Mil./pm2

L

L2bravo

Joined
Jun 14, 2013
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I have had a couple of catch and release PM2's, and just got another. I am considering keeping this one, but have a few questions. I really want to like this knife.

How durable are these knives? No, I don't want a prybar, and no I don't completely abuse them. But I do use my knives though. I really love how they feel, and like the grinds on them. They look like they cut like heck. I would just like to know, if some of you guys have had one of these for a while, or have used them hard, and how they have held up over time. How do the locks wear? I realize they are different, but how does the compression lock last? Is there ever any fixing it, if it gets loose? Thanks for the input.
 
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I feel as long as your only cutting things they are more than tough enough..
Here's one ive used hard for around 6 months and the only difference is it opens a lot easier now the pivots loosened up, snapped about .030 off the tip the other day but that was my own fault prying something in a rush

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I've taken apart the SuperLeaf and Vesuvius compression locks but never a PM2. I've only owned one PM2 and it wasn't for very long but have another used one on the way so I'd like to know if there are any adjustments that can be made on the PM2 lock.
The SuperLeaf lock is straightforward and there's no way to adjust it but the Vesuvius compression lock is a bit different with an eccentric lobed pivot that allows adjustment by rotating the pivot in its seat. It was a head scratcher for a few minutes when I put it together and the lock wouldn't engage. Noticed the lobed pivot and rotated it to the proper orientation. Nice feature.
 
Those guys are some fools! Not for what they did to the knife, but the fact that they eat that crap in that can. LOL.

That said, the first thing to break in that knife, was the real concern to me about them. The very fine tip. I guess if you are going to carry one, you need to make sure to keep the stupidity down to a minimum. I'm gonna give them a run. It is kind of dissapointing though, that Spydie, doesn't offer a blade replacement program. At least on some of their popular Golden made stuff, like the MIl/PM. Oh well, not huge.
 
L2bravo said:
Those guys are some fools! Not for what they did to the knife, but the fact that they eat that crap in that can. LOL.

That said, the first thing to break in that knife, was the real concern to me about them. The very fine tip. I guess if you are going to carry one, you need to make sure to keep the stupidity down to a minimum. I'm gonna give them a run. It is kind of dissapointing though, that Spydie, doesn't offer a blade replacement program. At least on some of their popular Golden made stuff, like the MIl/PM. Oh well, not huge.
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Yup, if the knife is going to be used for a pry bar there are many better choices of Spydercos than a ffg Millie.
Good knife, poor decisions.
 
L2bravo said:
I guess if you are going to carry one, you need to make sure to keep the stupidity down to a minimum.
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There really isn't much to say after that - and that applies to just about any knife that doesn't have an optional factory wheels kit. :wink:
 
I regularly this one! I'm not the first owner but Spydiewiki tells me it was made 1996-99

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I've been cutting everything from paper to cardboard (single and double thickness, with and without tape) to soda cans with my CRUWEAR Military for about a month now. I haven't needed to sharpen it very often, and the lock has gotten no appreciable wear at all. Still where it was when I put it back together after initial takedown. Tip is intact. I haven't been babying it.
 
Sharpening/lubrication, one was gifted to a buddy who abuses knives he's taken the tip off via electrical whoops. Overtime the pivot and body screws can pop loose if you pry with the knives and get the liners/handles to flex a bit. All thats needed is fresh loctite applied.
 
We used my old Military (single liner & dino-jimping) to take out a window and add a door in a buddy's house. We also added a new room at the same time. The Milie cut drywall, sharpened pencils, opened bags of construction stuff, marked wood for sawing, and other things. It's fine. Sharp, clean, and ready to go again whenever. I've also carried Paras as hiking/camping knives for years. Use 'em for everyday chores, too. I've had no issues with the locks, edges, or tips. Even my old dino-jimping Millie and Para have their original tips and lock up solidly with no b/p.

As far as maintenance goes, my blades get cleaned and touched up when they're used. Every now and then I might squirt a little drop of lube on the pivot... or I might not. Don't like too much of that stuff. The knives don't really need it. Both PB and teflon washers do a good job dry.
 
I've recently detoured into "hard use" folders and looking at my collection feel either my Military or Para 2 is plenty for how I use and view folders. People have different expectations and jobs for their folders though- for me, I'm primarily looking at a folder as a cutter. I get bummed when a folder can't cut some fruit but wedges/breaks it apart. YMMV.
 
rpn said:
I've recently detoured into "hard use" folders and looking at my collection feel either my Military or Para 2 is plenty for how I use and view folders. People have different expectations and jobs for their folders though- for me, I'm primarily looking at a folder as a cutter. I get bummed when a folder can't cut some fruit but wedges/breaks it apart. YMMV.
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What I am understanding you to say, is what I have said about these knives. That they look like they are great slicers.
 
I should add they are plenty tough for me (especialy the military). I've pushed the tips hard enough to make me cringe and they managed fine. They aren't tips like a ZT, Strider or Cold Steel but they do what I need them to.

My nephew graduates Marine boot camp in 3 weeks and I would have zero worries gifting him a Miltary or Para.

But again for me and folders, my first expecation is for them to cut. Probably while my nephew will also be getting an izula II to beat on. :D

Add- when you look at the video in post 4...that's just a beating he puts on it and I'm impressed it lasts like it did ans speaks to it's toughness. That's stuff I would never do with a folder, but I have some fixed blades I can abuse all day if need be.
 
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Agreed, he is for sure doing stuff to that knife, that I would never do. That's pretty hard on them. But then again, he was for sure out to test to failure. So, he did show us some stuff.
 
L2bravo said:
What is called for, in basic maintenance on these?
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My main PM2 has developed a tiny bit of rust on the stop pin a few times from allowing some lint to build up around it (absorbed moisture no doubt). Definitely my most carried folder-- my own neglect is to blame.
 
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