Spyderco Para 2 S30V

Ankerson

Ankerson

Knife and Computer Geek
Joined
Nov 2, 2002
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This is a short review on the Spyderco Para 2 in S30V. I cut 5/8" rope and cardboard to test the comfort of use, slicing ability and the edge holding of the S30V steel.

Blade Length - 3 7/16"

Blade thickness - .145" with Distal taper.

Weight - 3.7 ounces

G10 Scales, with open Pillar Construction.

Clip is 4 way adjustable, tip up, dwn, left or right hand carry.

Compression Lock


A few Photos out of the Box:

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Edge As tested, reprofiled to 30 degrees inclusive and polished to 6,000 grit Edge Pro Polishing tape.


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First off was the rope cutting, cut 5/8" rope to test the steel and how comfortable the knife was. I didn't wear a glove and it was very comfortable and didn't bite my hand at all even when hard cutting. It sliced through the rope very well due to the FFG blade with a nice belly. I made 80 slicing cuts through the rope.

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Next up was Cardboard, I didn't resharpen the knife because I wanted to see how well it would do as an EDC work knife. So I went from the rope right to the cardboard, it's very tough on an edge, but it didn't let me down. It still sliced very well and I cut a lot of cardboard.

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Final Impressions:

The Para 2 did extremely well, this was more of a short torture test for the edge and the steel as it might be used at work or in the field. It's more than most would put it through in a days work and it came out great. Just a few shiny spots in the edge as I would have expected, but no chips or rolls and it still sliced through printer paper easy after with no snags. The knife is very comfortable even when cutting hard, fits well in hand and the G10 isn't too aggressive. The FFG blade slices through material very well and it's easy to control.

Overall a great knife, Spyderco has done it again and brought to market a great knife.
 
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Great user knife for sure. Thank you for your review Ankerson.

I would love to see how it stacks up in the Manilla Rope test compared to the higher tier steel
 
xtestifyx said:
Great user knife for sure. Thank you for your review Ankerson.

I would love to see how it stacks up in the Manilla Rope test compared to the higher tier steel
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I plan to do one comparing the S90V and 20CP Sprint runs once I get both, I have one already.
 
Very nice.

I'm interested in the size of the handle.

You've handled the Military as well. How does the size of the PM handle compare to that of the Military?
 
The PM2 felt a lot more contoured to my hands, where as the Military has extra room for different grips

I would say the PM2 is more comfortable and feels easier to control


Edit: Ankerson, a comparison between 20CP and S90V would be great. Thanks!
 
Thanks. Good to know. My son has large hands and likes the size of the Military handle.
 
knarfeng said:
Very nice.

I'm interested in the size of the handle.

You've handled the Military as well. How does the size of the PM handle compare to that of the Military?
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It feels really good in hand, Sal and Eric did one heck of a job designing this knife. The Para 2 is shorter, but with still enough length.
 
Jim, very nice review. I like the sequence of going from rope to cardboard without sharpening and then checking the cut on paper. Real life testing. I have worked with CPM S30V for a few years and can tell from your test that the heat treat is right on for this type of multiple use knife. Phil
 
Phil Wilson said:
Jim, very nice review. I like the sequence of going from rope to cardboard without sharpening and then checking the cut on paper. Real life testing. I have worked with CPM S30V for a few years and can tell from your test that the heat treat is right on for this type of multiple use knife. Phil
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Thanks Phil, I figured it would make it more realistic for an everyday carry blade. :)
 
Jim, I am curious how your Para 2 ranks on your ranking of Steels in Categories based on Edge Retention? There is a difference in the other two Spyderco's tested and HT seems to slightly vary (although an explanation of one coated blade and another of not coated was offered, I am not sure).
 
jurisprudence said:
Jim, I am curious how your Para 2 ranks on your ranking of Steels in Categories based on Edge Retention? There is a difference in the other two Spyderco's tested and HT seems to slightly vary (although an explanation of one coated blade and another of not coated was offered, I am not sure).
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I tested 3 Satin Militaries and they all ranked the same.

The S30V Para 2 showed the same pattern.
 
Nice pics and review. Any plans for putting the Para 2 through one of your hard use tests? I'd love to see how it holds up to the tough tests you put your knives through. Specifically, I'd like to see how it compares to the CS American Lawman. I'm thinking that the Lawman will survive your tests better than the Para 2. Your thoughts?
 
sharkattacksw said:
Nice pics and review. Any plans for putting the Para 2 through one of your hard use tests? I'd love to see how it holds up to the tough tests you put your knives through. Specifically, I'd like to see how it compares to the CS American Lawman. I'm thinking that the Lawman will survive your tests better than the Para 2. Your thoughts?
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I am not using anymore of my own personal knives for the hard use folder testing...

Only knives that will be tested are knives donated for it and if they break they break.
 
Any idea how you think the Para would do if it were put through the same paces as the other knives you've tested so vigorously?

Thanks.
 
sharkattacksw said:
Any idea how you think the Para would do if it were put through the same paces as the other knives you've tested so vigorously?

Thanks.
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Can't really say as I am not doing that kind of testing anymore.

It is a strong knife though, I will say that. :)
 
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