Spyderco is a well-known brand that offers a wide range of high-quality knives. Among its popular models, the Spyderco Military and the Paramilitary 2 stand out as two of the most sought-after knives on the market. Both models have a solid reputation for their superior quality, durability, and performance. In this article, I will provide a detailed comparison of the Spyderco Military vs Paramilitary 2 to help you decide which one is the right knife for you.
Design and Features:
The Spyderco Military and Paramilitary 2 have similar designs, but there are some notable differences. The Military model has a larger blade, longer handle, and is heavier than the Paramilitary 2. The blade of the Military is 4 inches long, while the blade of the Paramilitary 2 is 3.44 inches long. The handle of the Military is 5.5 inches long, while the handle of the Paramilitary 2 is 4.8 inches long. The Military has a full flat grind blade, while the Paramilitary 2 has a full flat grind with a slight belly. Both models feature a compression lock mechanism, but the Paramilitary 2 has a four-position pocket clip, while the Military has a tip-up pocket clip.
Ergonomics and Use:
The ergonomics of the Military and Paramilitary 2 are excellent, providing a comfortable and secure grip. The G-10 handle material provides a non-slip grip and is durable enough to withstand heavy use. The compression lock mechanism is easy to use and provides a solid lockup. The blade of both models is made of CPM S30V steel, which is known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. The Military and Paramilitary 2 are both versatile knives that can be used for a wide range of tasks, including camping, hunting, and everyday carry.
Key Takeaways
- The Spyderco Military and Paramilitary 2 are two high-quality knives that are popular among knife enthusiasts.
- The Military has a larger blade, longer handle, and is heavier than the Paramilitary 2, while the Paramilitary 2 has a four-position pocket clip.
- Both models have excellent ergonomics, are made of CPM S30V steel, and are versatile knives that can be used for various tasks.
Design and Features
Blade Shape and Handle Design
The Spyderco Military and Paramilitary 2 knives are both designed with a similar blade shape, but the Military has a longer blade measuring 4 inches while the Paramilitary 2 has a 3.44-inch blade. Both knives feature a finger choil that allows for a comfortable grip and precise control during use. The handle design of both knives is made from G-10, which is a strong and lightweight material that provides excellent traction. The handle design of the Paramilitary 2 is slightly more ergonomic, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Locking Mechanism
The Spyderco Military and Paramilitary 2 both feature a reliable locking mechanism that ensures the blade stays securely in place during use. The Military uses a liner lock mechanism, while the Paramilitary 2 uses the more advanced compression lock system. The compression lock mechanism is located at the base of the blade and is easy to use with one hand. It provides a secure lockup and is very durable.
Materials and Durability
Both knives are made from high-quality materials that ensure they are durable and long-lasting. The handle design of both knives is made from G-10, which is a strong and lightweight material that provides excellent traction. The Spyderco Military features stainless steel liners that add to its overall durability, while the Paramilitary 2 has a more streamlined design with no liners. The blade steel used in both knives is top-of-the-line, with the Military using CPM S30V and the Paramilitary 2 using CPM S45VN. These high-quality blade steels ensure that the knives hold a sharp edge and are resistant to wear and tear.
In conclusion, both the Spyderco Military and Paramilitary 2 are well-designed knives with excellent features that make them suitable for a variety of tasks. The choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Ergonomics and Use
As an EDC knife, ergonomics are an important consideration for both the Spyderco Military and Paramilitary 2. In this section, I will discuss the handle comfort and grip, deployment, and carry of both knives.
Handle Comfort and Grip
Both knives feature G-10 handles which provide a secure grip and good tactile feedback. The G-10 handle material is textured to provide a non-slip grip, even in wet or slippery conditions. Additionally, the handle shape of both knives allows for a comfortable grip, with no hotspots or pressure points during extended use.
The Spyderco Military has jimping on the spine and choil of the blade, which provides additional grip and control. The jimping is well-executed and not too aggressive, making it comfortable to use even for extended periods.
The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 also has jimping on the spine of the blade, but not on the choil. However, the choil is well-designed and allows for a comfortable grip for fine detail work.
Deployment and Carry
Both knives feature a thumb hole for easy one-handed deployment. The Spyderco Military has a larger thumb hole, which makes it easier to deploy the blade quickly. The Paramilitary 2 has a slightly smaller thumb hole, but it is still easy to use and deploy the blade with one hand.
Both knives come with a pocket clip that allows for tip-up or tip-down carry. The clip is reversible, which means that the user can choose which side of the knife to carry it on. The clip is secure and holds the knife firmly in place during carry.
Overall, both the Spyderco Military and Paramilitary 2 are excellent EDC knives. They are comfortable to hold and use, with good grip and control. The deployment is easy and quick, and the pocket clip allows for versatile carry options.
Blade and Cutting Performance
When it comes to blade and cutting performance, the Spyderco Military and Paramilitary 2 are both top-notch knives. However, there are a few differences to take into consideration.
Edge Retention and Sharpness
Both the Military and Paramilitary 2 feature blades made of CPM S30V steel, which is known for its excellent edge retention and sharpness. However, the Paramilitary 2 has a slightly thinner blade than the Military, which can make it easier to sharpen and maintain its edge over time. Additionally, the Paramilitary 2 is available with a partially serrated blade or a SpyderEdge blade, which can be useful for cutting through tough materials like rope or cardboard.
Blade Length and Grind
The blade length and grind of a knife can have a significant impact on its cutting performance. The Military has a longer blade than the Paramilitary 2, which can make it better suited for tasks that require a longer reach or more slicing power. However, the Paramilitary 2 has a full flat-grind blade, which can make it more versatile and better suited for a wider range of cutting tasks.
Both knives feature a belly on the blade, which can be useful for slicing. However, the Military has a more pronounced belly than the Paramilitary 2, which can make it better suited for slicing through softer materials like fruits and vegetables.
In conclusion, when it comes to blade and cutting performance, both the Spyderco Military and Paramilitary 2 are excellent knives that are well-suited for a wide range of cutting tasks. The Military’s longer blade and pronounced belly make it better suited for slicing, while the Paramilitary 2’s thinner blade and full flat-grind make it more versatile and easier to maintain.
Comparative Analysis
When it comes to choosing between the Spyderco Military and the Paramilitary 2, there are certain factors that need to be considered. In this section, I will compare the two knives based on their size and weight, as well as their price and value.
Size and Weight
The Spyderco Military is a larger and heavier knife compared to the Paramilitary 2. The Military has an overall length of 9.5 inches, while the Paramilitary 2 has an overall length of 8.3 inches. The Military also weighs more at 4.2 ounces, compared to the Paramilitary 2’s weight of 3.8 ounces. However, the Paramilitary 2 has a thicker blade at 0.14 inches, while the Military has a blade thickness of 0.125 inches.
Price and Value
In terms of price, the Spyderco Military is more expensive than the Paramilitary 2. The Military has an MSRP of $289.95, while the Paramilitary 2 has an MSRP of $216.00. However, it’s important to note that the price of both knives can vary depending on where you purchase them from.
When it comes to value, both knives are of high quality and are made with premium materials. The Military features a CPM S30V steel blade and a G-10 handle, while the Paramilitary 2 also has a CPM S30V steel blade and a G-10 handle with stainless steel liners. Both knives also feature Spyderco’s signature compression lock mechanism, which is known for its reliability and ease of use.
Overall, the choice between the Spyderco Military and the Paramilitary 2 ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. While the Military is larger and heavier, it may be better suited for tasks that require a more robust blade. On the other hand, the Paramilitary 2 is slightly smaller and lighter, making it a great choice for everyday carry.
Conclusion
After comparing the Spyderco Military and the Paramilitary 2, it’s clear that both knives are excellent choices for those in need of a high-quality, tactical folding knife.
The Military is a larger knife with a 4-inch blade, making it a great option for heavy-duty tasks. Its CPM S30V steel blade and G-10 handle provide a secure grip, and the liner lock mechanism ensures that the blade stays in place during use.
On the other hand, the Paramilitary 2 is a more compact and versatile knife, designed for everyday carry (EDC). Its slightly smaller 3.44-inch blade makes it easier to carry around, while still providing ample cutting power. The blade is made of CPM S30V steel, and the G-10 handle is designed to provide a secure grip even in wet conditions.
When comparing the two knives, it’s important to consider your intended use. If you’re looking for a larger knife for heavy-duty tasks, the Military is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a more versatile knife that’s easy to carry around, the Paramilitary 2 is the better choice.
It’s worth noting that Spyderco offers several other knives that are similar to the Paramilitary 2, such as the Para 3 and the Tenacious. Each of these knives has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to do your research and choose the one that best fits your needs.
Overall, Spyderco knives are known for their high-quality construction and excellent performance. Whether you choose the Military, the Paramilitary 2, or another Spyderco knife, you can be confident that you’re getting a top-notch product that will serve you well for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main size differences between the Spyderco Military and Paramilitary 2 models?
The Spyderco Military has a larger blade and handle than the Paramilitary 2. The blade length of the Military is 4 inches, while the blade length of the Paramilitary 2 is 3.44 inches. The handle length of the Military is 5.5 inches, while the handle length of the Paramilitary 2 is 4.8 inches.
How does the performance of the Spyderco Military compare to the Paramilitary 2 in everyday use?
Both the Spyderco Military and Paramilitary 2 are high-performance knives designed for heavy-duty use. However, the Military is designed for military personnel and is built to withstand harsh conditions, while the Paramilitary 2 is designed for everyday carry and is more versatile in its use.
What are the improvements made in the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 over the original Paramilitary?
The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 has several improvements over the original Paramilitary, including a larger thumb hole, a four-position pocket clip, and a stronger compression lock. The blade steel has also been upgraded to CPM S30V, which is a premium steel that holds an edge well.
Can the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 be considered too large for EDC (Everyday Carry)?
The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 may be considered too large for some people’s EDC needs, as it has a blade length of 3.44 inches and a handle length of 4.8 inches. However, it is still a popular choice for many people who prefer a larger knife for their everyday carry.
What year was the Spyderco Military model initially released?
The Spyderco Military model was initially released in 1996.
What distinguishes the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 from the Paramilitary 3 in terms of features and design?
The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 and Paramilitary 3 are both high-quality knives with similar designs. However, the Paramilitary 3 has a slightly smaller blade and handle than the Paramilitary 2, and it features a different lock mechanism known as the Compression Lock. Additionally, the Paramilitary 3 has a redesigned pocket clip and a more ergonomic handle design.
Hi, I’m Sal Muller of Tooltrip.com. My DIY experience led me to understand essential power tools for home projects. Tooltrip.com guides enthusiasts and professionals in choosing right tools for any job. I provide concise top tool reviews for easier, efficient DIY.
