Benchmade 950 Rift vs Spyderco Paramilitary 2

T

thrasher614

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May 13, 2012
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I can't decide which to get. I have not heard anything bad about either of these knives. I love Spyderco, and I haven't had the opportunity to purchase a Benchmade yet even though I want to. I also don't know how well Benchmade's 154cm is compared to Spyderco's. I want these knives because I heard they are some of the best to EDC. I want to hear from you guys that own both which one you like the best. Size and weight difference doesn't bother me. I'm just having a hard time picking one, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, any pics or details about how your knife has lasted over time would be very cool and help me decide.
 
Is there a dealer close enough to you so that you could puts hands on both? My 2 cents is always get the one that feels best in your hand and pocket. You won't go wrong with either.
 
I have a 950 rift, and in my opinion the scales are too uncomfortable. they have sharp edges.

I don't have a para2, so I can't say anything about it.
 
These are the 2 knives in my pocket. I have had a Rift in my RFP basically since they came out and it is my favorite knife. I have had a lot of different knife models pass through my hands and it is number 1. That said, the Para 2 is pretty darn close and both make great EDC knives. I don't think the Rift is uncomfortable at all and never even considered the scales being uncomfortable. The machined G10 provides some grip yet it's not rough. Just my opinion. I also prefer the AXIS lock but the compression is darn good and not far behind. My Para 2 is the gray sprint run which is essentially S90V and the Rift is a LE with M4. The M4 I can get scary sharp pretty easy but it doesn't hold it like the Para. This is one reason I like the Para so much but obviously aren't a consideration for you. The Para 2 has a slightly longer closed length but the Rift has a blade that is probably a 1/2" longer. The Rift packs about as much blade into the handle as any knife I have seen. Not a big deal but the extra blade length can be nice. Both knives have a blade that is fairly thin. Not weak but makes for good slicers in both knives. The reverse tanto of the Rift gives it a stronger tip. The Para is really popular right now, much more than the Rift ever was. Not sure why that is but I don't think you can go wrong with either. If you already have a Spyderco then maybe check out a Benchmade and the AXIS lock. If not then know the Para is popular for a reason.

Let me know if you have any questions about either knife. And sorry this isn't the best post. I'm recovering from a couple weeks in the hospital and a bit out of it.
 
These two are very similar yet very different. The rift is heavier and has a more substantial, heavy duty feel. The pm2 feels like a part of my hand. You really can't go wrong with either. Definitely try to handle the rift prior to buying though if you can. The weird little pinky choil doesn't fit everyone. The rift fits my fairly large hands (xl gloves) quite well, but I can see it being uncomfortable for many people.
 
Yep, in my experience the rift is comfortable.

Though now with the contego out in M4, I think I'd take that.
 
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