Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Knife Review
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to explore the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 today. This iconic folding knife has earned its place as one of the most popular and respected tactical folders on the market through its combination of innovative design, premium materials, and exceptional performance. First introduced in 2010 as an evolution of the original Paramilitary, the "Para 2" has become a benchmark against which many tactical folders are measured. Today we will examine Spyderco's company background, the Para 2's design features, material options, performance characteristics, and practical applications. Without further ado, let's delve into this modern classic.
Spyderco Company Background
Spyderco was founded in 1976 by Sal Glesser, who initially started the company producing knife sharpeners before expanding into knife manufacturing in the early 1980s. Based in Golden, Colorado, Spyderco has built its reputation on innovation and unconventional designs that prioritize function over traditional aesthetics.
The company introduced several revolutionary features to the folding knife world, including the pocket clip (1981), the trademark round "Spydie Hole" for ambidextrous one-handed opening (1981), and serrated edges optimized for cutting synthetic materials. These innovations fundamentally changed modern folding knife design, influencing the entire industry and establishing Spyderco as a pioneer rather than a follower.
Spyderco's design philosophy can be summarized by their longtime motto: "Reliable High Performance." The company has consistently emphasized functional innovation over conventional aesthetics, leading to their distinctive, often angular designs that prioritize ergonomics and cutting performance. This approach has earned them a devoted following among serious knife users who value performance over traditional styling.
The company maintains diverse manufacturing operations, producing knives in the United States, Japan, Taiwan, Italy, and China depending on the specific model and price point. Their Golden, Colorado facility produces their flagship American-made models, including the Paramilitary 2, using advanced manufacturing techniques while maintaining hands-on quality control.
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Paramilitary 2 Design Features
The Paramilitary 2 represents a refinement of the original Paramilitary model, with subtle but significant improvements across various design elements:
The blade features a distinctive full-flat ground leaf shape with a 3.42-inch cutting edge and 3.47-inch total blade length. This design provides an excellent balance of point utility, slicing capability, and strength. The pronounced "swedge" (false edge) along the spine reduces weight while enhancing penetration capability without creating a true second edge that might run afoul of local knife regulations.
The Compression Lock mechanism represents one of the knife's most distinctive features. This lock positions the stop pin between the blade tang and handle liner, creating exceptional strength while allowing convenient one-handed closing without placing fingers in the blade path. Independent testing has shown this mechanism capable of withstanding forces far exceeding practical use requirements, making it one of the strongest locks in its class.
The ergonomic handle incorporates a forward finger choil that allows users to choke up for precise cutting tasks, effectively providing two grip positions—one for power cutting and one for detail work. The handle's profile features slight palm swells and strategically placed jimping (textured grooves) along the spine and choil for enhanced control during demanding cutting tasks.
The oversized 14mm Spydie Hole enables reliable one-handed opening even while wearing gloves—a critical consideration for tactical and outdoor applications. This signature feature provides smooth, consistent deployment without the mechanical complexity or maintenance requirements of assisted opening systems.
The four-position pocket clip accommodates tip-up or tip-down carry on either side of the body, providing maximum configurability for individual preferences and carry positions. This versatility makes the knife adaptable to various carry methods and hand preferences without requiring additional parts or modifications.
Materials and Variations
The Paramilitary 2 is available in numerous material configurations across both standard production and limited edition releases:
Standard production models typically feature CPM S30V or CPM S45VN blade steel—premium American-made powder metallurgy stainless steels that provide excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. These steels deliver performance that satisfies even demanding users while remaining reasonably easy to sharpen compared to some ultra-premium alternatives.
Handle materials on standard models utilize G-10, a fiberglass-based laminate known for its durability, stability, and secure grip characteristics. The standard black G-10 provides a slightly textured surface that remains secure when wet without being overly aggressive against clothing or hands during extended use.
Beyond standard configurations, Spyderco offers the Paramilitary 2 in an extensive range of Sprint Runs (limited production variants) and dealer exclusives featuring exotic blade steels and handle materials:
Premium blade steel variants have included CPM S90V, CPM S110V, CPM-SPY27, CPM S45VN, CPM REX 45, Crucible CPM-4V, Elmax, Maxamet, and numerous others. These specialized steels allow users to select specific performance characteristics prioritizing edge retention, corrosion resistance, or toughness based on individual preferences and applications.
Handle material variations span from carbon fiber and micarta to aluminum and titanium in various colors and finishes. These options range from purely aesthetic variations to functional differences that affect weight, grip texture, and durability characteristics. The standard G-10 texture provides excellent grip security, while smoother options like carbon fiber offer reduced pocket wear and a more refined appearance.
Blade finish options include standard satin finish, DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating, and various specialized coatings on certain exclusive versions. These finishes affect both aesthetics and practical characteristics like corrosion resistance and reduced friction during cutting tasks.
The extensive variety of configurations has made the Paramilitary 2 a popular collector's item, with rare sprint runs sometimes commanding significant premiums on the secondary market. However, the knife remains fundamentally a user's tool rather than a display piece, with even exotic variants designed for practical cutting performance.
Performance Characteristics
The Paramilitary 2's performance has established it as a benchmark in the tactical folder category:
Cutting efficiency ranks among the knife's most distinctive strengths. The full-flat ground blade with its thin edge geometry slices with remarkable effectiveness through a wide range of materials from cardboard and rope to food preparation tasks. Unlike many tactical folders that sacrifice slicing ability for point strength, the Para 2 maintains excellent cutting performance while providing adequate durability for demanding tasks.
Edge retention varies based on the specific blade steel, but even the standard S30V and S45VN versions deliver excellent performance that significantly exceeds most production knives. The blade geometry strikes an effective balance between slicing efficiency and edge durability, preventing premature edge chipping while maintaining keen cutting performance between sharpenings.
Ergonomics consistently receive praise from users across hand sizes and applications. The handle's contoured profile, forward choil, and thoughtfully positioned jimping provide secure control during both precision and power cutting tasks. The compression lock's positioning allows comfortable, safe one-handed closing—a practical advantage during continuous cutting tasks.
Deployment speed and reliability remain excellent even after extended use. The phosphor bronze washers combined with precise manufacturing tolerances create smooth, consistent blade movement without the maintenance requirements or potential failure points of bearing systems. The oversized thumb hole provides positive engagement even when wearing gloves or in adverse conditions.
Carry characteristics benefit from the knife's relatively slim profile despite its full-sized dimensions. At approximately 3.75 ounces (depending on specific version), the knife carries lighter than its robust construction might suggest. The four-position clip allows customization to individual preferences, though some users opt for aftermarket deep-carry clips for more discreet pocket placement.
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Practical Applications
The Paramilitary 2's versatile design makes it suitable for diverse applications:
Tactical and defensive use represents one of the knife's intended purposes, with features specifically optimized for reliability under stress. The quick deployment, secure grip in various positions, robust lock mechanism, and effective cutting performance make it suitable for defensive carry where legally permitted. The blade's effective penetration capability combined with slicing efficiency makes it versatile across defensive scenarios.
Everyday carry (EDC) applications have become the knife's most common use despite its tactical origins. The combination of premium materials, ergonomic design, and cutting efficiency makes the Para 2 an excellent option for daily cutting tasks from package opening to food preparation. While larger than some dedicated EDC folders, its performance advantages justify the additional pocket space for many users.
Outdoor and camping applications benefit from the knife's robust construction and versatile blade geometry. The Para 2 handles common campsite tasks like food preparation, cordage cutting, and light wood processing with ease. Its reliable lock mechanism and secure grip provide confidence during demanding outdoor cutting tasks where reliability is paramount.
Professional use cases span from first responders to military applications. The knife's combination of quick deployment, secure handling, and effective cutting performance make it valuable for scenarios ranging from cutting seatbelts in emergency response to general utility tasks in military environments. The robust construction withstands demanding professional use without compromising performance.
Comparison to Competitors
The Paramilitary 2's position in the market can be understood through comparison to similar offerings:
The Benchmade Griptilian represents a common alternative in the same size and price category. While the Griptilian offers Benchmade's excellent Axis lock and similar versatility, the Para 2 typically provides superior materials in its standard configuration and more refined fit and finish. The choice often comes down to lock preference and blade geometry, with the Para 2 offering better slicing performance while the Griptilian provides alternative ergonomics.
The Zero Tolerance 0350 competes in the tactical folder space with a speedsafe assisted opening mechanism and overbuilt construction. The Para 2 offers better slicing performance and lighter weight, while the ZT provides a more robust feel and assisted deployment. The Para 2 generally appeals to users who prioritize cutting efficiency, while the ZT attracts those seeking maximum durability.
Spyderco's own Military model shares design DNA with the Para 2 but in a larger package with a liner lock mechanism. The Para 2's more compact dimensions and compression lock make it more pocket-friendly for everyday carry, while the Military offers a longer blade for users prioritizing cutting capacity over portability.
Conclusion
The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 has earned its reputation as a modern classic through thoughtful design, premium materials, and exceptional performance across diverse applications. Its enduring popularity among both everyday carriers and tactical users speaks to the effective balance it strikes between cutting efficiency, ergonomics, and reliability.
While premium materials and American manufacturing position it at a higher price point than many production folders, the Para 2's performance and durability deliver long-term value that justifies the investment for serious users. Its extensive variation in materials and configurations allows customization to specific preferences and applications without compromising the core design characteristics that have made it successful.
For users seeking a versatile, high-performance folding knife that excels across everyday tasks while maintaining capability for more demanding applications, the Paramilitary 2 remains a benchmark option that continues to influence folding knife design more than a decade after its introduction.
We here at True Shot Ammo carry the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 in addition to our range of ammo for sale. Our inventory of ammunition for sale covers popular calibers like 9mm, 5.56, 12 gauge, and .22 LR. Put plainly, we carry a wide range of pistol, rifle, rimfire, and shotgun ammunition optimal for shooters of all types. Whether you want to buy a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 or purchase bulk ammo, we have you covered. As always, happy shooting.
