My PM2 arrived today

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omaha-beenglockin

Joined
Oct 22, 2005
Messages
1,152
Just got my PM2(black on black) today---oiled the pivot and moved the clip to the "proper" position(tip up)

Initial impressions:
Well made with no blade play when given force from any direction---VERY sharp and well centered plus looks good

BUT so far, I'm only feeling "meh" about it--not the outright hate like I had for my Walmart Native years back.
I do like how it fills the pocket less than my Manix's---the handle doesn't really feel good in my hand and I'm not a fan of liner locks and the glorified liner lock of the PM2 fits into that mold.

So far, my G10 Manix's were a much better purchase and would recommend them to anyone---the PM2--not so much

Ill give it a month or so to see if it grows on me but right now its not looking good. Not sure why it gets so many rave reviews.
 
The PM2 can't please everyone (some people can't believe this).
That's why, as you stated, luckily they make such a large variety of other models, there's bound to be something for nearly everyone. :)
 
SpeedHoles said:
The PM2 can't please everyone (some people can't believe this).
That's why, as you stated, luckily they make such a large variety of other models, there's bound to be something for nearly everyone. :)
Click to expand...

Agree; I used to like the Manix2 XL better than the PM2, I still do, the ergonomics and size fit my hand better, but the PM2 grew on me to the extent that I don't carry anything else but a PM2, it takes less space in the pocket and it's light as a feather, cuts well, etc etc.. I have to stop posting that I carry the same knife but I can't help it, it is just awesome, I have OCD.
 
Back when I got my first Para2 I was a little bit 'meh' about it initially. But carrying and using it changed that, now I have 5 of them. YMMV.

I like the way the Para2 feels in hand, hold it in a loose grip, push thumb against the thumb ramp and feel it lock into my hand.
The Manix can feel more solid with the liners all the way to the edge as opposed to the nested liners of the Para2.

I would respectfully disagree with calling the compression lock a glorified liner lock, it works differently and I find it more versatile and quite a bit more fun to manipulate.

I also have and admire the Manix, especially the Manix XL (my favourite Manix by far), but my Para2's definitely get more use.

Isn't it cool how Spyderco makes such a variety of folders to cater to us all.
 
Cursum Perficio said:
Back when I got my first Para2 I was a little bit 'meh' about it initially. But carrying and using it changed that, now I have 5 of them. YMMV.

I like the way the Para2 feels in hand, hold it in a loose grip, push thumb against the thumb ramp and feel it lock into my hand.
The Manix can feel more solid with the liners all the way to the edge as opposed to the nested liners of the Para2.

I would respectfully disagree with calling the compression lock a glorified liner lock, it works differently and I find it more versatile and quite a bit more fun to manipulate.

I also have and admire the Manix, especially the Manix XL (my favourite Manix by far), but my Para2's definitely get more use.

Isn't it cool how Spyderco makes such a variety of folders to cater to us all.
Click to expand...

I was going to say something similar. When I first got my PM2 I could appreciate how it was put together, but also had a "meh" reaction. My real appreciation for it came after using it. It's a great slicer and I love the blade shape. Also, I find that mine only really fits my hand well when I'm using the choil. But, of course, this won't apply to everyone. I would definitely carry it a little and see how it feels in use before you do anything drastic.

Best case scenario: you come to appreciate it for its differences from your Manix 2, and then you have two great spydercos to choose from.
Worst case scenario: It's not for you, you sell or return it, and continue to love, enjoy and use your Manix.

Sounds like a win/win to me!
 
omaha-beenglockin said:
Just got my PM2(black on black) today---oiled the pivot and moved the clip to the "proper" position(tip up)

Initial impressions:
Well made with no blade play when given force from any direction---VERY sharp and well centered plus looks good

BUT so far, I'm only feeling "meh" about it--not the outright hate like I had for my Walmart Native years back.
I do like how it fills the pocket less than my Manix's---the handle doesn't really feel good in my hand and I'm not a fan of liner locks and the glorified liner lock of the PM2 fits into that mold.

So far, my G10 Manix's were a much better purchase and would recommend them to anyone---the PM2--not so much

Ill give it a month or so to see if it grows on me but right now its not looking good. Not sure why it gets so many rave reviews.
Click to expand...

In my opinion, the PM2 gets so many rave reviews because it is truly a "do-everything" knife, which is quite rare (especially among us knife nuts :)). The blade is not overly large, so it's legal most places and doesn't scare people. The handle fits hand sizes both large and small. The compression lock is extremely strong. It works in pretty much any situation you could need. Need a lightweight folder that practically disappears until needed? Get a PM2. Need a hard use folder for a camping or backpacking trip? Get a PM2. Need a classier knife for urban EDC? It'll do that to (although it is a bit big for some in that role).

I'm also going to agree with Cursum Perficio in saying that the compression lock is more than a glorified liner lock. While it is similar to the liner lock, the differences make all of the difference.
 
I have reached the point for me anyway where I am having a real problem finding any other knife which compares to the para 2 this is not through lack of trying or buying. Mine you the benchmade 940/943 is pretty damn good. Each to him own , over and in Faron.
 
omaha-beenglockin said:
Just got my PM2(black on black) today---oiled the pivot and moved the clip to the "proper" position(tip up)

Initial impressions:
Well made with no blade play when given force from any direction---VERY sharp and well centered plus looks good

BUT so far, I'm only feeling "meh" about it--not the outright hate like I had for my Walmart Native years back.
I do like how it fills the pocket less than my Manix's---the handle doesn't really feel good in my hand and I'm not a fan of liner locks and the glorified liner lock of the PM2 fits into that mold.

So far, my G10 Manix's were a much better purchase and would recommend them to anyone---the PM2--not so much

Ill give it a month or so to see if it grows on me but right now its not looking good. Not sure why it gets so many rave reviews.
Click to expand...

I started with the Native also! My gateway to Spyderco all the way.

Then I got into the Manix lineup, and got 4 of them. Inbetween I got a Para2, and like you said....meh. I always answered positively for the Manix when anyone asked between it and the Para2.

However, as it sat in the safe, I started looking to carry it more and more, then the magic happened, I changed sides! I'm on the Para2 side of the polls all the way, it's just better ergonomics, just as capable, lighter, bit longer (tiny difference). I just ordered my second Para2 in s110v and it's a fricking light saber.

Maybe you just don't like the model you got, maybe try a different steel / color combo?
 
BTW, the compression lock is very different than a normal liner lock, it's genius, watch a video on it and you'll see it's much more solid than a liner lock.
 
I guess I'm a little unusual. Most people love a light weight knife. To me although I always liked the PM2 it seemed a little to light for me. Once I put a pair of Casey Lynch AL scales on it I absolutely loved it. Now it's one of my all time favorite EDC's.
I never felt the compression lock was a glorified liner lock but I do always think of the compression lock and benchmades axis lock as similar, not necessarily in function but in feel.

Mike
 
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The Para 2 is just quietly great at pretty much about anything you could ask of a folding knife. Give it a little time. I was a bit underwhelmed by my first one. I sold it (on the exchange instantly). Then I missed it, got another, a sprint this time and it is now what I carry 90% of the time. I have Casey Lynch's aluminum scales as well--really takes it up a notch!
 
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