Benchmade 943 or spyderco paramilitary 2 which one ?

I'm sorry, but I carry a Glock 22 and knife size isn't even a consideration. Especially since these two are so close.
 
Both knives are very nice, I own both and for a dressy knife, the Benchmade hands down. For a more work related knife, the Spyderco.

evilgreg said:
Benchmade 943, takes up less pocket, provides more blade. I predict the spydercultists will adequately cover the opposite position shortly.
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The Spyderco will be a tighter fit in the pocket, as it does have the wider profile. Also, cramming the $60 you'd save by buying the Para2 will provide less room in the pocket. ;)
 
For regular EDC, the 943 will do everything you need while being unobtrusive, small, and easy to carry. It offers a lot of blade length in a thin and narrow knife.

The Para 2 will arguably be better for rougher tasks--mostly due to grippier handle materials and shape.
 
I went to my local knife shop specifically for a 943, and while it is no doubt a fine knife, I just couldn't pull the trigger and spend the $190 on it. That was also the first time I handled a PM2 and immediately went home and ordered one. If the 943 was closer in size to the 710, I would have one and probably carry nothing else. Or if it were around the same price as the PM2, I would have walked out with it. It is just a hair too small for me and I think a little overpriced IMO. I love my PM2 and cant really add anything to all that has been said about it, except I would never sell it and wouldn't trade it for a 940 or 943. But now that I saw that picture I may need a 710! I hate this place!
 
@LeathermanGX said:
I'm sorry, but I carry a Glock 22 and knife size isn't even a consideration. Especially since these two are so close.
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I assume this was a reply to my post?

Stays Sharp said:
I EDC a Glock 19 or similar sized pistol and the 943, is probably the best knife overall I found to compliment the "big" handgun" (especially in shorts during the summer). Thin, narrow, light, 3.5 inches, strong, high end steel... It all checks off. Standard folders not mentioning beefy ones arent so great when concealing a Glock 19.
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I didn't say the PM2 is a problem when it comes to concealing a pistol AT ALL... In fact, I carry the PM2 ALOT because it also excels in my carry system even during the constant 95 degree weather. I suppose the way I praised it, it may be construed that I feel the opposite about the PM2 which isn't true... What I'm saying is, the 943 I found is the most IDEAL at this in my experience/taste and the PM2 I also place in the same category. Just wanted to point out that the 943 is the best AT THIS for me, doesn't mean the PM2 isn't thin, light, and carry-able also which it absolutely also is. BTW, I own 6 PM2 sprints and only one 943 and I love both.

I do have big folders that while I love, I tend to keep at home. Use the crap out of them in my property and during outings though :) Minimum: Buncha keys, money clip, iphone, supertuck holster/Glock19 sized pistol in 95 degree weather in shorts for over six months straight in Stockton, CA... To me, nothing beats the 943 at 3.5 plus inches. In my rotation, PM2, Caly 3.5, Endura come the closest. Sorry that there is a consideration for me in terms of giving them a ranking for myself and you don't.
 
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My 940 and PM2 are 2 of my favorite knives. The Spyderco kicked the BM out of my pocket, but the green one still lives in my coat. You can't go wrong. If the other did not exist, either one would do the trick for me. But the Para2 is my ideal EDC.
 
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Though both are known for being thin, light, and carry-able... They are not quite the same size.

* Pic borrowed from member Cypress.
 
So glad i found this discussion im exactly in the same situation as Everett John. First when i got into knives and started researching and watching vids i some day saw the PM2 between all these knives out there and i thought ok thats it i will get a PM2 as my first higher end knife till i saw the 940. Because a big thing in an edc for me is weight and also the overall design of the 940 was pure eye candy for me. And know that day has come i got quite enough money to get one of these two beautys and i cant get a decision, because the 940 is lighter weight but the PM2 seems more durable and cons for me are the 940's price and the PM2's size and weight compared to the 940. And the other big thing is im from germany so getting them from a german dealer would break the bank and the best offers i found on each one (incl. shipping and customs i'll have to pay) would be 160$ for the PM2 and about 220$ for the 940 ! And because it took very long for me to get the money and im always on a budget the decision is even harder ! So thank's a lot to all members your posts brought me closer to the hopefully right decision!
 
People talk about the PM2 like its a tank . It's not a tank of a knife . To me 3.10oz is not a big deal does it take more room than the 943 yes but the knife you are getting is a work knife . I like the blade shape of the 943 better than the 940 and the black handle makes for a great looking knife . The blade on the 943 is very thin and for hard use to me it's not made for , office work yes . Like I tell people when debating on the PM2 at the end you will end up buying one so just might as well get it know . With the money you save get an all black Kershaw Leek for the office or your dressing up .
 
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Different blades for different tasks. The FFG and the belly of the PM2 may make it a better slicer. Neither blade is overly thick or thin. The 943's swedge along the spine may have some thinking it is a thin blade, but that is the illusion of the grind. Both the PM2 and the 943 have nested steel liners. The Spyderco's are nested in G10 while the BM's are in aluminum. Is one more sturdy than the other? I'll let someone smarter than me be the judge of that. That being said...

I have owned both. The PM2 is a very good knife, it just wasn't a good fit for me. I always liked the Military a bit more anyhow, but I digress.
I still have my 943 and carry it 90% of the time at work because, as stated, it is more elegant and "people friendly" than my old satin blade/digi camo PM2. It offers a lot of blade for the size and its just large enough for my big mitts.
 
In this comparison I absolutely choose the PM2. Compression Lock , G10 and thicker blade all add up to why I prefer it over the BM. Not to mention the $70 you would be saving if you opt for the PM2. IMO , the high price for the 940 is silly and comical for what you get.
 
I personally think Spyderco beats benchmade in after sales service hands down. JMHO from personal experience with both companies.

Plus the Spyderco G-10 feels better to grip, hot, cold, wet, or frozen.
 
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Cynic2701 said:
For regular EDC, the 943 will do everything you need while being unobtrusive, small, and easy to carry. It offers a lot of blade length in a thin and narrow knife.

The Para 2 will arguably be better for rougher tasks--mostly due to grippier handle materials and shape.
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Agree with 943 being my favored EDC, and would add, I like the AXIS lock mechanism.
 
Would somebody who owns both of them mind to post a picture of them in hand beside each other ? Would be very nice !
 
Akapennypincher said:
I personally think Spyderco beats benchmade in after sales service hands down. JMHO from personal experience with both companies.

Plus the Spyderco G-10 feels better to grip, hot, cold, wet, or frozen.
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BM has been top notch for me in customer service.

And BM will reblade a knife for a small fee if you want. Spyderco at this point does not.
 
I carry a 940-1 these days. For EDC, the 943 is smaller, thinner, and has more blade. The handle ergos on the PM2 are amazing, but the position of the lock can make for a nasty hot spot when you're push-cutting with force.

POW.


















 
After using all three PM2, 943 and 940-1, my peferrence:
1. 940-1 (great blade usability, great carribility, average ergos)
2. PM2 (great blade usability, average carribility, great ergos)
3. 943 (average blade usability, great carribility, average ergos) <- now sits in the drawer after my 940-1 arrived

Working in a manufacturing company, cutting cardboard, nylon straps and plastic wrap are my knives' main job.
 
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