy to use with gloves? It looks like it would be extremely easy to open, but how much of a relief is there for your gloved fingers to unlock the knife? Some knives are extremely difficult to use with gloves on. The PM2 is actually among the easiest knives I've had to operate with gloves on.

Also, does anyone know how well the blade grind of the ZT cuts through deep materials? I would imagine the PM2 would have an advantage here?

 

[KAEDC]

Good points. I hadn't really given much thought to the differences between KVT and washers, though I have heard others say that before. Will it be so bad that the knife would seize up from dust/sand/dirt getting into the pivot?

I really doubt it, unless your work in an extremely dusty environment or the beach, it's just something to keep in mind.

Does anyone know whether the ZT 562 CF is easy to use with gloves?

Sorry really can't help there, but if the lock is similar to my 0550 at all tho you should have no problems

Also, does anyone know how well the blade grind of the ZT cuts through deep materials? I would imagine the PM2 would have an advantage here?

I would think the PM2 would be at the advantage, it certainly in compared to my 0550 , but if I had to pick a ZT that would come close either the 0562 or 0770 would be the nearest competitors to a PM in that regard I think.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

Honestly, for real world use I would guess the PM2 is going to be better in just about every way. However, I doubt the difference will be very significant or, perhaps, even appreciable, and the 0562CF has some nice bells and whistles that the PM2 doesn't and is, IMO, the more handsome of the two.

For a pure user I would stick with the PM2 unless you make a habit of prying with your knives. I prefer the Spyderhole to basically anything, the cutting performance should be a bit better, it'll be a bit more pocket friendly, and it has a nice, acute tip that comes in very handy.

 

[caldwelr]

I really doubt it, unless your work in an extremely dusty environment or the beach, it's just something to keep in mind.



Sorry really can't help there, but if the lock is similar to my 0550 at all tho you should have no problems



I would think the PM2 would be at the advantage, it certainly in compared to my 0550 , but if I had to pick a ZT that would come close either the 0562 or 0770 would be the nearest competitors to a PM in that regard I think.

Yeah, sometimes I do work in really dusty environments, or am in semi dusty environments long enough that the effect becomes cumulative. I've used Benchmade's in these environments, and the axis lock did lose a lot of it's functionality. It still worked, but opening the knife definitely became a deliberate action. I wonder how the maintenance on the KVT compares to that of an axis lock, if anyone knows?

Insipid Moniker, your thoughts confirm my suspicions. It's hard to beat the functionality of a PM2, but that ZT is such a good looking knife that I am looking for excuses to buy it!

 

[KAEDC]

Yeah, sometimes I do work in really dusty environments, or am in semi dusty environments long enough that the effect becomes cumulative. I've used Benchmade's in these environments, and the axis lock did lose a lot of it's functionality. It still worked, but opening the knife definitely became a deliberate action. I wonder how the maintenance on the KVT compares to that of an axis lock, if anyone knows?

Better than axis for sure, my 0801 isn't nearly as open as my axis locks. KVT doesn't really need oil or grease, a big advantage for bearing, so unless us use way to much there's, fortunately not much for dust to stick to. A quick blast of compressed, dry CLP type lube is usually my 0801 ever gets.

 

[flarp]

I don't have a 0562CF yet, but it is and has been at the top of my want list since I first saw it. I have the PM2 w/ CTS-204P, and it is a great knife. You really couldn't go wrong with either.

I've gotten a fair amount of fine dust/sand into the pivot area of my 0560 from trimming sheet rock, ceiling tiles, and some other stuff, and it doesn't severely hinder it. Sure, it's not as smooth as when it is clean, but you can certainly open and close the knife without issue. While I haven't used my PM2 specifically in that role, I have had the same experience with other knives with flat washers (eg. Delica, Griptilian). I expect if it accumulates there for long enough, it could become more of a problem, which I think would be true of any pivot and washer type. I usually wash my knife shortly after it gets that much crud in the pivot area, so I don't really know what the long term cumulative effects might be.

As for PM2 vs. 0562CF in general, function-wise, I doubt either would be lacking. The 0562 looks like it would hold up better in the event you have to put the knife through some abuse (thick titanium slab on one side, full steel liner on the other, and maintains the blade stock thickness for much of the blade length). The PM2 does have a much finer tapered tip, so that might be better for some fine/precision cutting tasks. Trade-off might be tip-strength, but that hasn't been an issue for me (but I've also yet to damage the tip on my Leek, which is even finer the the PM2). As for flipper vs. thumb hole, when wearing gloves, I do find flippers easier to open. If the frame lock on the 0562 is like the 0550 or 0801 (slightly protruding past the non-locking scale, no jimping), then it should be fine too.

I'm going to follow the forum sentiment and say get/keep both. Another really nice thing about the 0562CF is that it is a production model, so you can get one any time (well, after they come back in stock). Plus, lifetime warranty and blade replacement options. The PM2 sprint one might be more difficult to replace in the future, but on that same note, there are bound to be more sprint runs with who knows what other super steels in the future.