Spyderco Military vs. Para 2

I have owned several military spydercos, but they always end up in my safe. For me, they were either too big, or too valuable to carry. And then I bought a Para military with s30v steel....For me, it is perfect. All the nice features of the military, just a bit smaller. I have been EDC'ng my Para for the last month, and I just love it. It knocked my Endura out of my pocket and onto my side table....I own 20 or so Spydies, but the Para is my favorite for daily use.
 
Do you want a bigger blade and nested liner lock -military, or a shorter blade and compression lock-para? Choice is yours. I own a couple of both and I like longer blades normally, but I prefer the para by a hair, but that's me and you are you.
 
i have both, like both, really it boils down to preference as to which you get first.
 
The Para 2 is my favorite Spydie. I like the Military too, but it's just a tad big for EDC in my book.
 
I don't have a military, but the para 2 is plenty big. IMO it's the perfect size, any bigger would be overkill.
 
I don't own a Military, but my Para Military 2 is almost the perfect knife for me. The grip is plenty big, and is the perfect weight and size for EDC. I'd recommend it to anyone. As for the Military, it is the same knife, just a bit bigger. For EDC, it looks like the Military is too big for a pocket. If you prefer a larger grip/blade, get the Military. If you want a medium-large knife, buy the Para.
 
Well, I have to be the first to say Military. Once you get one and experience the quality, light weight and durability, you'll wonder why you would ever carry a smaller knife unless it was a traditional slipjoint.
 
I can't comment on the Para2, but I disliked the ergos of the Military. It was a big knife to carry, and the cutout for the liner lock is just way too big. It makes the grip odd with the clip on one side and a huge chunk of handle taken out on the other.

I loved the blade, though. It was an amazingly aggressive cutter.
 
Since the Military doesn't come with tip-up capability as well as taking up a little more room in my pocket, I choose the Para 2 overall. The blade isn't that much longer on the Military but the handle is quite a bit longer. I'll refer to some old pics of mine...
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I love them both but the Para 2 comes out on top based on a couple preferences.
 
I really recommend both. They are similar, but excell in different roles, I think the Para 2 is better suited to heavier duty work and the size lends itself better to EDC use. However, the large blade of the military is great for food prep, and a bigger blade is clearly better for self defense.
 
I say Para2 because I prefer a compression lock to any other, and it's a more EDC-able size. Although, the Military is very light and slim for its size.
 
I have large hands and find the Military too big and awkward to hold. I find the Para 2 to be a great EDC blade and it has quickly become one of my favorites. However, I'm not sure it would make a good skinning knife. There isn't much belly and I think you would cut lots of holes in the skin unless you are going really slow.and being careful. I would look at the Stretch if you plan on a lot of skinning. You might still be able to find the carbon fiber and ZDP version if you look, though the FRN might be better suited for cleaning animals.
 
Slider817 said:
I really recommend both. They are similar, but excell in different roles, I think the Para 2 is better suited to heavier duty work and the size lends itself better to EDC use. However, the large blade of the military is great for food prep, and a bigger blade is clearly better for self defense.
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Love the Millie, I have a couple and I carry one often but I wouldn't carry it as my dedicated SD knife.
 
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