I have 150 bucks...710BM or PM2?

P2P said:
I don't know if anyone else mentioned it, but unless you have the capability to sharpen re-curves, I would go Para 2. I've had both in the past and the 710 would be back in my collection if I was better at sharpening re-curves. Just my 2 cents.
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I found the 710's recurve to be so mild that it didn't affect my sharpening at all, and I am no recurve expert. It is just big enough to add some muscle to draw cuts, but not so severe as to really impede sharpening IME.

I say 710. It is a classic design, that just oozes style, and gives you a nice big blade with an axis lock in a thin, light package. It is one of my all time favorite knives. The PM-2 is a great knife, and right now I think it has surpassed the Millie as the flagship knife of Spyderco, so as said above, no wrong answer here.
 
Not sure how you can have a lots of Spydercos and not have a Paramilitary 2. That is something that needs to be remedied. Can't really comment on the 710 as I don't have one.
 
The PM2 is a wonderful knife, but I ended up selling mine because the back compression lock just wasn't comfortable/convenient for me. As a left hander, I either had to use two hands, or adopt a strange pinch grip to close the knife one-handed. The reason I always keep coming back to benchmade, is that they have one of the few truly ambidextrous lineups in the business.
 
Both great choices, I prefer the Para 2 though.
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I own both; I've had the 710 since 2005 and have carried it at least 3 days a week ever since. Until the PM2 arrived under the tree last year, that is. Eventually, I imagine the PM2 will lose its luster and it'll settle into regular rotation, but for now I've been carrying it constantly.

As has been said, you can't go wrong with either one. Some observations: the 710 is comfortable in my hand, but the PM2 simply crushes it in ergonomics; the former feels "pretty good" while the latter feels like it was poured in around my fingers and it also gets the nod for retention; as long as your grip is firm, the PM2 simply isn't going anywhere unless your hand goes with it. Reach and confidence in the tip both go to the 710. The Para-Military 2 looks great, but it's also pretty unusual, so if you're looking for a handsome, classic design, I'd pick the 710 there, too. Locks on both are comfortable, strong, and easy to open and close one-handed (at least, for this righty).

As for blade steel, my 710 is 154CM, but to its credit, in 7 years of regular carry and use, it looks almost new and I go a long way between touch-ups. On the flip-side, I've used the tar out of my PM2 over the last 6 weeks and it doesn't need so much as a strop yet -- it still feels like I'm cutting with the factory edge.

Both have great pocket clips, carry comfortably and easily (though the 710 leaves a touch more pocket room), and are rather brilliantly designed. I'm giving the PM2 the edge in overall slicing ability though the 710 wins for penetration, according to my experiences. I don't care for the recurve on the 710 and wish it wasn't there.

Again, considering that you will very likely enjoy either one, I vote for the Para-Military 2, as I like the grind and blade shape just a touch more, as well as its ridiculously comfortable (for me) handle. Spending your money with Spyderco, one of the most upstanding, honest, and transparent knife companies ever, doesn't hurt, either.
 
Thanks guys for all the great comments. Will have to pick up a few extra hours at work because I think I will order both in the next couple of weeks :)
 
The PM2 for sure. Great knife with nice size and a killer grind. You would not be disappointed.
 
P2.. I don't dig the 710's blade shape. If the 710 had the blade shape of the 707/Sequal.. I'd probably pick on up. I'm not a fan of recurves. If you want more reach grab a Military.. EXCELLENT knife. Big, thin and light.. what more could you want.
 
I'm a big fan of Spyderco in general and the PM2 in particular, but if you don't own any Benchmade knives, I'd say go for the 710 for sure.

I bought one of the first 710s back in early 1999 and now have more than half a dozen of them. The 710 would be in my top five list. Unless you are absolutely allergic to a mild recurve, get the 710 - which by the way is not hard to sharpen at all if you have a Spyderco Sharpmaker.

combatjiujitsu said:
Which one guys? Slightly leaning towards the Benchmade since I dont own any and have lots of Spyders but no PM2. Help me out boys!
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If it is at all possible, you should try handling both knives in person first
I had my mind set on getting a paramilitary2 but after trying it out in the knife shop, I found out that, as a left hander, I am unable to disengage the lock one handed
I have heard many people say that the lock is easier to use with their left hand, while others say it is easier to use in their right hand.
 
ROME said:
If it is at all possible, you should try handling both knives in person first
I had my mind set on getting a paramilitary2 but after trying it out in the knife shop, I found out that, as a left hander, I am unable to disengage the lock one handed
I have heard many people say that the lock is easier to use with their left hand, while others say it is easier to use in their right hand.
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The comp lock is weird. For some people, it's easy, natural, and fast, for others (like me), it feels awkward, its slow, and requires two hands. Definitely a good idea to try in hand.
 
Ordered an all black PM2 yesterday and will be picking up a 710 in the next couple of weeks :) (Wringing my hands in anticipation!)
 
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