Customer Reviews

Spyderco ParaMilitary G-10 Plain Edge Knife, Black

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you check out reviews for this knife in utube, knifecenter.com and other sites, you will see a steady 5 star review. I initially purchased this as a gift, but I'm so impressed with the quality that I decided to keep it for myself. I bought the Para2 plain edge in camo handle and black blade. The only difference is the color of the blade and handle.
I have a few high end priced knives to include Busse and Chris Reeve. I almost purchased a $330 pocket knife until I ran into the reviews on this knife. Previous owners stated it was the best Spyderco has created taking in mind all of the quality control recommendations from previous owners. First of all, the blade is well known for maintaining its sharpness and its durablity. The heat treatment is around 59. The handle is G10 which also maintains a good grip and the lock blade is also of high quality. I won't get technical, thats what the description is for.
The only negative, which is really not one is that the knife doesn't hook up easily to a pants pocket due to the friction of the clip and the G10. This can easily be fixed by sanding down that part of the G10.
This is a must buy for a folder knife.

I am a big fan of Spyderco products. If you search my other reviews you'll find that I gave their flat ground Endura knife 5 stars and a rave review. For a little less than twice the price this knife gives you some big pluses and one or two slight negatives. First the (for me) cons: The blade is slightly shorter with about the same size grips, so you get less blade for the same amount of real estate in your pocket. The handle is slightly thicker, so the knife is very slightly less comfortable to carry. Lastly, as much as I love that this knife is US made, I find the fit and finish not quite up to the high standards of Japanese made Spyderco products like the Endura. Now the positives: The ergonomics of this knife are just amazing. It fits in the hand so naturally and can be gripped comfortably is a variety of positions. It blows away any other folding knife I've ever tried in this regard, including other Spydercos. If carried tip down as it comes from the factory, it is also has the most intuitive, swift and discrete deployment of any knife I've seen. Simply pull it out of your pocket by gripping the hole in the blade with thumb and the clip with your forefinger, give the knife a gentle downward snap while keeping your grip on the blade, and the knife opens. During this movement, the knife is mostly concealed by your hand so there is no flashy and intimidating blade flicking going on. I use my knife a lot, often in front of people who might be offended by such a display, so this is important to me. You can open any Spyderco folder like this, but with the way the PM2 is designed, it just works better. The S30V steel is not bad. I have this version as well as the more expensive CTS20CP steel model, and yes the 20CP is way better, but that was a limited edition that I lucked into and they are no longer available as far as I know, except at highly inflated prices. The knife is very lightweight, yet the grips are solid feeling and secure and the blade has a nice solid heft to it. The locking mechanism is superb. Solid, easy for lefties or the right handed to release and very secure feeling. It also works to keep the knife securely closed in the pocket which is very important. The flat ground blade is incredibly functional for slicing, food prep and utility use. Unlike the Endura and many other folders, the grips are designed with an open back so debris and junk can easily be flushed out of the knife. Anyway, I could go on and on about how awesome this knife is, I carry it 99% of the time and feel bereft on those rare occasions when I don't have it on me. If I seriously couldn't afford the extra $ between this and the Endura, I'd go with the cheaper knife, but to me, the extra $50-60 is a small price to pay for the significant upgrades. After owning this knife for a few weeks, I sold my lovely Chris Reeve folder (that cost around $400) on eBay. As beautiful as it was, it was just not up to the functionality and ergonomics of the Para Military 2.

You can't go wrong with the Spyderco ParaMilitary 2! It is much lighter than my Spyderco Manix 2 but feels just as strong. It is a great slicer and the S30V is extremely sharp. I am a bit concerned that the tip might snap off due to the long slender blade and upswept edge but I will just have to be careful. The compression lock is different, like a backwards liner lock, and is really easy to use if your left handed like myself. In fact, it might be easier for a lefty! I highly recommend this knife for everyday carry and office work (heavy outdoors work might be too much for the tip to handle.)

I had very average expectations for this knife. I mainly bought it because the reviews are consistently so glowing. It doesn't look like a knife I would use as an EDC. Boy was I wrong. This knife is slick. The edge is extremely sharp and very well applied. CPM-S30V steel is of course extremely good knife steel and there is a lot of it in this blade.

The hinge is very slick. The blade opens effortlessly and can be closed one-handed with one flick of the wrist. The compression lock is very nice and works perfectly. Being able to release the lock with your index finger is extremely convenient. You can safely disengage the lock and flick the blade closed in one movement.

The G10 scales are very functional and are just very cool looking. The G10 with the camo pattern is partly translucent and shows the camo etched just under the surface. The texture is rough and will not slip in your hand. The edges are nicely rounded to improve ergonomics. The shape of the scales is very ergonomic, allowing multiple grips where you can choke up less or more on the blade.

It's very solid with no play in the hinge. The G10 is textured perfectly over the frame. It's a great knife, my third favorite Spyderco after my Sage 1 and Sage 2. This Para-II will be seeing a lot of use.

This is a capable defensive folder, but it's not out of place as an EDC.

Pros:
- Tremendously comfortable/secure grip
- Very light for such a solid knife, with great balance to it
- No blade play whatsoever, compression lock seems very strong
- Blade opens like butter, way smoother than a liner or frame lock. Feels like a tighter, but smoother, Axis lock. One handed close is easy.
- Nice blade centering in closed position
- S30V steel
- Very functional blade shape

Cons:

- Not a fan of the bright silver clip, would've liked something darker, or at least non-reflective. It's easily swapped out, though.
- Tip is quite fine, which has its advantages, but it may not be able to tolerate as much misuse as some other knives.
- Would like to see more even pricing between the models. Why should a camo handle/black blade cost sooooo much more than a black handle/silver blade?

I am 51 years old, and used and carried knives most of my life. I have always appreciated a good knife, but it was'nt until I stumbled across this knife being reviewed on youtube, and purchased it here on amazon that I realized what a really good knife was like.This one is as perfect as I've ever seen. You have got to use it to really appreciate how perfect it really is. I have carried and used it exclusively for about a month now and can't imagine being without it.

I have several of these knives. The compression lock is perhaps the best available. It is simple, safe, strong and allows for closing of the knife without hands or fingers getting in the way. The design is just too fine. The Para 2 gets more carry time for me than all my other knives. Some might think it too large, and in an office setting some would not "feel" good about seeing the blade, so a little discretion is in order. I have a couple of these on pre-order with M390 steel. Can't wait for their arrival. Agree with a previous poster that the 20cp steel is FANTASTIC. One of my favorites. Gets razor sharp and holds it's edge. If you buy this knife, you won't be disappointed.

This knife shocked me when I first saw the price but I will have to say that it has been worth every penny. I carry it as my "everyday" pocket knife which takes up valuable pocket space but I have spoiled myself with having it whenever I need it so now I have to carry it everywhere.

The paramilitary II is my favorite edc/emergency tactical blade. In fact, a bought two, one plain blade and one black. As far as having a grippy clip, I do not find that to be a problem, either when carrying in levi's, slacks or baggy cargo pants.
I know what too grippy is because I also own two Kershaw blur's (another great knife) and a Sog Aegis, both of which had to be modified for carry. The Paramilitary II though is not a problem for me, zip in/zip out, grippy enough not to fall out or come out getting hooked on something, smooth enough for rapid deployment. For me, just perfect, as is the blade shape and steel, , G10 handle size and shape, great jimping as well as the unique and effective "compression lock". On top of this it is light and thin. What a great folder!!

Very light weight and super sharp! I love the design and the lock. I was not sure how I would like it but I use it all the time and in a few weeks it's like an old friend. It's not as smooth as an Axis but its smooth enough and the grip is great. So if you're thinking about if you should pull the trigger on this knife I'd say do it! I know I will have more Spyderco's with this kind of quality.
I am thinking however to get my boys over at Accurate Ordnance in GA to coat the blade, they do a great job.