NEWBIE to SPYDERCO... Where to Begin & Why?

My first PM2 was a classic S30V with black g10 handles and black dlc
It was just great and it performed well on any tasks I put it through

But since the s110v has been real eased I have to admit that for the price it is my absolute favourite

I have no big issues sharpening it on the spyderco sharpmaker but if you don’t have any skills at sharpening maybe a softer steel can be a better start ... and in this case I will go for s30v either digital camo with satin or DLC blade or just same as I did black+black
 
My first pm2 was the all blacked out version. S30v plain edge. I highly recommend that version. I sold it try a different steel. And that cycle has been repeating. Buy sell. Buy sell. But the only one I truly miss is that first all black pm2.
It’s sharpens very easily to a toothy edge, stays that way a decent amount of time, stainless plus dlc. All in the pm2 package.
And fwiw, I typically get around 90% return when I sell a spyderco. They seem to hold their value even when used. So even if you buy one and don’t like it, you can still get good money to try a different one.
 
BenchMEDAL said:
It sounds like SPYDERCO Veterans really like:
  1. FRN Scales
  2. Wire Clip
  3. Paramilitary 2
  4. Compression Lock
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Oh heck yes.
As far as the FRN goes and pocket wear look for knives that have an oval smooth(ish) pad right under the area that grips your pocket. No prob :thumbsup:
I crave handles with some serious texture and grip. For instance the Spycerco Endura.
Now I bought this diamond textured slip joint thinking it would be some what like that. Wrong. It is actually kind of slick to hold onto and might slip out of a relaxed grasp while held at my side if it were not for the fatter area near the but of the knife. The FRN just has more traction in the right way and in the right direction. Worth a close up look at FRN.
IMG_5185.jpg

BenchMEDAL said:
If you could ONLY have one (1) PM2
  • What would it be (steel, scales, clip, exclusive, etc)?
  • AND WHY?
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Oh that's easy :
Steel = M4 . . . Why : stays at or near hair whittling longer than anything on the planet, is easier to get back to that level of shaprness, is more durable and cuts stuff longer and more accurately FOR ME THAN S110V OR ANYTHING ELSE ON THE PLANET (that I have found).
Scales = the stock greenish natural G10 (I also like the Blurple. In fact I was going to put the M4 blade in my Blurple S110V equipped Para2 but found I like the weird space alien look of the natural G10 even more so I kept the knife as it came from the factory). Why : I like the weird space alien look of the natural G10. We've been over this . . . (try to keep up). (((:)))).
Clip = the stock stainless Para Clip I like a lot. The Wire clip (which comes in more than one wire gauge works super well for me so I could go with that on a Para no prob. I have no attraction to low ride clips personally). Why : the stainless / unpainted bare metal doesn't show scratches as much and looks totally great with the weird space alien look of the natural G10 ;) :rolleyes:. The wire clips are very smooth going on and off the pocket and are highly flexible and adaptable to different pocket thicknesses requiring no adjustment, ever, right out of the box.
The last $200 knife I bought has this clip and is as stated. (on my brand new Pattada). I suppose if one got down to grams the wire clip and the screws (screw) to hold the clip on are the lightest of the steel clips :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:.


BenchMEDAL said:
Are there any Military models out there where I could actually make it “tip up?” That’s what has pulled me away from the Military model.
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Personally speaking again I get along fine with the tip down configuration of the Military and it seems right and the best configuration for a longer knife as far as where my hand falls on the knife as I deploy it. YMMV
IMG_4873.jpg

Finally . . . looking at the patina / staining of the M4 in the photos by AlwaysTomboy . . . just for comparison my Military in M4 (and the Gayle Bradley One ) I intentionally patinaed and my Para2 in M4 I did not intentionally patina but it has a whole lot a lot more use, just tons of use at work everyday and there is no noticeable patina though I never use it on food I also never oil it or in anyway avoid cutting anything with it otherwise.
IMG_5163.jpg
 
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TRfromMT said:
PM2 in your favorite flavor. It's probably one spyderco that should be in every single knife collection.
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Nah dude, nah
Sadly there are those among us who fear the precision knife point.
Those who need more . . . shall we say . . . cowbell.

To those rugged individuals I must warn you; If you see a Pattada on the horizon
RUN AWAY, RUN AWAY ! ! !
Because NOW we are talking delicate knife point.
One could do eye surgery from across the room with it but . . . yeah . . . don't drop it on the concrete off a ladder.

PS : oh and that last knife I bought with the wire clip . . . thass it.
IMG_5237.jpg
 
Therom said:
My first PM2 was a classic S30V with black g10 handles and black dlc
Click to expand...
PStone said:
My first pm2 was the all blacked out version. S30v plain edge. I highly recommend that version. I sold it try a different steel. And that cycle has been repeating. Buy sell. Buy sell. But the only one I truly miss is that first all black pm2.
Click to expand...

My ONLY safe queen.
I love the look of that thing and can't bring myself to mar it.

The S30V with DLC in the Para with the Pattada above was so perfect in the pivot and lock action and the edge was still cutting / precision trimming so well for me even though the edge to the touch no longer felt very sharp that I felt bad knocking it out of my pocket for the Pattada. I bought that Camo Para2 as a beater and it has become a favorite user that I really feel comfortable with and it has had to win me over (I haven't thought much of S30V before this. I like a steel that holds a shave sharp edge better than S30V does). It's not shave sharp by any stretch of the imagination but it is still cutting really well in difficult materials.
 
When I decided to hard test the my all black s30v PM2 I have been surprised by how much it can take and by how resistant the DLC was
After testing it the PM2 change its status from good all around EDC to robust all purpose knife
After this I am now shy anymore to use my PM2 the way I use my zt0350 which I always assumed to be more robust...
But clearly the pivot and stop pin on the PM2 are very strong
 
BenchMEDAL said:
It’s beginning to sound like the PM2 is the place to start.

If you could ONLY have one (1) PM2
  • What would it be (steel, scales, clip, exclusive, etc)?
  • AND WHY?
Click to expand...
Hands down the KW exclusive!
Why? Because it's friggin M4 and Carbon Fiber.
ydskGxK.jpg
 
anycal said:
Get it while it is still available.

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SP...mooth-black-g10-handles-knifecenter-exclusive

Great steel, non-shredding handles, good price, and what others said about the PM2.
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anycal said:
First, let me say 940, although currently my only BM, is one of my favorite folders. I have the REI flavor. Bugout on pre-order.

PM2 is my favorite folder, as I have several versions. The Military is my second.

As for CRUWEAR, is is not a stainless steel. That said, out of the Spyderco non-stainless steels I own (M4, Maxamet, K390, 52100), it is the most stain resistant. What I like about it? From my experience, non-stainless steels tend to be less chippy or brittle than the stainless ones - toughness is the category this falls under. Otherwise, wear and ease of sharpening is on par with the ones you mentioned - 20CV and M390 (M390 - my favorite and most used steel).

Comparison shot for your consideration,

hJLi5woh.jpg
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blades&wrenches said:
I will echo the KW CF/M4 and KC G10/Cruwear PM2 recommendations. Keep in mind both are uncoated and non stainless, however M4 and Cruwear are both amazing steels. The PM2 is a great size while being fairly lightweight, and the comp lock is as fast and smooth as any axis lock I've had when properly dialed in.
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P2P said:
Another vote for pm2 in M4, Cruwear, S35VN, or M390.
Click to expand...

Therom said:
My first PM2 was a classic S30V with black g10 handles and black dlc
It was just great and it performed well on any tasks I put it through

But since the s110v has been real eased I have to admit that for the price it is my absolute favourite

I have no big issues sharpening it on the spyderco sharpmaker but if you don’t have any skills at sharpening maybe a softer steel can be a better start ... and in this case I will go for s30v either digital camo with satin or DLC blade or just same as I did black+black
Click to expand...

PStone said:
My first pm2 was the all blacked out version. S30v plain edge. I highly recommend that version. I sold it try a different steel. And that cycle has been repeating. Buy sell. Buy sell. But the only one I truly miss is that first all black pm2.
It’s sharpens very easily to a toothy edge, stays that way a decent amount of time, stainless plus dlc. All in the pm2 package.
And fwiw, I typically get around 90% return when I sell a spyderco. They seem to hold their value even when used. So even if you buy one and don’t like it, you can still get good money to try a different one.
Click to expand...

Wowbagger said:
The wire clips are very smooth going on and off the pocket and are highly flexible and adaptable to different pocket thicknesses requiring no adjustment, ever, right out of the box.
Click to expand...

I’m beginning to understand what Spyderco Enthusiasts love about the brand & why. Greatly appreciated Gents.

While blade steel preferences seem varied, the majority of you suggested:
  • M4
  • CRUWEAR
  • S35V
  • S110V
  • S30V
Since I’m one that likes to start with a high quality steel, I will keep an eye out for a USED PM2 here on BladeForums, either a:
  • KW Carbon Fiber - M4
  • KW Black G10 - CRUWEAR
  • KW Brown G10 - S35VN
  • M390
I appreciate the input, and welcome more of it.
 
blades&wrenches said:
Hands down the KW exclusive!
Why? Because it's friggin M4 and Carbon Fiber.
ydskGxK.jpg
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Thanks blades&wrenches!
I checked the KW website, and unfortunately it appears to be discontinued exclusive. I’ll definitly keep an eye out for this should a BladeForums Member decide to sell.
 
Oh good grief BenchMedal - just buy an S110V PM2 already and report back in two weeks! By then you'll have:

1: been exposed to Spyderco's fine product first-hand
2: had enough time to think about how your sample of one Spyderco is different/same as your numerous Benchmades
3: had your pockets somewhat shredded by a new G10 Spyderco, and felt OK with that
4: wondered how that PM2 could simultaneously take up more and less space in your pocket than a full-size Griptilian
5: realized that Spyderco needs to sharpen the first 1/16" of their blades
6: bought a limited edition Manix2 or two, a Mule, and a Native!

Best,
jswa2
 
4mer_FMF said:
PM 2. It’s the modern-classic Spyderco and highlights the compression lock, probably at its finest. While Spyderco’s S30V is great, there are loads of other steels available in sprint runs and exclusives. The CruWear from Knifecenter is where I’d personally go if I were looking. The G-10 on the PM2 provides good traction without being a pocket shredder. It feels solid in hand and not the least bit cheap Weight is light and ergos are great.

The only reason I could see someone not enjoying the PM2 would be it’s relatively high carry clip or the space it occupies in pocket (it’s not a small knife). If that’s a concern for you, try a Sage 5. It’s kinda like a gentleman’s PM2 and I prefer it to the Para 3; ymmv.

My personal favorite right now is the Spydiechef. I’ve had mine for about 3 weeks and haven’t been able to find a single fault. For me, that’s an incredibly strong endorsement because I can find something wrong with just about anything! LC200N is exciting for me to try too. The knife is so good that in some ways it’s ruining me to other knives.

As stated above, I agree the wire clip is awesome.
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+1 on the spydiechef. the only knife so good I bought it twice.
 
It's hard to go wrong with a PM2. In my opinion, it's an impressive knife for the money. The Manix 2 would be another great option.
 
Kels73 said:
It's hard to go wrong with a PM2. In my opinion, it's an impressive knife for the money. The Manix 2 would be another great option.
Click to expand...
Thanks Kels73. It seems that the majority of locks on Spyderco knives are compression as in the PM2, and widely favored among Spyderco enthusiasts. Any thoughts on the different locking mechanisms between the PM2 and the Manix 2?
 
I’ve own both cbbl and compression. The cbbl was way easier to tune to a free swinging blade, with no play at all in any direction. But it is a lot stiffer than an axis lock.
The compression lock can be finicky sometimes. In my experience, it takes a bit more time to get the action how I like it. But it’s still my preferred spyderco lock.
 
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