Which is better?

C

Cr4ze_w0lfe

Joined
Jun 6, 2013
Messages
120
I am looking into the paramilitary 2 or the military for a new EDC knife. I've been reading about these knives and have heard that the paramilitary 2 gets blade play alot, I don't know of this is true cause I don't own either of these knives. I also would like to know what knife is smoother an easier to open? If somebody who owns these knives could tell me about them, which do you like better and why? I would appreciate any help/advice. Thanks
 
Those are good choices they are probably the 2 most popular knives in Spyderco's line up I have a para 2 and T military on the way. The para 2 is a perfect size and mine has no blade play what so ever. The military is a liner lock or frame lock in the Ti model. I think the real question is size the Military is a very large folder, the para 2 is a perfect EDC size IMO.
 
Ok thanks, I just heard somebody say the para2 is known for blade play, which I've never heard. Is the para2 smoother to open than the military?
 
Cr4ze_w0lfe said:
Ok thanks, I just heard somebody say the para2 is known for blade play, which I've never heard. Is the para2 smoother to open than the military?
Click to expand...

I am just waiting on the military but from what I hear yes the Para2 is faster to open. I use my middle finger to deploy and mine fly's open, that and the Manix2 are both spectacular knives IMO. Have you thought about the Manix2 or not so much?
 
I just got a PM2 and it is a great knife. Blade play can be because the torque screw comes a bit loose and can be dealt with my torqueing it up. Mine is a solid lock up and the locking bar has plenty of scope to travel across the back of the blade if wear and abrasion over the years plays a part ... so I doubt blade play caused by this will be an issue.

Over all the size to weight on a PM2 makes it a great carry choice ...
 
Cr4ze_w0lfe said:
Ya I want to get the para2 with black blade and digi handle, manix 2 tactical, and Ti military.
Click to expand...

Can't go wrong with any of those all great knives. Here is a photo of my para2, sorry about the other items in the photo its the only decent shot I have.

 
IMG_20120828_115600.jpg


IMG_20120828_120652.jpg


The military is quite large, but carries easily because it's thin and light. I prefer the PM2 though because it is a lot smaller and it's never been too small.

Both of mine function flawlessly and open equally easy. I do prefer closing the compression lock though
 
Last edited:
DRK said:
I am just waiting on the military but from what I hear yes the Para2 is faster to open. I use my middle finger to deploy and mine fly's open,...
Click to expand...

I have both the PM2 and the Military and they both fly open. The PM2 was smoother opening strait out of the box than the Military, but with a couple of days of carry the Military became equally as smooth. I just so happen to be carrying the Military today.

I were large size gloves and the Military is more comfortable to me than the PM2 in the hand in every grip except when choked up with my index finger on the choil, in this position it is a tie.

In the end, it comes down to what size of blade you are comfortable whipping out, your hand size, lock preference, and clip orientation. They are both fantastic knives.:thumbup:


As an aside, the Military is the only knife I own that features tip down carry. This “feature” is what kept me from enjoying this knife for a long time. Finally, I just couldn’t resist any longer and got one. Tip orientation became a none-issue for this knife. No, I did not run and grab my torx set and convert my other knives to tip down, but I have a new appreciation for this orientation on larger knives. The Military is perfect the way it is in my opinion.
 
If you prefer a longer blade and are ok with tip down carry, then go for the Military. If you want tip up carry and are ok with short blade, then go for the Para2.

Smoothness is overrated in my opinion (and there are a variety of things you can do to "fix" it if it is not to your liking) and ease of deployment is going to be roughly the same. Personally, I like to crank down on the pivot screws of my knives to make them very stiff.

Blade play is going to depend on whether or not you get one that has it--some do, some don't. You can sand down the blade stop pin to alleviate blade play on the Para2, or you can tighten down the pivot on the Military.
 
Cr4ze_w0lfe said:
Ok thanks, I just heard somebody say the para2 is known for blade play, which I've never heard. Is the para2 smoother to open than the military?
Click to expand...

I've never had blade play in any of my Para 2's. I don't think it was fair for them to say they are known for blade play.

You won't know which is smoother to open until you get one in hand. Some of my Para's open smoother than some of my Militaries, and some of my Militaries open smoother than some of my Para's. All won't be the same in this regard.

I would just go with what size you want.
 
gastonian said:
I have both the PM2 and the Military and they both fly open. The PM2 was smoother opening strait out of the box than the Military, but with a couple of days of carry the Military became equally as smooth. I just so happen to be carrying the Military today.

I were large size gloves and the Military is more comfortable to me than the PM2 in the hand in every grip except when choked up with my index finger on the choil, in this position it is a tie.

In the end, it comes down to what size of blade you are comfortable whipping out, your hand size, lock preference, and clip orientation. They are both fantastic knives.:thumbup:


As an aside, the Military is the only knife I own that features tip down carry. This “feature” is what kept me from enjoying this knife for a long time. Finally, I just couldn’t resist any longer and got one. Tip orientation became a none-issue for this knife. No, I did not run and grab my torx set and convert my other knives to tip down, but I have a new appreciation for this orientation on larger knives. The Military is perfect the way it is in my opinion.
Click to expand...

My Military is coming next week and I can't wait to try it. I put it off the purchase for a long time because of the size but after all the positive praise that the knife has gotten over the years and still continues to get I decided to give it a try.
 
Respectfully, asking "Which is better?" is about the same as asking 'Why is a duck?'. You may get an answer, but it will be meaningless until you have personally tried both knives.
 
The Military is larger but it still carries well. Do you need a 4" blade for EDC? Get the PM2 if you don't need or want a 4" blade.
 
DRK said:
My Military is coming next week and I can't wait to try it. I put it off the purchase for a long time because of the size but after all the positive praise that the knife has gotten over the years and still continues to get I decided to give it a try.
Click to expand...

Awesome, enjoy it!:thumbup:
 
Have a Para 2 and a Mili Ti. Love both. The Para 2 is elegant and civilized. The Mili Ti, it just has attitude. You will not be disappointed either way.
 
Zero blade play on mine. I say go for the PM2, if you can find one. Nothing wrong with the Military either though.
 
DRK said:
...that and the Manix2 are both spectacular knives IMO. Have you thought about the Manix2 or not so much?
Click to expand...

This. ^^^^

I have the Military and the Manix2 XL & prefer the Manix. Both the military and the Manix2 XL are quite large, but I love the handle design on the Manix. Fits my hand better and firmer.

I have a PM2 on order and don't have one to compare. Sorry. But If you decide that you prefer the larger knife, also look at the Manix2 XL, if smaller, look at the Manix2. Like DRK posted, the Manix is also a spectacular knife.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top