Kershaw Blur S30V vs Spyderco Paramilitary 2

"Blur fail.. Skate board tape."

It's not skateboard grip tape for a long time now, the early ones did indeed use grip tape. The newer Trac Tech rubbery stuff is great but hard on the pockets still.
 
After seeing the photo posted above, I checked my knives and they really are the same thickness, but the pm2 just "feels" bulky compared to the blur. Personally, if I could only have one or the other, it would be the blur.
 
I just bought the Elmax version of the Blur and have several sprint run Para2's. Both excellent knives. Wish both had clips that let them sit lower in the pocket. The rubber inserts in the Blur's scales make it a pain to put in and take out of the pocket. Love the Blackwash finish on my Blur. If you don't like the Spyderhole then I say go with the Blur and I highly recommend upgrading to the Elmax blade.
 
Each has its positives and negatives...I couldn't imagine owning one or the other now that I own both.

The Blur IMO is one of the most well executed assisted knives available, just a push on the ramped thumbstuds and it flies open with authority. Packs a lot of blade in a small package, made in USA, and available for a good price considering overall quality. Kershaw also has unquestionably the best warranty and customer service in the business.

Para 2 with it's compression lock is unique and robust; very well made knife. Made in USA. Awesome FFG blade. The bushing pivot system is great, blade flies out with a flick and lock up is solid. My only critique is I feel the handle to blade ratio could be better.
 
If you go with the Blur, see if you can get either one in CPM-154 (they did a carbon fiber run in these, among others) or ELMAX (coming out soon). I think S30V is a great steel, but I think ELMAX is quite an improvement, as is good CPM-154 with the right heat treatment. I like my CPM-154 Kershaws more than my S30V ones!
 
matt1987 said:
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.
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I have dealt with W / R from both companies and both are outstanding.
They answered all of my questions, gave me all the information I asked for, and took care of my issues with no worry.
How was your experience with Spyderco lacking?
 
First off, forgive me if I repeat anything others have already said, I didn't feel like taking the time to read everyone else's posts :p. Also, I don't own the PM2, so sorry about that, but I'd still like to help you :D.


JDX said:
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.
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My Blur was and still is a little off center. You can fiddle with the pivot screw and such but mine still isn't perfect. Also, I'm not sure what kind of sharpener you have, but with my Spyderco Sharpmaker I was able to put a very nice edge on my Blur without any problems (I have a Sandvik version, but the recurve didn't seem to give me any problems).

JDX said:
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.
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Sorry, I only have the Blur.

JDX said:
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.
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The clip on the PM2 can be positioned 4 different ways (tip up and tip down, left and right hand carry). The Blur has both tip up and tip down carry also, but is not lefty friendly. So, if your a righty, both knives' clips can be positioned wherever you want them. The Blur is a fairly comfortable knife to hold. The PM2 will slice better due to it's FFG. To my knowledge both knives have delicate tips. The Spydie hole allows you to finger flick the knife also, which is a lot of fun :D (I own a Spyderco Sage and flick it all the time).

JDX said:
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.
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Both knives should serve you well for your usage, though in my personal opinion (even though I don't own it), I would want the PM2 for camp chores (probably because of the FFG and stronger lock). I'd say get whatever one you like more (for whatever reason), both will serve you well. I would advise you not to cut wire with your knife, since it will mess up your edge, but you can do whatever you want. I'm not gonna tell you what to do.

Hope that helps :D!
 
I only have a Para2, but I'm surprised at the replies supporting the Blur. That says a lot, as there is quite a price difference. That says a lot about that Blur's quality. I always had my eye on them, one day maybe get one.
 
jmhallrn said:
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.
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I pretty much agree with him, except on the sharpening. I can get a blur as sharp as a pm2.
Also, it's a brilliant manual knife. I highly suggest deassisting it.
 
matt1987 said:
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.
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That I agree with.

BM and KAI..
Break a blade. Send it in with 30 bucks.
Bent your clip. Call and they will send you another.

Spydi.. Break a blade.. SOL buy another.
bend your clip.. Buy another.


But I still favor a PM2 over the Blur for the ergos and Compresssion lock.
 
uxo2 said:
BM and KAI..
Break a blade. Send it in with 30 bucks.
Bent your clip. Call and they will send you another.
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Blade replacement for the Kershaw brand is $10 (not $30). The ZT blade replacement is $30.

As to the OP's question, I have both and find myself going to the Blur more often. They're both great knives, but they are pretty different.

Blur_PM2_open_800x425.jpg

Blur_PM2_closed_800x424.jpg
 
I really appreciate all the help guys, and I'm open to recommendations, I picked the para 2 and blur because to me, they both seem like tanks, and since I have big hands, some knives are just uncomfortable. So if you think there's a better blade under my budget ($100, preferably $75 and under) thanks!
 
never owned a Kershaw, and never owned a recurve blade. I do have a couple of Para 2's though, and really like them. I don't see any reason to buy a Kershaw.
 
Mannlicher said:
never owned a Kershaw, and never owned a recurve blade. I do have a couple of Para 2's though, and really like them. I don't see any reason to buy a Kershaw.
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Ah, the fun of personal preferences. I have personally never seen a reason to buy a Spidy. Can't stand the hole, or blade shape (or even handle shape for that matter). The recurve on my Elmax Blur works just fine, an i can even see a use or two for it..

More to the point, both companies have the quality reputation because they earned it, and the OP will not go wrong with either selection. Given the companies standing behind the knives, it really jut comes down to personal preference.
 
If you really like big folders, check out the Kershaw Junkyard Dog 2. Mine is ridiculous smooth and the ergonomics are great for my hands after I rounded the pocket clip(L-XL).

In the Blur's size and price range, I can't think of a better executed folder. IF you like the blade shape they are pretty much perfect. Given my recent experiences with Elmax, I'd give serious thought to getting an Elmax blur from kershawguy. It is a significant step up from s30v.

You might also check the zdp189 spydercos out, excellent steel and reasonable prices. The stretch is calling my name. :-) The Stretch and Endura should be up your alley.
 
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jmhallrn said:
If you really like big folders, check out the Kershaw Junkyard Dog 2. Mine is ridiculous smooth and the ergonomics are great for my hands after I rounded the pocket clip(L-XL).

In the Blur's size and price range, I can't think of a better executed folder. IF you like the blade shape they are pretty much perfect. Given my recent experiences with Elmax, I'd give serious thought to getting an Elmax blur from kershawguy. It is a significant step up from s30v.

You might also check the zdp189 spydercos out, excellent steel and reasonable prices. The stretch is calling my name. :-) The Stretch and Endura should be up your alley.
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I believe BladeHQ has them as well :thumbup:.
 
Thanks guys I appreciate all the info, and if there's knives you feel are better than those in the same price range ($100 or less, but preferably $75 or less)
 
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