Benchmade 940 Vs. Paramilitary 2

I think bush crafting is best left to other knives. For EDC, I love the 940. I really like the PM2, but it takes up a lot of pocket space. The 940 is nice and thin in the pocket, allowing me to get my hand down past it for other things that always end up in there. Also, the 940 is probably my best flipper. It flies open with the thumb, and can be open and close in numerous ways. I'm an axis lock fan. Your results may vary.
 
I have a Para 2. Don't have the BM though so I won't speak about it, but I would think it is just as good.

These comments about how "you need to buy a fixed blade", "the tip is too weak", "the knife is too short", "the knife is too thin" are just getting so old. I'm really kind of sick of hearing this nonsense that is basically regurgitated by people who either have very weak outdoor skills or have never used any of these knives for any purpose other than cutting phone book paper. For years, the partial stick tang MORA has been regarded as the quintessential "bushcraft" knife- the Para 2 is just as thick, the tip is just as durable and the blade is plenty long enough to do anything you need to do with it in the woods while "bushcrafting", hunting, hiking, camping, backpacking or anything else.

The only area the Para 2 is (possibly) lacking in is in it's comfort while carving and its resistance to being pounded through a log by an idiot with a club. If you can't get a fire going without pounding your knife through a log with a club then you have bigger problems in a "survival situation" than not having a fixed blade knife :rolleyes:

The Para will be fine as long as you aren't using it to split wood larger than pack of mentos :thumbup:
 
chris0827 said:
I have a Para 2. Don't have the BM though so I won't speak about it, but I would think it is just as good.

These comments about how "you need to buy a fixed blade", "the tip is too weak", "the knife is too short", "the knife is too thin" are just getting so old. I'm really kind of sick of hearing this nonsense that is basically regurgitated by people who either have very weak outdoor skills or have never used any of these knives for any purpose other than cutting phone book paper. For years, the partial stick tang MORA has been regarded as the quintessential "bushcraft" knife- the Para 2 is just as thick, the tip is just as durable and the blade is plenty long enough to do anything you need to do with it in the woods while "bushcrafting", hunting, hiking, camping, backpacking or anything else.

The only area the Para 2 is (possibly) lacking in is in it's comfort while carving and its resistance to being pounded through a log by an idiot with a club. If you can't get a fire going without pounding your knife through a log with a club then you have bigger problems in a "survival situation" than not having a fixed blade knife :rolleyes:

The Para will be fine as long as you aren't using it to split wood larger than pack of mentos :thumbup:
Click to expand...

+1 well said.

As for the two knives in question I would chose the PM2 all day every day. I have owned several of both and while I love the look, feel, and weight of the 940 I didn't like the constant blade play and bad centering. The PM2 that I own now is about the best example I've had with good blade centering and no blade play all while dropping free when engaging the compression lock. I know that the PM2 is also known for having issues with finding a good balance between blade play and free swinging blade, but Benchmade knives are just not up to speed with quality these days. Especially for the price they ask.
 
Of the two options the OP presents: 940. Superior lock, build, warranty, and convenience of edc size when not in the woods.

I've tried PM2s a few times but sold all the examples I ever bought because the lock is finicky to close one-handed without the blade bouncing back, the width of the knife in pocket is so wide for such a short blade, and Spyderco doesn't offer blade replacements should that thin tip go. It's an ok knife but not enough for me to keep one.
 
grennings23 said:
I know that these are very different prices and I know that they are both very good knives. I was wondering which would be a better large edc that can also be used for some LIGHT bushcrafting. Some basic whiddling and such. Which would be your choice for edc and which would be your choice for the outdoors? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

I love the 940 for edc but i wouldnt chose its skinny handle for bushcrafting, esp if u have large-ish hands.
 
dwdickey said:
Neither would be a great choice for your indicated uses. However out of those two the the 940 has a much sturdier blade tip than the PM2.

Perhaps a full size griptillian might be a better consideration.
Click to expand...

+1 on the full size griptillian
 
I'm going to throw in the Ontario Rat 1 in D2 blade steel... Exceptional ergos, the handle is just right for a full size handle, cutting edge comparable to the 940 but full height flat grind, and it only costs $36 at Knifeworks. Fit and finish is as good as Benchmade's best (it's actually better than my 940-1501). The blades on both my 1 and 2 open as smooth as a Sebenza, and they're a heck of a lot easier to flick, if you're into that. TheApostleP stated in his review that his Rat 1 did all his camp duty for a long time, and I think his was even the Aus-8 model.

32400131381_ef22bb6c97_z.jpg
 
I'm going with traumkommode on this. I have the Pm2, 940 and five of the Rat 1's. The PM2 and 940 are good for edc, but i have found that the Rat 1 is a much better choice for light bushcrafting tasks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top