Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Review
Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Review
The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is a standout choice for knife enthusiasts who seek a dependable and versatile Everyday Carry (EDC) knife. Renowned for its impressive cutting ability, excellent ergonomics, and solid construction, this American-made knife consistently finds its way into the collections of dedicated knife collectors. Featuring a high-quality S30V steel blade and an innovative compression lock system, the Paramilitary 2 offers remarkable durability and ease of use.
Its well-thought-out design, including the oversized Spyder-hole for swift deployment and an ergonomic handle, makes it a top recommendation for both tactical applications and heavy-duty tasks. As one of the most esteemed knives in its category, it remains a staple in the EDC rotations of many, offering a seamless blend of functionality and craftsmanship.
Engage any knife reviewer, browse through any knife-focused YouTube channel, or dive into any knife forum, and you’ll find that the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 frequently emerges as a top contender among Everyday Carry (EDC) knives. It truly is a rock star in the EDC community for valid reasons. The knife boasts a design where form follows function, offering excellent cutting capability, superb ergonomics, and that elusive “X” factor that keeps enthusiasts returning year after year.
The knife remains a staple in many people’s daily carry rotation and continues to captivate the hearts and minds of knife aficionados worldwide. This review of the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 aims to dissect what makes this knife so exceptional.
So, buckle up and delve into why this American-made marvel remains a favorite among blade enthusiasts.
Spyderco Paramilitary 2 review: General Specifications
General Dimensions and Blade Details Para 2 features an overall length of 8.3 inches, a blade length of 3.4 inches, and a weight of 3.75 ounces, all crafted in the USA. It’s a larger knife designed as a tactical knife or a sturdy utility folder. Despite its size, many use it as an EDC knife. Para 2 is slightly larger than my typical preference, but it sees plenty of action on the weekends. I’m not alone in finding the Para 2 on the larger side, as evidenced by Spyderco’s release of the Paramilitary 3 in 2017, which Ben reviewed in detail.
Blade design of the Paramilitary 2
The Para 2 showcases a classic Spyderco drop-point blade. It features a full flat grind and is crafted from 3.5mm blade stock. The knife has a generous belly and an excellent tip and proves to be a formidable slicer. Completing the package is a well-ground edge that arrived incredibly sharp. I’ve found this knife excellent for food prep, such as when slicing large ciabatta rolls, where the 3.4-inch blade effortlessly handled the task.
You can choose between a satin finish or a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating for your Paramilitary 2 blade. Everything I’ve read about their DLC coating has been positive, but you may prefer a satin-finished version.
The blade steel used is the highly capable S30V. Knife enthusiasts won’t need much introduction to S30V, as it’s been popular for nearly a decade. For newcomers, this is an all-around excellent steel. Although S35VN and other premium steels have surpassed it over the years, S30V remains more than adequate for most individuals. It’s relatively easy to sharpen, holds a sharp edge, and maintains a good working edge for an extended period. Additionally, it’s quite resistant to rust and corrosion.
Spyderco has released numerous sprint runs of the Paramilitary 2 over the years, featuring various exotic steels and handle colors. With luck, they’ll eventually upgrade the standard Para 2 to S35VN or CTS-XHP. Meanwhile, Spyderco’s lineup also offers a premium version of the knife in S110V with purple scales.
Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Review: Handle Design
Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip The Paramilitary 2’s handle is crafted from black G10 over nested stainless steel liners. The liners have been partially milled out to reduce weight, resulting in a knife that is very light overall at 3.75 ounces. The corners are nicely rounded, and the liners sit flush with the G10. The construction is open, featuring two pillars and a generously sized lanyard loop, demonstrating top-notch handle construction.
The ergonomics of the Para 2 are exceptional.
Spyderco has effectively utilized a 50-50 choil to offer more options and better control over the knife. This allows you to position your hand further back on the knife to maximize reach or choke up for more detailed cutting tasks. Either way, the handle is spacious and extremely comfortable.
Complementing this is one of the best jimped thumb ramps I’ve ever encountered. The jimping is phenomenal, practically adhering your thumb in place without being so abrasive as to be uncomfortable.
How does the para 2 carry
The pocket clip is a standard Spyderco hourglass-shaped, large with a bright satin finish. It provides good retention and a reasonably deep carry. Casey Lynch has developed a deep carry titanium pocket clip for the Para 2, so if you like simple clips you should consider getting one. While the standard Spyderco clip works, it’s not for everyone.
The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is exceptionally well-suited for pocket carry. Despite being a larger knife, its thin and relatively lightweight design ensures it doesn’t weigh down pockets or create much bulk. While it’s not as unobtrusive as the Dragonfly II, the Para 2 carries surprisingly well for its size, thanks to its slim profile.
Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Review: Deployment
An oversized Spyder-hole facilitates deployment and Lock The Paramilitary 2’s deployment. And when I say oversized, I mean it—the thumb hole measures 14mm in diameter, much larger than you might be accustomed to. However, I quickly adapted to it and now absolutely love it. Deployment is incredibly fast, smooth, and consistent. This knife is excellent for use with gloves, providing smooth and effortless deployment with every flick. Complementing the oversized thumb hole are large phosphor bronze washers that are very smooth and improve as the knife breaks in. Thus, deployment is simply outstanding.
The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 employs a compression lock to secure the blade open. My impressions of the mechanism are extremely positive. At first, it might appear to be a liner lock on the back of the knife, but in practice, it’s quite different. The compression lock operates by wedging a liner segment between the tang and a stop pin. As force is applied to the knife, the lock compresses, and the combination of tang, liner, and pin securely holds the blade in place. The more pressure applied, the tighter the lock becomes. It’s an incredibly robust design and quite ingenious.
My knife has no blade play, and the compression lock is easy to operate with one hand. I appreciate how you can disengage the lock and fold away the blade without placing your fingers in the blade’s path.
Another aspect of the compression lock is how easily it can be disengaged with one hand. It may require some practice initially, but it’s easy to close the knife single-handedly without placing your fingers near the edge’s path—something impossible with a liner lock or frame lock. This feature makes the knife immensely enjoyable to handle. I rank it alongside an axis lock in terms of sheer blade-flicking satisfaction. There are some reports of the lock being sticky, but I haven’t experienced that personally, and any stickiness should dissipate as the knife breaks in.
Spyderco Paramilitary 2 review: Final Thoughts
The conclusion of our Paramilitary 2 review is that it is simply an outstanding knife. Unsurprisingly, this is the EDC choice for numerous serious knife collectors. If you poll a group of individuals who regularly purchase knives in the price range, odds are high that a Paramilitary 2 is a significant part of their EDC rotation. This is for a very good reason. You have a durable knife with premium steel that is superbly balanced, highly ergonomic, and extremely functional. The knife speaks for itself when you factor in the price point and the fact that it’s made in the USA.
If you’re in the market for a workhorse EDC or a robust folding tactical knife, the Paramilitary 2 should be near the top of your list. It easily ranks among the best EDC knives and receives my highest endorsement.
