On the fence over a Paramilitary 2...

I

IMightBeWrong

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Feb 17, 2011
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I have been carrying nothing but Benchmades for about a year now because every time I buy anything else I end up busting the pocket clip on it. That goes for 2 Spyderco knives, an Endura and a Delica, both of which I ended up killing the holes in the FRN on so the clips were permanently wobbly. It also has happened to knives of other brands, but never any of my Benchmades.

On to the point: I'm drooling over the Paramilitary 2. My only concern is it's pocket clip, but I'm thinking it might not be as big an issue as I think due to the G10 handles. From people with Spyderco knives with G10 scales, how well have your pocket clips held up? Also, is there anything else worth noting about a Paramilitary 2 before buying?
 
In my experience clips screwed into G10 hold up very well. The only other concern I might have would be that Spyderco's G10 is aggressive compared to Benchmade's; be aware that it might destroy your pockets.
 
I have a D2 Paramilitary. Rides in my front right pocket. I'm actually really impressed with the durability of the clip. I have banged in, snagged it, and raked it off of a lot of things. Including one of those red poles outside of Sheetz gas station... took some red paint with me :) The only thing that caught mine up was in fact my couch. Got caught in the threads and actually bent it to the point I had to remove it to bend it back. Still rock solid after all that. Dare I say the clip might just be tougher than the knife itself! Haha, anyways hope this helps....
 
I can see and understand getting clips snagged on things, it happens, but attributing it to a specific brand is a bit odd. I guess it's a matter of awareness for me, climbing in and out of my car, walking by in crowded places, working in cramped quarters, etc. The majority of production knives with clips are tapped into some sort of steel liner, aside from TI scales. The Para 2shares the same clip as the Delica, Endura, Stretch, Gayle Bradley, Native5, etc. When in doubt, I drop my knife into my pocket until the coast is clear.
 
I just looked at my Para 2, and it looks like the clip screws thread through the steel liner, too.
 
Better than BM clips...the screws thread into the metal liners and the clip on the Para2 is better than on a 710/705/805/806. It's not an issue at all...

IMightBeWrong said:
I have been carrying nothing but Benchmades for about a year now because every time I buy anything else I end up busting the pocket clip on it. That goes for 2 Spyderco knives, an Endura and a Delica, both of which I ended up killing the holes in the FRN on so the clips were permanently wobbly. It also has happened to knives of other brands, but never any of my Benchmades.

On to the point: I'm drooling over the Paramilitary 2. My only concern is it's pocket clip, but I'm thinking it might not be as big an issue as I think due to the G10 handles. From people with Spyderco knives with G10 scales, how well have your pocket clips held up? Also, is there anything else worth noting about a Paramilitary 2 before buying?
Click to expand...
 
One of the reasons I carry my primary folder IWB in the appendix area, with the clip behind my belt. Won't be snagging the clip on anything there. And I am going to buy a Paramilitary 2 S30V soon.
 
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I've had the same issues with my Endura 4's FRN + pocket-clip.
The clip attached to G10 on the Para and Millie are much more durable and sturdy.
 
Awesome info, guys. Thanks. I actually don't have any G10 knives that I EDC regularly, I usually EDC a Mini Griptilian and I have never had clip issues with it in spite of having plastic handles. I think it's because of the steel liners which my Endura and Delica didn't have if I remember correctly (Gave away the Endura, can't find the Delica).
 
Gen3 Enduras and Delicas had no liners. It was not until Gen4 (current) that liners are introduced. Paying attention to where one is in realtion to the environment can go a long way as well.
 
I started off with Benchmade and have moved on to Spydercos. I have never bent the clips on any of my Benchmades but I really hate how the black paint chips off of their clips.

I have bent the clip on my Spyderco Military D2 sprint run by getting it caught on one of those cheap plastic outdoor chairs while trying to stand up. It actually carried the chair with me while I was standing upright.

The one thing I like about Spyderco's black clips is that the paint doesn't chip. I do carry my folders in my right back pocket now and haven't snagged them on anything since then.
 
The new style clips with the spatula shape are far less likely to snag than the old squared off ones.
 
lambertiana said:
I just looked at my Para 2, and it looks like the clip screws thread through the steel liner, too.
Click to expand...


I second this, the threads on my Para 2 pocket clip are in the actual steel liner. I have never had a problem with any of my Spyderco clips, but I only have one FRN Spydie and it doesn't get carried much.

Benchmade does make great knives too. I have a Griptilian and a 530 and they are nice. However, my favorite knives by far are my Para 2 and Sage 1.

Some nice features of the Para 2:

Compression lock (this functions very similar to an axis lock but with a liner spring instead of a bar/omega springs.)
bushing blade pivot for super smooth action
easy to clean flow through handle scales
full skeletonized stainless, nested liners
very light weight for it's size
full flat ground excellent slicing blade design.
excellent ergonomics (it just feels awesome in the hand.)

One possible con is that the tip is very fine which can be nice for some things but not if you like to pry with your knife.
 
I went from a warn mini barrage to a para 2. The warn gets abused in car work situations, para 2 is primary edc.
 
I just got my first Spyderco, and its a PARA2. All I can say is that I waited WAY to long to get the Spyderco bug...man, its the best folder to ever slide into my blue jeans.
I love it. You will to. Great knife.
I am really impressed. Not to start a flame war, but I always thought of Spyderco and Benchmade in the same league but I have to say. IMO, Spyderco is hands down a cleaner, better built knife.
I have owned several Benchmades, so I think I am fair in my opinion.
Just had to chime in here...thanks.
GKN
 
I have three things to say about your concerns.

#1 I've never had a problem with the "new style" hourglass shaped spyderco clips. They are low profile and work very well. I've only had a problem snagginf the old style paramilitary clip.

#2 I carry a peel ply carbon fiber paramilitary 2 , but have numerous G-10 militaries. I find the Spyderco G-10 is grippy but not abrasive. They nailed it.

#3 Most importantly, for the last few months, the paramilitay has been my favorite knife hands down over anything. It's so good that i ended up buying 4 more sprint runs as back-ups. Plus, since they redesigned the para 2, I think it's one of the best made knives to come out of golden. The bushing system lets the blade have so little friction that it will free fall when unlocked, but has zero, i mean zero play in any direction.
 
I have had my Para-military2 for a little over a month now and no issues; it is easily my favorite knife, I haven't carried anything (other than one of my SAK accompanying it) since I got it. The G-10 is awesome, great grip yet not hard on the hands or pants. The blade shape is awesome, it slices really well and yet feels like it can handle a lot of abuse. I am in love with the compression lock. The ergonomics are amazing, so comfortable and the size is perfect. The fit in finish blows all my other knives away; this knife is easily worth the price. Overall you will not be dissapointed.

To your issue about the pocket clip I wouldn't worry about it. I haven't had any issue with this clip or the clip on my old Delica 4. Only issue with my Delica4 clip is one of the screw inserts stripped. If you are having such a problem with clips, try to be a little more pocket clip oriented.


Enjoy your Para2 (I know you will get it, everyone gets one, eventually.... :p )
 
You won't regret the Para 2, it's my favorite EDC. It sees way more pocket time than even my Sebenza and Strider SNG.
 
Kind Of On Topic:
They Do Sell All Stainless Endura's And Delica's As Well. The Handles May Get a Little Scraped Up, But That's What They're For.

Kind Of Off Topic:
But I Mainly Use My Tough Little Lock Back Kershaw Black Gulch, It Is Considered A Lower End Knife, But The Truth Is, Is That It's One Of The Most Solid Knives I've Carried. Light Use, Heavy Use, Being Dropped, Falling Out Of The Pocket When I Fell, Being Lost For A Moment Lol. It's Withstood Everything I've Put It Through And The Thing Still Has Solid Lock Up, Centering, And Zero Blade Play. Gets Scary Sharp And Holds It's Edge Very Well For Quite A While. Also Fits Well In The Hand And Has Good Grip.

Back On Topic:
Get The Para2, Come To The Spydieside. It's Pretty Nice Over Here Lol. I Do Not Have A Para 2, I've Never Owned One, But I've Passed Up Trades On One, And Know I Wouldn't Mind Having One After All The Great Things I Hear About It. I Happen To Really Like The Delica's, Endura's, Natives, UKPK's, Manix 2's, Caly's Of The Spydiebunch. If You're Looking For A Tough Folder For Cheaper Get A Delica Or Endura 4, You Can Now Get Them In Full Flat Ground Blades And Several Colors. And If You're Gonna Go Nuts, Get An Endura, Delica, And Ladybug All In The Same Color.

But Seriously, Get The Para 2, It's A Nice Knife, Not Way High Dollar, But Gives You The Bang For Your Buck That You Expect From A More High End Folder. You'll Use It, You'll Love It, And Go On To Buy Many More Spydies.
 
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