ZT0550 Gen 3 vs Paramilitary 2 vs Other suggestions

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ZXZERTYPA

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May 11, 2015
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Im looking to buy a nice EDC folder for general use that will last me a long time, I won't be using it to hard but I would like it to be reasonably sturdy, I have done some research and have found these 2 knives to be quite popular, how do they compare? which one would you recommend? other options/suggestions would also be appreciated :)
 
As I see it, the Para 2 is a slicer. The 550 is a brawler. If your daily carry knife will spend more time riding than cutting and mostly perform slicing cuts, the Para 2 is probably gong to suit you better. OTOH, the 550 will survive just about anything that could happen to a folding knife and still be a good cutter at the end of the day. Both of them are well designed for their intended uses and they're well executed. The 550 is going to be a brick in your pocket but that may not matter to you.

I like the feel of the Para 2 better when it's in use. I also find it more comfortable and secure to open & close one-handed... something I have to do fairly often working in a warehouse. The 550's I've had have all had a really funky detent that keeps tem closed well enough, but make it hard for me to get my hand in the right place to open the knife. Seems like putting any pressure on the lockbar causes the detent to "seal" the knife closed. I was never coordinated enough to figure out how to hold the 550 so I didn't put any pressure on the lockbar when I was trying to open it and I never got comfortable opening it. All 4 of the ones I had in all 3 generations were like that.
 
It can be tricky opening a 0550. Took me a day to get it down but now I can spydie flick mine open with my middle finger off the back blade stop. It is the smoothest knife ive ever felt. I absolutely love my 0550. That being said I probably carry my para2 a bit more....but if I was going to recommend one id say get the 0550 now. You may have a hard time getting one down the road as they are discontinued.
 
Out of those two knives I recommend the 0550. The Para2 is decent and the compression lock is awesome. But the sheer heft and feel of the 0550 with its strong titanium frame lock and beefier blade make it feel much more substantial. It's a tank. I just like the design of the ZT more.

Both knives are very well-built with great fit and finish. Either one will definitely thrill you. The Para2 is considerably lighter (and I believe is less expensive). But the super solid feel of the 0550 makes it more attractive to me. I have both knives and I prefer the ZT.
 
I've owned both. The 550 was way too big for my taste. I have a PM2 still, it's a great knife. I'd recommend the Manix 2 FFG or the ZT566 over both.

The Manix 2 is hefty and feels good in my hand, weight and ergonomic wise. Easy right or left hand opening and closing make it a great knife.

The ZT566 is an amazing spring assisted opener that is quiet nearly the perfect knife for me. Elmax blade, flipper opening, steel frame lock, nice G10, deep carry pocket clip and great ergonomics make it a great knife.
 
I own both the Paramilitary 2 and Gen1 550 and they are both well built solid knives but I rarely carry the ZT because it's just to big and heavy to carry comfortably.
 
I'll say that I have owned both as well and prefered the 0550. The PM2 is an outstanding knife and lives up to it's reputation, I personally like the 0550 better because of the thicker tip it had. I will always try to use the right tool for the job but I liked the fact that If it came down to it I felt like I could use the 0550 for things it wasn't meant to be used for and it would hold up, or at least be harder to break (this would be in extreme circumstances). My only Gripes with the 0550 were the clip (however that's not ZTs fault that I don't really like low-rider clips), and the thicker edge may have been less helpful at times. Personally those aren't huge issues because I'm comfortable ordering aftermarket clips, and getting the edge reprofiled.

With that though I agree with HalJordan


HalJordon said:
I'd recommend the Manix 2 FFG or the ZT566 over both.
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Manix 2 is nice because you can get regular size or XL if you like bigger or have larger hands, as well you can go with the FRN or g10 options and can hunt down sprint runs in the steel you prefer.

Best of luck,
Let us know what you end up with, and PICS!
-Nick
 
I have a 550 and I have no issues with it but I have found the 566CF makes a better knife for EDC. I would choose it over either you are considering.
 
I like thin full flat ground slicing blades and I am EDC'ing Militaries for years. Still I recommend you the 0550 3rd gen, despite I never handled one, just because it is discontinued.
 
ZXZERTYPA said:
How is the Ti frame lock on the 0550? any issues/will it wear out?
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The gen 3 has a steel insert at the end of the lockbar (that's what makes it gen 3). If there were any issues with the face of the lockbar wearing, that should resolve them. There might be issues for your grandson when the knife gets down to him, but I don't think you'll see any.
 
You have chosen two very good knives.

As others have stated. The PM will be a better slicing knife. Probably will dice up cardboard better. Tomatoes will fall thinly to it with a good edge. The 0550 is a heavier knife. Less slicey but will live longer if used to do a little prying or heavier work. Edge will be more stable due to more material behind it.

Personally, I tend to gravitate towards the heavier knives even though I rarely find myself needing that.
 
Wow, seems that just about everyone recommends the 0550 :P

Ive been looking around for one at a reasonable price but have only found ones with a black blade coating, does anyone know how tough the 0550s coating is? If its not too great then does anyone know where I can find an uncoated 0550 at a reasonable price? (regardless of the coating, if you know good places to buy one please let me know :))
 
I'll suggest Al Mar sere 2000. One of the best production folders out there. It just feels rite on so many levels. Anyone who carries one will sing its praises.
 
The ZT has a stronger tip than does the PM2. If you do a lot of tip work, or occasional light prying, it may be something to consider.
 
I have both and I like both of them.
However they are very different knives.

the PM2 is my "factory knife", robust and confortable in hand while still slim enougth to stay in your jeans without beeing too massive or heavy.

By comparaison the ZT0550 feels like a brick in your pocket, the blade is thicker which make is a poor slicer compared to the PM2.
But when it come to outdoor activities I enjoy the ZT0550 more.
The ergonomics are good for me when I need to put some real strenght on the knife, the locking mecanism and the operation of the knife are simple, robust and reliable...

Two different kind of knife.
You shall choose accordin what you would like to use your kife for.

IMHO the PM2 is a very good allrounder, while the ZT0550 ... well I like it, that is that simple :)
 
The 0550. Its a good cutter plus its not as heavy as everyone says. I carry it at work along with a tool belt, radio and a wad of work keys and I don't feel the extra weight of the knife at all. The pm 2 is almost too light for me, but that's personal preference. Plus the 0550 will probably outlast you. I have both knives, and I like the pm2 very much but I love my 0550. Plus you wont be able to get the 0550 forever as they are discontinued, I doubt if they will ever stop making the pm2.
 
I just received a ZT 0452CF (S35VN steel) and it's an instant favorite. I like the long sharp blade, light weight, and good ergonomics. The only thing I don't like is the stiff detent, it's a little bit difficult to flip it, but that will smooth out over time. It's certainly not a show stopper. Once you overcome the detent, it fires like snapping your fingers.
 
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