Next Knife....Millie or PM2?

B

bcmiddy

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Dec 2, 2014
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Hey all,

Long time lurker finally making a post. I've read about every thread I could on here in regards to the spyderco military and paramilitary 2. So I am not really looking for recommendations about which is better, I would just like some opinions on which to get first based on the knifes I have.

I only have two knifes worth mentioning which is a Kershaw Leek Composite Blackwash and a Kershaw Blur s30v. While I enjoy both I am looking for something different.

There are not any blade length restrictions here in MI. The knife will be an EDC. Used for opening boxes, cutting cardboard mail and other basic cutting. The last use would be self defense if my life would be threatened, but it is not its primary use.

I want it to be different from my BLUR, and while both the spydercos are different in terms of design and how they open, I am concerned that the paramilitary's blade is too similar to my BLUR. Since they are roughly the same length.

However, I do prefer the compression lock over the millies. Furthermore, I have medium sized hands and I am worried that the the grip on the military would be uncomfortable. Also, it seems the paramilitary is ridiculously popular by how fast they sell on the market and in stores. I can get both for about the same price so that is a wash.

My last question would be on going with the standard styles or getting a better steel such as m390 or s90v. I dont sharpen my knives often and most likely would have them professionally sharpened. Would I be better off stalking the forums hoping to find a nice sprint or just pulling the trigger on a brand new style? I would not be willing to go over $300 but would rather spend less. Do they still release sprints for these spydercos or am I stuck buying used?

I will be getting both eventually, but it will probably be a year apart at least. I really appreciate everyone's help as I have spent a great deal of time watching videos and reading through the forums. I feel it is time for some situational advice from you experienced experts. Thanks!
 
I have both and prefer the military. I also have medium hands and the grip on the military is great. If you can get a military for the same price as a PM2 then go fit it as that's a good deal.
 
You'd get better results on the Spyderco sub-forum. Maybe someone can move it for you.
PM2 would probably be your best bet though.
The Millie sprints with some "better" steels are out there but a bit pricier. PM2 has had a couple of recent exclusive/sprint releases in S35VN and CTS204P. The latter would be the better choice for your sharpening requirement.
There are many more choices for steel out there, I threw those 2 out for the availability.
Be sure that you purchase either from a reputable dealer. Lots and lots of fakes out there! Sprints will be harder to get from a dealer right now but can be found.
 
Millie and PM2 grips are about the same in girth, Millie's is of course longer. They both feel about the same in my hand--that is, they both feel really good and natural.

I prefer tip up carry over the tip down only of the Millie--personal choice, not objective reasoning.

I prefer the liner lock of the Millie over the compression lock of the PM2--again, personal choice.

I am more likely to carry a smaller knife than a larger one so it's the PM2 for me...that personal choice thing that has absolutely nothing to do with being objective.
 
I will eventually buy a Military as I think they're badass. I'm carrying a PM2 today, though I ordered a sprint-run Manix yesterday. I'm not in love with the compression lock at this point, though the knife is great. I also would love to wait until a tip-up Military 2 exists.
 
(Personally I like the Military but prefer the PM2.)

For your situation I would suggest the Military since it is more different from your Blur and I think would fit your uses. The PM2 is a lot different from the Blur also except that it is in the same general size class.
 
I have both (several variations of each, actually) and like them a lot. They are very similar in a lot of aspects: same handle material, same steel, almost identical blade shapes (the Military is longer, of course, but they're quite alike).

The main advantages the PM2 has over the Military are its lock and the fact that the pocket clip can be switched to four different positions. It's a medium sized knife, which also explains its popularity since the Military might be a bit large for some folks (or illegal to carry in some places). I feel that the lock comparison comes down to how cool you think the compression lock is and whether you like to have several different locks to try out, I've used my old Military a lot and never felt the linerlock was weak. I do like the clip on the PM2 more than the one on the Military because I can switch it to tip up carry, which I prefer (also the one on the Military leaves too much of the knife exposed for my taste).

The Military, on the other hand, is one of the lightest knives in it's size class. That's the main thing I like about it. You get a fantastic blade (I'm quite fond of flat ground Spydies), G10 handles and a very comfortable handle in a package that's comfortable to carry every day. According to my highly accurate kitchen scale, it weighs almost the same as the smaller PM2.

I don't think you should worry about the PM2 and the Blur being too similar. Except for blade length and steel (in some variants), everything else about them is different.

About sprints, they're always nice if you can find them for a decent price. If you're not in a hurry, you might as well shop around a bit and see if you can find one you like. The regular versions of the Military and Paramilitary 2 will still be in production for a long time.

Here are some pictures that you might find useful.

Blur, PM2 and Military closed.
20141202_161233.jpg


PM2 and Military closed.
20141202_161248.jpg


Blur and PM2 closed.
20141202_161302.jpg


PM2 and Military clip comparison.
20141202_161321.jpg


PM2 and Military open.
20141202_161400.jpg


PM2 and Blur open.
20141202_161443.jpg
 
If you can find a Cruwear Millie out there I'd jump on it while they're still to be had.
 
In have several Blurs; great knives!

I have two PM2s. Love the compression lock, handle shape, blade shape. I definitely understand the fervor. Like has been said, similar in size to the Blur, but certainly a different knife.

Actually have never handled a Military (though I would like to get one eventually, also a Police G10, different sizes, different locks), so it's really interesting to see it side-by-side with the PM2 (thanks, Franciscomv!). I have been liking big knives a lot lately, so I'm thinking that I need to get Military soon!
 
I've had quite a few of each model, but vastly prefer the PM2 for my rather casual EDC. And, I love the compression lock.
 
The Military is great! Only thing I didn't like about it was the clip positioning.
 
The mili and para 2 are the only model of knife I own more than one of, but i own more milies than anything. I will cosign on the cruwear mili, if you go with a pm2 get the brown s35vn.
 
The Elmax Paramilitary 2 is still in stock (dealer exclusive). This particular dealer also still had the Cruwear Military in stock last time I checked. Nothing wrong with the s30v in the regular models though.
 
Both are great knives. The pm2 is more my size for most edc. I also like tip up better. And the compression lock has become my favorite . I m carrying it a lot!
 
Thanks everyone for your input and help. It seems this thread resembles much of what I have gathered through research. I decided to stretch my budget and get both. Found a military on sale here and I am in the process of looking for a paramilitary. Hoping to dind a deal on a model carrying s90v or m390. It seems those need sharpened less often. Also I put a preorder out on a manix 2 s110v. I hope I actually like these spydercos.

On a side note I really do like this Blur and I have inhereted a sharpening kit that uses some form of diamond I believe. I maybe will check the quality of this kit and see if it is worth practicing on some lesser quality blades.

Thank you all for your help.
 
Both great knives but I like he Millie more, our winters are long in MI and with a lot of glove wearing it's easier to manipulate.

Where in MI are you?
 
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