which one first.. ritter mk1 or spyderco para mil 2?

bullet08

bullet08

Joined
Apr 22, 2011
Messages
294
seems like both are very popular edc. trying to figure out which i should get first. i'm currently carrying kershaw skyline.. used to carry old spyderco rescue. before that SAK spartan. noticed having few knives to rotate my edc might not be a bad idea.

pete
 
which one you say?


mini ritter with some carbon fiber grips and a para2 sprint; get them both, obviously :D


e6t3ko.jpg
 
PM2 is deceptively good. It may not look like much (obviously an opinion only) but it is versatile, practical and a great slicer. The action is buttery smooth too.
 
The Ritter Grip is the best slicer I have owned for a decent size folder (my peanut outslices it, but that is where traditionals excel), and yes this includes vs a Para 2. The Para 2 is pretty nice, but I don't really like the experience I had with the Comp lock. I like the Ritter blade better as well, and once I put some custom handles on it, it blew away the Para 2 for me completely (granted at this point, it's $ value was about $100 more).
 
My vote is with the PM2 all the way. Better ergonomics, better handle material (unless you spring another $100 for custom grips) and I like the comp lock better than the axis lock. Not to mention that the heat treat is more consistent with the PM2.
 
I like the Para 2 better, I have a Ritter, but I don't really like the hollow plasticy handles on them and new grips for it are the same price as an entire para 2.
 
I know I'll end up with both.. it seems PM 2 gets more vote.

How about if you don't consider the scale material at all? PM 2 still the better choice?

Pete
 
bullet08 said:
I know I'll end up with both.. it seems PM 2 gets more vote.

How about if you don't consider the scale material at all? PM 2 still the better choice?

Pete
Click to expand...
That is tough because it comes down to personal preference. I greatly prefer a hole to a thumb stud for one handed opening. Also, the pointy tip of my Para 2 gets a lot of use so I prefer that shape of tip. I don't really mind the Grip handles, but then again mine is a mini which I hear are more solid-feeling than the big Grips.
 
I've owned both, and I have to give the nod to the Para 2. The Ritter simply doesn't feel as though it's worth the money you're expending; the Axis lock is super smooth and strong, but the standard Griptillian handles really kill any notion of high end quality in your mind. Getting aftermarket scales is such a costly endeavor that it makes you wonder if the knife itself is really good enough to deserve twice its cost being invested into it. When you first lay hands on a Para 2, you will be amazed. The pivot bushing makes it super smooth, and the ergonomics really are perfect. The compression lock also happens to be super cool, it's easily my favorite folding knife lock that I've encountered. I would say wait until the second run of the M390 Para 2's comes out, and grab one of those. I sincerely doubt you will regret it.
 
If we're talking about a stock ritter grip or a stock para 2 than this is not even close. Hands down para 2, its just as smooth as the ritter but feels much better in hand with the nice g10 handles. Now a ritter with wilkins grips is an entirely different story and that would be my choice if price is was no issue. However, a ritter grip with wilkins grips is like 3 times the cost of a para 2 so thats something to keep in mind. With that kind of money you could actually purchase a carbon fiber s90v para 2 which would beat out ANY ritter grip with custom scales. lol not an easy choice but if we're talking just factory stock ritter grip vs a regular para 2 than go with the para 2 imho.
 
Yep para 2, besides all of the reasons mentioned above it has super smooth deployment and a pivot system that gives a great solid lock up.
 
Stock Ritter, or one with custom grips? It's an EXCEPTIONAL knife with aftermarket custom scales, but many people don't like the feel of the Noryl GTX. If it's between stock knives, you might try the Para 2 if you like the looks of it. I personally don't, but it's hard to deny that it's a great knife.
 
bullet08 said:
I know I'll end up with both.. it seems PM 2 gets more vote.

How about if you don't consider the scale material at all? PM 2 still the better choice?

Pete
Click to expand...

If the Ritter came with micarta or g10 grips stock they'd be much closer, I still prefer the Compression lock to the Axis lock slightly (they're my favorite 2) and I also prefer the blade shape of the Para 2 slightly so yes, it would still be the winner for me, though by a smaller margin.
 
I have a mini ritter with normal scales, a mini ritter with carbon fiber scales, a paramilitary 2, and had a large ritter (I traded for the mini).

my EDC of choice is the miniritter with carbon fiber scales, but I live in a city and the most I need my knives for are cutting chicken, opening packages, and the occasional box or two. To be honest, the para2 is a better slicer and probably a better overall knife, IMO (this might be skewed since I have the CTS XHP steel sprint), but I still prefer to carry the mini ritter. The para2 has a better sharp point for piercing. It's also more comfortable to apply some pressure and really use the knife due to the thumb ramp. But...the g10 is very grippy, and it ruins my pants when I pull it out. It doesn't slide out of the pants by any means so getting it out is a little slower. Compression and axis are pretty similar. I personally prefer axis slightly because sometimes when I deploy the para2, my hand gets a little pinch from the compression lock (not really a big deal, just a minor annoyance).

I'd personally get a mini ritter and a para2. Getting a full sized ritter and a para2, or visa versa, is a little redundant since they are pretty similar in size. You'll probably like them both, but why have two knives that are very similar to accomplish the same task?

Having a mini ritter lets you carry it everywhere, and you forget you even have it. It takes up very little pocket space so it's pretty easy to have on you 24/7. However, having the para2 lets you do more serious work than the ritter, but since it takes up more pocket room, you only carry it when you need a knife.

my 2 cents :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top