NEED HELP: Paramilitary 2, Manix 2 or Endura 4

S

stuscher

Joined
Oct 1, 2014
Messages
9
Hey Guys,

This is my first post, so go easy on me (TWSS). haha. Anyways, I'm definitely going to buy all three of these eventually. I've watched about 30 different youtube vids on each of all three knives (nutnfancy and late boy scout included) and I'm in love with all 3 models. Just from watching the vids and reading all the constant testaments to the paramilitary and endura. I've noticed less for the Manix though, so I'm leaning towards the Endura 4 (blue) or the Paramilitary 2 (digicam).

I know what you're all thinking, BRO THOSE ARE WAY DIFFERENT PRICES! Yes that is correct haha. But I've got around $120 to spend and I don't mind spending it all on one bad boy or saving some and getting the Endura 4 first.

I have all kinds of production knives. I dont' have any customs but I have about 60 production knives from Kershaw, Spyderco, Boker and even a Lionsteel. I just bought the Yojimbo 2 a couple weeks ago, so now I'm on a spyderco binge. I can't believe I don't have the Endura or Para yet, but hey what are you going to do; amirite!? haha

Lastly, if you guys would be so kind as to post which knife you each think I should buy first, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks dudes!
 
I would go PM2 first. It is just one of those classic blades that everyone needs to try at some point. The Endura is great but the PM2 and Manix will be in a different league.
 
Welcome to BF. I never have owned a PM2 and but they are very popular for a reason. I have owned a Manix 2 and Endura 4 and Manix >> Endura for me. The Manix 2 is a great knife and fits MY hand perfectly. If the PM2 really is stretching your budget, go Manix 2.

PS Have you noticed the Manix 2 is tip carry only? Not a 4 way pocket clip if that is a big deal for you.
 
I own all 3 of these models. The PM2 is my favorite in general. I like my Manix 2 more as a work knife. The Manix 2 is heavier than the PM2 and feels more solid, it is also a bit bulkier. If you have a PM2 I don't know that you would need an Endura, but I'm prejudiced against lockback knives. The Endura is less expensive, also thinner and lighter.

You could give any one of these 3 knives to most of us and we could get by fine without the other 2.
 
I would buy a manix 2 xl in s110v. Probably the best value in folding knives available since....well... ever.
 
The correct answer is D: military. :-)

Of those knives I prefer the PM2 but I'm not a huge fan.
 
These are all good blades but like most here I would start with the Para II it is as good as they say. Manix 2xl is a close second for me but still second. Best of luck with your search.
 
I have owned a fair few knives, especially spyderco over the years, the para 2 is still with me, along with the military, enough said. Living the dream ,Faron.
 
I would say if you love the compression lock on your yojimbo get a para 2 if you wana try something different go with the manix, and I personally can't speak for the endura because I do not own one... one day soon
 
I have a PM2, and I like it. My brother has a Manix 2 (G10, S30v), and I love it. I've played with an Endura several times at local stores, and I really like it. The only trouble w/ the Endura is the length of the blade is a bit well, long. It surprised me when I first held one, so I'd imagine that other people might be really surprised. I will likely be the only person to admit that I am partial to the back-lock. My Delica is my absolute favorite - over my BM 940, BM 556, PM2, etc. The primary issue with the Endura is that if I know I won't use it much, I can't justify the purchase. So I'll vote the Manix 2. But you may want to take a look at Knifeworks for the PM2 and Manix 2.
 
vanslem6 said:
I have a PM2, and I like it. My brother has a Manix 2 (G10, S30v), and I love it. I've played with an Endura several times at local stores, and I really like it. The only trouble w/ the Endura is the length of the blade is a bit well, long. It surprised me when I first held one, so I'd imagine that other people might be really surprised. I will likely be the only person to admit that I am partial to the back-lock. My Delica is my absolute favorite - over my BM 940, BM 556, PM2, etc. The primary issue with the Endura is that if I know I won't use it much, I can't justify the purchase. So I'll vote the Manix 2. But you may want to take a look at Knifeworks for the PM2 and Manix 2.
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Not the only person who likes backlocka vanslem, I'm w ya. I do like the compression and CBB lock more though.

OP, I think if you want a long blade, endura. Best buy is the manix(any kind really), most refined design I give to the PM2.
 
I don't think you can go wrong with either the Para 2 or Manix 2.

Some things to consider:

-The tips of these knives are bit thinner than other offerings. If your daily tasks include jobs that may be hard on the tip, another Spyderco might suit your needs better.
-Compression and ballbearing lock are not for everyone. In addition, keeping the ballbearing lock clean might need slightly more maintenance than frame, liner or compression locks.
-Ergonomics are different. If you prefer to cant your wrist in use, the Manix 2 could be a better choice. If you prefer to keep your wrist in a natural position in use, the Para 2 could be a better choice.
 
I certainly like both the CBL and the compression lock, but for some reason I find the back lock more satisfying. Lol. All are winners though, IMO.
 
The PM2 is a great knife, one that you will keep forever, and I like mine a lot. I have an Endura, but don't like it much---the blade is too long, the handle too narrow (I have medium hands). Never had a Manix, but I'm not a big fan of the overly wide leaf-shaped blade (I sold my Native5 due to the blade shape). My favorite of the FRN handle Spydies, by a long measure, is the Stretch. It fits between the Delica and Endura blade-wise, but it has a much more advanced handle and the blade shape is ideal for EDC. I carry mine 90% of the time, bumping out PM2/Gayle Bradley/Endura/Delica/Benchmade HG550/ZT0561/ZT0562/Bladetech Wegner/Buck Vantage/various Kershaw/etc....the Stretch is Sal's crowning achievement.
 
PM2 would be my choice for first of the three although I carry a Stretch more often than all of them. I like all three locks but the compression lock on the PM2 is my favorite of the bunch. The Endura fits the best in the pocket but I prefer the ergos of the PM2 and Manix 2 over it. I might like the Manix 2 as much as the PM2 if the blade profile was more like the PM2.
 
For me, it's a toss-up between the Endura4 and PM2. Can't go wrong with either.
 
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