spyderco Paramilitary 2 vs Benchmade 556 mini griptilion

I dont like the FRN handle on the mini grip, and the blade is kinda too thick for such a small knife IMO. The para is a better choice both for steal and handle material, and much more expensive. These two are in totally different size and price range. Go with the para.
 
I have a PM2 (not a sprint run, just plain ol' S30V & black G10) and a 555HG (modified sheepsfoot with a hollow grind) minigrip. Both are very well put together, although the FRN handles on the minigrip feel less substantial than the textured G10 on the PM2. It's just a perception difference- I have no durability concerns with the FRN. The blades are totally different, especially since my mini-grip is a hollow-ground sheepsfoot. Both are quite thin at the edge and cut well, although the factory edge on the Spyderco is a little more acute, giving it the edge in cutting performance. Also the hollow-grind on the BM hinders it a little bit cutting through thicker materials like carboard, but it's not a huge deal. The tip is much tougher on the BM, and the sheepsfoot design is useful for many EDC tasks. But for pure cutting, the PM2 outperforms the BM. I think the other blade grinds for the BM would be a better match for the PM2.

I tend to carry the BM more for EDC simply because it is smaller. The PM2 is big enough that it can be difficult to get anything else in and out of the pocket I've got it clipped on. Even so, the BM does not give up much at all in blade length to the Spyderco- the PM2 just has a much larger handle.

Which brings me to my preferred use of the PM2 now, which is as a backup woods knife (or even a primary knife on an ultra-light trip). The big handle and the blade shape give it excellent performance for wood cutting. The blade grind and the smaller handle on the BM make it clearly inferior for this. The PM2 also excels in food prep. It is lightweight and sturdy.

As for steel, both are good. The S30V should hold a decent edge longer, but if you try to keep a hair shaving edge on your knives they seem to require sharpening just as often, and the 154CM is easier to touch up. I've been particularly impressed with the S30Vs strength and toughness at a fairly acute edge angle, resisting rolls/chips in heavy wood cutting. It does not need a microbevel, in my opinion.

The BM has a more ergonomic lock- the axis lock is the slickest I've used. It just feels like quality when it opens and shuts. The compression lock is great on the PM2 but its just not as slick- there is a fairly loud clack when it opens and shuts, but it doesn't sound cheap; instead it sounds reassuring. The compression lock is a little more awkward to unlock and close. Both deploy super fast (the BM has a hole instead of thumbstuds).
 
Robs92XJ said:
I tend to carry the BM more for EDC simply because it is smaller. The PM2 is big enough that it can be difficult to get anything else in and out of the pocket I've got it clipped on. Even so, the BM does not give up much at all in blade length to the Spyderco- the PM2 just has a much larger handle.
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This is the biggest thing for potential buyers to consider.
 
I have a para 2 and a BM 707 sequel. The 707 is similar in size to the Mini grip with the same blade length. It is nice but even with the "upgraded" handle materials on the 707 compared to the mini grip, I haven't carried the 707 since I got the para2. I know the 707 and mini grip aren't the same knife but they are similar in size. I think that the comparison and the fact that I don't carry the 707 anymore is worth something to the conversation:)
 
Looks like you've made up your mind, but I still wanted to echo support for the Para 2. I have many knives, and the Para 2 has pretty much made them all obsolete. If you can find a "sprint" IE limited edition run, even better. They have better steels and different color handles. The orange G-10 CTS-XHP just came out and might still be readily available.
 
Ok cool I cant wait to go check out some of these knives a a local dealer. Just wondering but what would be a knife to compare with the para 2?
 
I really want to like the Mini Grip, but it just doesn't click. The handle (ergos, hollow, plasticy feel) leave a lot to be desired. One of these days, I'll fork over the cash for some Cuscadi scales.
 
smasak said:
Looks like you've made up your mind, but I still wanted to echo support for the Para 2. I have many knives, and the Para 2 has pretty much made them all obsolete. If you can find a "sprint" IE limited edition run, even better. They have better steels and different color handles. The orange G-10 CTS-XHP just came out and might still be readily available.
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I agree, if you have the opportunity to get a sprint run Para 2, grab it. It usually has a better steel than the CPM s30V; I have the Para 2 in M390 and I love it. For comparisons, Zero Tolerance is the only thing that comes to mind, but it is a little more costly.
 
I have the MiniGrip and it is a nice knife. I like it for convenient pocket carry.
If you want a camping and fishing pocket knife, consider the Spyderco Stretch or Caly 3.5. Both will give you a similar blade size as the Paramilitary 2, but smaller handles. The Caly 3.5 is in G10 and VG10 steel. The Stretch is designed for hunting or fishing, and comes in VG10 or ZDP189. I have one in VG10 and it is a great knife. I think that a back lock will work better for your stated needs. Both of these knives give you the same blade size or a slightly longer blade compared to the Para 2, but with smaller handles.
 
To many knives to little time I have way to many to look at. Ha ha I guess having hundreds of options is better than none. Anybody have any knives they like with a 3in blade or smaller?
 
viper89 said:
I agree, if you have the opportunity to get a sprint run Para 2, grab it. It usually has a better steel than the CPM s30V; I have the Para 2 in M390 and I love it. For comparisons, Zero Tolerance is the only thing that comes to mind, but it is a little more costly.
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Where would I find a sprint run para 2 how much more expensive are they?
 
The para 2 has everything on the griptilian.


Para 2 vs Griptilian

Overall better steel. vs ok steel

lock is more reliable vs Omega springs are prone to failure (Ive had 3 break in a 8 month period)

feels more sturdy vs FRN feels very cheap

no blade play while remaining super smooth. vs Side to side play

bushing pivot vs No bushing, and full dessasembly to clean can take a while due to all the pieces.

etc...


Ultimately its your decision but the para 2 wins hands down imo.
 
Hadji Flip Me Over said:
If you want a more apples-to-apples comparison price-wise, customize your own Grip and make it exactly how you want it. http://www.benchmade.com/customize/default.aspx

Personally, I would choose the Para2 simply because the handle looks way more comfortable, but the Grip counters with the option of complete customizability.
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Oh my gosh, I just looking online for mini-grips (this thread sparked interest), and I really wanted a satin blade with an orange or green handle and now I can... yessssss.
 
MVF said:
The MiniGrip carries much smaller in the pocket and has a much "heavier" blade profile, especially the tip. It is a much smaller knife overall, especially when closed, but if you compare cutting edge, it only gives up about a 1/4" to the PM2.

The Para is a better slicer, has a much larger handle (remember that bigger in the pocket?) which will be better IMO for prolonged heavy use, and a very pointy tip. When thinking about hard use, the Mini has the better blade, the PM2 the better handle. The handle on the Mini is fine for everyday use, but too small for hard use.

The Mini uses 154CM unless you get the Ritter version (which is a better slicer) that comes with S30V, like the PM2.

I've EDC'd the MiniGrip for well over 5 years now and nothing has been able to knock it out of my pocket. I have M-L hands and love the ergos, love the Axis lock and love the blade design. I also like that it gives me one of the best cutting edge to handle ratios I've seen. I recently got the M390 PM2 because I just had to see what all the fuss was about and it is a good knife. Great ergos, but really poor blade/handle ratio and the tip scares me a little for some of my EDC tasks (prying staples for example).

My main complaint (and the reason it didn't replace the Mini in my pocket, as much as I wanted it to) is that it just takes up too much room in my pocket. This is more of an issue depth-wise than width-wise (though it is wider, too). I can't move my keys around out of the way to get at my change, or my other keys, etc. I will look at ways to get some carry use out of the PM2, but year after year the MiniGrip has knocked all comers out of that right front pocket. It's just about perfect for me.
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+1 to MVF's comments.
 
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