Spyderco Stretch or Paramilitary 2?

S

sunandsteel

Joined
Oct 23, 2013
Messages
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I was looking at both of these knives and the biggest difference between the two, other than the blade shape, is the type of lock each has. The Stretch is a lock back and the PM2 has the compression lock. I like the lockbacks a lot coming from having a few Bucks, but which is the better knife between these two? They are both made in the US I believe.
 
For me Compression lock over a lockback any day of the week. I like to open and close the blade by just compressing the lock and flicking the blade. Personal preference but it has me spoiled.

My favorite locking mechanisms in order:

Axis > CBBL > Compression >.........................Auto/OTF > Frame lock > Liner Lock > Lock back...............Slip Joint
 
I prefer the stretch though I am probably the minority here as the pm2 has a huge following.
 
BJE said:
I prefer the stretch though I am probably the minority here as the pm2 has a huge following.
Click to expand...

I'm with you, man. The PM2 is a nice knife, for sure - nothing wrong with it. But I prefer the stretch for a handful of reasons, though all are just my opinion: easier to carry, better ergos, and better blade shape. If you take both in their standard steel, VG-10 is easier to sharpen than S30v. And the Lockback is my favorite and must trusted lock.

Despite what I'm saying, the PM2 is a helluva knife and I think you'll be happy with either decision.
 
I'm with FireBeard. Too many hotspots on a PM2 for me, which is a shame, considering its rabid following.
 
I love my PM2. Can't go wrong IMO. Might want to look at the manix 2 as well.
 
I have the ZDP-189 Stretch and have had a couple of PM2's. I like the handle to blade ratio better on the Stretch. I also prefer FRN to G10 -- I find it more "grippy" and I like the texturing.(I know I am probably in the minority here) I felt like the PM2 wasn't really doing anything that my Stretch wasn't already doing, so I stuck with the Stretch.
 
Surprised to see so many stretch fans, every other thread anymore is about the pm2, it has to be one of the most talked about knives on BF.
 
BJE said:
Surprised to see so many stretch fans, every other thread anymore is about the pm2, it has to be one of the most talked about knives on BF.
Click to expand...

I am also a little surprised with the stretch recommendations. To me they aren't in the same class, and I see the PM2 as pretty much a perfect folder. I don't own a stretch but I don't see how FRN and lockback beats compression lock, G-10, s30V and ridiculously awesome ergos. The stretch obviously has pretty good ergos as well.
 
Both are among my favorites have multiple variations of each in my rotation but I do carry a Stretch more than a PM2. While I prefer the compression lock over the back lock, the back locks from Spyderco are excellent and have never failed me. I can close one-handed with both but the Stretch is easier to master. I prefer the ergos of the Stretch but like the PM2's very much. I prefer the blade profile of the Stretch which is very close to that of the Gayle Bradley, another of my favorites. I prefer the G10 handles of the PM2 to the FRN handles of the Stretch but not more than the Carbon Fiber handled Stretch.

As far as steel goes the PM2 has a larger menu to choose from than the Stretch and that is one of main appeals to me for the PM2. It's not fair IMO to compare the base VG-10 Stretch to the base S30V PM2 when that PM2 has a street price of about twice that of the Stretch. I would take the Stretch ZDP-189 or Stretch Super Blue over the S30V PM2 without hesitation and likely keep some change in the process. Beyond that it can get more complicated. I suggest you buy both of them. I know I will continue to do so.
 
I understand Spyderco is to release a new Stretch in G10 in coming months. Might be worth consideration.
 
I've had a few of each. I prefer the PM2 for the lock. However, my Stretch has ZDP-189 blade-steel, is quite cheap at $100, and the edge will stay sharp a lot longer.
 
Love my s35vn PM2. Absolutely no complaints whatsoever. The lock has never failed on me or given me any issues. Great for strong or weak hand use. The blade slices the hell out of anything it touches. Fit and finish is excellent
 
I would say the stretch too as the ergos are better and a little longer blade. The PM2 has too big of handles for the blade size but i like the lock type bettet. I have had both and they both are good in their own right.
 
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