Kershaw Blur S30V vs Spyderco Paramilitary 2

J

JDX

Joined
Mar 2, 2014
Messages
923
I've done some research and the only problems people have mentioned are things they can fix themselves, like an off center linerlock and difficulty sharpening the recurve. Some people just don't like the recurve blade. But that's personal opinion.

I'm just wondering what everyone's opinion is. I'd rather you own both and give input on each, rather than owning one and having a biased response.

I like that the blur has a simplistic design, I like the recurve, and the thumb stud for opening.

I like that the para 2 has more comfortable ergonomics and I like where the clip is on the knife but I dislike the spidey hole and the flat grind.

Other than aesthetics, I'll be using this as an EDC, weight doesn't matter to me. I will use this for simple tasks like opening boxes, slicing through cordage/and random materials, cutting and stripping wires. I will also use this when I'm out camping, making feather sticks (maybe) and other tasks.
 
I kind of see the Blur and the PM2 as two different knife designs that don't really line up with each other. I think they'd both be great EDCs, but I have both and don't really think of them as being on the same level. For one thing, the PM2's fit and finish is better (as well it should be for the increase in price between the two). I think they both have their place in a good knife collection. I'd say pick them both up and see what you think. You'll eventually do that anyway if you only get the one. :thumbup:
 
They're both tough, have good steel, and good grinds. The Para 2 is (in my experience) a much better slicer, but for cutting up cordage I give a slight advantage to the Blur since it has a recurve. I think the Para2 carries better than the Blur, but both carry pretty well. My Para 2 has horizontal blade play that cannot be adjusted out without making it impossible to flick open. It doesn't affect functionality, but the Blur I used to own had no play. The Para 2 definitely has a more fragile tip, and I would strongly advise against prying with it. I also greatly prefer the lock on the Para 2 to the Blur, and I'm not a big fan of assisted knives. Para 2's tend to be more sought-after knives as well, so if you decide you don't like it it's pretty easy to sell it and make back almost all of your money.

I ended up trading away the Blur and kept the Para 2 though, so you can guess which one I prefer.
 
I own both knives, and I may be alone, but I like the blur better. My s30 blur barely has any recurve, whereas my 14c28 blur has a very noticeable recurve. My pm2 is great, but I cannot adjust the side to side play out without making it impossible to flick open. Both of my blurs are rock solid, no play, and have never required adjustment. They are also considerably thinner than the pm2, so they carry much better. I can get the pm2 sharper, but it's blade is thinner and feels more fragile. I personally like the ergonomics of the blurs better, too.
 
That's a tough one. If they were the same price I would say the PM2, but you can get the s30v blur from kershawguy for $50 less than a PM2. Those are two of my overall favorite knives but considering the price difference I would say get the blur. Plus if you don't like the spydie hole I would think you would get tired of the PM2 quickly. Or get the elmax blur..
 
I've had both, well the standard Blur Desert Tan w/ Sandvik steel, so I'll assist you as best as possible.

I'm not a thumb stud fan generally speaking, nor an assisted opener fan. I have a lot of Spyderco's and knives with flippers. However, the Blur's ramped stud is one of the better designs out there, and doesn't eat up your thumb as bad as others. You can de-assist the Blur, and it makes a nice smooth manual folder. IMHO though, the PM2's compression lock is far superior to the Blur's liner lock. Anyway, lets look at it this way:

Blur:
Very subject to personal preference, the pros and the cons are pretty much the same thing, its a love it or hate it knife. I live in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, and metal handles generally suck here because even with gloves on the cold seeps into your hands.
Ergos are very average.
Cons:
Trac-tec inserts can be rough on bare hands if your's aren't well calloused.
Right hand only clip.

PM2:
Pros: Compression lock
Blade shape/geometry for everday use
Opens just as fast an assisted knife
Great ergos
4 way positionable clip
Ease of use for both lefties and righties.
Choil

Cons:
The compression lock can pinch right handers if they are not used to it
The tip is not as beefy as other knives in this size range, which is a problem for some.
Choil

I ended up giving my Blur to my cousin when I visited him in Texas in April, and have kept the PM2. I have made it known that I have not been a fan of S30V, however so far the PM2's has been one of the better examples. I bought it in March and am just now at the point where it is needing a mild stropping.

One more thing to note. My Blur came with enough oil on it for a diesel Range Rover. Had to completely disassemble to clean up the excess oil. It also had horizontal play and was off center, both of which were rectified in reassembling, but were still a bone of contention for me. The PM2 has been flawless.
 
I guess I got a good blur from the factory because mine was perfectly centered and probably the best and sharpest edge of any of my knives out of the box, including the pm2. And my pm2 locks up like a vault, as does the blur. One thing about the track inserts in the blur, they are so grippy that it may be difficult to keep anything else in the same pocket without tearing something up. It isn't a problem for me but may be for some.
 
I have both...I edc the PM2 more often. Today I'm carrying my Elmax Blur. They are two entirely different knives.

For the folks that can't get the PM2 adjusted without play...you need to completely dis-assemble the knife and clean the loctite off of the pivot assembly. There are a bunch of threads here related to that. My PM2 has been adjusted to perfection. (its a CTS-204P Sprint if that matters)

The PM2 is a better slicer and a far better lock set up relative to engaging and disengaging it. It also feels like more knife-in-hand than it really is. Both carry very comfortably. For $100 or so you can get an Elmax Blur or a used/not abused PM2. It's a tough choice for most but the Spydie would get the nod from me.

FWIW I use my knives for the same things you do, with the exception of camping chores for which I have other/better knives for those tasks.
 
I'm gonna have to agree with Quiet on this one. These knives aren't really in the same league. I've owned a few Blurs over the years and thanks to a buddy on here, I've been able to experience a PM2 for about a month and a half.

They are both excellent knives. The G10 handles on the PM2 make for an excellent grip, and it really locks into place. Still, the Trak-Tek inserts on the Blur also aid in grip, and the aluminum handles feel really good in hand.

The FFG on the PM2 makes it slice like there's no tomorrow, but the blade runs down to an extremely fine tip. For what it's worth, I wouldn't do any prying with this blade, but then again I wouldn't pry with the Blur, either. Depending on what model you get, they come in either hollow or flat ground blades, and also make great cutters thanks to that recurve.

The Spydie hole is comfortable, and after some practice I'm able to flick the blade open whenever I want. But I've gotta give opening to the Blur. I'm more of a thumbstud guy anyway, and the Blur's ramped thumbstuds feel so comfortable and really aid in getting that blade out. It comes with Speedsafe by default, but I always like to de-assist my Blurs. You can still fire them out, but no longer have to worry about the torsion bar giving you any problems.

Their locks are also different. The Blur's inset liner lock works just fine for me, and I've never had an issue from any of mine. But the compression lock on the PM2 is said to be stronger, safer and more reliable. I like how you can disengage the compression lock without ever putting your fingers in front of the blade, but I'm not an expert on it and still prefer the inset liner lock on the Blur.

They're both great knives and made with great steels. I prefer the Blur, but that's one man's opinion on two knives that shouldn't really go head to head in the first place. I think you'll end up with a fine knife, no matter which you choose. Best of luck.
 
JDX, since you don't like the flat grind or the Spydie hole, you'll probably enjoy the Blur more.

I own both knives and like them very much. Either of them will take care of anything that a pocket knife might be needed for.

The Para 2 is not my favourite Spyderco, but from a practical standpoint it's the perfect folder for my needs. It's light enough to carry well in all types of pants, it's large enough without being huge, it has a strong lock and good steel. I'm quite fond of flat ground Spydercos. I used an original Paramilitary a lot, the second iteration fixed all the little details that I didn't like about the design. I think it's one of the best rounded, versatile pocket knives out there (even the price is pretty good).

The Blur is my favourite Kershaw assisted opener. It's compact, but still has a decent size blade. In fact, although it has a shorter handle than the Para 2, it has the same blade length. And, since it has no choil, the actual cutting edge on the Blur is longer. The handle feels comfortable in my hand, you could argue that the handle on the Para 2 offers a bit of protection if you're going to be stabbing stuff. I like the slender clip on the Blur.

Here are a few quick pictures where you can see a bit of blade and handle comparison. Also, check out the size difference when closed.

20140710_172132.jpg


20140710_172118.jpg


20140710_172041.jpg


20140710_171914.jpg
 
I know there quite different, but given what I would be using it for, which do you think would suit me better? I also tend to be pretty rough with my knives, so durability is top priority.
 
They're both great...just pick one and I bet eventually you'll end up with the other one too.
 
If durability is a priority than blur all the way, the pm2 thin tip always worried me for rough use, all it takes in one drop on pavement and that tip is gone, most EDC chores it's fine, but if you are hard on your knives like my dad was, than you need a stout tip.
 
There is not much i can add to previous posts. I have both. My Blur is the tanto combo blade with 8Crwahtever steel and thus behaves very differently than the PM2. I always have a traditional for those "slicey" jobs and have come to like the Tanto combo for the fine tip work and push cuts. They both feel great in the hand but i give that edge to the blur. I like assisted opening and the blur flies open like slobber off a dog's tongue. The PM2 has a great opening action and placement of spydie whole is perfect. But I ramble.

If it matters I get more comments on the looks of the PM2.

Get the blur and a sharpmaker to handle the recurve sharpening issue. I have a Ken Onion Work Sharp so recurves don't scare me.
 
Spameater12003 said:
My Blur is the tanto combo blade with 8Crwahtever steel...
Click to expand...

FYI, the tanto combo edge Blurs are made from Sandvik 14C28N razor steel.

The Blur is a KAI product made in the USA, therefore they don't use the Chinese 8Cr13MoV steel.

And off topic, I love Houston :thumbup:
 
BJE said:
If durability is a priority than blur all the way, the pm2 thin tip always worried me for rough use, all it takes in one drop on pavement and that tip is gone, most EDC chores it's fine, but if you are hard on your knives like my dad was, than you need a stout tip.
Click to expand...

I find it hard to drop a PM2 with its excellent ergos.
 
grownstar said:
FYI, the tanto combo edge Blurs are made from Sandvik 14C28N razor steel.

The Blur is a KAI product made in the USA, therefore they don't use the Chinese 8Cr13MoV steel.

And off topic, I love Houston :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Yes you are correct. I got confused with the "budget" cryo steel. I like Houston too. Big city without the big city attitude you sometimes find. Good southern food.
 
K.O.D. said:
I find it hard to drop a PM2 with its excellent ergos.
Click to expand...

True as long as the knife is in hand, I know I am always setting my knife on something when working on cars (mechanic by trade) and sometimes things slide off and hit the concrete shop floor. I drop tools all the time with my greasy hands, especially if I am in a hurry to get a job done.
 
Kershaw has a better warranty and customer service than Spyderco. So, if you plan to keep the knife long term I would get the Blur. I love Spyderco's designs but their warranty and customer service is lackluster compared to Kershaw/ZT.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top