Paramilitary 2 CF Owners What do you think?

G

Gadgetman7

Joined
Sep 30, 2001
Messages
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I just received the CF Paramilitary 2 today as part of a late Christmas present. I have two Paramilitaries and love them both so I was surprised and happy when I saw the knife in the box. (I had not asked for it.)

I opened the box and noticed the CF scales. These scales are very well done. Much like the first Sage in my opinion. Nicely fitted and very grippy. The lock is tight and the blade is centered perfectly. I also really liked the new handle shape.

But then the part I don't like. The new blade design is too big for me. It seems as though Spyderco didn't leave much of a difference between the Paramilitary and the Military. I know it's not even a half an inch but it seems much larger. I actually don't like it.

I will keep the knife in the box and plastic. Since it's a limited run I'm sure it will increase in value and I can always sell it on Ebay later and buy the Paramilitary 3. (Hopefully it will have a smaller blade.)

So the question, of those of you who have this knife how do you like it? Specifically, the size of the blade?
 
Are you able to take a picture of the original and the new version? It is significantly larger than the original model, though not sure what it truly turns out to be.

They seem to be nearly the same length closed, so you wind up getting more blade in the same size package. I guess I kind of like the added length, though it does its legality issues though.
 
Ive always been someone who likes the larger blades. For me its actually the perfect blade size for my every day carry choice. That being said, it is bigger than the original paramilitary so i can understand the disappointment the fans of that size would have. Another positive though is the sharpness out of the box, its scary sharp.
 
I don't have access to a camera right now. I'm out of town. But I think it's more of a perception issue for me. The original Paramilitary was over 3 inches so it was already illegal in a lot of places. The new one is under 3.5 inches which is usually the next cut off point so I don't think the legality is an issue for me as much as the size of the blade in use. It just doesn't work for me.

What I would love is a 3 inch version. But then it would almost be a Sage. :-)
 
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Para2 is blade is a hair over 3/8" longer than the original Paramilitary. One solution, if you find the knife otherwise perfect for you, might be to shorten the blade. Personally I never liked the Paramilitary and see nothing that would make me like this version any better.

Paul
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I'd probably grab a regular g10 version if I was going to modify it since the CF one will be worth a decent amount and/or is.

The legality bit is somewhat of a problem, though I can't say I am all too worried about that. I also don't carry a folder normally either, minus the leatherman charge's blades.
 
I quite like mine, the CF is nice and overall feeling and ergos really good. Very impressive out of the box sharpness.

For me the added blade lenght is a plus, on the Para1 it felt like there was too little blade for the amount of handle length. Liked the knife well enough but never completely warmed up to it. This one is nicer in that respect.

Not really digging the huge oversized lanyard hole, I could do without one completely but that's just small stuff. Those who like lanyards will probably appreciate it, I guess that's why it's there.
 
I think the CF S90V Para 2 is one of the best EDC's I've carried. I'd put it in my top 5 right now. The CF Para 2 was a classic the day it was released IMHO. Is it flawless? No. But it's a fantastic knife that uses one of the best blade steels for a folder available today. It's strong, thin, light and a perfect EDC size in my book.

Now that you have a four way clip config, the lanyard hole is more useful now too.

I have a love/hate relationship with the compression lock. I love how well designed it is. I love it's strength. I hate closing it compared to other locks except for back locks which are as cumbersome for me as the compression.

But there is no denying the compression lock is one good lock.

Currently, I own two ;)
 
Frankki said:
I quite like mine, the CF is nice and overall feeling and ergos really good. Very impressive out of the box sharpness.

For me the added blade lenght is a plus, on the Para1 it felt like there was too little blade for the amount of handle length. Liked the knife well enough but never completely warmed up to it. This one is nicer in that respect.

Not really digging the huge oversized lanyard hole, I could do without one completely but that's just small stuff. Those who like lanyards will probably appreciate it, I guess that's why it's there.
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The added length is nice. Wouldn't mind seeing a military with a smaller handle. :D

You could have a custom plug made for the hole with some tritium in it, would be schweeet.
 
riz_aaroni said:
You could have a custom plug made for the hole with some tritium in it, would be schweeet.
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Hmm.. not bad. Very bling too. :cool: :D


Oh yeah. The Para 2 has the pivot bushing system, does it not? Very clever I think, lockup is tight and solid but the blade moves real smooth in operation. To the extent that I noticed needing to really mind my fingers when unlocking the blade because it will swing down freely, and fast. Good from my point of view, but not a knife to lend to someone inexperienced or careless.. there will be blood for sure.
 
Frankki said:
Hmm.. not bad. Very bling too. :cool: :D


Oh yeah. The Para 2 has the pivot bushing system, does it not? Very clever I think, lockup is tight and solid but the blade moves real smooth in operation. To the extent that I noticed needing to really mind my fingers when unlocking the blade because it will swing down freely, and fast. Good from my point of view, but not a knife to lend to someone inexperienced or careless.. there will be blood for sure.
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How is the retention when it is closed? It is pretty easy to swing the blade out of the handle on my original para military.
 
On mine at least, very ok retention. Haven't tried wrist flicking the blade out or anything such, but it opens easily and closes with a comfortable snap. Good mechanics of operation. :thumbup:
 
Frankki said:
On mine at least, very ok retention. Haven't tried wrist flicking the blade out or anything such, but it opens easily and closes with a comfortable snap. Good mechanics of operation. :thumbup:
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Good to know. I never had an issue with mine, though I always have this feel it'll open and I'll take a finger off when reaching into my pocket for it.
 
IMO, the ratio of blade to handle on the P1 was less than ideal. I like the P2's blade size, and the ratio to the handle, a lot. YMMV, I guess! :)
 
No blade play in mine, didn't have to adjust the pivot at all.



Well, I can make the blade move ever so slightly if I really grab it and put some effort to it but that's the same as with any folding knife I've had.
 
I actually love the blade size! I have used a military too, which is too big, but the para 2 seems to fit right there between my delicas and the military. A perfect score in my opinion.
 
Gadgetman7 said:
I just received the CF Paramilitary 2 today as part of a late Christmas present. I have two Paramilitaries and love them both so I was surprised and happy when I saw the knife in the box. (I had not asked for it.)

I opened the box and noticed the CF scales. These scales are very well done. Much like the first Sage in my opinion. Nicely fitted and very grippy. The lock is tight and the blade is centered perfectly. I also really liked the new handle shape.

But then the part I don't like. The new blade design is too big for me. It seems as though Spyderco didn't leave much of a difference between the Paramilitary and the Military. I know it's not even a half an inch but it seems much larger. I actually don't like it.

I will keep the knife in the box and plastic. Since it's a limited run I'm sure it will increase in value and I can always sell it on Ebay later and buy the Paramilitary 3. (Hopefully it will have a smaller blade.)

So the question, of those of you who have this knife how do you like it? Specifically, the size of the blade?
Click to expand...

I think the knife is terrific. I own 6 original Paramilitary knives and 2 of the new version. The knife is much more balanced with the refinements made. The pivot is more centered than the original, the steel corner is gone as are the days of smashing ones pinky on it when reaching into the pocket. More carry options, althought I still carry this new version tip down (old habits die hard).

The bushing system makes for much smoother opening and closing. Mine have really good detents, the blade does not fly open with the flick of the wrist. The blade length is terrific too, then again I live in a state where there is basically no carry restrictions, no blade length restrictions, nothing. You can carry anything really.

The Para2 was never really supposed to be a departure from the original, more of a refinement on the original. That is what Spyderco is all about CQI all the way. Based on what I have read in the past from Spyderco literature, the Paramilitary was a smaller version of the Military. Sorry to hear that you didn't like the knife. The good thing is that Spyderco has so many excellent designs that I am sure you will find something that you will enjoy using and carrying.
 
No blade play in mine either, absolutely perfect fit and finish. In fact, if it weren't for the blade size this would be one of my favorite Spydercos. As of now it's a toss up between the Perrin PPT and the Sage 2.
 
I haven't even received my standard para 2 yet, after waiting 3 months. but I would prefer if the next paramilitary had a RIL. Not a fan of the compression lock.
 
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