Sell me on the Paramilitary 2

Everybody will tell you that it is worth the money. (If money is an object then the Delica, Endura or Tenacious are similar knives that cost less.) The biggest problem with PM2 pricing is that they are popular and you won't find cheap used ones for sale. You can find a new one for somewhere around $100 with the fancy sprint models sometimes a lot more expensive, but the standard model comes with good quality blade.

If the looks of your knife are important to you then you might not like it, but for function it works very well. The tip is delicate but works well for use as a knife. If you are going to beat on it or pry with it then you need something else.

Overall the knife opens smoothly and locks up well. The handle fits your hand well and even offers options for how you grip it. The blade is very good at slicing. The knife is light but has a good pocket clip.
 
Buy it, you will not regret it. If for some reason you don't like it you can resell without much loss.
 
When looking at the Rat-1 and the Para 2, "for me", it's hard to see $80 more in value in Para 2. Aside from a better blade steel, what else do you get in a Para 2 that would justify the price when comparing it to a Rat-1?
 
Overall, the Para is one of the finest designed folders. The Para offers a thin design, light weight, extremely strong lock and different clip positions. Oh, and that Spyder Hole.
 
newknife said:
When looking at the Rat-1 and the Para 2, "for me", it's hard to see $80 more in value in Para 2. Aside from a better blade steel, what else do you get in a Para 2 that would justify the price when comparing it to a Rat-1?
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One thing you get is the compression lock which is a big plus. Another is much better lock up. I have a Rat 1 and the blade is as wobble as an old wood roller coaster. Yea the two are similar size and thats about it.
 
newknife said:
When looking at the Rat-1 and the Para 2, "for me", it's hard to see $80 more in value in Para 2. Aside from a better blade steel, what else do you get in a Para 2 that would justify the price when comparing it to a Rat-1?
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Better fit and finish. G10 over frn. Cpm-s30v over aus-8. It's smoother and it has better ergos in my opinion. Definitely worth the price.
 
Honestly the point doesn't seem all that delicate to me, It's much thicker than my brother's Leek.
 
Don't worry about the tip, if you are going to use the knife as a knife it will be one of the best knives you own.

The Para 2 is talked about lots because it is simply great. I suggest to go to your local knife shop and just hold one, just by having it in your hand and not even cutting anything you will be happy.
 
Appalachia said:
Is it worth the money? Is the tip too delicate? What is so awesome about it?
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You can buy para2 around $100 and IMHO it worth more. You are getting US made 3.5" full flat grind S30V blade, very strong (will never hurt) and smooth like butter compression lock, G10 handle. Tip-up or down options. The knife is great all around EDC. Not too small, not too big, pretty light and strong.
 
coop1957 said:
One thing you get is the compression lock which is a big plus. Another is much better lock up. I have a Rat 1 and the blade is as wobble as an old wood roller coaster. Yea the two are similar size and thats about it.
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Hmmm... I have two Rat-1's and they have a solid lockup with zero blade play. I've abused them pretty good too. BUT... I have been trying to convince myself to buy the Para 2. I definitely like the looks of it. Maybe that's reason enough.
 
newknife said:
When looking at the Rat-1 and the Para 2, "for me", it's hard to see $80 more in value in Para 2. Aside from a better blade steel, what else do you get in a Para 2 that would justify the price when comparing it to a Rat-1?
Click to expand...

The main comparisons of PM2 vs. Rat 1 will be better blade steel, G10 handles and made in USA. The Tenacious is the Spyderco model that is close in size to the Para 2 and close in price to the Rat 1. It is a frequently recommended knife that is not much more money than the Rat 1 but yet has G10 scales and full steel liners.
 
The tip is not too delicate unless you plan to pry or ream holes in wood, which you shouldn't do anyway. The handle seems thin even though it's not super thin and is very light given its size. Comparable size Benchmades feel like they're much heavier. Despite the lightness, due to the skeletonized and recessed liners it is a very stiff and solid feeling knife. The G10 is nice and grippy but not sand paper. The compression lock is a dead simple, practically fool proof and extremely solid and safe lock that is as easy to operate with one hand as the axis lock. The handle fits my hand like a glove, though YMMV in that regard. You can't argue with the s30v blade and besides all that I just think it looks awesome.

I think the design philosophy on this knife was definitely function over form but sometimes the form follows function and turns out great. I kind of liken it to a Glock. Nobody would claim a Glock is a beautiful gun when compared to a fine custom 1911 but I think Glocks are beautiful in their simplicity and function.
 
Handle one and you'll know why so many of us love it. If it turns out you don't then someone will take it off your hand and you can buy yourself something else.
 
Tip, and whole blade, is great for slicing; compression lock is strong and smooth, and you don't need to run a finger in front of the blade; action is smooth; great ergos in many grips; fits large hands, but carries small; lightweight; solid. Plus it's pretty.
It's not a top-rated EDC for nothing. There is nothing I can think of that it does poorly, while carry, comfort, and slicing are better than anything I can think of in a similar size for similar money. It fits my hand so well I've never been in fear of dropping it.
Mine was nearly double the going rate because it's a super-steel sprint run, and I still think it is good value.
Try one. If you don't agree, you're not likely to lose much.

- Tom
 
newknife said:
When looking at the Rat-1 and the Para 2, "for me", it's hard to see $80 more in value in Para 2. Aside from a better blade steel, what else do you get in a Para 2 that would justify the price when comparing it to a Rat-1?
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I own both these knives and I couldnt agree more. The Para2 has longer edge retention but I strop my knives so frequently it isnt an issue. The Para2 is very light but sturdy. The Rat 1 is also sturdy but a little heavier. I use them for the same jobs like cutting open letters, packages and breaking down cardboard boxes. Both their lock ups are great. I think the camo/satin spyderco para2 is better looking though. I dig camo. If the Rat 1 had camo scales, it would win hands down. YMMV

Unklfranco
 
unklfranco said:
I own both these knives and I couldnt agree more. The Para2 has longer edge retention but I strop my knives so frequently it isnt an issue. The Para2 is very light but sturdy. The Rat 1 is also sturdy but a little heavier. I use them for the same jobs like cutting open letters, packages and breaking down cardboard boxes. Both their lock ups are great. I think the camo/satin spyderco para2 is better looking though. I dig camo. If the Rat 1 had camo scales, it would win hands down. YMMV

Unklfranco
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BTW, I would not part with my Para2 unless I really needed the money to buy a new knife. The s30v ones sell for about $85 around here. It is a keeper and gets a lot of pocket time.
 
unklfranco said:
I dig camo. If the Rat 1 had camo scales, it would win hands down. YMMV

Unklfranco
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If I ever get one, that's the one I would want to get; the digi camo with a satin blade. Yea, I think a Rat-1 with digi came would be a great looking knife. I've been please with mine.
 
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