Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Review (Good for EDC, Great for Work)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ต.ค. 2024
- Due to its popularity, Spyderco's paramilitary 2 has become a polarizing knife. Some think it's the best knife in existence while others think it's hot garbage. I lean towards the former as I recognize the details of the design and execution are very well done. Front to back it was designed to be a knife that gets work done. Well ground distal taper that is both robust and fine tipped. Decent cutting geometry at 0.020" BTE at 17dps. Easy opening and closing one handed with bulky gloves.
It's greatest weakness is its squared off handle causing moderate discomfort under heavy use. The contour of the handle also forces my pinky to take up the bulk of the pressure to hold the knife when making tough cuts.
This is the first review/commentary on the PM2 where the "HOT" edges of the G10 are brought up. It is by far the biggest complaint I have. The ergos for me are good. I'm thinking my hands are just larger than yours maybe. All good. That's why we have choices. I'm a carpenter by trade and prefer a hatchet handle hammer to a straight hammer handle. Were all different. Looking at the M2 now that it has been redesigned. Waited for it for a while. Agree with all you've said.
In fairness there are a lot of aftermarket handles out there so we could all buy them with more rounded handles but it seems like such an easy design update on their part. Truly at the end of the day it doesn't bother me enough to dislike it anyway!
Excellent review and video! The PM 2's and Para 3's are great EDC / work knives. Used both at work, mistakenly dropped it in the river while camping, used it during heavy rain storm and at home and it never fails. I take it apart, oil it and put it back together after it gets wet or after heavy use and it's good to go and I carry at least two PM 2's on me. I have several Benchmade knives and would never put it or use in the rain like my Spyderco's due to the axis springs may rust. I never was into Spyderco's but once I had both the PM 2 and Shaman in hand, it all changed and I love these knives. I have a good collection of Spyderco knives now. Thanks for sharing brother!
Once a person really uses a spyderco they always get it! And the PM2 is really tough to beat when it comes to getting stuff done!
@@EngineersPerspective701, words well said on these knives! 👍
Nice review. I get so sick of hearing complaints about a knife not being fidgety enough. It's not a toy it's a tool. I couldn't care less about fidget.spydercos are designed to be functioning tools which is why I like them so much
I have a crucarta pm2 (cruwear) most comfortable handle ever except for maybe the endura
Really the biggest ask for me is easy one hand open and close is all. Otherwise fidget factor is whatever
Just got a spyderco pm2 in cruwere pretty nice so far 👌
Cruwear is da 💣!
In 2023 I got one with CPM S30V and I'm pretty sure that's about the worst available steel for a Para Military 2. Despite that, my knife is still very sharp--and just keeps cutting, cutting, cutting between sharpenings. I sometimes baton the blade to trim sticks and kindling off of fire logs, like I'm Advanced Knife Bro. This mother stays sharp.
S30V from Spyderco is a solid performer for sure!
On top of the great value, brilliant ergonomics, and genius designs, Spyderco is known for absolutely nailing the heat treatment on any steel they use. It's why they waited so long before releasing the new models in MagnaCut, they had to experiment to get it just right. So Spyderco's S30V is not your average S30V, it's as good as it gets. Even their CTS-BD1N and CrMoV steels which should be close to a 440C / 440A just perform above and beyond what they should be capable of in theory. Hope this gives you a bit more appreciation for the Spyderco S30V 🙏🏻.
I love the distinction between a work tool and a work knife, I enjoy the action of the PM2. I feel you on the blocky handle, would be my largest complaint about the PM2. I like the Ergos and blade length of the endura better though, even if deployment is way worse.
My favorite work knife is actually the native 5 LW. Still has that giant hole so it doesn't really bother me that the action isn't so snappy. I find the smaller blade easier to control and prefer them generally over longer blades for work which is definitely counter to the usual.
The endura and that whole family of blades are freakin awesome though! Especially in K390!
@@EngineersPerspective701 I have never used a native 5, that will go on the list with the Caribbean for knives I want to own eventually. I have noticed that most knife people tend to prefer shorter blades for work for that reason.
I don’t do a lot of cutting at my job aside from different types of tape, boxes, and some food prep the long blade generally is nice for the food prep. That and the K390 is tough, keeps an edge forever, and really isn’t bad to sharpen.
When I need an easier to control blade length normally I just choke up on my endura’s blade with a pinch grip. It might just be a case of me using the same tool for too long (been carrying an endura of some type for over a decade) and adapting my usage to accommodate it’s shortcomings, not unlike the buck 110 crowd.
I really enjoy these videos because they look at the tool in the context of how it is used rather than just reviewing features.
@@nandayane I moved into an office job about a yr ago so my cutting needs have drastically reduced.
Totally understand getting familiar with your tool and the round hole is such a great anchor point for choking way upon the blade. Definitely a spyderco feature I love.
Sincerely appreciate the comment! I try to bring something to the table that is a little different from the standard review. Production quality may not be high but hopefully decent information/discussion!
I agree wholeheartedly. I used Benchmade Griptillians for years working offshore. I still like that size but have gone to We I Kizer and have recently bought a Para 2.
I have 3 PM2. All 3 murdered out, DLC blades, black hardware, black liners, black g10, one in S45VN normal leaf blade, one S30V tanto, and 1 CTS XHP wharncliffe. Love them all.
Nice!!
What do you think are the best available blade steels for the PM2 specifically, based on its blade shape, intended use, etc? I love the PM2 and I'm having a hard time deciding which version of it I want to get as my main EDC. I'm thinking K390, Cruwear, or Magnacut. I would consider M4 or 10V but just can't find them anywhere.
Yeah very nice detailed review of use in hand. You and I must have similar hand size/shape/grip, cause I agree on pretty much everything you noted. I like the pm2 for work requiring a hard hammer grip as the longer handle seems to give me more leverage, even if its a bit harsh on the pinkie, but for most tasks, para 3 is gold. Its just more comfortable in hand, holding up on choil feels better, g10 is machined better.. just better and as capable for 90% of stuff. I like benchmades, but the choil and spydie hole just make this much more versatile and ease of use is next level. Great stuff!
Totally man!
And on the note of benchmade, they do a really fantastic job with handles! The 940, mini crooked River, barrage, griptilian, freek are all really exceptional handles.
Best review ever. Covered it all
Appreciate it!
Had a PM2 once. Didn’t like it. I settled on a Sage 5 for the flagship Spyderco in my collection. The PM2 made a nice gift so I was happy to give it to a best bud. Great review. Might consider the Para 3 if I get the itch for another Spyderco as the PM2 was just a bit too much knife for my ideal EDC.
Love the para 3 but honestly the Sage 5 is a more refined design in my book. Just like that the para gives a close design with all the steel choices!
I find the comp lock a bit tricky to unlock with gloves. For me the backlocks take thr prize for gloved hands work, like an Endura. Perhaps more practice is needed, the comp lock can be kinda closed with the thumb like a backlock though, will try next time. The blocky handle i dont mind. Too many calluses, so even whittling wood the vintage buck ranger and pm2s and their minecraft handles feel ok
Backlock for the win hands down. The native series is one of the best IMO
Good video man!! Stretch 2 solves all the gripes, not fidgety, but it's fantastic at work. K390 of course.
I’ve heard that! I actually had a V-Toku 2 one in the past but it didn’t stick around. Honestly just didn’t like the looks. I would be interested in a K390 one for sure one day!
@@EngineersPerspective701 Right on! The Stretch 2 is a lot nicer, straight spine, they took that crazy hook out of the handle where your pinky went, so the handle is better. FRN is no big deal, works great at work, super tough too. I like it better than my PM 2's, but I'm not a big fidget guy, so the back lock suits me fine. My next buy will be the Stretch 2 XL in Cruwear..... pricey though. But a wicked blade!!!!!
@@jaystrongbow6111 the Military 2 would be a better fit, larger handle, longer blade, same blade geometry and compression lock. Back locks are strong af but one-handed opening and closing is a bit harder.
Paramilitary 2: I have five. I want the Wharncliffe in CTS XHP. For all that, I love Hundred Pacer. Big doesn't get in the way. I have Resilience in S35VN. Going to put in original Resilience frame and replace the black with Sage green peel ply G-10. That Frankenstein and Hundred Pacer plus Serrata will do my everyday.
The PM2 is definitely a model that’s grown on me over the years to the point of it being a favorite. Never handled a hundred pacer but always thought they looked sweet
Birthday is coming up. I need to find this
Get it!
This was a great review thanks bro😁
Appreciate it!
Got myself a shaman and my pm2 never gets carried anymore
Same. If I want a smaller knife, I’ll go with the Para 3. If I want a PM2 sized knife, I go with the Shaman.
I have a hard time the Shaman. It's geometry is a little too overboard (meaning thick AF) for my taste. However, oddly enough I actually prefer short blades for work knives so the native 5 and para 3 are my go to blades.
@@EngineersPerspective701 I love pm2 for general edc, I'll use the shaman for hard use, when I think there is a possibility of tip damage for the pm2. Love pm3 for general edc too!
@@brianc1111 That tip can easily become a casualty if prying is going to go down! Love the para 3 too for everything!
Send that pm2 to me then 😀
Hello. Perhaps you should consider using a small fixed blade when you wear gloves. Otherwise, i am afraid you will eventually cut your self badly while trying to open or close a folder this way. Thank you for taking your time to share your thoughts. Even though i use different methods and have other opinions about these steels, i do enjoy your content.
I have a Carter Cutlery Original Neck knife that I love to carry when I'm going hard after it. I wear it horizontal on my belt with the tip of the sheath pushed by my belt buckle to tuck it in. I think I featured it in my 3 types of EDC video.
I don't necessarily see the potential for cutting myself in this technique but I appreciate you accepting the differences in opinions between us. I'd say I rarely ever completely agree with knife videos I find on TH-cam but there is always something to learn and entertainment to be had! Thank you for watching!
Out of curiosity, what is your preferred work knife steel flavor?
@@EngineersPerspective701 I lean towards stainless steels more these days for pretty much anything. For hard work, aebl and nitrobe 77 are toughness beasts. For more balanced properties, lam cos from Fällkniven and elmax have also served me exceptionally. Regarding non stainless steels, i prefer 3v and cru wear.
@@theodorosmalliopoulos7231 all great steels, AEB-L and cruwear are personal favorites of mine as well.
So not a fan of the high VC steels like S90V or 10V? Mostly toughness that keeps you away?
@@EngineersPerspective701 toughness and stain resistence.
@@theodorosmalliopoulos7231 Understood. What's your preferred sharpening method(s)?
You may like S90V if you haven't already tried it. It's almost as tough as Elmax at 59HRc and stainless as AEB-L. Takes some more time to sharpen and requires diamonds/CBN for best results though.
Did you experienced lock stick in any of your PM2? how did you deal with it? thanks
I did actually as well as on the para 3. The PM2s are easier because you can rotate the stop pin 90 degrees and see if it helps. Keep rotating until you find the best position. For the para 3 I just use them a lot and broke them in. Hard use helps a lot surprisingly, just cutting through super tough materials essentially.
I think it's a great knife too, but those handles...why?! Like they cheaped out on that, production cost/sales issue maybe, anyway you usually can't have everything I guess. Waiting for PM2 lightweight...someday 🥱
The quality is there, they just refuse to do the extra step of chamfering them that would take it from not ideal to totally suitable. The visual difference between it and the para 3 is minimal but the para is a lot easier on the hand. I genuinely believe this knife was made to be used with a gloved hand otherwise it just doesn’t make sense to me
The yojumbo handle is a trainwreak and I will need to modify it. Not well thought out at all
I never really understood the yojimbo/jumbo handle
@@EngineersPerspective701 very frustrating. Modifying it this week.
A working knife would be a cheap quality one ,like the ruike 801
Definition of "working knife" will vary widely. For me, at it's root I'd say it's a leatherman or SAK honestly.
The PM2 would fall sort of into the Wusthof equivalent category in that it is definitely a better product that improves the performance of the task but technically isn't needed relative to lower cost options.
@@EngineersPerspective701 Honestly I think that a working knife should be also cheap ( or good value ,not super expert in english 😂🙈 )
If you break/lose a 200$ one mmm...
@@dimmacommunication Totally get it and I think many would agree! Also your English has been quite good but mine may not be super clear😁!
I'm just saying that some are willing to use the expensive product for the best experience!
@@EngineersPerspective701 Just remembered I'm gonna get the king 1200, will see how I like it compared to my Chinese diamond stone :)
But imho the Chinese diamond has served me very well, 5 years .
The mini dmt died in like the 3rd use
@@dimmacommunication I'm interested to hear what you think compared to the diamond. It's probably going to cut A LOT slower so make sure to completely apex with it.
But question is : do people really use pocket knives for work ?
Here in my country is basically illegal to carry ,unless proven the need ,so basically police can arrest you if they want.
Very country dependent no doubt! And even state specific.
That is really rough where you're at. I know that goes for a lot of EU and certainly the UK.
In the US, most pocket knives are essentially not regulated in any way. So no trouble unless you physically attack somebody with it.
Automatic knives are a different story though.
@@EngineersPerspective701 But I mean, do people really use them to work?
@@dimmacommunication Yes, of course. What do you use when you need to cut something at work?
@@baileymoto They have specific cutters in the toolbox .
If you get caught outside a specific situation with a knife it's an automatic felony here ( and pretty bad )
@@dimmacommunication Ya, I think that’s the biggest difference, it’s not a legal issue in the US. Some states have limits on length (usually around 3”), but those laws are rarely enforced. We could argue a knife is the most useful tool mankind has ever created…so many of us carry one everyday. 👌
Bias relating to the lock operation. Access lock is ambidextrous, compression is NOT. Access lock provides TWICE the access to the lock mechanism whereas compression lock has only one tab on one side. Finally, the access lock is NOT recessed into the handles whereas the compression lock is. All of these points are magnified by gloved hands also. You call PM2 a "work knife" but caution twisting the tip. WTF? I can twist with either bugout or 940 and because the PM2 tip is for cutting ONLY, IT in fact is a tool not a "working knife". You can't be an engineer. I am.
For me it’s very difficult to close an axis lock with gloves on and when I manage it some fabric is in the blade path.
Yes, work knife. Not general purpose pry tool. Keyword being knife. That said everyone has their own preferences and ways they want their tools to work so I don’t judge someone who wants a pry bar out of their knife. It’s all good either way.
Also I can very easily close a compression lock with my left hand.
I don't get that last sentence, 'You can't be an engineer, I am'. Can there only be one engineer? I've been living these past 5 years thinking I was an engineer as well, do I have to defeat you to steal your title, or how does this work?