Spyderco Paramilitary 1 & 2 Comparison

[@Ploskkky]

9 years later, and your video is still very interesting. :) Thank you. The PM2 is a significant improvement over the PM1. It is the perfect EDC.

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

Now that's what I call a knife comparison! Excellent work, Keelen! Your attention to detail is astounding.

[@MongoWongo777]

This was an OUTSTANDING video. I wanted to pick up a Spydero Paramiltary over Memorial day weekend, but I did not pull the trigger because I saw there were two versions. I wanted to do my due diligence before making my purchase and then I saw this video. THANK YOU! I will be ordering a Paramilitary 2.

[@mikespotz9615]

At this point many years latter the Para Military 2 is well proven and one of the most iconic knives yet made . I always wondered about the original. Now we know . Great comparison. Good job on the video , thanks..

[@0000Fred0000]

I buy just a couple knives a year at best so its important to me that the purchases I do make will be wise ones. I appreciate folks like you taking time to make vids like this. I am amazed at the attention to detail you dedicated knife collectors see. Thanks to videos like this I know will be well informed when I pull the trigger on my next purchase. Thanks.

[@Jrsdrums]

I just purchased a para2 in Digi camo with a satin s30v blade a couple days ago. I'm still waiting for it to come in the mail. I was hesitant on spending the money on it, over other knives I had on my list. After watching this, I'm glad I went with it. Great comparison video. I love that ParaM in CF and s90v! Thanks for the vid

[@LIE4ME]

I subscribed at the 02:00 mark because you have your facts arranged, you speak intelligently and have sprint runs lol. There are a lot of videos that suck dont inform and lack effort. This is not one. Great presentation buddy.

[@edgedweapon88]

@parkhomov Thank you so much for the kind words! I appreciate the support.

[@Taistopoika]

Thank you for this comparison. I was looking for info on the dirrerences and got it From you :)

[@MrSenset]

Great comparison video! I had no interest in getting a Paramilitary 1 for various reasons but seeing the upgrades I now have a lot of interest in getting a Paramilitary 2. Just so you know you are one of my top 5 knife reviewers on you tube. Keep up the tremendously good job!

[@edgedweapon88]

@MrSenset Thank you for the kind words. I really appreciate your support.

[@edgedweapon88]

@thecajunblaze Thank you so much for the kind words Bryan. The PM2 is definitely my favorite but I also find myself carrying the original PM sometimes. I appreciate your support and thank you for watching!

[@edgedweapon88]

@JohnWayneColt45 Thank you sir. I would love to see a Ti Para 2! Thank you for watching.

[@ChinookOutdoors]

Awesome comparison video! I didn't really realise until now how many changes they really made to the Para 2!

[@edgedweapon88]

@Jrsdrums I am very happy to hear you are enjoying the PM2. I also was surprised with how light it was and with CF mine is even lighter. I thought it would be nice for it to be a bit heaver but I have come to enjoy how light it is with all the other items I carry on a daily basis. Have fun with your new toy!!

[@sherman614]

I waiting and saved for a long time, and when i finally had the money, i jumped on it! Got the digicam Prar2 from Sears for only $103 shipped!. It's been SUCH an amazing knife, my favorite folder so far! SO much better looking than the original Paramilitary (In my opinion) Spyderco got SO many things right. Great video, brother! :)

[@edgedweapon88]

@deceptivepanther I completely agree. Thanks for watching.

[@Beaner1221]

Damn, that 2 is freakin awesome. I definatly need one of those. Thanks for the video. Just started watching your vids and love em all.

[@edgedweapon88]

@airodnov It is a survival whistle and buckle. You can find them on ebay.

[@TheLazySpoiledKitty]

Great comparioson!!!! looks like the para-2 is just for me, now all is need is the cash :P. Great video Keelen!

[@edgedweapon88]

@stschmalhaus Thank you very much sir! I appreciate you watching and thanks for the kind words.

[@mickkeim4142]

Great review...can’t wait till your next one...

[@GrumpyBearArms]

Great comparison vid man. And I swear, you have the best close up pictures in your vids. Professional work!

[@MrJimbofox]

Great breakdown of the little quirks and intricacies of each blade, Keelen. Good stuff.

[@Hunglikeagrimsmo]

I wish I could find a paramilitary 1 to round out my collection

[@edgedweapon88]

@318laki Thank you!

[@edgedweapon88]

@Beaner1221982 Thanks for the kind words.

[@edgedweapon88]

@MongoWongo777 I am so glad that this video was helpful. The PM2 is certainly a better knife overall IMO and you will not be disappointed in it. Thank so much for watching and I appreciate your support.

[@edgedweapon88]

@Halfmoon67 Thank you.

[@edgedweapon88]

@katabunga The para2 is well worth the wait! Thanks so much for watching Kat. I hope all is well!

[@johniac7078]

very helpful vid. I was thinking about buying a para for a buddy as a gift and was confused about the I and II. How do you like the paras compared to the military?

[@edgedweapon88]

@BBQofDOOM Yes I agree. The PM2 is a much better design. Thanks for watching.

[@edgedweapon88]

@LiveLoveTry Thanks Hill. I will find you a small compression lock, I promise!

[@Halfmoon67]

Excellent video! Keep up the great work man!

[@edgedweapon88]

@Rundfunk90 Many people would like them to be smaller including myself at first. I think that Spyderco designed the Military and Paramilitary line to be larger knives though. Thanks for watching.

[@edgedweapon88]

@TacticalStephenUK Thank you.

[@edgedweapon88]

@jackeddemon They are roughly the same price. You might be able to find the PM1 a little cheaper since it is the old model.

[@edgedweapon88]

@krislacy Thank you!

[@deceptivepanther]

The evolution of the Paramilitary really is a lesson in excellence. Great video.

[@edgedweapon88]

@DwightSchrood Very cool! They are beautiful knives!

[@edgedweapon88]

@0000Fred0000 I am very happy that this video was helpful. Thank you so much for the kind words and support. I appreciate you watching.

[@Jrsdrums]

@edgedweapon88 I just got it yesterday. I cant stop opening it and closing it. I love that the linerlock tab that's on the back It makes opening and closing so smooth. The only thing that caught me by surprise, was the weight. I was expecting it to be heavier for it's size. I almost wish they didn't skeletonize the liners just so it'd have a bit more heft. All in all fantastic blade and your right my other folders definitely won't see as much use now.

[@MrCleanerNash]

cool comparison...I see alot of vids on the para 2 seems to be pretty popular.

[@edgedweapon88]

@TheMultiGunMan Thanks.

[@edgedweapon88]

@themediocrepirate I was surprised when I sat down and started comparing them. Spyderco really left no rock unturned when redesigning the PM2. Thank you for watching!

[@ovey99]

great vid !!! love PM1 but now i want PM2 nice points bigger blade

[@edgedweapon88]

@mikeyjr1512 great choice. It is worth the wait!

[@mliszka2]

Great video, cleared up all the questions I had concerning the difference between the two much better than any article I have read could.

[@blanex1]

hi,thanks for sharing vary needed info,i think one can't go wrong with ether para's ! but i went with the 2 because of the grip/blade size,truly one of spyderco's best desings! and i think it will make knife history like the buck 110 did of the 80's,!vary nice video.

[@LiveLoveTry]

I like the new changes for the Para 2. I love that compression lock. Great review as always! Keep up the great work.

[@bdcochran01]

1. thank you. 2. I own one of the first PMs made. 3. My reaction after trying out the PM was to make my future Spyderco purchases additional Enduras. The blade was too wide for my applications. I don't use the clip on my Spydercos so whether a knife could be carried tip up or down or right or left hand carry was irrelevant. It was just a more expensive Spyderco. Now, years later, there are tough, non 550 cords materials that can go through the lanyard hole.

[@edgedweapon88]

@MrJimbofox Thanks Jimbo.

[@edgedweapon88]

@johniac7078 The Paramilitary is a great EDC and all around utility knife. I just recently picked up the Military and it is fantastic. It is much larger and IMO not the most practical EDC but I do carry it quite often. I would say the Military is a great hiking/outdoor folding knife and the Para is more suited for EDC.

[@KrisLacy]

Great video

[@edgedweapon88]

@biguy525 Thank you.

[@edgedweapon88]

@MrCleanerNash Right now, it is the Holly Grail of EDC knives for me. If you ever get the chance to hold one or even purchase one I would recommend you do so! Thanks for watching Eric.

[@edgedweapon88]

@tacticalkid1 Thank you!

[@moviking]

Well done vid, Eric took a great knife and made it better, imho. Re: the spider hole, I believe the #1 is 13mm and the #2 is 14mm

[@edgedweapon88]

@Hiluxtaco Thank you.

[@BushcraftSerbia]

Great comparison !! Well done! 10/10

[@Rubengt303]

i think i just bought a paramilitary 1 sprint run, it says united states secret service and is numbered 0033 and has different jimping then either of the two you have (different style and not on the forward choil either), and the has phillups head screws for the pocket clip, and it has the larger opening hole (same size as my manix 2 blue translucent).

[@MegaPillowman]

how did you get the 2 that smooth , mines nowhere near that

[@edgedweapon88]

@TheLazySpoiledKitty If you pick one up you will not be disappointed. Thanks for watching LSK!

[@ikoboy]

this is a longshot, but would you know if the paramilitary had phosphor bronze washers like the PM2?

[@kingstaff4]

Not sure if you’ll reply, as the video is 9 yrs old, but you never turned the knife upside to where the blade is facing up. Mine has a significant notch in the blade where the jimping is. I know factory second ones have a small notch, but this isn’t small. Anyone’s input will help.

[@edgedweapon88]

@Jacktheripper2829 Thank you very much sir. I try to get a clear of a close up shot as possible. I know when I am watching a video that those are the kind of things that I am looking for. I feel like it is the next best thing to actually holding it in your hand. Thanks for watching and I appreciate your support.

[@metaldrummer9000]

I picked up my paramilitary 2 at a local knife shop. Anyone in DE should check out Willey Knives. Great people and an amazing selection. The pm2 is pretty much perfect for edc.

[@mayo470]

GREAT video. I have an original Paramilitary that has been a safe queen since purchase. I have never used it to cut anything. It has never opened smoothly by flicking it from the thumb hole, it only gets about 1/3 of the way open. I have never seen anyone open a Paramilitary design in that way, until recently when I started watching Paramilitary *2* (redesigned Paramilitary) videos and was surprised to see the knife open so perfectly by flicking from the spyder-hole. Wanting to find out why mine didn't deploy this way, I disassembled it and lubricated it, adjusted the pivot screws, and it still behaves the same way-- until the compression lock is depressed. When the lock is actuated, the blade freely falls closed and swings open buttery smooth i.e. a Benchmade Axis lock. *Does the PM2 have any sort of a ball detent (as with a liner lock) on the compression lock tab? My opening problem is due to friction between the compression lock on the Paramilitary rubbing continuously on the blade as it travels open/closed until the lock fully engages. There is no ball detent or otherwise on the original Paramilitary to alleviate friction and it is simply lock metal rubbing on blade metal.* I do not have any other knives with a compression lock for comparison. I get frustrated every time I see someone do a "Spydie-flick" in a video, as this is impossible with the original Paramilitary (unless I received a lemon, or the original design was not meant to do this). I've asked Spyderco customer service but the standard answer is send it in with your $20.00 and return shipping and we will evaluate the knife when it arrives. My experience was that they were not very personable and will absolutely not tell you anything over the phone. Maybe they haven't had their morning triple-nonfat-halfcaf-soy-mocha-latte yet in Colorado. This is also frustrating because I have had lengthy (and friendly) phone conversations with the awesome staff at Buck in Idaho just to ask questions. In fact, this is the only Spyderco I have ever owned because I thought they all had gritty locking mechanisms, so the knife kind of ruined Spyderco for me. I never understood what all the hype from the Spyderco snobs was about. I would have asked you in a PM but with the new and less-improved KZbin, I can't find a way to do that anymore. Thanks for reading my comment, I realize I've written an article here and I appreciate your patience. Once again, probably THE best and most comprehensive video I have seen comparing the two models and I've absolutely learned a great deal from it. Outstanding.

[@edgedweapon88]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. My particular PM2 does have a ball detent for the liner which aides in excelent retention when closed. The original PM lacked a detent as you mentioned and therefore caused many people to have similar problems as you have experienced. IMO the original PM was just a poor design but a lot of the pitfalls have been answered with the PM2 and PM3. My particular PM1 was purcahsed second hand and it was well broken in before I started to use it. So either I was lucky or the sprint run version that I have had a little more TLC at the factory. I have many other compression lock models from Spyderco and they are just as smooth and reliable as my PM2. Thanks again for watching!

[@mayo470]

@@edgedweapon88 hey thanks for the info, sorry it took so long to respond, I knew I wasn't crazy and that the newer models had to have some sort of a detent. It was driving me up a wall to be having problems that seemed to me could have been fixed with the addition of a detent. I might have to try a PM2 now. Thanks again.

[@richardwebb6267]

Mine is original and I can flick it open. Apparently you have screwed it up taking it apart

[@Hiluxtaco]

Good job on the review!

[@simonef73tre]

Hi, a the moment prices I can find online (ebay for example) are much higher for Paramilitary 2 than for Military ones. In your opinion is there some technical reason or it is just marketing?

[@JohnWayneColt45]

Amazing, detailed review bro...As Always. They really nailed it with the PM2, such a perfect knife. Now if they could only release an all Ti version :)

[@edgedweapon88]

@fredde90210 Both the PM1 and PM2 are great knives! Thanks for watching!

[@airodnov]

what kind of bracelet buckle is that?

[@DwightSchrood]

Strange, these are actually the two paras I own. Great video!

[@K0Flo]

Im so jealous of that CF para 2 that thing is sweet! Nice video I am going to get a orange sprint run para 2 soon.

[@jackeddemon]

what about price difference?

[@edgedweapon88]

@lazydogdied Thank you! I appreciate you watching!

[@edgedweapon88]

@jeffersontool You are lucky for finding one! Thanks for watching!

[@viciousGLOCK]

How much would a very lightly used Paramilitary 1 black straight edge cost? I have one I want to sell.

[@MrHALOCOUST]

im gonna get my para2 this weekend or next one:D thnx for the video

[@edgedweapon88]

@rapdog90 I just got lucky! Thanks for watching.

[@reeverfalls2069]

Yo Larsen me for being like...3 years late lol. But I bought a Spyderco knife from some back woods knife shop and I can’t for the life of me figure out what it is. It’s like a combination of the pm1 and pm2. It has the pocket clip of the pm1 but it has the full tang with the handle above the notch like the pm2. But here’s the kicker. It doesn’t have the integral lock or whatever it’s called. It’s just your average linear lock...really weird man. If anyone can help me solve this mystery I’d be very much appreciative haha.

[@edgedweapon88]

Twisted Melody is it larger than the PM2? The Spyderco Military uses a standard liner lock.

[@Biblicalgiants]

...they're faking the para 2 a lot now...but did they ever copy the para 1?

[@mayo470]

plejaren giants I'd like to know as well because mine has always behaved strangely...

[@david111davies]

You can tell the fakes with a cheap handheld microscope, The etching on real spyderco has like an extremely thin outline of gold color and its a red outline on the spyder etching. You cant see it with the naked eye. The fakes stand out even with a $7 microscope

[@johnkennedy9078]

Would someone please tell me what the best steel is for the paramilitary knives (1, 2, and 3)?

[@Judgedbyall]

Just go with the basic s30v for edc.

[@richardwebb6267]

440V was the original steel used. This guy isn't even showing an original. I have one

[@mikeyjr1512]

im savin up for my PM2 right noww!!

[@edgedweapon88]

@Jrsdrums You are in for a real treat once you get your PM2. Be prepared to have all of your other knives sit on the sidelines while you carry it!! Let me know what you think of the PM2 when you receive it. Thanks for watching!

[@H20cofilmandphoto2112]

hey i noticed on the paramilitary 2 you said the handle was made with carbon fiber then almost immediately stated that it was g10 were you saying you could get it in either or, or was that a slip? just curious because this is my first knife and i'm just now learning about high quality knives and was told it was g10 not carbon fiber.

[@thaknobodi]

Bruh. He explained that both knives in the video are his one offs, aka Sprint runs, but regular production has s30v and G10.

[@richardwebb6267]

You are not showing an original Spyderco paramilitary. I have an original in 440V. And the back of my knife is completely different from what you show!

[@edgedweapon88]

@shrumpkin I made mine but you can find them many places online. Google it and you will get several results.

[@MF_UNDERTOW]

I'm ordering one of the foliage green models on payday :) I can't believe a dealer still has some.

[@fredde90210]

This was a really great vid, thx so much. Still I use the orginal Para, somehow I like it "more"... can´t explaIn why.

[@viciousGLOCK]

Ok thanks. Ill put mine up, i want a para 2

[@davideverson92]

Happy National Knife Day!!!!

[@TheMultiGunMan]

★★★★★

[@koga8100]

Answer: shaman

[@edgedweapon88]

@parkhomov I am glad you are enjoying your PM2. Thanks for watching and I appreciate your support!