Help Please

tueller

tueller

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Joined
Mar 16, 2012
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Hi a couple of spyderco related questions if you have a minute to help me out.

I used to carry small fixed blades but as I age and focus more on dad life, the g19 turned into a p365 and the esee 3/ izula/ bk14 is turning into folders. I currently have gravitated towards spyderco. The designs and price points have worked for me thus far. I currently have a Delica, Endura and a Manix 2XL. (Owe yah and an H1 just for water stuff).

I am sure these questions have been asked a lot but a forum search results in a bunch of questions asked slightly differently and with answers that don’t completely match up. So apologies for the redundancy but heck a little extra knife talk can’t hurt.

1. Para # vs Paramilitary # vs military #? I get the number/size correlation but the para/military terminology is confusing me. The same thing or different? How so?

2. Lightweight? So I thought lightweight variations have skeletonized liners but now all the endura’s I see say lightweight. Is it just getting more popular or is it just the name now? I ask because I prefer the more solid feel of the standard knives. I hear the lightweight variations are just as strong but I don’t like the feel of the handles when they don’t feel solid. For example I have a H1 for swimming and the lack of liners drives me nuts. A little clarification will help me make more confident spyderco purchases.

3. And finally please help with my next purchase. I am trying to decide between a PM2 or standard size manix 2. Please keep in mind the spyderco’s I already own listed above.

thanks!
 
1) There might be a historical connection between the models but I just consider them names of difference models now.

2) I've checked the weight on some newly offered LW models as compared w/non-LW models and there wasn't enough of a difference to matter to me. If you don't like the "feel" of LW models, don't buy them.

3) Since you don't have a PM2 yet, that's the one I'd suggest, especially since every list of the "best" Spydercos ever created seems to list the PM2 at or near the top.

I've got a PM1 (actually 2 of them w/different blades, plain & PS) was well as a PM 2 and 3 (both w/plain blades) Personally, I like the PM1's the best but they are collector items now and for an EDC the PM2 would probably be best.

On the other hand, I also have the Manix 2 and Manix2 XL. While I like larger knives, the Manix 2 is a more practical size for daily EDC carry/use. So, if you like the Manix 2 XL, I'm sure you'll like the regular Manix 2 as well.

Ultimately, if you're hooked on Spyderco knives now, I think you'll eventually buy them both anyway, so which one you buy now really doesn't matter. LOL! ;)
 
1)
Para is short for paramilitary.
Para 1 original paramilitary knife. Long discontinued and thus "unicorn " these days.
Para 2 =paramilitary 2. Compression lock.
Para 3= paramilitary 3. Smaller knife than para 2. Compression lock.
"Milli" = military. Largest of the 3. Liner lock.

2)
On this - you have to decide for yourself. I personally have had LW (light weight) Paras . An even though they easier to carry due to being lighter.....I like the heft of the knife in hand. Sold them and only have regular para 3.

3) Again Para2 vs. Manix....something for you to decide. I don't have Manix at the moment, but if I recall it correctly it is slightly longer, and definitely wider( so takes a little more space in your pocket). Also different locks and blade shape. To me manix is more slacier than para. Both good knives. But I like para 2 better. Good EDC knife. If there is a possibility, go to your local knife store and compare them.
 
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Awesome. That helps a lot. Yeah I will probably end up with both eventually but I am trying to spread out the spending more than I have in the past. I think the next purchase will be a basic pm2. I am fixed blade heavy and maybe I will trim some fat there and focus on folders for a bit.

thanks for the help.
 
tueller said:
Awesome. That helps a lot. Yeah I will probably end up with both eventually but I am trying to spread out the spending more than I have in the past. I think the next purchase will be a basic pm2. I am fixed blade heavy and maybe I will trim some fat there and focus on folders for a bit.

thanks for the help.
Click to expand...

No a problem at all. That's what we here for - to help each other with knowledge/experience.
I wanna suggest to you to try new Para 2 with wave. Slightly thicker blade. Also if you want to wait... pm2 tanto will come out soon ( not soon enough, IMHO).
I can take few pics for comparison.
 
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Oh no now I need to know what puts the tango in a pm2?

I thought about the Emerson wave feature. I may try it with a Delica and a signet ring for off hand deployment. For regular right handed edc I would prefer standard blade without the wave. Nothing is more annoying than when you just want to take the knife out of your pocket and the blade opens automatically.
 
Lol.... TANTO. I corrected.
I know. I move the whole knife to the left and up, before I get knife out( that way it stays shut).
 
I am liking the pm2 in 52100 with Micarta scales. Is that available from spyderco or are the scales I am seeing after market? Too fancy for my first pm2, should I just keep it basic?
 
That is one I never had. If I remember it was limited run, with carbon fiber scales. Yes , it is aftermarket option you can get (Micarta scales ) and put them on. If money is not the object - get what you like.
However, if you are collector, then keep it stock. If not, just get whichever PM2 model you fancy and use the hell out of it.
Here is serrated edge of pm2 52100 for sale

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SP...100-combo-blade-peel-ply-carbon-fiber-handles
 
tueller said:
Hi a couple of spyderco related questions if you have a minute to help me out.

I used to carry small fixed blades but as I age and focus more on dad life, the g19 turned into a p365 and the esee 3/ izula/ bk14 is turning into folders. I currently have gravitated towards spyderco. The designs and price points have worked for me thus far. I currently have a Delica, Endura and a Manix 2XL. (Owe yah and an H1 just for water stuff).

I am sure these questions have been asked a lot but a forum search results in a bunch of questions asked slightly differently and with answers that don’t completely match up. So apologies for the redundancy but heck a little extra knife talk can’t hurt.

1. Para # vs Paramilitary # vs military #? I get the number/size correlation but the para/military terminology is confusing me. The same thing or different? How so?

2. Lightweight? So I thought lightweight variations have skeletonized liners but now all the endura’s I see say lightweight. Is it just getting more popular or is it just the name now? I ask because I prefer the more solid feel of the standard knives. I hear the lightweight variations are just as strong but I don’t like the feel of the handles when they don’t feel solid. For example I have a H1 for swimming and the lack of liners drives me nuts. A little clarification will help me make more confident spyderco purchases.

3. And finally please help with my next purchase. I am trying to decide between a PM2 or standard size manix 2. Please keep in mind the spyderco’s I already own listed above.

thanks!
Click to expand...
I suggest the Manix 2 over the PM2. Because the bb lock is even more fun than the compression lock. I prefer the g10 ones over the lightweights because the g10’s have pleasant weight, stronger blade attachment, and can be disassembled. The S30 is heavier than the S110 at 4.9 vs 4.2 oz because its liners are solid. The S30 is a lot easier to get razor sharp too. I’d get the S30 one, but it will be similar to your XL. For variety, get the black blade if you already have satin or vice versa. If you’re a patient person, maybe a sprint or exclusive.
 
Personally, I know this wasn't one of your choices but my favorite Spyderco has been the Endura. It's lightweight, has a full flat grind and every so often they have really good sprint steel and FRN material color runs. I'm currently waiting for my blue ish FRN /K390 Endura to come in. It's slender and deep carry clips are a breeze to find on ETSY and the bay. Just my 2 cents for what it's worth. Take care, be healthy and be happy!
 
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