Is the para 2 worth it?

A

Armenate

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Oct 1, 2014
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So, I am looking at buying a new spyderco and have narrowed it down to 3 potentials.
- Dragonfly 2 (either zdp-189 or vg10 in orange)
- FRN stretch in vg10
- para military 2

Now the big question is. Is the para military 2 worth the extra $50 compared to either of the other knives. I have heard so many good things about it, but I can get a stretch for a little over $60 and the dragonfly for about $5-10 less. So (putting aside the coolness and popularity factor) is the para military 2 twice as good as either of these other knives? I know it has a better blade steel and that the compression look is a cool feature. Just trying to get some opinions. Also just to give some background, the other spydercos I own are the delica 4 and tenacious.
 
I think the PM2 is a good vlaue for what it is. If you're considering a Stretch consider a ZDP-189 version. Also, the Manix2 represents a great value too (I actually prefer the ergos to the PM2). Good luck with your decision.
 
Shaggy said:
I think the PM2 is a good vlaue for what it is. If you're considering a Stretch consider a ZDP-189 version. Also, the Manix2 represents a great value too (I actually prefer the ergos to the PM2). Good luck with your decision.
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The reason I would get the stretch in vg10 is because I found it for under $70. It doesn't seem to make sense to pay another $40 just to upgrade steel.
 
Armenate said:
The reason I would get the stretch in vg10 is because I found it for under $70. It doesn't seem to make sense to pay another $40 just to upgrade steel.
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Spyderco's VG-10 is great. I wouldn't pay the additional $40 for zdp. That's a 60%+ increase. I have a Stretch in super blue that I bought used for a nice price. I like how it's lightweight. The action is smooth. I can open and close it 1 handed without issues. It's a nice design.

I don't own a PM2 but I do own a Military. It's nice. I like Spyderco's S30V as well in the couple knives of theirs that I have with that steel.

Overall I'd pick the design you like best. Either one will be fine.
 
Its not just a steel upgrade. The handle material is better IMO I like G-10 over FRN. Plus the compresion lock alone is worth the extra money.
 
Get the para2 and you won't be able to put it down. I owned FRN spydercos and the flimsyness of the handles will get on your nerves, the g10 on the pm2 is amazing stuff and has a great texture to it. The compression lock is not just cool and super fun to play with, it's insanely strong too. Hope I helped:thumbup:
 
Do you like your Tenacious? I got my Tenacious after my PM2. The feel is similar at least to me. The PM2 feels better in hand though, I wear a large glove if that helps. I like the lock better on the PM2 also. Less chance of cutting myself. The G-10 is worlds better on the PM2 than the Tenacious too. I also have a Delica 4 that has seen less and less use, it's just a little small for my hands. It causes a little pain when I have to hold onto it hard for too long. The PM2 is great, I could spend the day quartering deer or butchering steers without pain probably. No pain or "hot spots".

The Manix 2 was also recommended, I have one of those also and love it. It fits my hand best. Some have trouble with the lock at first, not me but some. I'm used to turning rusty bolts with the tips of 2 fingers in a cramped engine compartment so the lock isn't hard at all for me.

Advice? You will be told to get it by everyone, including myself. I love mine. I like bigger knives though. I'm 6'1" and carrying a bigger knife isn't hard. That said the Manix 2 carries easier for me, it fits in the change pocket of my jeans like a glove. I'll still carry my PM2 during the week though, it will start alternating with the Manix 2. You will be told that if you don't like it you can sell it to someone here that will give it a good home for around what you paid for it. I don't think I've ever come across a thread that said "I hate my PM2". Sometimes PM2s are sold out everywhere, that says something all by itself. Stuff that sucks isn't that popular ususally.

I asked a similar question only mine was for the Persian, PM2, and Manix 2. The Persian wasn't recommended but the other two were. I said screw it and bought the PM2 first. It was more expensive but it's one of the big sellers for a reason. I went a weird route getting the Delica, PM2, Tenacious, and finally the Manix 2 (which by the way is the heavy duty one with full steel liners). The only one I'm most likely to get rid of is the Delica, my niece likes it a lot and it fits her small hands perfectly. The PM2 is not a cheap knife, it's not $300 either. It's well worth the usual $100 to $120 for the satin bladed S30V blade. I hope this helped!
 
So, it's looking like it may be the time to take the leap of faith and get a PM2. If I do, I want to get one new. Any dealers people could recommend?
 
GPKnives, a BFC-sponsoring vendor, has the satin-bladed versions in stock. I've purchased from them before; no issues.
 
Knifeworks and Omahaknives both had them in stock a couple days ago. I've purchased from, and recommend, both places.
 
Go ahead and buy one. If you don't like it, it would sell quick on the forums.:D
 
My 204p Para 2 is my favorite knife, displacing even the lg regular Sebenza I carried for years. That said, I recently got a Superblue Stretch, and I have not touched the Para 2 since. I know that eventually I will be carrying that Para 2 again, but the Stretch has a lot going. For it. More blade in less handle is one big plus for me. The Stretch rides in your pocket better that the Para 2 IMO. It's a better slicer and I would say all around performer than the Para 2. Not as much fun to operate since the back lock, though effective is pretty basic. I like the FRN--it's very practical and unpretentious, as well as being strong and lightweight.

So for me: Stretch-- cheaper, slightly more edge, better slicier and possibly better ergos, lighter, smaller in the pocket.

Para 2-- what everyone else said above, effortless one hand deployment, slick action, just somehow more fun to hold and use...
 
Armenate said:
Is the para military 2 worth
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Questions of "value" and "worth" will depend on the person. The Tenacious is a good knife, the PM2 will have better blade steel. The Stretch is a good knife, the PM2 will have better handle material and a more functional lock. You have to decide if it is worth it for you- I felt like it was for me. I have 2 PM2's in my EDC rotation and they are some of my favorites. The PM2 probably won't cut any better than the stretch. The Dragonfly is somewhat out of place in this comparison because it is so much smaller, the Stretch, Tenacious and PM2 are all roughly the same size. My PM2 is about the smallest knife that I will carry, I would have no use for a Dragonfly so for me the Dragonfly is not worth its price even if it is the lowest price of the 3 that were mentioned.

(Today I'm carrying a black/black Manix 2 XL.)
 
The PM is worth every cent. Exceptional knife at its price point.

Dragonfly is much smaller, lighter and will blow your mind in how functional it is. IMO, I'd put in a few extra bucks for the g10 dragonfly.
 
Yes it is...(in my opinion any way) :thumbup:
I open my drawer every morning and fill my pockets, wallet,light, money, keys and a knife.
There's about 1/2 a dozen to choose from and I usually take the PM 2 to work M-F and a Military or ZT 801 on the weekend.
If I could only keep one knife it would be the Para 2
 
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