Para military 2 vs 3 or any else?

D

Dextar

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Sep 14, 2017
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Just after 1 month having the Para 2 SV30 G10 black, want to have another folding one....
Seems there's about 1cm less blade length compare between para 3 and 2, is it a big difference feeling in everyday use?
Any other recommended model?

Thanks.
 
I think there is a big difference but I also have a big hand (2xl glove, sometimes xl). The Para 2 feels much better in my hand then the Para 3. That extra 1 cm makes a difference in my opinion. I unloaded my Para 3 a month or two after I got it. It just didn't get any pocket time.

I'll stick to the Para 2 price range or under for now.

I'll throw a few suggestions out there. Linked from KC for easy reference.

You could always go with an Ontario Rat 1 in D2. Still a great knife and bargain (just posted on this in another thread so it was fresh in my brain).
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/ON...e-satin-d2-plain-blade-od-green-nylon-handles

The CS UH. Comes in orange G10 too. It might be tied with the Spyderco Endura as my favorite knife.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CS...ing-knife-s35vn-satin-blade-black-g10-handles

Thinner handle but same size. I like the ergos of the Ultimate Hunter better msyelf.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CS...knife-s35vn-black-dlc-blade-black-g10-handles

Not the biggest fan of metal handled knives but still a good knife.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CS...nife-s35vn-satin-plain-blade-aluminum-handles

I admit to being a fan of Demkos tri-ad lock.
 
From the "any else" department, I prefer the Military model. The blades on the PM2 and and especially the 3 are too short for my liking. The Military doesn't have the Compression Lock or 4-position clip, but I think it's a better cutting tool for actually use.
 
rhino said:
From the "any else" department, I prefer the Military model. The blades on the PM2 and and especially the 3 are too short for my liking. The Military doesn't have the Compression Lock or 4-position clip, but I think it's a better cutting tool for actually use.
Click to expand...

Ya, didn't have chance to touch the real product yet, but I also concern about the blade length, feeling Para 2 at good length, so, maybe 3 is too short for actual use
 
gazz98 said:
I think there is a big difference but I also have a big hand (2xl glove, sometimes xl). The Para 2 feels much better in my hand then the Para 3. That extra 1 cm makes a difference in my opinion. I unloaded my Para 3 a month or two after I got it. It just didn't get any pocket time.

I'll stick to the Para 2 price range or under for now.

I'll throw a few suggestions out there. Linked from KC for easy reference.

You could always go with an Ontario Rat 1 in D2. Still a great knife and bargain (just posted on this in another thread so it was fresh in my brain).
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/ON...e-satin-d2-plain-blade-od-green-nylon-handles

The CS UH. Comes in orange G10 too. It might be tied with the Spyderco Endura as my favorite knife.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CS...ing-knife-s35vn-satin-blade-black-g10-handles

Thinner handle but same size. I like the ergos of the Ultimate Hunter better msyelf.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CS...knife-s35vn-black-dlc-blade-black-g10-handles

Not the biggest fan of metal handled knives but still a good knife.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CS...nife-s35vn-satin-plain-blade-aluminum-handles

I admit to being a fan of Demkos tri-ad lock.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the details!
 
Dextar said:
Ya, didn't have chance to touch the real product yet, but I also concern about the blade length, feeling Para 2 at good length, so, maybe 3 is too short for actual use
Click to expand...

The Para 3 is probably a great box cutter, but your hand is going to get messy trying to reach the bottom of the peanut butter jar with that stubby blade!
 
gazz98 said:
I think there is a big difference but I also have a big hand (2xl glove, sometimes xl). The Para 2 feels much better in my hand then the Para 3. That extra 1 cm makes a difference in my opinion. I unloaded my Para 3 a month or two after I got it. It just didn't get any pocket time.

I'll stick to the Para 2 price range or under for now.

I'll throw a few suggestions out there. Linked from KC for easy reference.

You could always go with an Ontario Rat 1 in D2. Still a great knife and bargain (just posted on this in another thread so it was fresh in my brain).
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/ON...e-satin-d2-plain-blade-od-green-nylon-handles

The CS UH. Comes in orange G10 too. It might be tied with the Spyderco Endura as my favorite knife.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CS...ing-knife-s35vn-satin-blade-black-g10-handles

Thinner handle but same size. I like the ergos of the Ultimate Hunter better msyelf.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CS...knife-s35vn-black-dlc-blade-black-g10-handles

Not the biggest fan of metal handled knives but still a good knife.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CS...nife-s35vn-satin-plain-blade-aluminum-handles

I admit to being a fan of Demkos tri-ad lock.
Click to expand...
These are some good choices for work/edc. The American Lawman, of the recommendations made,is most comparable to the
PM2. Seems to be sturdier, great ergonomics, like the PM2.
Look at the Manix 2. I m starting to like this model as much as the PM2.
 
I have both the PM2 and PM3 and the PM2 PM3 is my everyday knife. It just fits my hand better.

Edited: My brain was backwards, I much prefer the slightly smaller PM3
 
Last edited:
My most used, ordered by size:
Chaparral, Native, Native Chief, Military.

For gardening, my most used serrated edge, ordered by size:
Tasman Salt 2, Native 5 Salt, Caribbean Sheepsfoot.

For urban EDC, I like the Chaparral the most for its size, fit and finish, great materials, and super slicy edge geometry.
 
Both great knives...but why stop at just those two?

(Evil laugh...)
 
I have the para 3lw and it gets about zero pocket time..even upgraded the clip and hardware... its just meh to me. My para 2 however has been my main carry knife for the better part of 9 years or so. I have many knives that see pocket time but the para 2 has taken 90% of it in those years. My giant mouse ace grand has now finally taken top spot though however. As far as blade to handle ratio with the pm2 that a lot of people complain about... its got enough blade to be very usable and enough handle for a full grip. The 2 just don't match well like we are used to but I've never pulled out my pm2 to cut something and went man I wish I had another inch of blade..
 
So I really love my Para 3. Sure the blade isn't that long but I have bigger chefs knives if I need to use them for cooking. For every day stuff the blade length hasn't been an issue but it depends on what you do most days.

I also love my Delica. Same blade length but slimmer in pocket and blade. It cuts really really well and could make for a nice companion knife for your Pm2.

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Also at some point your curiosity may have you buying the Para 3 anyways to try it out. Go with your gut and it may save you time and money in the long run.
 
I have a para3 and para 2. Para 3 has become my everyday carry. Cuts anything I need it to. It's pushed every other knife I have out of my pocket.
 
I like both, the my 3 is gym shorts carry mostly. Wish the 2 came in Spy27...
 
kobold said:
My most used, ordered by size:
Chaparral, Native, Native Chief, Military.

For gardening, my most used serrated edge, ordered by size:
Tasman Salt 2, Native 5 Salt, Caribbean Sheepsfoot.

For urban EDC, I like the Chaparral the most for its size, fit and finish, great materials, and super slicy edge geometry.
Click to expand...

Chaparral is in my list too ;)
 
The paramilitary 2 is the quintessential EDC knlife. Doesn’t need aftermarket parts to be it’s best. It is ready for action and doesn’t disappoint.
 
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