The Difference Between An Expensive Knife vs Cheap Knockoff: Spyderco vs Ganzo
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- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2024
- Have you ever wanted to know the difference between a cheap knife and an expensive one? Are cheap knives any good? A clone knife versus the original design? This is the ultimate comparison, between a nice Spyderco Para Military 2 and a Ganzo G732 clone. I compare ergonomics, blade steel, deployment, and more. I hope this helps decide if buying the real deal is worth the money. The Ganzo G732 isn’t a perfect copy, as the differences are mostly cosmetic- but the overall design and care to the details of the Spyderco Para Military 2 as soon as you hold both. And after you're done watching, go check out the orignal reviews I did of both of these knives.
Spyderco Para Military 2 review:
• Spyderco Para Military...
Ganzo G732 review:
• Ganzo G732 Pocket Knif...
And yes The Spyderco is much nicer than it's cheap clone.
Update/Correction: The Ganzo G729 might be a bit more similar to the PM2 as a clone than the G732 in this video. But the G729 still has just about as heavy as this Ganzo. It also doesn't have a compression lock, the the jimping near the blade is also similar to this, and the liner still isn't recessed or skeletonized. There are still quite a few difference between the G729 and the PM2. Thanks to subscribers for pointing this out.
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the issue isn't if the expensive knives are better. we know that, for the most part, they are. the question is if the quality difference justifies paying 9x more. for the most part i would say no.
That could be said for 3/4 of the flashlights I review. I carry a Zebralight which I paid $95 for. I have a $20 Convoy which I never carry- also an awesome light. The Zebralight is lighter, has lower moonlight, and more mode selection. Some people would say those things are not important. But that's an opinion. The point of this video was to objectively point out major differences. It's up to to the viewer to decide if it's worth it. Never in the video do is pass judgement on people who think those difference aren't worth it. At the end I do present my opinion and to me it's worth it- to you it may not be. Both of those are fine opinions.
If I were to choose, I'd buy 10 Ganzo's instead of 1 Spyderco.
Mario Bros. Spyderco really is on the edge what I consider reasonable. In my opinion everything beyond spyderco isn't worth it anymore although I admit you could draw the line a little earlier, it's just a fact that the improvements in high end products become smaller and smaller the further up you go. I have owned knives that were 30 bucks, but I also bought the blurple para 2 and to this day have no regrets. Imo as long as there's demand the price is justified but it's up to everyone to decide on their personal preference
Advanced Knife Bro yeah I carry a maglite double a pro plus led, I consciously made the trade of but I can appreciate higher quality lights aswell
There is a difference USA made or
Sweat shop Chinese made.
I would take 1 high quality knife over 10 cheap chinese knives.
most people never push their blades to the edge, so Ganzo's 440C is well tempered and doing a decent enough job for most of us. the price difference doesn't justify the small super-steel benefit for me.
If you know how to sharpen, for sure. The bulk of people don’t or just kinda know how to strop. With a high quality USA made blade they will resharpen for you if need be.
Ganzo is what I’d buy for a Boy Scouts group before a hike. Para 3 is what I’d buy for myself cause I wanna know my tool is going to work well for a looong time. And if it doesn’t? They replace it.
I have several Spyderco knives and several Ganzo knives. I have the Ganzo G729 in the camo. Big difference is the axis lock on the Ganzo actually works well. The other differences are minimal in consideration. The 440C blade steel is fine for what I need. The shape and size of the blade are very similar to my PM2. The blade grind are the same flat grind and both are great slicers. I paid $17 bucks for the Ganzo and $125 for the PM2. If I lose or break Ganzo, no big deal, Not so with the PM2. Ganzo will be carried more because of that one fact.
I rarely carry Ganzos... don't get me wrong- I really like them, but most of mine are too heavy for my uniform, and I prefer a sub 4 oz blade as my EDC. Now I have so many nicer knives that if I lose one, I lose one. So far, so good though.
I’ll take the Ganzo all day! Can’t stand paying hundreds on a damn knife.
The Ganzo G732 is an Endura clone, not a PM2 clone. The Ganzo G729/30 is the PM2 clone (axis/liner lock)
Ok sort of. There are almost as many differences between the Endura and the 732 as there are between 732 and PM2. The blade size is more similar and so is the handle shape... but neither the lock is the same on any of the ganzos as any of the Spydercos you mentioned. The Military shares a liner lock... so why isn't it that one? Also the texture of an Endura is nothing like the Ganzo G729/G730. I have an Endura and it's about as similar to the G729 as the G732. Do you own both spydercos and both ganzos? Do you not agree?
Advanced Knife Bro Nice reply. Yes I agree that there are a similar amount of differences, but it would still be better to compare the ones that are most similar (or, since you have an Endura, use that as the comparison). It was an informative comparison nonetheless. One issue you night want to fix though is the thumbnail says G739, not G732.
Fixed the thumbnail.
I actually do own both spyderco's and ganzo's :) as well as a number of other spyderco's and ganzos. There's no real doubt at all in my mind that the 729 is much closer to the para2 than the 732. The grip for one thing, which is one of the issues you pointed out. There's no doubt there's still differences, but i think it would be a little more of an honest comparison if you're looking hard at what the difference for the money is.
Compression Lock but yea
Personally, I'm not convinced that the cost of supersteels adds as much to the production cost of knives as the manufacturers would have us think. As for the Ganzos getting dull quicker, yes usually, but a few seconds stropping on the back of a belt or a very fine stone, rather than sharpening, usually does the trick. Not a great effort in the scheme of things.
+ComUnSas I got a stropman system sitting downstairs waiting to be used. I just haven't had the time to do it. I'm completely new to it, so I'll need to have some time.
I'm with you on "super steels." I think it probably artificially inflates prices. I'm not saying their not "super," but I see them like airline tickets. They all collude to keep the prices high. Or maybe the steel manufacturers are the ones getting rich? I don't know.
Check out Shabazz's update video on the Spyderco Ouroboros. VG10 steel, G10 scales, nothing special, $170. It doesn't even have bronze washers. They cheaped out and used Teflon, which in Shabazz's case broke straight away. I'm pretty sure Spyderco isn't being held to ransom by a bronze washer cartel. The mark ups on mid to high end knives are heading into the same territory as cosmetics and jewellery, which is appropriate I guess.
and btw my stropping system consists of a leather off-cut from an old couch, glued to a chunk of pine and usually charged with chrome polish. It doesn't take much.
Yeah... I think I paid about $25. I'm looking forward to it. When I get some time.
I seriously thought about buying that knife out of pocket... but considering I already have a knife at half the price with the same steel I passed. I'll take one for the team, but not something that is, that over priced.
The premium brands like Spyderco and Benchmade are undoubtedly better in several ways, but I just personally don't think they are 10x better - yet thats often what they cost. I bought one single Benchmade 940 just so I can say I own a genuine premium knife and feel what its like, but I think thats as far as I will go. And the funny part is, it was so costly that I can barely bring myself to carry it in fear of losing it as I sometimes do with my other knives.
Actually prefer the ganzo because of the price. 180€ vs 16€. If spyderco were like 80€ then it would be awesome knife for its price.
Nothing wrong with that!
yes, nothing wrong, as long as people want to buy huge margin products. Similar to Luxottica 😂
The real question is if PM2 will hold it's edge longer than 10 Ganzos.
That's a video I'd like to see :)
Thanks Bro, awesome content!
True dat!
ATech Reviews good way to put it. I can tell you I've had the g729 for about four months and have sharpened it about three times. it really depends on what it's used for. for things like opening envelopes and cutting up a tomato it's no big deal but cleaning cut PVC pipes in plumbing class it was wrecked and had to be worked on. if you use it for stuff like that you'd have to sharpen it a couple times a week and that would definitely get old.
Great idea!
Just the fact they are comparable says enough to me
Everything is comparable
For 14$ Ganzo is Ok
Terradis Ratyi360 for that much ganzo is great
+cameron williams it will never be great even if its free
polarweis what are you talking about, ganzo has great knives and have only been improving. Since this model that have made models with skeletonived liners and bearings.
+cameron williams why do you think they are so cheap?
polarweis because g10 and steel itself is not costly, and since they have the machines from making other oems they can make other creators designs inexpensively
Why would anyone dislike a video in this series? This channel needs less knife fans and more comedy fans.
Its funny cause Ganzo could just make a few adjustments and have a much better knife. They are amazing for $17 Esp for guys who just dont give a crap about flippers, like myself😉
+Airik1111 make it a bit lighter!
I own exactly as a PM2 as in video and it was a gift. In Germany this version costs 240 € at Amazon, which are converted 262 dollar !!! I would never spend so much on this knife ... then better the real PM2 clone, as for example, Ganzo G729 with Axis Lock. Even if Spyderco has a great quality. The price-performance ratio in Germany is simply not coherent.
I appreciate your videos, which unite nicely a nice fresh touch and simplicity which simply lacks many YT reviewers. Just keep going.
So do you like the PM2 better than your Ganzo?
Thanks man! Glad you like them.
"So do you like the PM2 better than your Ganzo?"
For sure. The PM2 is of very good quality and ergonomics. The price in US is reasonable for this quality. For the price in Germany, I prefer Ganzo :)
Yes $120 is a good price for a quality knife. I'm glad you like it... I love mine.
thats cap. on amazon its 160 euro for lightweight
awesome you made this video. I got the ganzo g729 because I love the PM2 but couldn't stand the idea of spending $140 on a pocket knife. I love it so much that I decided to take the plunge and get a.real Spyderco. except I ordered a $90 manix 2. baby steps.
Baby steps man! I actually bought a PM2 after handling it. I rarely carry a Ganzo, but I carry spydercos most of the time.
Big bias here. I have both. Which do i use more? Ganzo. Why? It's cheap enough that I would use it to do things you shouldn't use knives for. Any it does NOT break. It's easy to sharpen and costs 10 times less than a PM2. It takes no time to sharpen 440c but quite some time with the PM2.
I use my PM2 more... I didn't have much problem touching up the edge on my Sharpmaker at all. But the Ganzos are so easy to sharpen and they're well made.
It doesn't take much time at all to do s30v s110v or better with the right skills and equipment. I used bonded diamond stones and can take s30v from trashed to hair popping in under 10 mins. the s110v does take a little longer with it high vandium. I can sharpen maxamet fairly quick aswell.
I hate the feel of cheap knives so I find myself carrying and using knives that cost more. I picked up a Zancudo for my little cousin and I wouldn't buy something like that for myself personally. I also have a Kershaw Link in M390 and that is another knife that is tainted with regret and the feeling that I should have bought at least a WE Practic.
@@Osprey1994 What don't you like about the Link? I have one in s30vn. Although love it, I just don't carry it.
That still doesn't discourage me from purchasing a few Ganzos. For how much I'd pay for a Spyderco, not being american and all, I certainly don't mind the lesser ergonomics and grounds to practice my sharpening.
Hell, for how much a Spyderco folder goes, I'd much rather get a fixed blade knife. I'm not paying over 100 dollars on a folder of all blades.
I didn't make this video to crap on Ganzos... none of the differences may be worth it to you or anyone. I was pointing them out, and mentioning- hey I don't mind paying this price for these details. Some people think it's a lot of money for nothing- and that's A-OK.
Shoot, dude, my bad if it seems I meant anything by the OP. I didn't but I see how it can lead to negative interpretation. I know you like Ganzos for what they are, and wouldn't shit on them.
All's good in the hood.
Naw man. I got some many responses so quick from this video. I ain't mad- some people seem to be though. I actually just bought the "real" G729 clone... I was thinking of doing a quick comparison when it comes in- but I don't know now if I should. I don't think it would be well received either. If I seemed mad I wasn't at all I was just quickly going down the line of responses, explaining my reasoning.
Excellent comparison and another quality video! Headed over to your Instagram, keep up the good work.
Thanks a lot man! Love your channel too! And followed you back on instagram!
Ganzo knives are awesome, spyderco knives are awesome...just over priced.
+dfcvda some Spydercos definitely are
You get what you pay for
@@spydercoslacker7466 so at spyderco you get 10x moren that at ganzo?
ok hahah
That was an excellent comparison. Very well done and informative. I concur with everything you've said here. The only Ganzo that I've used that is the equal of the knife it copies is the RAT1 model. Actually, I think the Ganzo is the better of the two. But that is a different story!
Good to know! I've never held a Rat 1, but I know the model you're talking about. The PM2 is just so fun to carry- I'm really liking it.
Great vid. Thank you for spending the money and doing an honest comparison. I find the comments on this video pretty interesting. More of a split than i expected. The pm2 is an expesive knife and the ganzo seems to be a great cheap alternative.
I think if someone can afford the pm2, that is definitely the one they should get. The reason for the cost is mainly the cost to spyderco to produce. The pm2, being one of their flagship models, is american made. And the quality is unquestioned. It cost a company good money to retain skilled american workers. For cheap mass production style knives, it requires a lot less training from a manufacturer point and i bet the quality guidelines are a lot looser. This isnt a "support american jobs" argument. This is a support quality and skill argument. For example i love Reate knives which is a chinese owned and made knife company. Their prices are just as high as spyderco.
The ganzo clone is objectively a better value. No question on the usability and servicable nature of it. But all that doesnt mean the pm2 isnt worth its price in a head to head comparison.
From my personal experience I love Spyderco knives however I just picked up my first Ganzo Firebird fh91 for my edc, we shall see if it holds up. And for the best bang for your buck when it comes to all knife categories. Morakniv takes the cake.
I will be honest, I bought a Ganzo F729 BK becaude I couldn't afford a Spyderco Para Military 2 or 3, I was surprised with the build quality, ergos, sharp blade out of the box that sits straight when folded with no play. This model has an axis lock like Benchmade knives and it is very robust. Honestly for $30 (this is the price in my country, the Para is about 180-200) I am very pleased with this product. I'm not a huge knife enthusiast, I got a Gerber Bear Grilss folding knife as a gift that I found for around $50, pleased with that as well and 3 other non branded folding knives and a balisong, again non branded, most likely chinesse. They are alright but when I got the Ganzo the jump in quality was noticeable, the closest thing to it is the Gerber.
I have 3 Para2s now, but I'm rooting for the underdog!
3? Nice!
*****
Blurple, Jade, and Flytanium. The ones I could not resist.
That Jade is awesome!
Are you the flashlight sub your name is familiar.
I was just thinking to myself you should do a video on $300 dollar knife vs $30 knife. So even thought I never told you, or had anything to do with this, I will take credit :)
Fine by me!
Ganzo has started putting out knives with milled liners. They're catching up. And this probably isn't news but the price differential is nearer 15 times outside of the US.
Spyderco's strongest card, compared to Chinese and many non Chinese manufacturers, is the ergonomic quality of most of their knives imho. It's difficult to fault.
That's the big one... The deployment and ergomomics and weight all outperform the Chinese counterparts. Yes.. I know the price is a big difference overseas.
Another great video !
I didn't read all your comments, just skimmed them and saw this mentioned before but
The PM2 Ganzos are models G729 and G7291 with the Axis Lock
And G730 with a liner lock
The Endura Ganzo is the G732 Liner Lock
And for the trifecta if your curious
The Stretch Ganzos are models G733 with Axis Lock and G734 with Liner Lock
Definitely agree with the beginning of your vid, to keep a RUclips channel going you either need the better value knives or dump a ton of money into it. Good luck with everything
I'll agree that the G730 and G729 are more like the PM2. But as an Endura 4 owner... the G732, is not really an Endura clone. I get that the handle has a similar side profile... but the G732 is like a cross between the endura 4 and the PM2. The G732 feels and weighs nothing like the Endura 4 in the hand. The PM2 is the middle in the group of three in handle thickness, weight. The Endura 4 has a much different different handle material and different lock (like you mentioned). The handle in the endura 4 is rounded inward (unlike the PM2 or G732). I dunno... if you held the Endura 4 and the G732 in either hand you'd understand.
And I have also reviewed one of the stretch Ganzos- none of the models you mentioned though.
ruclips.net/video/fwWn__uYJcU/видео.html
So yes technically like a lot of people pointed out... the G739 is closer. I actually bought one- but won't do a comparison probably. About the only part of the video that isn't probably fair is the handle shape. The G729 had a better handle shape. The nested skeletonized liner, the shallower textured G10, edge retention, the weight, and handle thickness are about the same between the G732 and G739. Also the compression lock is still easier to close and deploy than the Ganzo Axis.
Awesome comparison review! I've been thinking about getting the paramilitary 2 looks like a great knife.
Ultimately I think high quality knives are a luxury good just like luxury cars. If you are trying to do the math on a knife then just don't get one. No it will never be "10x better" than a cheap knife in almost any quantitative, measurable dimension. And if you are someone that is losing or destroying their knife all the time then obviously you shouldn't get one either. However if you can have a nice thing without destroying your finances, well, maybe get the nice thing. People with nice knives or nice cars tend to have some artistic passion for them. They aren't doing it because they last "10x longer" or drive "10x faster". I think you agree with me here but I am just ranting. The exception of course is products that literally fall apart in your hands because they are such defective pieces of garbage, but that is generally a low bar to surpass before you can find more reliable stuff.
I haven't found a Spyderco I would buy. At the risk of triggering, I find them ugly. Maybe I'm missing something, haven't owned one, but would not buy one. There is a nice fixed blade bushcraft knife I would consider.
+Timothy Ryan Fisher not triggering anyone here. They have a unique look- but I like it. Whatever suits you is fine with me!
i never liked the hunchbacks either until i held one in mt hands. ergonomics.
this is one of the best comparisons that i have found on a ganzo to the knife that it is blatantly coping
My pm2 actually did open in my pocket tip up carry. Luckily the tip of my finger nail got caught on the tip of the blade stopping my finger from running down the razor sharp blade. Super lucky! Anyway still my most carried knife ... It's just carried tip down now
I hoped for a different answer but thumbs up for honesty
That's what this channel is about!
I appreciate the comparison. I am not running around the woods all day. Out of all feature differences, the ones important to me are: 1. fit of handle to hand; 2. safety - so I don't get cut; 3. smoothness of opening and closing. I don't need or do a fast, whipped deployment - I just don't want to fight a knife to get it open or closed.
My chief mentor provided me with a rule on buying equipment. Do not buy any equipment that is not at least 10% better than what you already own. This drops the Ganzo knife from consideration. A good comparison is a unit from Spyderco's low-end line made in the PRC. Those knives cost double the price of the Ganzo line and sometimes 3 times the price. However, the low end Spyderco line is still more than 10% better.
Subscribed. I love your reviews. Awesome attitude.
Ha, thanks man!
I like spyderco, but I just cant support them anymore they charge way to much for basic bitch g10 and s30v, just super overpriced. Great comparions by the way.
I have several of the PM2 clones ,,,,,, that's not a PM2 clone it's an Endura I think, the pm2 clone is almost identical to the original and except for the quality of the blade steel ( haven't tested fit yet) it's a really great copy/clone it's one that I think the clone is the smarter buy although this is not usually the case, when you consider I paid I think 20 buckets for each and I feel comfortable beating the shit out of them, when I service and sharpen them the first time I'll know if they're disposable or worth servicing..... Thanks for the video man
You're correct. It resembles the PM2... but I have trouble keeping track of all of Ganzos slight variations... so yeah the G729 is a little closer. Although, I have an endura... and that has a lockback, completely different handle material and texture, and this is a heavier knife. Yeah it can take a beating! Thanks for the comment man!
Well, i like chinese knives for the price/quality ratio (see my logo xDD), and the paramilitary 2 can be better than the Ganzo model, but how many times is better? x2, x3...? and how much times is more expensive the PM2 than the Ganzo? (by the way the PM2 would be the Ganzo G729/G730, not the G732). In my country the PM2 camo like yours costs 219€ in a shop (i just see it) and the Ganzo G732 about 14€ (€ > $). That's all. Let see the price/quality ratio.
The G732 is insteresting, it's a model that i could to review in my blog in the future, but Ganzo have a lot of new models... Let's see...
Regards!
Yes I know... I have a lot of Ganzos sitting on my desk waiting for review. Yes... I guess looking more closely the G732 is a combination of the Endura, Military, and PM2... Although I do not think it's an Endura clone. I have the Endura, and the feel in the hand, is nothing alike. But nearly all the things I pointed out... are sort of true among Spydercos versus Ganzos. I have yet to find a Ganzo under 4 ounces... the scales and the liner integration are better at slimming the handle and reducing weight... and the blade holds an edge longer. Yes. While I review a lot of stuff international guys review... I have stateside people come along and want to know the difference the brands. Are the knives worth it? At $15 versus $140... yes I completely think so. I carry Spydercos, and I have long before I found Ganzos. Ganzos never stay in my pocket for more than a few days. They're a tad too heavy, and thick for pocket carry- for my tastes at least. Now if I had to pay as much for a PM2 as you do, then I might reconsider.
I know you have a soft spot for Ganzo's autos - might you happen to have a 748 on your desk as well? Just ordered it, with the CF scales. It's the first of their autos that's looked really appealing to me.
Great video as always, brah :-)
Let's see more footage of you cooking, uh, I mean "engaging in tactical food prep"...
Additionally, if you're buying the real knife, the designers are being recognized for their contribution. Not important to a lot of end users, but still something to consider.
This one touched some nerves. First time I've had 5 thumbs down in a few hours since I can remember. I thought the whole comparison was fairly benign.
I don't have any autos right now. Yes Ganzo's autos are pretty nice. The two I've had are pretty well made.
So, the question would be: Is the Spyderco better? Sure!
Is it 10 times better, though? Doubtful.
yea but like most things, just because you pay twice, or whatever, more doesnt mean you get a product twice as good. thats literally never the case.
@@dirtrider88 Oh, I totally agree. The point I'm getting at was that with the only "significant" differences being a little weight and having to be sharpened a bit more often, it's not worth the 10x price premium, at least to me.
@@jeffk1485 well you also have to factor in not so obvious things like durability. cant take the knives at face value, you have to dig deeper
I subscribed to your channel after seeing your flashlight reviews on RUclips. You give the ordinary guy just the facts like everyone needs, not all the crazy BS like on candlepowerforums.com.
How many external pictures in high resolution does a dude need of a flashlight? I'm thinking about 5 or less.
Advice for others reviewing flashlights. Don't review a flashlight unless you take it outside at night and shine it with a quality video recorder of some type, not your cell phone.
you seem to be a Spyderco fan. Me too, bought first one in 92, stainless steel. I think I paid around 55 or 60 bucks for it back then. it's been an outstanding knife. It's probably about 3 millimeters shorter than it used to be because of sharpening it so much, probably improperly but I am only human.
To all the haters out there, if you like cheap knives awesome. If they work for you that's great. Some know the fine differences and are willing to pay for it.
Advanced knife bro, keep up the outstanding work. Your RUclips channel is a lighthouse in the fog compared to all the other dip shit's that shouldn't be making RUclips videos.
I would like to have a beer with you someday, but I don't even know if you drink!
2nd battalion 75th Infantry Regiment OUT!
RLTW
Ha ha. There are some awesome text based reviewers out there... but I like to balance my videos for the regular dudes, and some of the people who know more about them. I'm not the worlds expert in flashlights or knives... but hopefully I make them relate able to average people like me. And at least a little entertaining.
I happen to like cheap knives and expensive ones. I want this channel to have a good representation of both... and this video wasn't designed to crap on cheap knives. I never really said anything negative about them. I was just presenting facts. My first real blade was a spyderco endura... but before that I carried a leatherman PST for years, and a Leatherman Wave after that.
Thanks for all the kind words... I'm just trying to make interesting content about outdoor stuff. Oh I'm a beer drinker. Beer shows up in several of my reviews. Knives and beer man. I love em.
Good comparison vid Bro...love my Para 2 --great knife...
Thanks man!
Great comparison!
Claro
The comparison was spot on, nicely done Mark! I like that you showed the Para2's nested liners vs. the Gonzo's... well, just thrown in there and not much else liners. lol
Thanks man! Looks like this one has been one of my more hated per view videos. Oh well.
Advanced Knife Bro whatever... it was still well done bro. The next couple you have planned should gain more interest
Soooo....what you are saying is that they are identical in every single way? That's high praise!
You should review the Spyderco Tenacious. A affordable chineese Spydie. The best of both worlds!
One of these days I'll get one. I've heard some Walmarts have them, so I'll try there.
USA knife made need to lower their prices so it could be more affordable.
That blade steel seems to be the factor that raises the prices a lot.
thanks very helpful
I have the black & camo PM2, it's one of my Go-To outdoor blades that I use indoors on occasion when no one is watching me. I never use my middle finger on any of my Spydie-Holes. It's kind of stubby like Fred Flintstone and I reserve it to show people that they're #1 in my book, so I don't want to strain it by flicking a knife open (because I use the #1 signal a lot).
Not all spydies are friendly to middle. I flick this and my yojimbo 2 a lot with the bird. I use the middle finger most when commuting though.
Ganzo G729 would be a better candidate for this video, since it's more of a clone. Also a nice knife.
edit: oh, somebody already pointed this out, nevermind then! :P
More than one person!
technically speaking, Ganzo does make a copy of the Spyderco para military 2 its the g 730 with a liner lock and the g 729 with the axis lock
Yeah I know... a lot of people pointed that out right after I made the video. But... it's still just as heavy, doesn't have the compression lock, probably doesn't deploy as nicely and fold back as nicely (speaking from the axis of 4 other ganzos I have), has a less textured G10, and doesn't nest or mill the liners., and has slick rounded spine jimping Then the steel. I actually got the G729 coming. Maybe I'll do another video. Really most of my points are about the same between the two models, except the handle. Then other people said it's a copy of the Endura. I have carried the Endura 4 for years, and this knife feels and handles nothing like this one.
I've been on the fence about the paramilitary 2 for years now. I have owned 2 full size military models and they're great, but huge. I'm waiting for Spyderco to release the paramilitary 3 with the 3 inch blade. I find it funny that on the delica and enduras that they reinforced the tip to make it less fragile. I wonder why they haven't done it with the paramilitary? I think Spyderco could also reduce the thickness of the handle. It seems too bulky.
The G10 could be shaved down a hair maybe? Compring both side by side the Endura and PM2... there is no part on the PM2 that's thinner than the Endura. The Endura is a longer blade, but the points are both the same, the spine is thicker on the PM2, and the blade is taller in parts. When looking at the blade profile the PM2 comes to more of a point... but I want to say that there's as much steel in the PM2 blade as the endura... the endura 4 just hammers, and elongates it. I'm imagining they work blade steel like pizza crust.
I guess because the spine is thicker or maybe how the camera adds 10 pounds to everything?
It adds ten pounds to my gut! Yeah, that's it.
Steel Reserve bro. You must face who you are.
The Ganzo is an Endura lookalike. Not pm2. There is another Ganzo that mimics the pm2. Cant remember the mod nr...
I have the Endura... there are so many differences between this and the Endura... the Endura weighs almost a full ounce less (less than the PM2)... still has skeletonized and recessed liners (like the PM 2 does), Has a longer handle than the PM2- meaning the Endura has the longest and the Ganzo has the shortest of the 3... different scale material and texturing. Look at my G732 review... My endura shows up there. About the only thing the Endura and the Ganzo have in common are similar blade lengths and a slightly more similar handle shape. Although the Endura handle is rounded ergomonically- not like the Ganzo.
The design is clearly an Endura bootleg, but the build is like a PM2.
My first knife was a $20 Ganzo and after plenty of premium knives, I still appreciate the Ganzo. The axis clone might be stiff as all hell at first but the ball bearing pivot has always been extremely satisfying. I'll always appreciate it for what $20 got me and how long it served me. Doesn't get any pocket time anymore though lol.
Ganzo knives (I own four) remind me of the type of girls I socialized with back in college. They weren’t top notch but they got the job done. Nudge nudge, wink wink.. say no more.
Great review, technically I think the 732 is inspired by spyderco endura. I think 729 is a closer example of your 🔪
Thanks for the comparison
This is an old video by now. Today 2024 the PM2 costs around 200$ and the Ganzo, which is much much improved over this one in this video, costs me at Amazon a few days ago 23$. The Ganzo has today still the 440C steel and claims 58 HRC. But it has an much much better lock than the liner lock here, meaning the Axis lock. I bought this because of the Axis lock and PM2 close resemblance. By now only the steel is different and slight differences in rougher workmanship on the axis lock. But the Ganzo 729 sports today an much better Axis lock than the PM2 compression lock and has still an slightly longer blade but not as longer as in this video (actually about 0.1" longer than the PM2). Then the Ganzo 729 has an tear drop shape hole instead of the round hole (maybe copyright problems).
I buy all day long rather an Ganzo 729 instead of an overpriced american made Spyderco which you are afraid to use.
I don't understand why everyone blows about how awesome and unmatched Spyderco knives are. So what if they are made out of a better steel than the Ganzo knives. Knives are made to cut things. Why pay $200 for a pocket knife when you can buy the same style of knife for a fraction of the price? Spyderco may be an American based company but they outsource their manufacturing to China. More than likely the Spyderco is probably made on the same assembly line as the Ganzo. All knives dull after some use. All you are buying when you pay hundreds of dollars for a Spyderco is the name. That is it. At the end of the day a knife is a knife. They aren't screwdrivers, pry bars or hatchets. They are knives.....
Than you 👍
I have the Tenacious and Persistence and I love both of them. I've have a Byrd Cara Cara 2 and it's a great knife also. I thought about checking out the Ganzo after watching your review but I just couldn't do it. Not with the low price of the Spyderco/Byrd "budget line". I'm sure I would love a PM 2 but I just can't get myself to pull that trigger right now.
Thanks for the reviews they are way helpful. Now if you could make them funny, that would be great. ;)
Ha ha! Occasionally people say my reviews are the most unfunny terrible thing on the internet... but I get 500-1000 positive comments to a negative one- so I must be doing something right... plus my overall channel thumbs up to thumbs down ratio is always 95-97 percent... so I’m sticking with it for now!
As far as Ganzos vs Spydercos... you’re absolutely right. Why by a Ganzo when you can get a Cara for that price. I have a bunch of international viewers, and many of them cannot get spydercos at reasonable prices- Byrd’s get expensive fast depending on the country. I have actually stopped reviewing ganzos personally... mostly because people get upset that they heavily borrow visual clues from popular knives... and call them fakes. They aren’t really fakes but I’d rather not have a stupid internet argument about the line between a fake and a remix.
Plus they get boring and all use mostly the same steel and have similar construction and don’t make many wholly original designs. Their knives are well made... well above their price point... and a good value for someone who needed a good solid, easy to sharpen knife for under $20.
Have you ever compared the Spyderco Szabo with the Spider C146? I got the Mamba knockoff and it's really great for the money. Just drops shut and solid lock up. Kinda heavy, though.
I have not. I've always wanted that knife, but I learned a long time ago buying the odder spydercos don't translate into a whole lot of views here.
Advanced Knife Bro OK, thanks for the reply. I've seen a few used ones for less than $200, but that's still a big chunk of change. I just ordered the Chinese clone version for $25. G10 handles, not carbon fiber, and I'm sure it's cheapo steel, but I'm more concerned about how it feels in the pocket. I generally like 4" blades and most ride comfortably, but I've seen the handle on this is huge, and I have a Cold Steel Frenzy with a 5.5" blade that's just too big and freaks out even the knife knuts in the room. I'll let you know...
Good detailed review
try a durability test without bias.then we'll decide there which is better.as for myself i will go for ganzo.you can beat the hell of that ganzos,resharpened it and beat until its broken without worrying how much it cost.well as for sypderco?good luck for hunderd of dollars of replacing it.errr did i mentioned also the availability?
Nice review! Don't buy cheap blades save up and get a quality blade. Cheaper in the long run.
I agree man!
...And that shows in the video.
The Para2 is by far my favorite knife and the one that I carry daily. I also have two Ganzo knives (not reviewed here), and I really like them, but their weak blade detents are the flaws that keep me from loving them. As you point out, the Para2 can't be opened by shaking it downward, but both my Ganzos are easy to open like that. I've had them open (unwanted) while removing from my pocket, and that ended my affair with both.
I usually give away a lot of Ganzos to family and friends.
What are you cutting that you find the blades weak? I have ganzos I have been using for years curing just everyday things and have never detected a weakness.
dude, you got the wrong Ganzo.
the Ganzo copy of the pm2 is the G729
This has been addressed about 1000 times in the comments. Many of my comparisons still stand though... basically the main difference is the handle shape.
But...but it is the wrong Ganzo 😂
But but many of my comparisons still stand. See how this works?
Good video overall, especially for naming the benefits of the real Spyderco, including ergos, steel, edge retention, and lock smoothness. All of that is legit.
However, that particular Ganzo is not really a PM2 clone. It definitely has some PM2-inspired elements, but it's sort of a Franken-Spydy, like a PM2 and an Endura had a love child. A better comparison would be the Ganzo G729, which more closely mimics the PM2 handle, blade shape, and blade length, and also has an axis lock, which is more comparable to a Spyderco compression lock than a liner is.
www.gearbest.com/pocket-knives-and-folding-knives/pp_267528.html
Ganzo also has another model that is more PM2-ish, but has a liner lock - the Ganzo G730.
www.gearbest.com/pocket-knives-and-folding-knives/pp_267530.html?wid=21
I've addressed this a few times below and added a notation to the video. Yep, it's a mixture of the knives. But most of my points are still valid- maybe not the handle shape though.
***** I agree. The differences in quality are very valid.
How did gamzo getaway with using the sacred spideyhole?
Spydie hole Is useless and makes for a very tall knife. Can't believe they are expensive. Marketing,marketing,marketing.
I absolutely don't agree... I love the spyderhole.
Make some cuts with the fake PM to on Some cardboard it will be dull within a couple minutes. Where the spider will cut all day.
In the video, when stripping down the branch, you hit the stump base an awful lot more with the ganzo.
What does that mean? This wasn’t an edge retention test. It’s was just a statement... there is absolutely no argument that s110v holds an edge objectively longer than Ganzos 440c
S110v test: ruclips.net/video/dgQc37VbM04/видео.html
440c test: ruclips.net/video/EOqKP9dKknc/видео.html
Now what you can make up your mind about is if you don’t mind sharpening more often on a cheap knife. That’s not up for me to decide because liking a 20 blade over a $140 is a fine thing. But don’t try to infer I was misleading anyone, or that super steels don’t actually hold their edge longer.
Advanced Knife Bro and I quote at 1:53: "and the Spyderco steels holds an edge longer than the chinese blade." I was just making an observation about your observation, relax.
Cool.
what makes a blade steel "high quality" or "cheap"? is it just sharper? I see both type being able to cut things
No not sharper. There are exotic steels for knives that cost more for the manufacturer to use. Like a knife manufacturer buys a bunch of high end steel from a company and makes knives with it. Expensive steel often has longer wearing characteristics... and can often take more cuts and abuse before sharpening. But those knives are harder to sharpen yourself. The Ganzo has a steel called 440c... and it's easy to sharpen and can take a fair amount of abuse. There's a school of though that expensive steels are just another way to milk money out of buyers... it's not a popular school of thought- but I can see validity to it. If you don't have a lot of money and aren't really "in" to knives... There are a ton of excellent choices under $100 or even $50.
Advanced Knife Bro yeah I have a $40 Spyderco Ambitious for over 2 years. and I never had any problems with it and never sharpened it.. I don't do anything hardcore with it. Maybe that's why I don't see the benefit of expensive steel.
Let me guess. The paramilitary2 is the better knife?
That being said the better knife isn't always the better option. When taken into consideration particularly the price point I would have no problem carrying a gonzo.
There's truth in that. Buy 5 Ganzos and they'll last longer than a Spyderco. For everything out there we purchase there's also a luxury option. So you can literally make your statement about anything we can buy ever. I lay out differences, and if none of those make sense to you, then they don't make sense to you. It's why I didn't answer the question in the review.
Advanced Knife Bro I don't think everything.
I would never use a tackyforce no matter the cost
They don't make these with the axis knock off?
Why buy a ganzo with a frame/liner lock?
Not a model I would pick up, granted I hate the aesthetic of spiderco
Eric M the ganzo 729 is the actual PM2 knockoff and has an axis style lock. I have one and I love it, thought it doesn't hold an edge well at all.
Daniel Faust
I ended up ordering one a few months ago, the 729 in black
Quite pleased with it. The hole is very nice relative to a thumb stud. And I like the PM2 better than the rest of their line
I agree though the steel is shit. Easy to fix up the edge with even a cheap fine stone though
Probably my second favorite next to my sanrenmu 7010. It's a little large and I hate how when the axis lock isn't deployed I can hear the damn spring.
Other than that I'd give it a 10/10
Do you or have you ever tested the Spyderco stretch? Or any clones of it?
*IMO There is no point in Comparing a 10$ knife with a 100$ knife. If you Compare it with other 10$ knives that make sense*
If I were comparing a $10 pocket knife against a $100 garden hoe I could see your point. Comparing a tool or product against a similar product or tool at a different price point is a very common thing. Have you heard of a publication called Consumer Reports? I completely disagree with your point.
Good stuff. I just love cheap knives
Ganzo Firebird are awesome FH11 to 41...FH31 is a little monster..Cant get FH41 in Canada...
Damn, I really want to pull the trigger on this now but I don't have a good knife sharpener. I do have a cheap kitchen stone which I also use to sharpen my SAK but that's about it. How long do you think I will have to sharpen again with a very very light use? I might pickup something like the sharp maker in the future if I have some leftover money but would love to have the knife first. ;) Edit: I meant the PM2.
Maybe 4-5 months if you use it occasionally and avoid stuff like glass ceramic or metal surfaces.... they key is using it on wood or plant based materials, and your edge will hold up longer.
This is not the ganzo knife you should compare, this is made to look like a different spyderco, they have another one that looks like the pm2
Thank you- this has been discussed many many times in the comments. With the exception of some handle contour variations a slight blade variation the construction between the ganzo knife you mention and this one are very similar. For example the camouflage G10, non nested liners, blade steel, and basic size are all similar- and it’s what is concentrated on in this video.
The Ganzo knives should not be compared to the Spyderco knives, they are made of less expensive materials period. The mere fact that reviewers keep comparing them is a testament to the great improvements in the Chinese knives compared to what they were 20 years ago. The Chinese knives used to be absolute junk made of the cheapest steel possible. Now Ganzo, Sanrenmu, and a few other Chinese knives are of decent steel, and fairly good quality. Are they as good as the USA made knives?...not usually, but for their small price, most would have to agree they are pretty good knives. I remember when any electronics made in Japan was considered junk, but that changed also. The Toyota used to be a crappy cheap car, but not any more. The recent influx of well made Chinese knives is unfortunately probably a sign that the dominance of yet another USA made product being very superior will soon be a thing of the past, and Ganzo's will cost 100 dollars or more.
They shouldn't be compared?? It's an obvious clone!
I'd say the Ganzo 732 is closer to a spyderco resilience than a military or a para 2.
If you had to defend yourself with a knife I wonder if your assailant would be more impressed if you cut him with a $200.00 knife rather than a $20.00 knife?
The $200 because he could take it from you and go sell it.
That's not the clone of a pm2. It's a clone of the resilience or endura
This has been addressed many many times in the comments.
Good review
Hey, I give credit where it's due fuck the popular consensus,and as in real life, I don't descriminate when it comes to the things I love, like blade, and Ganzo deserves credit for the knife they build for the price, we can compete with their knife productions as far as I we use the same materials they can produce the knife for ten times less than us on the other hand their shipping in general sucks donkey balls and theirs only a few sellers/makers that even HAVE quality control ....... I like knives that work well. No muss no fuss beat the shit out of them and they want more till you have to replace them. I have a few clones that I bought one to check it (c81 the paramilitary almost ten inch open) I've had the real spydie and they're all but indescribable to me even as far as the blade steel goes and hardness of the hardware I field dress often, so I bought 5 total from that seller and now I have 6 paramilitaries for less that my first ONE cost me, that's sad if you ask me, if they had great customer service, quality control, TRANSLATORS, and generally just gave a shit the American knife market would be more worried and rightfully so. There are plenty knives that the copy/clone whatever falls far short of the original and it gets given away. Want quality for your money check out some of the new ORIGIONAL DESIGN Chinese made knives in titanium, carbon fiber, ball bearings, sick finishes, perfect detects and blade grinds, with awesome blade steels with shit like Sculpted Inset pocket clips, hardened bar to blade interfaces with lockbar over travel tabs, features you'll pay ten times the amount elsewhere for FACT. DONT HATE, EVALUATE !!!
Yeah man WE Knives has some nice looking blade out there.
isnt the g732 more of an endura 4 clone? i think the g730 would be closer to the p2
My bad... a LOT of people pointed out in the comments (and will continue to) that the PM2 is more like the G729. That's fine. But a lot of the comparisons between the PM2 and the G732 still stand... because the G732 shares a lot of traits with the G729. like the Non-nested full liners- that add thickness to the handle... they're both almost half an ounce heavier than the PM2, they both use the same blade steel, and both have different locks.
I have the Endura and have carried it for years, and I can't agree that it feels anything like the G732. They share a basic handle outline, and basic blade shape- and that's really it. The Endura is a much lighter knife, uses a compeletely different handle... it's thinner, different texture, different material, rounded, has much thinner nested liners, and a different lock. Not to mention different blade steel, and finer jimping on the spine.
Advanced Knife Bro lol its all good it was an honest mistake. i actually think its more like the g730 since the blade length is closer. the g729 has a smaller blade. you can tell people that to make them feel wrong too lol
Advanced Knife Bro lol its all good it was an honest mistake. i actually think its more like the g730 since the blade length is closer. the g729 has a smaller blade. you can tell people that to make them feel wrong too lol
Love WE knives I have none yet (it's inevitable lol) I've got a collection of so many probly 30 that are perfect and good steel I admit I got about 6-7 good ones for all the junk drawer parts love all the c36 military's crom carbon fiber to titanium and every color and style in between ....gotta find the good copy's ...my spydercos stay in thier boxes put away. Some need a little tweaking but so what ,, can't beat that to be able to use a c36 different one every day all razor sharp great steel .a...I don't like the Gannon version at all but they made good cheap price wise knives of pretty good quality and style .....ball bearings that flip like butter of 15-20 bucks? OK LOL
I mostly carry my Spydercos and my Ganzos get given away when someone who doesn't have a decent knife needs one. One of these days I'll get a WE Knife... just ain't got the dough for it now.
im sure you get asked alot but what type of sharpening system do you use my guy?
+Aswasw1911 yep... I have a video about it... I use the spyderco sharpmaker... ruclips.net/video/-uUFsRzj0Sg/видео.html
At least Ganzo's 440c blows Spyderco's China made knives in 8cr13 (retail about $50) away. Apples to apples.
I mostly have experience with Ganzos... I own 1 chinese spyderco... but don't use it much.
Looks more like a resilience/tenacious, than the PM2..
Are You kidding!?? So small diferences at 9 x price!? I prefer Ganzo Man... I m sure Ganzo will perform better în the woods,or hard condition ,wanna test this 2 harder..... see what shappen,Man!???
loved the vid!!!
Thanks!
If anyone wants a Chinese Spyderco, just buy a Byrd.
Or a Tenacious. A lot of overseas knife guys still can't buy them cheaply enough to be worth it though. That's why Ganzos are more popular with non-Americans. I prefer Spyderco personally, and those are my EDC knives.
All my knives have purpose
The ganzo looks more like the spyderco resilience, with a police handle.
To the people who ask if it’s worth it to pay 9x the price for the spyderco. Is it worth it to pay 3x-4x the price for the Ganzo over a box cutter? Or 20x the price over a $0.99 utility blade?
You're comparing apples and oranges here
Well that also assumes that other knives in general aren't variables----Im just gonna be honest, if I have $100+ to spend on a pocket knife I'd rather buy something like a Cold Steel that would survive a bomb being dropped on it.
The Ganzo overwhelming won here for its price
Let me tell you the biggest difference I've found. Ganzo knives use soft, cheap screws that strip very easily or just turn and won't back out. Three out of four Ganzos I've bought needed some tlc and when attempting to disassemble them the screws failed miserably. Their version of the axis lock often comes super stiff. The omega springs are not bent properly. So if you can't get the knife apart to fix the springs the knife becomes basically useless. I'll never buy another Ganzo or any no name (Vespa) Chinese knife again. WTK channel loves reviewing these types of knives and giving them glowing reviews. Buyer beware!!!
I'm not saying I don't agree with you, but my Spyderco Sage 5 had very soft steel screws too... And that knife retailed north of $100.
Advanced Knife Bro I believe you. I just haven't had a need to take apart any of spydercos yet because they came perfect out of the box unlike the Ganzos and other Chinese brand knives I've had. If and when I do I hope I won't be disappointed and find that they too have screws that are less than up to par.
Haha, so it took almost 1,5 years before the more expensive brands started throwing knifes at you ;D
And only Benchmade.
Might be related to their quality control :D
So, a few years ago, I read a pumped up review of a Hinderer clone. I ordered two. As I opened the boxes, I immediately decided that the knockoffs would be given to a couple of guys who knew nothing about knives.
Here is how I classify folders: Class 1 - those that I would happily before and after shtf; They have 3.5 inch or longer blades; Class 2 - name brand knives that I have picked up over the last 40 years that are quality knives, but not what I would carry before shtf; ; Class 3 - trading knives. Nearly all of these are name branded, but the brand names have been licensed to foreign producers. They are very serviceable.
I don’t carry any ganzos regularly but I have given many away to friends and family and they all seem to like them.