Paramilitary 2 Pros and Cons?

The PM2 is the epitome of a middle of the road folder in my opinion. It's got a lot going for it, but nothing crazy good that really stands out.

The pros:

Ergonomics - The handle is comfortable for me in just about every position. There are no significant hot spots in any grip that I would normally use.

Compression Lock - It's my favorite Spyderco lock. I love the ingenuity, though in use it's no better or worse than other common locks. I do like that it allows the scales to be more uniform than something like a frame lock.

Light Weight - For the size and sturdiness the PM2 is amazingly light weight.

Blade Shape - I know that a lot of people complain about the handle to blade ratio, but I find this to be overblown. I've found the PM2's blade profile to be extremely versatile and the length of both the handle and blade is similar to other 3.5" folders. Compared to my XM-18 (4.75" handle vs. 3.5" blade) the PM2's (4.812" handle vs. 3.438" blade) measurements might be a little worse, but in hand they feel about the same lengthwise. Maybe I'm just not refined enough to detect a couple hundredths of an inch difference.

Lack of Jimping - One thing that I dislike in a lot of knives is excessive jimping. It's the biggest negative that the Manix 2 has in my opinion. There's aggressive jimping all over that thing. The PM2 has jimping in the choil and around the thumb ramp and that's it. The jimping that's there isn't too aggressive.

Lefty Version - The biggest plus in my book is that Spyderco made a version especially for us lefties.

The cons:

Flatness - Spyderco's treatment of G10 is pretty uninspired. There is no contouring at all. They cut the appropriate shape out of a flat slab of G10 and that's it. It would be nice if there was some rounding of the edges or chamfering or texturing or anything other than a flat, blocky slab.

Action - There is nothing especially bad about the action of the PM2, but compared to similar knives it's not fantastic. The Manix 2 for example gives the feel of a much higher quality. I think it's due to the consistency of resistance that the Manix has. It's similar to a Hinderer or CRK, not as good mind you but similar. The PM2 on the other hand has detent, then looseness, then a click as the liner pops back into the detent, and then the lock. It's not terrible, but not nearly as good as other alternatives.

Not Enough Standoffs - There should be another standoff just behind the lock. I don't know i this would mechanically affect the function of the lock, but there's a big gap between the front standoff and the stop pin. This makes the knife flex if I grip it tightly. It doesn't affect function at all, but it does affect the feeling of quality.

Overall, I'd rate the PM2 a 6 out of 10. There's a lot to like about it, but there are some things that could have been done better in my opinion. These things are all my preferences, so I'm not suggesting that anything should have been done differently. I'm saying that for me other knives check more boxes. For example, I prefer the Manix 2 to the PM2. The only negatives that knife has are the weight and jimping. For 25% less money, it's a much better buy in my opinion. I don't think that either is a bad buy though.
 
Over the past couple weeks, I've been rotating my basic, satin-finished, S30V PM2 into my carry rotation. I've actually had it for years, but for some reason never warmed up to it. I don't know why. Mine has zero flaws in action, F/F, performance, etc. I like it enough to keep it, but have never been 'enamored' with it. It's a strange phenomenon for me.

Jim
 
Cory Hess said:
Maybe I'm just not refined enough to detect a couple hundredths of an inch difference.
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This line made me laugh! :)


Cory Hess said:
Flatness - Spyderco's treatment of G10 is pretty uninspired. There is no contouring at all. They cut the appropriate shape out of a flat slab of G10 and that's it. It would be nice if there was some rounding of the edges or chamfering or texturing or anything other than a flat, blocky slab.
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I know what you mean. It does feel pretty blocky compared to something like the Griptilian. On the other hand, the flatness also helps it disappear in the pocket. The Grip wants to move around a lot because it's so much more round shaped.


Cory Hess said:
Not Enough Standoffs - There should be another standoff just behind the lock. I don't know i this would mechanically affect the function of the lock, but there's a big gap between the front standoff and the stop pin. This makes the knife flex if I grip it tightly. It doesn't affect function at all, but it does affect the feeling of quality.
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You must have wicked strong hands! I've never felt any flex on my PM2 even during hard cuts.
 
Con: The pocket clip holes near the pivot (both sides) tend to pass through and accumulate debris. This debris mixes with the pivot grease/oil and tends to gum up the action over time. Issue is exacerbated in a working environment with a high number of airborne particulates which tend to settle in the pocket/pouch.
 
The thin tip can be one of the cons but it's also a pro because using it is like having a smaller thinner knife on hand in a same package you can do heavier work with. Very versatile knife. As you slice the stock gets thinner and thinner giving you less resistance.
 
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I am not a PM2 fan boy.
The Manix2 is my pick.

But there is a PM2 in my pocket right NOW.

Yes I am confused but happy.
 
For someone new to the PM2 I would say the only 2 "bad" aspects of the knife are 1) The lock can pinch your finger if opened just so. The second thing would be the flat scales/handles. When applying heavy downward pressure making a feather stick, the scales can dig into the hand. A round handle like on the griptillian feels much better especially if your making a lot of them.
If you consider these drawbacks, (most wont) that is a small list compared to other models. I consider the PM2 an excellent knife and have carried one type or another for years. (Along with my Kershaw Skyline )
 
I have 5 and I carry and use them all, no complaints from me or anything I would classify as a "con".
 
Pro: Very solid built.
Con: Sharp handle scales. Light filing helped this a lot.
 
It was my first Spyderco. It has been used more than any other I currently own; most comfortable with it.

Even when carrying a different knife, PM2 is usually my next closest blade.

Pro: good beer bottle opener
Con: four sets of clip holes when I only need one?
 
I get very confused in regards to so many people bitching about blade to handle ratio.
Would 1/16" more blade make THAT much difference??
I don't see it.
Excellent knife! Not perfect, but what is???
For ~$120 there aren't that many better values in the knife world.
 
flatblackcapo said:
The only con that I can think of is it is not the Military. :D
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Brother you hit that nail directly on the head :cool::D>> My current favorite EDC is my beloved, hallowed M390 Military model. But I've just recently acquired a 110V, PM2 ( blurple handle) and I really love it. I mainly traded for it because I've got a job lined up this summer across the state line where they are really strict on blade lengths>> so I got the Para 2, 110V for when I have to put up my M390 MIllie.

But so far I do like pretty much everything about except for the shorter blade. Because I really love the extra long blade on the C-36 Military model. The 110V blade steel on my new Para 2 seems like a good performer so far. It's going to have to be paramount blade steel to equal or even come close to my M390 Millie. But I'm optimistic that it's going to be a great folder for it's size.

Spyderco's full sized folders are awesome EDC blades. I like the C-36 Millie, The C-60 Ayoob, The C-58 JD Smith model and the C-46 Lum Tanto folder are all truly major league folders:cool: But the Para 2 is probably their best blade for it's size range. I also have an affinity for Spyderco's USA made units as well.
 
My first Spyderco was a PM2, and I carried it everyday for about a year. Smooth, fast deployment, light and good looking.

Then Amazon had a green Endura for cheap, and the PM2 has been stuck in the drawer ever since. Turns out I have a thing for lock backs and FRN.
 
The PM2 is a very solid knife. I have had one for a few years, and objectively it seems to be pretty perfect for most tasks. I would say go ahead and get one! As for cons, the only one I can think of is totally abstract. Even though it's a great knife, I hardly ever carry it. I can't really even pin down why, I just normally aren't "feeling it." Even though I don't carry it much, it would be one of my first picks for an objectively great knife.
 
The PM2 is a great knife in form and function no doubt, but as others have said, i just never felt the urge to carry it, something just doesn't grab me. The Military on the other hand....now that is a knife that grabs me, one of the best Spydies ever made.
 
I have more Delica's, and PM2's than any other knives. Delica gets carried the most just because of my work environment. Anything larger would bring unwanted attention. Off work though a PM2 of some flavor is more than likely riding in my pocket. The correct answer to your question is get both!
 
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