Spyderco versus Benchmade (in praise of the Paramilitary)

T

Tucson_Tom

Joined
Apr 6, 2016
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This probably sounds like a troll, but it is not. That is certainly not the intent. I was just in the mood to ramble on.

I have owned Benchmade knives for years and like them a lot. However in the past couple of weeks I have discovered Spyderco, in particular the Paramilitary-2.

I am dazzled by the PM-2. I have the standard version with S30V and digital camo. I'd probably choose some other color, but the price was right and, well we can keep our eye out for a sprint in the future. This knife is amazing. How it fits in my hand, the precise feel when it locks open; razor sharp blade.

So I find myself contrasting it with my beloved Benchmades. I far prefer the hole to a stud. With less thought and fewer fine motor skills I can get the knife open. The knife fits wonderfully in the hand (maybe not as absolutely perfect as a Manix I played with, but that is another story).

And here is my take on it. This knife was designed (near as I can tell) from the bottom up to be utilitarian. Flat grind blade, lanyard hole with metal tube, half choil on the blade, the clip is just right.

I wasn't sure about the "compression lock" but have grown to quite like it. I am used to it threatening to bite my forefinger when the knife opens. It seems quite solid and the way it allows one hand closure is very nice.

Not that I don't like my axis-lock benchmades, especially the least expensive of them all, the Griptillian, but this PM-2 is amazing.
 
Both great companies with different strengths and weaknesses. The inestimable Sal Glesser said it best, Spyderco designs knives for the hand, not the eye and it translates to some fantastic cutting tools. Of my 5 serious, workhorse folders 3 are Spydercos.
 
I like Benchmade's, having owned at one time a AFO auto. I loved, LOVED that knife, but it was expensive. When it was stolen from me, I just didn't think I wanted to spend the money to replace it. That was 6 years ago.
Since then I have enjoyed some awesome Spydercos, some of which costs the same, if not slightly more, than my old AFO.

Here in recent months though I have considered getting a few Benchmades. I like the Griptilian, and for some strange reason I'm Interested in getting another auto. I have never been a fan of the axis lock, loving too much a liner/frame/compression lock, but I'm no prude. But I did also love that button release on that AFO.

The Spydero hole though, is a tough attribute to follow. Love that hole!!!

I love my PM2, and admittedly, I judge many other knives by that standard.

Welcome to the forum!!!
 
Anybody with Foghorn Leghorn prominently displayed has got to be a long lost friend.

My first quality knife was a Benchmade AFCK. This knife was misplaced, and I am still waiting for it to turn up, but it has been years and one move since then, so I am starting to loose hope.
Nonetheless, a good friend is a huge fan of the Spyderco Military (and promises to let me borrow his soon so I can get hooked). It strikes me that the Military is a fine replacement (so to speak)
for the AFCK being a liner lock knife, with a hole. I was thinking the Military is too big, but I might reconsider all of that -- but my buddy is going to give me some road time before I lay out my cash.
In fact, you might think of the Military as the AFCK done one better, but don't tell any AFCK fans I said that.
 
I'm also a Para2 admirer, for all the reasons you stated, it's just so versatile and intuitive to use. I have a few of them, use them quite a lot. I have some Benchmades as well, love the Axis lock, but I carry Spyderco's more often.

Oh yes, definitely try out a Military.
 
Tucson_Tom said:
Anybody with Foghorn Leghorn prominently displayed has got to be a long lost friend.

My first quality knife was a Benchmade AFCK. This knife was misplaced, and I am still waiting for it to turn up, but it has been years and one move since then, so I am starting to loose hope.
Nonetheless, a good friend is a huge fan of the Spyderco Military (and promises to let me borrow his soon so I can get hooked). It strikes me that the Military is a fine replacement (so to speak)
for the AFCK being a liner lock knife, with a hole. I was thinking the Military is too big, but I might reconsider all of that -- but my buddy is going to give me some road time before I lay out my cash.
In fact, you might think of the Military as the AFCK done one better, but don't tell any AFCK fans I said that.
Click to expand...

I had a PM2 and gave it to a friend in need of a good knife for a jungle trek. So, recently, while pondering replacing it, I decided to get a Military. I really do not like liner locks. But, once I got it in hand, I fell in love. (as a side note, I hand a Manix XL that was too small for my hand and with gloves a definite no-go. The Millie has none of these issues at all).
 
I have both the dige cam Para2 and a custom s30v grip that I got custom scales for. Even with the upgraded steel and the custom scales, I still prefer my stock para2 over the grip.

here's my gript
DSC00179.jpg


the thing is these custom scales are not a tight fit, and they are held in place by the two side scale screws that I locktite'ed.
DSC00184.jpg


I wonder if this is an issue I should have the scales exchanged with the maker.

But anyhoo, I still prefer my para2 on nearly all levels.
 
The first PM2's I owned I didn't care for. For some reason the first one I got (black/black stealth PM2) was a bit sticky and the blade to handle ratio bugged me. I then got a satin S30V and with this one, I wasn't super impressed with the steel as it would microchip after cutting up cardboard. At one point I had two PM2's but never carried them, so I sold them.

I did carry my Benchmade Griptilian's a lot, but after a while I found myself missing the PM2. A few months ago I was able to score a M390 sprint PM2 and it was love-on-first-day. Since I've bought two other PM2's and mostly carry those or my Slysz Bowie.
 
Although my thoughts and opinion may change at some point , this is the current status of both :

I like , carry and use knives from both companies. But overall I prefer Spyderco knives over Benchmade (for the most part). That being said , the one Benchmade (the one knife , really) that I enjoy and use more than any other is the 710. I'm not saying it's perfect but it's def perfect for me. The 710 is my number one EDC.

The PM2 is ultra popular. But it does nothing for me. I have a couple but I never use them.
 
Wolverine666 said:
Although my thoughts and opinion may change at some point , this is the current status of both :

I like , carry and use knives from both companies. But overall I prefer Spyderco knives over Benchmade (for the most part). That being said , the one Benchmade (the one knife , really) that I enjoy and use more than any other is the 710. I'm not saying it's perfect but it's def perfect for me. The 710 is my number one EDC.

The PM2 is ultra popular. But it does nothing for me. I have a couple but I never use them.
Click to expand...

I need a 710 in my life.
 
Wolverine666 said:
Although my thoughts and opinion may change at some point , this is the current status of both :

I like , carry and use knives from both companies. But overall I prefer Spyderco knives over Benchmade (for the most part). That being said , the one Benchmade (the one knife , really) that I enjoy and use more than any other is the 710. I'm not saying it's perfect but it's def perfect for me. The 710 is my number one EDC.

The PM2 is ultra popular. But it does nothing for me. I have a couple but I never use them.
Click to expand...

Hmmmmm....do you know how it compares to the 940-1?
 
So is this really a thread of Spydero vs. Benchmade, as in, them being opposed one another? Or are they both simply good quality knife makers and we're appreciating them each for what they are?

I am relatively new to Spyderco, having gotten my first only last week. My BM Grip has ridden in my pocket for about ten years, but it was and still is my only BM. Back when i was of the mentality of "buy only one knife and make it a good one," I got the BM. I was happy for years and years until the sickness kicked in and in the last year I've bought several new knives. So I'm perfectly happy with both brands and think they both do an excellent job.

That said, I do think there's a little more bang/buck ratio with Spyderco. For the same money you can usually get a step higher grade of steel and better materials. For example, $100 gets a BM Grip with FRN scales and 154cm. The same $100 gets the Manix 2 with G10 scales and S30V. Just one example, but it seems to hold true at each price point. I used to think otherwise about Spyderco, but I've opened up my mind, seen the error of my ways, and am now a fan. But that doesn't mean my Grip doesn't feel like an old friend. It's been on way too many rides with me to be cast aside for my new love.

They just have to coexist and accept that I love them all.
 
BilboBaggins said:
Hmmmmm....do you know how it compares to the 940-1?
Click to expand...

How the PM2 compares to the 940 ? The 940 is a much slimmer design with a smaller handle and thinner blade so it weighs less. The PM2 is still pretty light for it's size. But you're always aware it's in your pocket whereas the 940 can be carried and remain unnoticed.

The 710 , on the other hand , is larger than either of the above knives. But the big D2 blade all but disappears when the knife is closed up so it really does carry like a smaller knife. That's part of the reason I'm so smitten with it.
 
Like I said above, I'm starting to get back into Benchmade, but that doesn't mean I like all their offerings.

As much as I hear about how loved the 940-1 is, I can't like it. I've held and played with one, and while I did like the design, there wasn't enough heft, just felt "weak" to me. I dunno I'll probably still get one.

Same with Spyderco. They have some patterns that are just too ugly....even for me.
 
Tdhurl1103 said:
Like I said above, I'm starting to get back into Benchmade, but that doesn't mean I like all their offerings.

As much as I hear about how loved the 940-1 is, I can't like it. I've held and played with one, and while I did like the design, there wasn't enough heft, just felt "weak" to me. I dunno I'll probably still get one.

Same with Spyderco. They have some patterns that are just too ugly....even for me.
Click to expand...

that is also how I feel about the 940. I still have one (had a 940-1 but had to sell it because it was collecting dust), but I seldom carry it. When I carry Benchmades it's one of my Griptilians or my RIFT
 
19-3ben said:
So is this really a thread of Spydero vs. Benchmade, as in, them being opposed one another? Or are they both simply good quality knife makers and we're appreciating them each for what they are?
Click to expand...

Yes!!

I never intended it to be a "confrontational" comparison. I just found myself over the past week contrasting and comparing the two (based on the knives I have) and drawing conclusions. I think the comment that "Spyderco knives are made for the hand, not the eye", if I paraphrase it correctly, does hit the mark. I also think that what you say about getting more for your money with Spyderco is generally true.

Ignoring my misplaced AFCK, my Benchmade roundup includes the 930, 940, 746 (mini-onslaught), and the griptillian with hole. The 940 is widely admired, but has never been a big winner with me. It's great virtue is that it is tiny and feather light. The 940-1 is beautiful, but it is a "gentleman's knive". Not that there is anything wrong with that, but you pay for the looks. I don't think there is any comparison between the 940 and the PM2 -- they are totally different knives. the 940 is slim, light, almost delicate -- the PM2 is rough and tough and big. Both are great knives in their own way.

Both companies have great knives and a great reputation. Benchmade has a really superb reputation for customer service (not that I have ever needed it). Benchmade offers many things that have no comparison in the Spyderco line. Both companies offer things that don't interest me at all.

The Benchmade 710 looks nice. No hole though. Decent price. D2 steel. I have learned that I really need to hold a knife to "know".
 
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