Benchmade 810 or Spyderco Paramilitary 2 , Which one ?

[EVERETTJOHN]

If I only had these two to choose from , which one should I get for a jack of all trades ?

 

[K.O.D.]

I'm partial to spydercos, so the PM2 would be my choice.

Might also look at the Manix2.

 

[MatthewSB]

The PM2, just for the Compression lock.

Also, it fits my hand, and everyone else I've let handle it, perfectly. The blade profile is perfect. It works any way I pick it up.

It's really that good, and the last knife I'd ever sell.

 

[craytab]

I have both but if only could have one, it would be the 810. Just a much beefier hard use folder. Both have their pros and cons though. They really are completely different knives. I wouldn't think of getting one over the other because they are that different. I would think more about what I might be doing with the knife.

 

[Ulf Krogstad]

Well that is a very tough choice. My 810 outslices the Para 2 but Para is still a excellent slicer. But i believe the Para is better at precision cutting. The Para feels like the grip was molded to my hand and all the jimping is placed perfectly and comfortable. The 810 i believe is a more durable knife though. The jimping on the liners on the 810 hurts my hands during heavy use and turns my pockets into pulp(i'm going to grind the jimping and scales down soon.) The M4 on the 810 is the best steel i've used. The S30V on the Para is good but doesn't overly impress me but you can get the Para with different steels. Love the locks both equally. Like the rougher scales on the 810 more than Para. Like thumb studs better than opening holes. They just open easier for me but i have big thumbs. It's really a toss up for me either one is a very very excellent choice. Good luck with your decision either way it will be a good one.

 

[EVERETTJOHN]

I have both but if only could have one, it would be the 810. Just a much beefier hard use folder. Both have their pros and cons though. They really are completely different knives. I wouldn't think of getting one over the other because they are that different. I would think more about what I might be doing with the knife.

I would be using it as a work knife , opening boxes , cutting rope , cutting off old zip ties , cutting old hoses off equipment , etc. , etc. and maybe some food cutting at lunch on the job , and God forbid last ditch weapon if all else fails , NO CCW AT WORK ):

 

[K.O.D.]

Personally, I feel that comparing the 810 and the PM2 is a bit of a mismatch. The PM2 is a lightweight knife with a thinner blade and tip, and has been said is geared more towards precision cutting vs hard use. The Manix 2 or even the Gayle Bradley would be a better comparison. All four are excellent knives, I have all three of the Spyderco's, the Manix 2 in CTS-XHP. I'm not much of a fan of S30V personally, but my PM2 has been good so far.

Try all of those out and see which fits your hand better, which lock works best for you, and which you find fits your needs best. Good luck.

 

[breakdown52]

I would be using it as a work knife , opening boxes , cutting rope , cutting off old zip ties , cutting old hoses off equipment , etc. , etc. and maybe some food cutting at lunch on the job , and God forbid last ditch weapon if all else fails , NO CCW AT WORK ):

If that's the case I'd say go for the pm2. Its a fantastic knife. I'd be weary of abusing the knife (such as prying.) Just due to the delicate tip. Otherwise that the knife will handle tons of other abuse, and will take just about anything you throw at it.

 

[tchapman414]

I have an 810 on its way to me now, so I'll have better input when it arrives. I have had a Para2, however, and agree that it is an awesome knife - good quality and build all around. Unfortunately, I did find the ergonomics to be just a bit too small for my hands. Also, probably due to having a couple of ZT knives prior to purchasing one, it does feel a bit more delicate; to clarify, it most certainly is not a delicate or uncapable knife, it just doesn't feel like a tank, which is good or bad, depending on the application. From my research on the 810, I would be more comfortable with it as a work knife, just for being likely able to take a bit more of a beating than the Para2. Either way, there is no wrong choice - they are both great knives in themselves. And although it doesn't necessarily answer the question - the classic BladeForums solution is to buy both!

Happy searching, and I look forward to seeing what you choose!

Best,
Thomas

 

[Ulf Krogstad]

You had a Para right Everettjohn? And had to send it back cause you had some problems with it right? Did you like it otherwise? If not would give the Contego a try for sure than. If you liked the way the Para felt and everything would give it another chance . I've tried 3 Spyderco's and it's a defineate keeper for me. But overall more of a Benchmade fan myself. Only bad thing about the Contego I'm not thrilled about is the jimping on the liners. But that is it! It's my best slicing,cutting knife and haven't had to sharpen the M4 since i got it. Holds it's edge forever. Would get the M390 version if you got the money for it.

 

[SaintlyBrees]

I have both but if only could have one, it would be the 810. Just a much beefier hard use folder. Both have their pros and cons though. They really are completely different knives. I wouldn't think of getting one over the other because they are that different. I would think more about what I might be doing with the knife.

I could not agree more with this statement. ^^^^

Well said.

 

[pnsxyr]

I honestly cannot compare the two.

The 810 is one of the hardest working knives you will find, in a steel that has great edge retention and fantastic toughness, with ergos and a blade design that favors hard and extended usage but is at home in almost any scenario a folder may see. It carries well and has a great carry clip design, but it still is a bulkier knife, rather heavy, and can be harsh on more delicate clothing. If you need a knife that you can beat on and want a steel that is very tough, the 810 is IMO one of the best options available.

The PM2 is smaller, a good bit less expensive, uses a great balanced steel, and has a great blade shape & grind that is capable of very fine detailed work (and can also hold up to reasonably intense work as well). It's much lighter than the 810. It's tip is much, much, much more delicate.

It really depends on what you do with your knives and what features you want. If you want serious toughness and a knife designed to handle many of the tasks a smaller fixed blade may see, the 810. If you are looking for a general EDC in which you want a compact form factor, light-weight carry, and a blade made for very fine tip work, the PM2. My 2c's.

 

[RamZar]

Get the M4 blade of the Contego in a Spyderco the size of Paramilitary 2 and make it beefier: Spyderco Gayle Bradley. It's a relative bargain too and very well made.

 

[Redmasta]

I prefer the Axis lock and designs from Benchmade, but the quality on USA made Spyderco's is better.

 

[loonybin]

If I only had these two to choose from , which one should I get for a jack of all trades ?

I wouldn't think of getting one over the other because they are that different. I would think more about what I might be doing with the knife.

What he said. They are really different. A closer comparison would be the Rift and the PM2. Of the two, I would pick the Rift (it's my favorite knife). Of the two that you have asked about: Contego.

I would be using it as a work knife , opening boxes , cutting rope , cutting off old zip ties , cutting old hoses off equipment , etc. , etc. and maybe some food cutting at lunch on the job , and God forbid last ditch weapon if all else fails , NO CCW AT WORK ):

For a somewhat less tactical look, you can get the 810-1401. It is Knifeworks' Exclusive Contego with M390 steel, and blue/black G10 scales, polished liners and hardware. AND... it's only about $16-20 more than a standard Contego.

 

[dustyzz]

As said by other posters, they are really two very different knives with very different design points. I have multiple PM2's in multiple steels, I also have an M4 and M390 810... I typically EDC both an M390 PM2 (front right pocket) and an M390 810 (left rear pocket).... If I could only have one or the other, it would be a really tough decision but I would most likely go with the M390 810 contego as it has a little longer reach and the tip can survive more abuse. But I would definitely miss my PM2! The only other thing I can add to the conversation is that even though the M4 810 is cerakoted, I did have a rust issue on the bevel when I had to carry the knife in sweaty/wet jeans all day... I had to break out the edgepro and rebevel the entire the edge to get all the rust removed. No such issues with M390.

 

[Cypress]

I would be using it as a work knife , opening boxes , cutting rope , cutting off old zip ties , cutting old hoses off equipment , etc. , etc. and maybe some food cutting at lunch on the job , and God forbid last ditch weapon if all else fails , NO CCW AT WORK ):

That's the 810 in a nutshell. The actual cutting edge on the 810 is almost an inch longer than the PM2, and the M4 isn't as chippy as S30V. I've got both, and consider my PM2 to be a great EDC. But... When I know that my knife needs to hold an edge all day through anything it gets used for, the 810 owns my pocket.

 

[flarp]

The two are very different knives. I prefer the PM2 over the Contego for my EDC uses. The ergos and carry are more comfortable on the PM2. I do like the Axis lock over the compression lock, but that's about the only thing I like on the Contego over the PM2.

 

[gerogejg]

I have both but IMO when you get used to the size of the contego you'll love it . I did a few modifications to mine like stripthe coating and sand down all the gimping and add glow in the dark liners ,I carry it more than my PM2 .

 

[craytab]

I have both but IMO when you get used to the size of the contego you'll love it . I did a few modifications to mine like stripthe coating and sand down all the gimping and add glow in the dark liners ,I carry it more than my PM2 .

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