Spyderco or Benchmade

r redden

r redden

Joined
May 23, 2015
Messages
4,161
I am relatively new to both collecting and this forum. I gave all my old knives ( mostly junk ) to my son and have started anew. I have been reading these forums and have found a dealer most of you recommend and now I am buying knives that most of you seem to like with the reasons you like them. My delima is there are 2 knives I want but can only purchase 1 of them now. The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 camouflage handle with S30V steel and the Benchmade Griptillian combo coated edge with drab olive handles. For an old guy with $175 to spend, new to collecting and limited knowledge what would be your 1st choice or perhaps something else that I have not considered. Thanks in advance for input.
 
Of the two you have listed , I'd def go with the Para2. G10 scales , S30V blade and the Compression Lock are superior to the Grip's plastic handle and 154CM blade (I like the Axis Lock almost as much as the Compression).

Another knife to consider is the Benchmade 710 which goes for $153. It's a much closer competitor to the Para2.
 
I have both and carry them both frequently if I could have only one it would definitely be the para 2
 
Keep an eye out on the exchange and you might be able to get a para and griptilian for 175. Ive had both and prefer the para, but only you will know which you like better. Find a brick and mortar knife shop if you can and handle them both.
 
I'd definitely go with the Para 2, if I needed a knife for around $120 to be the last knife I ever had. It'd be a para 2.
 
The Spyderco! I have a PM2 and I've handled the griptillian and I would choose the paramilitary 2 10/10 times all day every day plus Sunday's during that 25th hour sometime between 2am and 4am as well.
 
Thanks everbody they were having a sale at this dealer on the PM2 so I spent an extra $42.17 and bought both of them. Ben G. Thanks for the Benchmade 940 tip that and a Gold membership will be next month's purchase. Thanks again.
 
r redden said:
For an old guy with $175 to spend
Click to expand...

Not all of us are young. :D

I would say that most people that buy the Para2 really like it, maybe a higher percentage than any other knife model.

Among the Benchmades I like the 581 Barrage, a lot of people like the 710. ZT is another brand worthy of consideration, or Kershaw if you are on a tighter budget. Spyderco has a wide range of knives and recommendations there would depend on what size and what lock type you like. In the bigger models besides the Para2, the Bradley folder, Endura, Manix2 and Military are popular. In the smaller models the Delica, Dragonfly, Sage and Cali(fornia?) models are popular. The Tenacious is another low priced knife that is a very good value to fit in a tight budget.
 
Well done, R Redden.

Many folks find themselves in the position of "Para2 or Grip", and would greatly benefit from somebody like you who has both, and uses both.

Perhaps after you get some miles on them, you could do a review in the Review & Testing forum. Be a great add to the knowledge base.
 
r redden said:
Thanks everbody they were having a sale at this dealer on the PM2 so I spent an extra $42.17 and bought both of them. Ben G. Thanks for the Benchmade 940 tip that and a Gold membership will be next month's purchase. Thanks again.
Click to expand...

I am glad you could get both!I have 2 full size grips one a 154cm drop point plain edge with black scales and a S30V with G10 as sold by REI.
The REI version is heavy but the action is superb.The plastic 154cm grip has a weird cheap feel to me but it also has epic action and works perfectly.
I have a Para 2 in black G10 scales with satin finish S30V blade.The action of the comp lock is excellent...and so is the fit and finish.It is a huge bargain compared to the REI grip especially...and worth the extra coin over a standard one to me.I am a huge fan of the Axis lock...ridiculously fast and strong...and the compression lock too.I think having both is not only fun but educational too!

I wanted to say to your post "buy both" but I did not think it would fit in your budget!Again I am glad you could swing it and I think you will treasure each one in it's own way...they are both epic in my opinion.


Enjoy!
 
r redden said:
I am relatively new to both collecting and this forum. The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 camouflage handle with S30V steel and the Benchmade Griptillian combo coated edge with drab olive handles.
Click to expand...

I've had both knives that you mentioned. I still have the Para 2 in camo with s30v.
I have owned only one Grip and lots of folks like them, but I'm not fond of it.
Not too long ago, I sold my collection of fifty to seventy PM2's and Spyderco Military models. Great knives; great company. My knife-box would show at least nine Spydercos for one of any other brand...like BenchMade or Zero Tolerance. Opinions vary; these are all good folders.
 
I would keep an eye on what is for sale on the exchange. There are tons of very good knives listed at fair prices by reputable members. I have bought several from other members and was very happy.








 
Para 2. The full size grip has partial liners. P2 is one of the best knives ever w/ superior locking mechanism and blade.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top