Spyderco Paramillitary 2 OR ____________________?

My first spyderco was a Tenacious as well. When I first got it, I couldn't imagine there being a better knife, but I got bit by the knife bug and shortly came the Spyderco Pacific Salt( live near the ocean) and then the PM2. The PM2 has not left my pocket since. I try to carry my other knives, I find myself always wanting to carry the PM2, so much so I've considered selling some of my other knives as I can't bring myself to carry them anymore.
 
I just got a PM2 last week and I love it. It is a quality knife all around and a joy to carry. You would not be disappointed.
 
I have owned a PM2, and another knife that I have owned that I would compare it to is the benchmade mini onslaught. I actually preferred the ergos of the benchmade and if you dig the axis lock, the knife will do everything the PM2 does well. They have a newer model with carbon fiber handles and it looks real nice. One down side to it is that the clip is not relocatable, but that is only an issue if you dont like the original configuration.
 
I've never found CPM-M4 to stain as much as many people think it does. I've used my GB to cut meat, onions, apples, mangoes (actually left it on the counter after I cut 6 green mangoes, without wiping it down. It was sticky afterwards, but I just riinsed it off in warm water and soap, then used some tuf-glide on the pivot and wiped the blade dry), and after over 2 years of that type of use, it has barely developed a patina. I've also had to use it to cut drywall in a pinch, and remove a bolt that had punctured a tire by prying it out (I know, i know, but that was all I had). It got a couple of nicks on the blade from that, but a couple of minutes on the paper wheels and it's fixed.

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CodyKenobi said:
Sure do love the looks of the gribtillian. I have never used one though. Haven't heard super good things about customer service either. ??!?!?!
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Benchmade Customer Service is top notch. All it takes is a phone call. I have always been happy with the service from them. I bought a used knife and sent it in to be sharpened, and they replaced the springs and washers, cleaned it, oiled it, sharpened it, and sent it back with two new pocket clips. All I had asked for was a sharp blade, and the knife came back in better overall condition than when I mailed it -- and the knife was razor sharp.

As for which knife: A 950 Rift would be good, and you can order a custom Griptilian with S30V or D2 and your choice of handle material for the price of a PM2. A 520 Presidio would be another good choice.
 
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I don't like the Gayle Bradley. It's also carbon steel, so it patinas real easy of I remember right. I'd stock with the PM2 if I were you.

About Benchmade service, I hear their warranties can be a little annoying to deal with. But they are very good at sending you parts, usually for free. And if you break your blade, they send you a new blade for $25.
 
The Gayle Bradley is an absolutely unbelievable value. It features higher end materials and as good of fit and finish as knives costing several times more. The para2 is also an excellent knife and a great value, but the m4 blade steel and the Taichung spyderco fit and finish really bump the GB a step up from the para2.
 
loonybin said:
Benchmade Customer Service is top notch. All it takes is a phone call. I have always been happy with the service from them. I bought a used knife and sent it in to be sharpened, and they replaced the springs and washers, cleaned it, oiled it, sharpened it, and sent it back with two new pocket clips. All I had asked for was a sharp blade, and the knife came back in better overall condition than when I mailed it -- and the knife was razor sharp.

As for which knife: A 950 Rift would be good, and you can order a custom Griptilian with S30V or D2 and your choice of handle material for the price of a PM2. A 520 Presidio would be another good choice.
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I've also never had an issue with BM's CS any time that I've used it. They're generally among the fastest of the CS departments that I've used and everything I've asked them to do has been done right the first time... no "repeat visits" for the same issue. I agree that the Rift would be a good BM comparison to the PM2 even though the Rift is 154CM instead of S30V. I often carry a Rift for warehouse work and the 154CM has been a fine steel for the cutting I do there and in my garden / yard. I never warmed up to the Presidio but the Grips are very nice knives at a decent price.
 
I've never owned a Gayle Bradley but have wanted to.
I have however owned several of their Taichung Taiwan knives, and they are hands down the best quality productions I've owned.
My Chokwe especially feels like a $300 knife and I paid less than half of that.

The Para 2 though is great, and it seems like I'm not getting rid of it after all.
 
Stronger? A Tenacious is a pretty robust knife as it is. What are you doing that requires a "stronger" knife? What limitation of the Tenacious does your normal use surpass? In some ways, the PM2(which is my current EDC) feels less substantial than the Tenacious as the Tenacious is a "weightier" knife. I think the answers to these questions would help steer you towards a knife that suits your needs.
 
You won't be disappointed at all.
Just keep it mind it's not made of gold, but it's a fantastic knife.
Seems like you own mostly lower end knives, so this will be a step up.
Get the Para 2 and love it.

I do agree that the Tenacious is a more than capable knife. I've never have any complaints and carried and used one for a long time.
 
Okay final question is, where can I even find a digicam Para 2??? I can't find them ANYWHERE online.
 
JSMcustoms said:
If you need something that can stand up to harder use, not abuse mind you, I would consider looking at a ZT 0350. It's got the same S30V blade steel and is in the same price range.


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This was my first thought. I don't know why but I always associate my PM2 and my 0350 with one another. They are very different yet very similar.
 
I have the PM2 and the Tenacious both are sweet blades, but I have to say the Manix 2 with S30V blade is just a little bit better. The lock mechanism also adds to its appeal. Good luck I am sure you will be very happy with whichever model you choose.
 
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