Why the obsession with the paramilitary 2??

Surfingringo

Surfingringo

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May 25, 2013
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Why does it seem like so many people are obsessed with this blade? Is it really superior to its piers, or does everybody just want one because everybody else wants one? We don't have any dealers in my country, so I have never had the chance to handle one, but there are several spydercos that I think look like a nicer design. I know it's all subjective and everyone has different taste, just curious why this knife is so popular right now?? I must admit that even though I'm not overly interested in the knife, even I am affected by all the hype! I saw the post yesterday about the pm2s at bladehq and for a second i thought "oh, I better hurry up and get one before they sell out!" Haha!

So what do you vote?

A. Something truly special about the pm 2 compared to other spydercos?

B. Good knife but more of an example of herd mentality..."nothing draws a crowd like a crowd?"
 
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There definitely is hype surrounding the PM2 but it wouldnt be so hyped up if it wasnt a good knife to begin with. It has great ergonomics and looks pretty but there are flaws to it such as having a short blade to handle ratio. If you can get one right now for regular retail prices I'd jump on it, but if youre considering ebay prices then it isnt worth it. imo
 
It's a good knife that does what it needs to do. I don't love it especially, and if I had the opportunity to buy one for $100 I would most likely pass and spend the money on another Spyderco. Maybe it's just that I'm searching for something less tactical, and I'm not particularly fond of plastic handles. But I feel as though the G10 handles are too sharp, and they don't fit my hands well. The choil wastes too much blade space on an already short blade IMO. I have a feeling many people are buying it for the compression lock, but I've never really been attached to any particular lock, so hey. I find the compression lock kind of annoying- I've been pinched too many times by it. A disclaimer though: I've never owned a paramilitary 2, all my experiences with it consist of a week with a friend's PM2.
 
Value for the $$ is one of the things that make the para 2 so good. The para 2 is a GREAT knife for $100-$125 like they normally sell for. Anything more than that and the value isn't there.
 
Get one, then, you will know.
The Para Military is one of the finest folders ever designed.
rolf
 
I would, at the very least, like to lay my hands on one Rolf. I'd love to check one out, up close and personal. Maybe i would change my opinion, who knows. I am going to make a point of trying to do just that next time I am in the u.s.. Also, I hope it's clear that I have absolutely nothing negative to say about the knife, I just don't see what all the fuss is about. I'm with Minibear...looks nice, but not near the top of my list.
 
good blade size, great ergos, thin and pocket-able, great deployment. Whats not to like.

...there wouldn't be "hype" around it if it weren't something special. Where there is smoke theres fire. no "heard mentality" ....get one and form you own opinion.
 
Chuck Norris carries a PM2. ;-)

paramilitary2s-5174_zpsc4830490.jpg
 
If I had to get rid of all of my knives but one, I would probably keep the Pm2.
 
I am obsessed with the Military model, not the para Military. I prefer longer blades, not shorter. That being said, they are both kind of the same appearance wise, jsut a shorter blade. Guess it's okay for those in areas where 4+ is not legal.

I think the MIlitary is the best knife ever produced. But that's just me.
 
A little from column A a little from column B. I think for most users pocket knives are a general purpose tool more than something fill a specific niche and the Para 2 does a lot of things very well. It's not the best slicer on the market, but it slices better than most of it's competitors, it's certainly not the toughest folder around, but it's more than tough enough for 90% of the tasks you'll face. It has some fun, tactical appeal without dipping too far into mall ninjary. It's quite comfortable in the hand without sacrificing comfort in the pocket. IMO, it's the rare compromise where you get a huge selection of positive characteristics without taking on too many of the negatives that so oftencome with them.
 
The PM2 is a fine knife in just about every respect, and from my perspective its small enough for EDC tasks, but big enough (in theory) to alter a bad person's behavior. Much of the current feeding frenzy is because production is currently very low - which makes everyone want one - and the limited nature of sprint runs and dealer exclusives feeds demand as well. I think I have about 7 of them.

 
I had one and found that the handle to blade ratio was pretty poor IMHO. I know that there are legions of PM lovers but it just wasn't what I needed. I carry an Endura most of the time and find that they perform better for me and my uses.

I recently purchased a Caly 3.5 and the blade length is listed at 3.40" vs. PM2 at 3.50". Whilst the PM2 is ostensibly marginally longer and slightly thicker (at .141 " vs. .125 ") the cutting edge on the Caly 3.5 is 3.08" vs. the actual cutting edge is virtually identical with the PM2 at 3.078 ".

Caly 3.5 = smaller overall package and less weight for similar blade length.

Let me summarise by saying that I have a Caly3.5 in my collection, I don't have a PM2...

Ben
 
Surfingringo- Good! And when you get a Para, give that Comp-lock some time to get used to. You will come to love it.
rolf
 
i had a digicam pm2 for a bit (before trading it towards a small seb) and i really liked the feel of it, the lock function, lockup, smoothness, ergos, but the blade to handle ratio DID bother me a bit. with a slightly longer blade in the same handle i would like it more



all that being said, i might be getting another pm2 here shortly. currently deciding between that and a few other things
 
cbxer55 said:
I am obsessed with the Military model, not the para Military. I prefer longer blades, not shorter. That being said, they are both kind of the same appearance wise, jsut a shorter blade. Guess it's okay for those in areas where 4+ is not legal.

I think the MIlitary is the best knife ever produced. But that's just me.
Click to expand...

And this is why they make different models for different people. I have the Military with the S30V black blade and camo scales. I don't like it at all. Currently sitting in its box, in its plastic bag, not being used. We all like different things and what one person likes, another won't and vice-versa.

Enjoy yours and have fun with it! I'm just not fond of mine. ;)

Which brings us back to the PM2. A lot of people like the knife and, as others said, that is not usually an accident. But I won't know until I get my hands on the one I have ordered. I haven't even handled one yet.
 
Peroni1973 said:
Caly 3.5 = smaller overall package and less weight for similar blade length.
Click to expand...

Off topic alert!

Mr. Sal conjured up some kind of evil spirits in order to get a blade in the Caly 3.5 that seems bigger than the handle. If he would do some sprint runs with the Caly 3.5 like he does with the Para 2, I would predict a similar feeding frenzy. Maybe a Caly 3.5 in Powernoodle Blue.



Okay, back on topic. Thanks.
 
SaintlyBrees said:
And this is why they make different models for different people. I have the Military with the S30V black blade and camo scales. I don't like it at all. Currently sitting in its box, in its plastic bag, not being used. We all like different things and what one person likes, another won't and vice-versa.

Enjoy yours and have fun with it! I'm just not fond of mine. ;)

Which brings us back to the PM2. A lot of people like the knife and, as others said, that is not usually an accident. But I won't know until I get my hands on the one I have ordered. I haven't even handled one yet.
Click to expand...

I was not trying to push my opinion on others. Just telling it like it is. The Military and the Para Military are close cousines, far as I am concerned. Like some have said, the blade-to-handle ration is horrible on the pm. I know it is to have a comfortable handle, so it can be over-looked. But my preference is to have a large blade to go with the handle.

Peace.
 
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