I need a new PM2

[ZMW]

Another advice on what to buy post. Sorry!

I have the base PM2 s30v. Had it about 2 years. Love the knife, but want to try a different steel, so I will sell mine and get a new one. Question is, which one to buy.

I missed the boat on the Rex45, that was my first choice. It is sold out everywhere. Next, I have a Cruwear smooth G10 on pre order but am second guessing if the steel will really be that different then s30v. Everyone sings the praises of cruwear, but on the zknives chart they look fairly similar. Lastly, S110v. I know edge retention it is king with Maxamet.

My needs are a weekend EDC and camping folder. I do not need maximum edge retention for this knife, I would prefer good edge retention and maybe something that is a little more "fun" then S30v. Stainless is not a priority. So, S110v does not seem like the right choice.

Cruwear? Or hold out and wait and see if Rex45 becomes available again? Or, is there anything else about to drop like M390, etc?

My sharpening skills are avg, but improving. I currently have:

PMA11 and 9cr18mov mules
ZDP stretch
Pac salt SE
Delica VG10
Urban lw K390
DF2 Salt SE
Assist VG10

And, my last edit to this post. Since I have a stretch and pac salt, that size group is pretty full. I was considering trying out a Millie, Rex 45. But, my normal EDC is in the office, so small blades. I love the compression lock and size of the PM2. So, I am worried the Millie is overkill for me. I have medium sized hands and the PM2 fits very well. But, i was kicking tires on that. Like usual, a little concerned if I will like the liner lock and the size of the handle. Again, weekend EDC and camping, so maybe give the Millie a shot? That would be my most expensive blade to date...

Thanks Guys!

[termite]

Good News!!... I don't think the Rex has landed yet. You're still in! Look around and watch for it.

[abbazaba]

Ya REX will be at multiple dealers when it drops, but you will have to be quick about it and steel is a bit of an unknown.

I highly recommend the KW CF M4 PM2 while they are available. The Golden peel ply CF makes for a great in hand feel, looks different and is lighter than G10, and M4 is definitely more "fun" than S30v: https://www.knifeworks.com/spyderco-c81 ... usive.html

The Cruwear model you have on order will be fun too :)

[SG89]

Rex PM2 has not been released yet, it's your lucky day lol

[ZMW]

Ya REX will be at multiple dealers, but is a bit of an unknown.

I highly recommend the KW CF M4 PM2 while they are available. The Golden peel ply CF makes for a great in hand feel, looks different and is lighter than G10, and M4 is definitely more "fun" than S30v: https://www.knifeworks.com/spyderco-c81 ... usive.html

The Cruwear model you have on order will be fun too :)

That looks like an amazing knife! I was trying to stay around the $150 ballpark, and willing to stretch it to $180 or so if I really need to. Another $30 is no big deal, but I have never bought a $200+ knife before. Intimidating. But, I agree that knife looks great. I will consider it!

[Cujobob]

What are your priorities in a steel? Sometimes minute differences in the steel composition make for incredibly different steels.

As an EDC steel, CTS XHP is one of my personal favorites and Cruwear is right there with it. Good balance of being easy enough to sharpen while having good enough toughness and the edge retention I require.

52100 is a high maintenance non-stainless steel but you can get it incredibly sharp easily and it's a great steel for use.

M4 is also one of the very best because it has incredibly high edge retention, good toughness, and takes a nice edge. You can get it in G-10 or carbon fiber so that really differentiates it from your normal production version.

There's an S90V forum knife coming out shortly that has a unique handle, as well. While you were going a different route, it would be a unique enough knife to add to your collection.

[JonLeBlanc]

Ya REX will be at multiple dealers, but is a bit of an unknown.

I highly recommend the KW CF M4 PM2 while they are available. The Golden peel ply CF makes for a great in hand feel, looks different and is lighter than G10, and M4 is definitely more "fun" than S30v: https://www.knifeworks.com/spyderco-c81 ... usive.html

The Cruwear model you have on order will be fun too :)

Yep, the Knifeworks PM2 M4 is fantastic, can’t recommend it highly enough, and M4 has enough corrosion resistance to make it not a chore to keep clear. Mind you, it still needs some care, but it seems like you’re ok with that. Regarding the peel-ply carbon fiber, I initially thought I would not care for it too much and was planning on getting a set of Flytanium CF to switch out, but it turns out that the peel-ply CF is quite nice and grippy, and I like it much more than I thought I would. You might consider that model!

[ZMW]

What are your priorities in a steel? Sometimes minute differences in the steel composition make for incredibly different steels.

As an EDC steel, CTS XHP is one of my personal favorites and Cruwear is right there with it. Good balance of being easy enough to sharpen while having good enough toughness and the edge retention I require.

52100 is a high maintenance non-stainless steel but you can get it incredibly sharp easily and it's a great steel for use.

M4 is also one of the very best because it has incredibly high edge retention, good toughness, and takes a nice edge. You can get it in G-10 or carbon fiber so that really differentiates it from your normal production version.

There's an S90V forum knife coming out shortly that has a unique handle, as well. While you were going a different route, it would be a unique enough knife to add to your collection.

52100 might be a little too high maintenance for me, but non stainless is ok. For the price point I never really understood 52100, but I never tried it either. I am thinking something in the range of M4, Rex 45 is possible, Cruwear. Not opposed to S90V at all either, but I did not see that as an option.

Trying to keep the price point in check as best I can as well...

[abbazaba]

Ya REX will be at multiple dealers, but is a bit of an unknown.

I highly recommend the KW CF M4 PM2 while they are available. The Golden peel ply CF makes for a great in hand feel, looks different and is lighter than G10, and M4 is definitely more "fun" than S30v: https://www.knifeworks.com/spyderco-c81 ... usive.html

The Cruwear model you have on order will be fun too :)

That looks like an amazing knife! I was trying to stay around the $150 ballpark, and willing to stretch it to $180 or so if I really need to. Another $30 is no big deal, but I have never bought a $200+ knife before. Intimidating. But, I agree that knife looks great. I will consider it!

Well, you mention M390 and the Military... the KW Exclusive 204p Military happens to be $180 right now :) I prefer the PM2 personally, but you should definitely try the Military at some point, and I think many would agree that this is a great deal. Just FYI. I still vote M4 PM2 (CF or Jade) via BF Exchange to save a couple bucks.

[anycal]

Good news is that PM2 will always come out in new or re-released steel. Bad news is that all the popular ones are currently out of stock... except the M4 from KW.

If you need instant gratification and don't mind the price tag, you won't be disappointed with the KnifeWorks CF PM2 with M4. If I didn't get the BHQ PM2 M4 previously, I would definitely get the KW one.

If there is some patience available, wait for the REX 45. Stores that take pre-orders may be sold out, but all the others sell them first come, first served basis.

Military should definitely be a consideration.

[ZMW]

Nice pics, I appreciate it!

[Calicoast]

Nice pics, I appreciate it!

@ZMW: if you hold off and save for the CF M4, in my opinion, it's worth every penny. :)

[ZMW]

Did KW ever make a green 204p PM2? The Millie is tempting. **** these choices!

[anycal]

Yes on the 204P. Would like to see a re-release of this combo - steel and color.

http://www.spydiewiki.com/index.php?tit ... a-Military

[ZMW]

Do you guys bounce back and forth between 20 options before you pull the trigger as well? I am usually pretty decisive, but this is getting kind of funny how many times my checkout cart at KC and KW has shifted.

[Forest Green]

What are your priorities in a steel? Sometimes minute differences in the steel composition make for incredibly different steels.

As an EDC steel, CTS XHP is one of my personal favorites and Cruwear is right there with it. Good balance of being easy enough to sharpen while having good enough toughness and the edge retention I require.

52100 is a high maintenance non-stainless steel but you can get it incredibly sharp easily and it's a great steel for use.

M4 is also one of the very best because it has incredibly high edge retention, good toughness, and takes a nice edge. You can get it in G-10 or carbon fiber so that really differentiates it from your normal production version.

There's an S90V forum knife coming out shortly that has a unique handle, as well. While you were going a different route, it would be a unique enough knife to add to your collection.

Am very interested in a s90V PM2, but am not familiar with what a "forum knife" is, anybody know about this, or could share a link?

[Cujobob]

What are your priorities in a steel? Sometimes minute differences in the steel composition make for incredibly different steels.

As an EDC steel, CTS XHP is one of my personal favorites and Cruwear is right there with it. Good balance of being easy enough to sharpen while having good enough toughness and the edge retention I require.

52100 is a high maintenance non-stainless steel but you can get it incredibly sharp easily and it's a great steel for use.

M4 is also one of the very best because it has incredibly high edge retention, good toughness, and takes a nice edge. You can get it in G-10 or carbon fiber so that really differentiates it from your normal production version.

There's an S90V forum knife coming out shortly that has a unique handle, as well. While you were going a different route, it would be a unique enough knife to add to your collection.

Am very interested in a s90V PM2, but am not familiar with what a "forum knife" is, anybody know about this, or could share a link?

http://www.spyderco.com/forumII/viewtop ... =2&t=79823

Under Announcements on this forum. It has a picture, pricing, and sign up info.

[awa54]

Steel composition on a graph tells only a small fraction of what there is to know about any given alloy... CruWear is a fantastic balance of toughness, edge retention, ease of sharpening and corrosion resistance, you won't be disappointed!

If you like a long lasting working edge, but don't need a very polished/refined edge then S110V is great and a bit easier to sharpen than S90V... Plus the translucent purple/blue scales are awesome (IMO).

If you don't find the PacSalt to be a pocket buster then you'll probably like the Millie, it's very light for such a large blade and at least for me doesn't feel as large in pocket as a Manix. As liner locks go it's very solid, I've never found myself worrying about lock security and mine gets used for weed and brush trimming pretty often.

[Woodpuppy]

I thought that was a crazy steep grind on that PM2 until I realized there was a military beneath it!

[Tucson Tom]

You know, I have been carrying my "good old" S30V PM2 lately and it really is a great knife and a great steel. Now that I have a Goldenstone, I quickly touched it up and it is pleasingly sharp and seems to be holding that edge really well. Not much to complain about and a darn good knife.