Recommendation? PM2 or PM3?

Rykjeklut

Rykjeklut

Joined
May 23, 2018
Messages
1,590
People have been raving about the PM2 for a while now, and I've heard good things about the PM3 as well.

I might be in the market for a new knife, and I figured I might try out a Paramilitary. This many people can't be wrong, right?

So yeah, which one would YOU choose?
 
Para 3 is just a smaller PM2 so it's more about size preference. The PM2 is quite comfortable in the hand it really feels like a good size. I've never held a Para 3 but it looks like a neat little knife, still though not sure I'd shell out for it because it's barely cheaper than the PM2. With PM2 you get more blade for your buck.
 
For me, probably the PM3. I usually carry one smaller knife with a blade 3" or less and one larger with a blade around 4". The PM2 is a bit of a tweener for that system, so great as it is it doesn't really fit my carry style.

That said, if I was pushed to carry one knife to use for everything the PM2 would be very close to the top of my list.
 
I like both, but for everyday I like the Para 3. Rarely do I find myself needing more than a 3" blade, and it has a couple other features I like more. I like how the blade goes all the way down to the edge of the choil, as opposed to the PM2, and I like full floating stop pins. It carries better too.
 
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I just handled two at Cabela's and, as I noted elsewhere, it's very hard to choose between the two. I would suggest that if at all possible get both. There times when one is going to be better used than the other
 
I will add this, the pm2 feels good in the hand and is not too heavy nor long. One reason that I might choose the para 3 over the pm2 is that I feel that since the blade is shorter the tip might be a little stronger.
 
I have smaller hands so the Para3 works better for me. I could never get comfortable with a PM2. I now have four Para3's because I like them so much.
I think to help decide, you should hold them both if possible, and/or determine which blade length you prefer. Either way you are getting a great knife.
 
Right. Thanks for all the replies, even if it made me more unsure than before :D
Sadly this will have to be a internet-purchase, so I can't handle them before buying.
 
Rykjeklut said:
Right. Thanks for all the replies, even if it made me more unsure than before :D
Sadly this will have to be a internet-purchase, so I can't handle them before buying.
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Buy both from the Exchange here to try them out. Keep the one you like the most and put the other back here for sale. It's like spending <$20 on "test-driving" the knives.
 
pm2 if you're a lefty with medium to large hands. A lot easier to close and fidget with.

I usually take the clips off my pm3's because they get in the way when closing left handed but YMMV.

My opinion: pm3's are more comfortable to throw in the sweatpants pockets with a big lanyard.

pm2's are better in jeans.
 
I never though that I’d like a smaller knife but my Para 3 has been riding shotgun from the moment I received it. It takes up little pocket space and is perfect for edc. When I go on a short hike, the Military sees pocket time. The Pm2 has been the odd man out for me.
 
sharp_edge said:
Buy both from the Exchange here to try them out. Keep the one you like the most and put the other back here for sale. It's like spending <$20 on "test-driving" the knives.
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Good advice here. Get any PM2 and any PM3 and re-sell the one you don't prefer.
 
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