Paramilitary 2 versus Military

Fish Boy

Fish Boy

Joined
Aug 2, 2014
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Which is better for EDC use? What are the differences in function and application?

If you own both, please give me a comparison.

If you have any suggestions or other knives I should look at, please do tell.

Edit: Is the Spyderco Amazon an official "selling place" of Spyderco knives?

(I'm really freaked out about getting fake products, I know. I've gotten fake products before and it is not fun.)
 
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I'll give the nod to the paramilitary, once you get used to the compression lock it's no harder to use than a lockback or linerlock. While some may not like the relatively short blade to handle proportions of the para 2 the handle is smaller than the Military's making it more suited to edc carry, and the blade is plenty long enough to get most jobs done. The para feels "stouter" and while the Military's linerlock is one of the best out there I still prefer the compression lock from a safety standpoint.
 
I don't own the Military, only the PM2 which I really enjoy. The PM2 is great in the hand and feels like a very well thought out design. For me the Military is a little big for EDC and I don't like the fact it's tip down carry only.

I've been on the edge about buying a Military since I don't have many big folders, but a few things like the tip down only have kept me from pulling the trigger. Maybe one day they will update it with a Military 2 :)
 
I finally found a second Paramlitary 2 sprint run with the S90V and there is nothing better in this world as far as Spydercos go. I took me forever, and a pretty good chunk of change as I needed one that was NIB for my Para 2 Sprint collection but when I got it in I loved it so much I HAD to have another one to carry as an edc. I luckily found another one that was NIB and I couldn't be happier. It is the ultimate Para 2 or Spyderco for that matter. IMO there is the Para 2 Sprint S90V and then there are the rest of the Sprints and Exclusives. I have owned them all and none can hold a candle to the 2010 Sprint S90V Para 2. It feels great, is lite in the pocket, and I LOVE the blade steel. I also tried out a military with similar carbon fiber and S90V and it was nice and even less were produced (400 total) but it was just too big and I cannot get used to tip down carry only.
Why Spyderco doesn't make the Military with the option for tip up carry blows my mind. It makes no sense to me at all. But the hard part is tracking down a 2010 Sprint S90V Carbon Fiber Para 2. I found them to be the hardest to find by far and they are not cheap b any means. The last 3 have gone for over $700.00 on the Bay and they are beyond rare to find on any secondary market.
That's just my 2 cents but if you want a killer knife that will get wicked sharp and hold and edge forever and just feels perfect in the hand then the 2010 Carbon Fiber S90V Sprint Run is the one to get. Good luck finding one but if you look hard enough you will eventually run into one but you have to be quick.
 
I'm no expert in the Military and Paramilitary line, but here is the differences off the top of my head. Anyone please feel free to correct me if I have said anything that is incorrect.


-Size, both blade and handle. The Military is larger.
-Pocket clip position options. The military only offers tip down carry. The Paramilitary offers 4 way clip carry.
-Lock Type.
 
This is a preference question, no one is better than the other. They are both spyderco's, both s30v, both have a sharp edge,and both will serve you in most all tasks. My nod goes to the military. I like bigger knives and that's that. The pm2 is nice in all, but the military was the inspiration to the pm2. Go with what your gut tells you, if you want a more pocket friendly knife then probably the pm2, if you want a bigger knife and to hell with pocket space (like me) then military all day everyday. Both will serve you as long as the other...
 
ShepardCC said:
Pm2. Lock is stronger
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This would probably be the last of my worries when considering an EDC type of knife. The military has a more than sufficient lock, in my opinion. That being said, the military is quite a large knife, but it carries really nice especially with a low ride clip. I personally carry a pm2 more often because the handle fits my hand better and the lock is slightly more "fun" to play with than the liner lock. But! I guess it depends on the day, that's why I have multiples of both! Plus a few more Spydercos :D Cutting a bunch of food? Military. Other stuff? PM2.
 
Munchy said:
This would probably be the last of my worries when considering an EDC type of knife. The military has a more than sufficient lock, in my opinion. That being said, the military is quite a large knife, but it carries really nice especially with a low ride clip. I personally carry a pm2 more often because the handle fits my hand better and the lock is slightly more "fun" to play with than the liner lock. But! I guess it depends on the day, that's why I have multiples of both! Plus a few more Spydercos :D Cutting a bunch of food? Military. Other stuff? PM2.
Click to expand...

Yes. The two big differences are size and lock. If you're allergic to big knives, get the PM2. Lots of people love the compression lock but the Military has its advantages (better ergos with cold hands or gloves, for example), so that's the other big difference.
 
fisheater said:
Paramilitary 2 versus Military
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I prefer the Military, but that's just me.

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Big Mike
 
Ok, I owned the pm2 first and thought it was the greatest knife ever...until I got a military. Once I got my hands on the Millie, I was convinced it was the greatest knife ever! So much so that I didn't even carry my pm2 anymore and ended up selling it. Well, last week I finally got another pm2 and now Im thinking...maybe it's the greatest knife ever. :rolleyes:

In other words...GET BOTH! ;)
 
fetzer85 said:
Is this a proven statement or an opinion?
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I don't really know which is stronger but I would imagine that the compression lock would be less likely to fail. Pure speculation as I have never had any spyderco lock fail on me.
 
Military SUCKS for the following reasons.

TIP DOWN CARRY only.
No Compression lock.
Tip Down only carry
 
I prefer the PM2. It has a newer, smoother pivot and can be finger-flicked open so easily.

Also, as mentioned, the compression lock. I can open the 2, make my cut and then close it back, one handed, in a matter of seconds. Can't do that with a Military, and I vastly prefer larger folding knives in general, usually 4".
 
I expected this one to be more evenly divided. The military wins by a long shot for me. I've tried the para2 several times, selling it off then giving it another shot because of the vocal fans... Just doesn't feel right in my hand.

The military is the closest to perfect for me that I've found so far. Its been nearly my true EDC for almost a year now. I do prefer tip up carry, but that's easily changed.

Buy both used and sell one if you want. Your money won't be tied up for long.

For reasonable and sane usage of a folding knife, the liner lock on the military is stronger than you'll ever need, so that really shouldn't be a deciding factor.


 
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