Spyderco Paramilitary 2

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Apr 23, 2014
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I'm just curious to hear what so great about the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 in comparison to other Spyderco knives, and are there any comparable Spyderco knifes in the $50 or so price range?
 
Have a look at the Spyderco section of the forums. There is a lot of discussion on this already.
 
Have a look at the Spyderco section of the forums. There is a lot of discussion on this already.

I looked to see if there was a forum for Spyderco, but missed it. Thanks... Hopefully mods can move. Also, I have not seen a discussion that has asked my specific question via search...
 
Anything comparable to the PM2 is going to be closer to $100.
G10 Manix 2 might compare pretty closely, but again, you're looking at upwards of $100.
 
To answer your first question, it takes a lot of the features people love in the Military and shrinks it down into a more compact, EDC-able package.

It's just a very well designed knife that feels great in hand.
 
The PM2 is a very unique knife. The handle, blade, and lock are all very usable designs that result in a package that performs very well regardless of what you need it for.

I do think the PM2 is either a love or hate knife that one has to actually use a little while to decide where they stand, and I fall into the love category.

There isn't any knife in the Spyderco lineup or any lineup that really compares. At $50, a used Endura is probably going to be the best Spyderco option. While the Endura and PM2 are both awesome knives, their styling and designs are about as polar opposite as they came. For that matter, the PM2 is such a non-traditional design that it is difficult to compare it to other knives.
 
Spyderco forum is here, http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/726-Spyderco

I get much better results finding certain topics by using yahoo or google search engines and just typing something like "Paramilitary 2 bladeforums" or Paramilitary 2 hype bladeforums something like that and you will have much better luck that the search engine on this site.
Yea I seen it after the fact but rather the thread be moved rather than create another one.

I searched this forum and google, but I mostly seen "vs" threads. I was hoping to find out what the most popular and exclusive features (compared to all other under $100 Spyercos) were most popular, and if there were anything that was closely comparable.

To answer your first question, it takes a lot of the features people love in the Military and shrinks it down into a more compact, EDC-able package.

It's just a very well designed knife that feels great in hand.

The PM2 is a very unique knife. The handle, blade, and lock are all very usable designs that result in a package that performs very well regardless of what you need it for.

I do think the PM2 is either a love or hate knife that one has to actually use a little while to decide where they stand, and I fall into the love category.

There isn't any knife in the Spyderco lineup or any lineup that really compares. At $50, a used Endura is probably going to be the best Spyderco option. While the Endura and PM2 are both awesome knives, their styling and designs are about as polar opposite as they came. For that matter, the PM2 is such a non-traditional design that it is difficult to compare it to other knives.

Okay the handles, blade, and lock are usable. How so? How is it different than their other knives? Other Spyderco's have G-10 handle, similarly shaped blades, and ambidextrous clip positions... The only thing I can think of is the Compression Lock. Other than the geometry of the blade and handle, is the only other difference/feature the Compression Lock? Like in other threads I've seen, people would simple give generic responses saying that the Paramilitary's <insert here> is "just" better without explaining how so...
 
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Yea I seen it after the fact but rather the thread be moved rather than create another one.

I searched this forum and google, but I mostly seen "vs" threads. I was hoping to find out what the most popular and exclusive features (compared to all other under $100 Spyercos) were most popular, and if there were anything that was closely comparable.





Okay the handles, blade, and lock are usable. How so? How is it different than their other knives? Other Spyderco's G-10 handle, similarly shaped blades, and ambidextrous clip positions... The only thing I can think of is the Compression Lock. Other than the geometry of the blade and handle, is the only ther difference/feature is the Compression Lock? Like in other threads I've seen, people would simple give generic responses saying that the Paramilitary's <insert here> is "just" better without explaining how so...
The handles on both the PM2 and Military are elongated for better grip options and control. Both are designed to flow with the positions of your hand. For instance, if you have a forward grip on the handle with your thumb on the jimping behind the opening hole, the blade follows the line of your thumb. Also, the Compression Lock is just about the easiest lock to operate in the Spyderco stable. The PM2 has standoffs rather than a backspacer, so it is easier to clean. It has a very aggressive point that is great for piercing, especially when you need to start a cut.

Basically the PM2 takes a lot of the best features found in different Spyderco knives and combines them. The nearest competition would probably be the Manix 2, Military, and Gayle Bradley. Manix 2 caged ball lock is a pain to use compared to the Compression Lock, Military is a larger knife/handle and is either liner lock or frame lock. Gayle Bradley is a liner lock and a hollow grind which some may not like, even though it does have the high end M4 steel.
 
The handles on both the PM2 and Military are elongated for better grip options and control. Both are designed to flow with the positions of your hand. For instance, if you have a forward grip on the handle with your thumb on the jimping behind the opening hole, the blade follows the line of your thumb. Also, the Compression Lock is just about the easiest lock to operate in the Spyderco stable. The PM2 has standoffs rather than a backspacer, so it is easier to clean. It has a very aggressive point that is great for piercing, especially when you need to start a cut.

Basically the PM2 takes a lot of the best features found in different Spyderco knives and combines them. The nearest competition would probably be the Manix 2, Military, and Gayle Bradley. Manix 2 caged ball lock is a pain to use compared to the Compression Lock, Military is a larger knife/handle and is either liner lock or frame lock. Gayle Bradley is a liner lock and a hollow grind which some may not like, even though it does have the high end M4 steel.
thanks
 
Just feels good in hand & looks good and built like a Tank and will be around long after I am gone.! Sal hit the "mark" with many knives but went all out on the Para2 & the Delica & the Endura ~~ best 3 Knives on market right now and for the money you can't beat them.!!
 
Have you handled one? If not I'd recommend doing so. You will probably answer your own question.

There are some who don't care for the PM2. Most love it.
 
I was on the fence about the PM2 until I bought one and carried it. It is a fantastic EDC blade. Great steel, very ergonomic, and tough. If you are interested in one at all, buy it. Carry it for a month and if you don't like it, sell it.
 
PM 2 is a great blade. Good steel, excellent ergos, super-strong lock, lightweight, and comes in a variety of steels and color combos with all the sprints. It emphasizes form over function, so if you actually use your knife you will really begin to appreciate it.
 
It emphasizes form over function, so if you actually use your knife you will really begin to appreciate it.

I think you've turned the phrase around? At least, I'd argue that the PM2 emphasizes function over form, or, as architects say, "form follows function". Either way, I'd say function is primary on the PM2.
 
I got have to say I got my first PM2 about 5 months ago and hated it.

But I gave it a chance and carried it for a good amount of time, daily edc stuff. It has good weight, solid construction, feels amazingly comfortable, plenty of handle area for a good grip.

Its one of my all time favorite pocket knives to date.
Wish I had one in S90V or S110V steel.

My only complaint is that I did break the tip from a drop in a sink once. But oh well. The PM2 is a hell of a knife.
 
I bought my PM2 solely based on the reviews here. It originally was between the PM2 and Benchmade 940. I went with the BM because I'm a lefty. After that the bug hit me and I "Needed" another knife. So naturally I went PM2 since it was barely beat out by the 940. Honestly? Meh.. It is waaay overhyped. I do like it and have no plans on getting rid of it, but I'm not head over heels in love like most guys here. While the handle is nice it also feels really flat in my hand. It's also pretty wide in pocket and eats up a ton of space. for that size I think a ZT 0560 would've been better for me. My last gripe is with the compression lock. It was designed exclusivly for righties. When using your left hand you seriously compromise your grip because the thumb is used to disengage and if your not paying attention it can easily slip from your hand while doing so.

All that being said it is cost effective, and if you are looking only at Spyderco the other choices in that price range would first be something from the Manix2 line. After that I would look at Native, Sage 1 or 3, Stretch
 
I now have 5. Just try one out and you know you can get your money back on the second hand market.
 
I think the compression lock is very left hand friendly . I think it is easier to disengage with my left hand and I m right handed. Although not the best in any one category, it is near the top in many. Materials, grind, fit and finish, light weight, size, functionality. Oh, the ergonomics are the best of any knife I own which include a number of popular Spydercos, Benchmades, ZT s, Striders, and CRK s among others. A really fine combination of qualities for an edc knife. I keep rotating other knives into my pocket, but the PM2 still spends more time there than any other. I continue looking for something better. have yet to find it.
 
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