Sage or PARA 2

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bobec57

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Nov 4, 2013
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So I am ready for my first serious folder. I was set on the sage at first, but i keep seeing everyone raving about the PARA 2 so i talk myself in to it some days. Anyone have some advice please help!
 
The locks are very different, both are excellent slicers. I have both but could never warm up to the compression lock on the Para 2. I picked up my first Sage a few days ago and am really liking it. The blade is slightly shorter on the Sage of course, and i have very limited experience with it (carried it for 4 days now), but haven't found any EDC task it can't handle yet. I also like the clip on the Sage more than the Para 2. My Sage:

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bobec57 said:
So I am ready for my first serious folder. I was set on the sage at first, but i keep seeing everyone raving about the PARA 2 so i talk myself in to it some days. Anyone have some advice please help!
Click to expand...

1. What is the intended use or what do you typically use pocket knives for?

2. How to do you typically carry knives? In what kind of environment (restrictive, lots of non-knife people, etc)?

3 What do you like about both of your choices? What about one or the other?

My best recommendation, if feasible, is to find a good knife shop nearby and try them out in-store to get a handle of size, weight, blade usability (for your purposes), etc.

Good luck. And welcome ;).
 
I think both are great options that being said the Para 2 will be more durable and I see it has a good utility knife that you can use hard. The Sage is more attractive to me and I do prefer the lock on it, but I still like the lock on the Para 2. The Sage seems like it is more of an edc role. Those are my short thoughts and I think you will be happy with either. Good luck in your decision.
 
I love both these knives! ether choice will serve you well, size could help you decide the para 2 has about half an inch more on the blade and weighs a bit more. Both knives have great ergos I find the para 2 to be a bit more comfortable as I have larger hands. The sage has the wire pocket clip which I absolutely adore but the para 2's pocket clip isn't a slouch by any means and it has the option for tip down if you swing that way. fit and finish on both knives seem to be about equal to me (close to perfect). The para 2 is US produced and the sage is Taiwanese if that matters to you. The Para 2 has a bit more of a tactical feel and the sage more of a gentlemanly feel. I would recommend ether of these knives, go with which ever one you like more and enjoy it.

-bit of a side note the para 2 can be hard to find so if you can find one at a good price I would pick it up because you can always find a sage at a fair price.
 
The Sage is a good looking knife, but far too small for me. Depending on your carry circumstances you might prefer the larger Para2 or the much smaller Sage.
 
I have both and rotate between them as my EDC. As mentioned, the Sage is a bit more refined and gentlemanly whereas the Para 2 is more rugged and beefy. The Sage feels like a more expensive knife than it is due to the excellent carbon fiber scales, the taichung fit and finish, the smooth liner lock. The Para 2 however is the more fun of the two knives with it's size and compression lock. More options for opening and closing the knife one handed and a more substantial grip. Both have the same blade steel but you have the option for DLC coating on the Para 2 if you like that. Both can get a wicked sharp edge and hold it.

I like the out of the box pocket clip on the Sage more than the PM2. It's a darkened wire clip that is deep carry and blends in well with anything you wear. I opted to get a titanium deep carry clip made for my PM2 (by STR) and that has greatly improved the carry of the knife for me.

If I was to get one and only one, I would probably go with the Sage even though I like the PM2 more. The Sage is a little bit more people friendly, rides in the pocket really well and is deep carry by default. If the extra size isn't a problem and you are willing to invest in a deep carry clip, then I would go with the PM2 since the compression lock is really fun when you get used to it. It's just as much if not more fun than an Axis lock IMO.

Ultimately though, whichever one you get is going to light a fire and you'll probably find yourself getting the other one down the line and then who knows how many more. I'm already planning on what to get myself for Xmas haha!
 
senoBDEC said:
1. What is the intended use or what do you typically use pocket knives for?

2. How to do you typically carry knives? In what kind of environment (restrictive, lots of non-knife people, etc)?

3 What do you like about both of your choices? What about one or the other?

My best recommendation, if feasible, is to find a good knife shop nearby and try them out in-store to get a handle of size, weight, blade usability (for your purposes), etc.

Good luck. And welcome ;).
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Basic everyday carry i'm a leo so i always have a knife on me. My environment is a mid sized farming community so it pretty knife friendly, i really like the pocket clip on the sage, and the 3 inch blade. But i also really like the compression lock on the para 2 and the ergos of the handle. Its a toss up still!
 
If you like the comp lock I'd go with the Para. STR makes ti low rider clips for the PM2
 
I have the Sage so am pretty familiar with it but don't have a Para 2 so can't really say much about it. I know I like a liner lock and the one on my Sage is stout. I have handled the compression lock on the para 2 and it seems very sturdy but it would take some getting used to. I love the carbon fiber look and the blade not being black is a little less "tactical" looking and more onlooker friendly (if you live in an area where this matters). For an EDC I think the Sage fits the bill better but again I don't own a Para 2 so am somewhat biased. I know that I have many knives that cost me much more than my Sage and it still gets regular pocket time over them because for me it is pretty close to the perfect EDC.
 
There is something about the Sage that just works for me. I mainly carry my modified II. I've since bent the clip to ride on the lock. I gave it a nice convex edge that has held up admirably.


 
The Sage carries better, and some will argue that the compression lock is among the strongest available. I find that all relative though, because it all depends on how you intend to use the knife. That said, you should also check out a Manix2. If you can carry something larger, consider the Military as well
 
The Sage is a great knife, but given a one-only choice, I'd go with the Para2. I like the blade and handle shape better.
 
Two great knives, and you really can't go wrong with either.
If I had to pick I guess I would go with the Para 2. I carry a Sage often because of the wire clip, but the Para 2 feels better in hand IMO.
 
The Sage is better as an EDC knife in my opinion. It just fits in my pocket better.

The PM2 is my choice as a camp blade. The light weight and great blade shape make it an excellent camp tool.
 
I love my Sage and EDC it constantly. Someone called it "refined" and I think that is a fine description. Everything about it screams quality.

Can't comment on the PM2 yet other than hearsay but I'm expecting shipment of a new one on Saturday (stealth gloat there). But being an LEO in a rural venue I would think the PM2 would be a better fit for you. It would be the more rugged of the two.

Do you have access to a local Spyderco distributor where you can handle the two and compare for yourself?
 
I have both, and find the Sage's nice but a little on the small side for me. They do make great edc knives, but I would rather have the PM2 with me. I do love the wire clip, but have a deep carry clip on the PM2, and it is pretty much the perfect edc knife for me. I say grab a PM2, it is more of a "serious" folder where the Sage is a little more gentlemenly.
 
have both, love both.
office/urban use? Sage
wearing jean? Para 2
wearing khakis? sage
home/casual/outdoor use? Para 2
i generally carry the para 2 more often. i carry a wenger s16 so that covers a small blade and the para 2 compliments it nicely....
but the sage 1 is great....can't really go wrong...the best answer is get the one that fits your most common situation and then get the other later
keep in mind if you are on a real tight budget,
you could get an endura and a delica for about the price of either one then you'd have two fantastic knives of different sizes
 
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