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Kershaw Blur vs Paramilitary 2 vs Manx 2
- Thread starter shwaze
- Start date
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- Apr 4, 2013
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- 3,415
Welcome to bladforum. Why don't you tell us what purposes you need the knife to do? They are 3 very different knives so its not really a direct comparison, each have their strengths and weaknesses. Also what specific blur and manix 2 are you wanting us to compare? There are several steel/handle and grind options for the different M2's and several steel and handle options for Blur's.
Another thing, what could be a pro of one knife in one situation may be a con in another situation, for example the full flat grind of the PM2 (and of some manix 2's) could be considered a pro if you're doing fine slicing but a con if you need to do some heavy cutting. The question "which of these 3 is better" is totally subjective and very hard to answer. I have a blur and a Manix 2 LW and they are very different knives that I ask to perform very different tasks, I enjoy both of them but at the same time I use the blur for a very specific task and wouldn't ask it to do the general cutting/EDC tasks I ask of the manix2 LW.
Another thing, what could be a pro of one knife in one situation may be a con in another situation, for example the full flat grind of the PM2 (and of some manix 2's) could be considered a pro if you're doing fine slicing but a con if you need to do some heavy cutting. The question "which of these 3 is better" is totally subjective and very hard to answer. I have a blur and a Manix 2 LW and they are very different knives that I ask to perform very different tasks, I enjoy both of them but at the same time I use the blur for a very specific task and wouldn't ask it to do the general cutting/EDC tasks I ask of the manix2 LW.
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- Mar 29, 2007
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The Blur is a really sturdy EDC. Light enough not to be noticeable in the pocket but stout enough to be called a heavy duty knife. It rides a little high in tip up position and the trac tek (more common, rubber inserts, comfy and durable but sticky against pockets) inserts turn some people off, but there is a carbon fiber insert available. The Blur comes in Sandvik, 154CM, S30V, S60V (may find a blem like I did), and I think the early ones were 440A. The liner lock on these is one of the best I've ever owned. I can't comment on the Spydercos but if you choose the Blur you can't go wrong.
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- Aug 26, 2013
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I have a blur in s30v and a para2. The para2 is my favorite between the two by far. I cannot comment on the manix, but if you can get a para2 you may really like it. In fact I have my para2 right next to me ATM 
- Joined
- Nov 27, 2012
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I much prefer the Manix over the PM. YMMV.
Well, I've handled a few Blurs, a Manix or two, and I own a Paramilitary 2.
Beyond that, the PM2 tends to draw from the best of all worlds. Its not quite the tank the manix is, and it's not quite as slim as the blur, but it has the strongest, simplest lock between the three, same steel as both, and an excellent blade shape and deployment method. It can't pry like a manix could, but that's not what a knife it's for. If you need something cut, the PM2 is your best bet.
In other words, the Paramilitary 2 is the do anything knife which is amazingly light for what it offers. Don't pry, don't abuse the tip, and it will make any justifications for buying other knives much tougher to find.
Beyond that, the PM2 tends to draw from the best of all worlds. Its not quite the tank the manix is, and it's not quite as slim as the blur, but it has the strongest, simplest lock between the three, same steel as both, and an excellent blade shape and deployment method. It can't pry like a manix could, but that's not what a knife it's for. If you need something cut, the PM2 is your best bet.
In other words, the Paramilitary 2 is the do anything knife which is amazingly light for what it offers. Don't pry, don't abuse the tip, and it will make any justifications for buying other knives much tougher to find.
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2013
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- 322
I much prefer my PM2's to my manix - even though I'm a lefty and the compression lock is a bit less ambidextrious.i think the pm2 just dominates smoothness, and the full flat grind and bladeshape both feel more suiited to my needs. Best to try and hold them all if you can. Good luck
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- Jul 12, 2011
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Try and handle them all like someone suggested before me, they are very different knives. All different blade profiles and different locks. You may favor one mechanism over another, you may prefer a specific carry orientation, and you will definitely need to compare the ergos on each.
I think you'll end up with the Paramilitary 2
I think you'll end up with the Paramilitary 2
- Joined
- Sep 21, 2012
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- 718
I have all three
The PM2 is popular for good reason. It's only real weakness compared to the other two is the thinnest blade tip of the bunch, using it as a pry bar is a no-go. That thin tip also makes it the best for some delicate slicing though.
The Manix 2 is an excellent all around EDC knife similar in size but heavier and more stout than the PM2.
The Blur is one of the best ~$60 knives in the world.
All that being said, you're talking about three knives with three completely different lock types. In my opinion, choosing the lock type would come first before choosing the individual knife.
And finally, you definitely cannot go wrong with ANY of those three! Pick one, two, or all and enjoy.
-Jake
The PM2 is popular for good reason. It's only real weakness compared to the other two is the thinnest blade tip of the bunch, using it as a pry bar is a no-go. That thin tip also makes it the best for some delicate slicing though.
The Manix 2 is an excellent all around EDC knife similar in size but heavier and more stout than the PM2.
The Blur is one of the best ~$60 knives in the world.
All that being said, you're talking about three knives with three completely different lock types. In my opinion, choosing the lock type would come first before choosing the individual knife.
And finally, you definitely cannot go wrong with ANY of those three! Pick one, two, or all and enjoy.
-Jake