So ya there's that makeshift one you create in the first chapter but then there's the "refurbished" plasma cutter you get for free at a store for those of you with a Dead Space 1 save. So ya, are they essentially exactly the same except for looking slightly different?

As far as I know they're the same. They even share the same upgrades. 

But then you can also buy the regular Plasma Cutter for 2,000 credits? I don't get it. 

Yea there both the same exact weapon and are both free so it's just a cosmetic diference.

Hmm, you're positive there is nothing that differentiates them besides their look? Seems like an odd and worthless addition.

I thought I read the refurb plasma pistol was did more damage. 

There is a difference between them:  the refurb one is for men, while the new one is for pussies.

Not only do they have the exact same upgrade path, if you upgrade one it upgrades the other and vice-versa.  I guess they did this so you wouldn't waste money upgrading both for whatever reason.
 
I've found it useful in the early game to bring both along. Basically gives you double the ammo since its faster to switch weapons then it is to reload (esp before fully upgraded).  Also if you run them both low on ammo (or to 0) and then get a capacity upgrade this'll pop them both back up to the full ammo amount, which lets you sell off the extra ammo you're carrying.
 
I found it really useful, and a nice little addition. I imagine when I get far enough along in the game I'll switch out one for a higher powered weapon, but fight now having effectively double the loaded ammo really helps with those enemy rushes.

You'd think the plasm cutter used to open a human chest cavity would be weaker than the one used on a mining ship... but you're wrong! The old rusted model is pretty rad, though, I sold the surgical one.

" There is a difference between them:  the refurb one is for men, while the new one is for pussies. "

" Not only do they have the exact same upgrade path, if you upgrade one it upgrades the other and vice-versa. 

" There is a difference between them:  the refurb one is for men, while the new one is for pussies. "

Refurb = used.
 
If you're buying used plasma cutters, you're just taking money away from the plasma cutter makers.
 
Shame on you for not supporting hard working plasma cutter designers.
 
The used plasma cutter market is killing the plasma cutter industry.
 
Wait...what were we talking about?

" Refurb = used.  If you're buying used plasma cutters, you're just taking money away from the plasma cutter makers.  Shame on you for not supporting hard working plasma cutter designers. The used plasma cutter market is killing the plasma cutter industry.  Wait...what were we talking about? "

" Refurb = used.  If you're buying used plasma cutters, you're just taking money away from the plasma cutter makers.  Shame on you for not supporting hard working plasma cutter designers. The used plasma cutter market is killing the plasma cutter industry.  Wait...what were we talking about? "

I was kinda hoping this thread was about dual wielding plasma cutters. Like a hopeful addition for the likely sequel or dlc.

You should just be able to dual-wield that shit. That would be awesome.

" I was kinda hoping this thread was about dual wielding plasma cutters. Like a hopeful addition for the likely sequel or dlc. "

" Refurb = used  

" @jakob187 said:

" There is a difference between them:  the refurb one is for men, while the new one is for pussies. "

Winner right here. "

 Wait, really? Fucking awesome. Should also make the "Hold 4 fully upgraded weapons" achievement easier to get. "