How to disassemble and maintain a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 (PM2)

Today, another disassembly and maintenance video, this time showing the Spyderco PM2.
Also, the sentence i didn't finish is that Nano-Oil is available from the manufacturer easily. Whoops!
Also, note that Spyderco has now changed their warranty policy so that disassembly is A-OK and Red-Loctite is banished. For more information: • Spyderco just fixed th...
To learn more about the tools I'm using, check this video: • Video

[@thomassalter5173]

Correction for 2020: Spyderco states they discourage disassembly, but if you do disassemble it and get it back into full working order, they will not void the warranty, so just don't take it apart if you can't put it back together properly

[@cateatingsushi4108]

fuck i fucked up

[@FederalBureauOfInvestigation7]

@@cateatingsushi4108😂😢

[@mitchelldelmar9682]

Reckless behavior, like voiding nearly pointless warranties or running with scissors or jumping in the water immediately after having a hot dog should be embraced. Life is filled with risk, and this ain't that risky. Really appreciate the instructive disassembly series since each knife presents it's own little quirks. Please don't edit out the head-scratching moments - it's how your viewership learns (said the noob viewer).

[@NickShabazz]

+Mitchell Delmar Hah, I like to live dangerously indeed!

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

Your disassembly videos are so wholesome and organized, you have inspired me to make a custom knife tray with multiple compartments. I'm tired of crawling around on the floor like a dog searching for screws in the carpet.

[@e.t.preppin7084]

Nick thanks again for this video. I just finished changing my scales and thanks to your unedited video I accomplished this in under 15 minutes including smoothing my washers and everything went very smoothly. Had I not watched this video it would have taken me significantly longer. Thanks again Nick keep up the great work!!!

[@willallan6653]

Thanks for doing these maintenance videos. I just got my first PM2, and so far I love it, but I'm taking it hiking this weekend so some out of the box preventative maintenance was in order. Thanks for sharing.

[@hawkyp4277]

im almost certain that Spyderco saw Nick almost forget the first washer and was inspired to make the single washer design of the Para3 LW

[@gonshocks]

Good video as always Nick. It's funny that no matter how many knives I have and love the PM2 is always in my rotation. It's such a great piece of work.

[@beyproctor7673]

Thank you for making great and relatable videos Mr Shabazz! I rely on your advice because I can’t afford to own every knife I wish for. This video will help me care for my Blurple PM2. Certainly don’t edit out mistakes we can learn from. You are like a pocket knife big brother to some of us!

[@e.t.preppin7084]

Amazing what a small thing can cause such a huge problem. Glad you didn’t edit that out. That’s why I watch your videos, to see what problems I might encounter when taking a knife apart and putting it back together. Thanks

[@pedroordepo9860]

Thank you so much for the informative video!! I took my DLC digi cam pm2 apart to replace the scales with Flytanium Aluminum... and the only issue I had was getting the lanyard tube off. Reassembled it all no problem, I loved my pm2 before... but now it's on a whole new level. I noticed the blade action was getting rough, just took it apart again to clean / lube and the action is once again phenomenal.

[@scottwallace4864]

Thanks for this video Nick. I watched a couple of other videos before switching out my scales on my PM2. Thinking I have everything in hand and ready, proceeded to get it done. Got to the end and it just didn't fit together right. Searched around KZbin for a while, found your video, figured out the problem within minutes. Keep it up! Great job.

[@Armithius]

Awesome, been looking for something like this! I took apart and reassembled my PM2 a while back, and it was acting all funky and I wasn't able to figure out why, so I set it aside and haven't got back to it. I'll have to follow your lead and see if I have any better luck, because honestly, I really like the knife and would love to start carrying it again. Thank you! And yeah, I don't mind you keeping your video edit-free. Gives a more real world type feel to it, you know? You can't edit life, after all!

[@laidbare819]

Great video, certainly helps more letting us see and know the common errors during dis and assembly. Many of us perhaps wouldn't have known what the issue was with some things so it sure helps more. Thanks 👍

[@e.t.preppin7084]

Much prefer you don't edit out anything. I appreciate seeing what I might actually encounter.

[@narq5099]

Those "something's wrong" moments are the most important ones!

[@DeRock401]

Id prefer he didn't use that fake accent but it is what it is.

[@JR-5465]

@@DeRock401 First time I saw his vid I swear I thought it was Gilbert Gottfried

[@littlejackalo5326]

@@DeRock401 it's not really a fake accent. It's his authentic accent, but just exaggerated.

[@mercilessforever]

Bless your channel Nick! I have learned soo much about my benchmades and spydercos which I have begun collecting and using.

[@EVONLMessi10]

Amazing Video Nick!!! You’re such a professional knife reviewer especially when it comes to maintaining knives. 🙌🏻✌🏻😀💯

[@mikemantho9426]

Very informative, thanks Nick. Also picked up a PM2 as my 1st EDC knife.

[@hotwater8473]

Nick thanks my man for making this video! It’s been YEARS since I’ve taken mine apart and given her some tlc. Like buttah once again!

[@marcmartens4831]

Saw a video where they take off the lanyard tube in a very easy way.. Small screwdriver is a good option for this, simply slide it done between the scales from top to the tube and the scale pops straight off. Works for both sides. I noticed your came off quite easy but I'd bet it didn't the first time. Love your vids and no to the editing out of things that you run into during the whole process. 👍👍👍

[@yankeesrule1176]

THANK YOU! Been watching you for a while now (found you on Reddit) and I love your stuff. I am having a hell of a time with adjusting the action on my PM2. I will follow your lead and we'll see.

[@NickShabazz]

Good luck!

[@DirkWerning]

I know it’s an older video but still good and just picked up a PM2 myself so was good to see the inner workings. And no don’t edit anything out love the real deal.

[@frostedcupcakes2670]

Awesome tutorial, I am about to pull the trigger on a PM2, I’ve been watching lots of reviews/Revisiting reviews/after years reviews etc etc.

[@one-of-uschannel2614]

For those of us who love to see how stuff works, even if it voids warranty... I thank you bro. I was concerned about blade locking mechanism, I am no longer... now I am a buyer.

[@Tree_Stabbing_Troy_Lmafo]

Nick from the past .... You saved me! I guess I'm still a Padawan. It's been a few years since I've disassembled a pm2. A friend of mine wanted the scales off of ome of my pm2s. When I was reassembling the flat spot on one side of the pivot ... on one side got me. Send my love to Mara.

[@pedroordepo9860]

Nick thank you for the video, I was able to successfully disassemble and install my new scales with only minor setbacks. The lanyard tube is no joke..., I was having trouble loosening the screws initially also... But I put them each up to the hair dryer as you described and it did the trick.

[@pedroordepo9860]

Now I got sweet aluminum flytanium scales on the dlc blade and the contrast makes it look even more bad ass.

[@TheMrWillje]

I love the fact that Spyderco changed their warranty. I never used to buy them just because of that reason. Now I've already bought a PM2 and I'm saving up for a Native 5 G10 and a Manix 2 lightweight in s110v!

[@dipgas5155]

TheMrWillje do well made knives need a warranty? I have never even considered looking if a knife company has a warranty but I guess I’m not hard on knives.

[@appalachiangunman9589]

Dip Gas I have found out too that when companies tout their warranty front and center, you’d better run.

[@TheMrWillje]

@@appalachiangunman9589 like medford

[@oscarmaturana6222]

@@dipgas5155 i bought an Italian made Spyderco with a defect. The half stop detent looked like a beginner made it and it snapped down a bit to far and cut your finger

[@littlejackalo5326]

@@dipgas5155 any product without a warranty should be avoided. EVERYTHING, no matter the price or quality, can have problems. Ever see metal that has internal defects? What about G-10? You'll NEVER know until it breaks. You're a fool if you think a company not having a warranty means it's a better product. Give one example of a company that doesn't have a warranty but has a high quality product. I'll wait. Or I can save you the time and let you know that they don't exist.

[@DR-dx4zm]

Thanks for the video Nick. The asymmetric pivot had me scratching my head.

[@growit6601]

Cheers for the vid, found my problem, square side on the pivot, now shutting with good blade centre after taking my pm2 apart to clean some rust. Cheers

[@jaason101]

thanks, with your help disassembled and fixed opening issues.

[@michaelpeyton653]

I know this video is a few years old, but I have a few things worth mentioning when you clean and reassemble the knife, especially an decent knife. 1. After taking a knife apart and reassembling it several times you'll find that old loctite can cause build up issues in the bottom of the hole or some breaks off making the screws not seat properly when you reassemble it. I use a little brass bristle brush (Walmart, auto parts, or hobby shop) to clean the old loctite off of the screw threads and use a dental pick to clean out old loctite from internal treads. Nothing crazy and not super anal here - just prevents exactly what happened in the video. It also allows the new loctite to bond to the metal - not old loctite. 2. I found the next thing pretty important with Para 2 and 3s. Don't over tighten the stop pin - if you torque it down too much it can cause the blade to drag when when almost closed or trying to flick it open. I finger tighten the stop screws until I get everything else cinched down. I usually put the stop pin in on the lock bar side and tighten it down then the last screw I put in is the one on the indexed "D" pivot side and tighten it according to how the blade feels on deployment and closing. 3. Last thing is after you have everything tuned like you want - let it set. Loctite takes 10 minutes to set and 24 hours to fully cure. That means if it has taken you longer than 10 minutes to reassemble after you have applied the loctite, you may opt to disassemble, clean it again and reassemble. 2nd time should be a lot faster. For a standard folder like this, I'll let it set at least over night. For Bali's, I'll let it set for the full 24 hours - you definitely don't want Bali screws loosening prematurely.

[@blindfoldblaster]

Well, since I live in Mexico, I think that voiding that warranty and disassemble my PM2 to do some maintenance by myself is more convenient (and cheaper) than sending my knife to the Spyderco facilites in the U.S.A. Thanks for this explanatory video, I will surely use it as reference when needed. Regards

[@ZeroGravityGamingURL]

Gonna swap the scales on my PM2. Thanks for the helpful video!

[@ospreyh20]

this was incredibly informative - great vid!

[@morganbradley6588]

Great video mate. I recently bought a pm2 in 110sv and I plan to change replace the awful blue scales. When I do disassemble and re assemble this video will be very useful.

[@NickShabazz]

Glad to help!

[@littlejackalo5326]

Should have just bought the knife in a different color. You'll not really see the difference between 110 or the other steels, and you wouldn't need to turn a $250-300 knife into a $400 knife.

[@4Runnernguns]

Great video. I just took mine apart to clean it up and this helped.

[@magicdave93]

I’ve had mine apart twice now for cleaning and now two of the pocket clip screws are stripped, Great!!! Trying to get hold of some more is next to impossible for me as I live in the UK, so be careful! Thanks for the great video Nick.

[@dfcvda]

if you find some, share the love.

[@littlejackalo5326]

Just contact Spyderco. They'll send you some.

[@samdungan03]

I like the unedited video. I actually learned from the minor mistakes you made.

[@B1G_ChUnG5]

Lol, I’ve been watching your videos for quite sometime, and I just realized I haven’t subbed, hahaha. Just did! Great content, ahi!

[@alanng9287]

Great video, loved the accent as well as the pace of the disassembly. I was able to follow along nearly step by step. Was it just me or did I hear a cat purring in the background? Anyway, I've subscribed and look forward to future videos. Keep it up!

[@ibanez7412]

3.15....my heart skipped a beat.... Still a great video Nick! Thanks

[@FuckingOwnd]

Good video. As for editing out stuff, I think you should always keep problems you encounter in the video because I'm sure it'll happen to someone and then they'll know how to fix it!

[@rihsatqvert4561]

Hands of the master!👍

[@stoutdog56]

Damn! My PM2 did not come apart that easily. The flairing on the lanyard tube was more pronounced and was a pain to remove. I had to grind the tube flairs off to get one of the liners apart. I did this because I was installing a custom set of scales that were thicker than the original scales. Watching this video might have saved me some time and grief but, I am much more familiar with my PM2 after my trial.

[@danokitemanotoo1791]

thinking about getting some Ti scales for my PM2, so had to re-watch this video!

[@jasonwolf6899]

I'm buying some Ti hardware for mine!

[@lanehoward8612]

Pm2 one of the best👍

[@iseskaz]

Great video. I could not get mine disassembled easily. Scratched the spacer on the bottom. But I bought a full set of hardware new to replace all the screws and spacers. Had to put ALOT of heat to get screws to break free. I am waiting for my custom clip and spacer to finish assembly.

[@John-oz1do]

Very instructive, thank you for that

[@clbak036]

Awesome video 👍🏼 Thank you 🙏

[@tjodonnell1940]

That accent is straight outta the 1930s. 😂 I love it. Great video!

[@jayr526]

It's good to know that I can count on you to fix my issues. My knife issues, that is.

[@hillbillyknifenut83]

Great vid Nick ! It's kinda funny that I have never taken my Para 2's apart , in fact , Spyderco's are the only ones I don't take apart lol Maybe it's the threat of losing the warranty ?! (which doesn't mean a damn thing because whenever you try to use their warranty they get an attitude!) Love the disassembly vids !

[@NickShabazz]

+Hillbilly Knife Nut Glad you're enjoying!

[@hgncbdfx]

Good Job Nick!

[@NickShabazz]

Thanks much!

[@401als]

great vid man

[@MisterDeets]

One may use a soldering iron to loosen the red loctite on the screws, which should hopefully prevent damage to surrounding items. I would suggest using a temperature controlled soldering iron also versus using one that gets screaming hot only. I think that may be the least destructive way to disassemble one of these knives.

[@alexonder1545]

Very informative video Thanks...

[@dawhitecastle]

Wait till you see my PM2 Nick...using this vid...and eating my words from my last comment on this vid...It will be very useful for the Caveman Titanium scales and backspacer I am about to install. It is gonna look absolutely sick!

[@bsmith1625]

It won't seat maybe bc of too much locktite. Mine didn't tighten down until I removed the old locktite residue. Hope that helps you.

[@huddylou22]

Great video! Thanks so much for making it is my 10-year-old paramilitary to has a missing scale screw and the scale is loose at the bottom and there's play in it when I squeeze the scales It clicks a little and bothers me. I just ordered all new contrasting purple hardware for my solid black P2 and needed to know how to install the new hardware in addition to replacing this scale screw. I like the things you encountered and say no editing necessary it's good for learning purposes to see what you encountered and overcame.

[@OutlierConcepts]

I don't know why accent that is but I like it. Great video

[@motivationseeker60]

Well done!

[@billhop5795]

Great video! One question: Are you using the paste or liquid form frog lube on the liners as a rust preventative?

[@signifsigs7]

Nix Hi Would you say all the pivots on Para 2s will have ‘‘tis flat edge? This edge keeps you from rotating the pivot and adjusting from one side.. thx gb

[@kerrykitterman4602]

Thanks. Nick !

[@j23tann]

Hey Nick does the nano lube 10 weight work as the main lube for a knife pivot I just took apart my ZT and fully cleaned the bronze washers, Titanium, and stainless steel. So of course all the stock ZT lubricant is gone and I don't know what to use for the lubricant now.

[@RobertDavis-bh1hf]

Josh Burkhead,try Benchmade blue box maintenance kit. The bits fit screw heads tighter than Wi Ha.Best fit I have found so far.Good luck.

[@kerrykitterman4602]

Thanks Nick. 😊

[@Biblicalgiants]

So does this Paramilitary 2 knife use caged ball bearing washers? And what about the Para 3, what kind of washers does it use? Thanks

[@NoisyCymbal]

I can find only the t8 for the larger screws. Where can I get a t6 driver for the pocket clip screws.

[@Dustysa4]

I took mine apart after owning it for years. It had blue loctite on the screws. The blade is stamped 03-2011... I'm assuming that's a date stamp. Makes me wonder when they switched to red loctite.

[@gmull79]

Thanks nick!

[@brianonthego]

Very nice. you are a true knife pro! Are there 3 size torx on pm2? t6, t8, t10?

[@callawaymichael68]

Sometimes the action of mine is SOOOOO gritty when opening but when using the compression lock to open and close it it’s buttery smooth?

[@sawtoothscream1521]

My pm2 doesn't flick open as good as it use to. Tried cleaning it assembled and lubing and it still feels off. Did this dis assemble, cleaned with alcohal and lubed it. Still not that great :( seems like the blade lock is dragging too much or sticking. Not sure what to try next besides send back and see if they can figure it out.

[@031TP]

could u please write the name of those stuff u wear using for oiling and the glue? thanks

[@ChuckBradfordPhotography]

Thanks Nick, I was wondering how the compression lock interacted with the tang, and it's a beautiful thing...

[@appalachiangunman9589]

I looks a lot like a liner lock on the outside, but when you see the business-end of the lock I’m pretty sure it’s a lot better than a liner lock.

[@littlejackalo5326]

@@appalachiangunman9589 liner locks have the tangential force from the rotation of the blade, going into the length of the metal strip liner. It's like holding a 2x4 in a vise and pushing on the end of it. Super strong. The compression lock has sideways force on it. Like if you pissed on the side of the 2x4 clamped in the vise. Which way do you think it's stronger?

[@kevinmorrice]

still better than medfords warranty, i heard one guy say greg confiscates your knife if you so much as sharpen it yourself

[@lpquick1]

Another much easier way to remove stubborn red loctite is pure simply green in a heated ultrasonic cleaner at 80C for 30 min. Works like a charm. I also highly recommend using the Lanyard Cube from Sharp Dressed Knife. This makes life better - hope you enjoy! Thanks Nick luv your videos - keep em coming!

[@elephantricity]

what bit size and type of bit are you using for these spyderco screws?

[@dubglock2312]

great vid nick!! love the disassembly vids! could u do one on centering tricks?

[@NickShabazz]

I might, but the problem is that for many knives, it just won't work. The best centering trick out there is to pick up a knife with tolerances good enough that it'll center properly. Nothing's going to help an poorly made knife be a) Centered, b) Smooth, and c) without blade play.

[@dubglock2312]

+Nick Shabazz agreed!

[@gautam9]

What are the torx screw sizes for the spyderco knives and the clips?

[@appalachiangunman9589]

I’m not really sure if that oil is good quality (I’m sure it is) but I do know that I love the applicator that it comes in.

[@e.t.preppin7084]

Question if you even view this. On this knife will the lanyard tube come out completely. That’s really the only reason I looked up this video. Thanks

[@BirdShotIV]

Blue loctite in a red tube?? Why lol

[@Nanchi]

lol what's up didn't think I'd see you here jk

[@ohshnit1]

All Loctite products I've used come in a red tube. It's generally better to identify Loctite by it's number anyways.

[@RayW808]

Reading is fundamental...

[@carlosmatos9848]

Blue loctite is blue liquid, red loctite is red liquid....

[@dustinjohnson8774]

They do this so my wife buys the wrong stuff every time I send her for it... leaving me with a house full of the red garbage I never use.

[@KevinSmith-kg2nk]

HA! Voice for Radio! Awesome!

[@johobo2038]

What brand torx bits are those and do you think they're quality? I'm having bad luck with all the brands I've tried. The screws don't strip. The dang bits usually twist.

[@johobo2038]

diva seal thank you. I actually heard of wiha and grabbed a couple of their drivers already. I appreciate it though. They are definitely top notch.

[@willblucat3335]

Joshua Burkhead he uses a huge bit set by wiha, runs about 40 bucks

[@austinfilms8195]

Klein’s

[@swiggamortis5521]

I always wondered what the guts of my PM2 looked like? You should check out the Ontario Carter Prime!

[@DustinDavenport]

Not gonna lie, I watched the full video mostly because of your accent! haha

[@nickcase2635]

How would Spyderco know if I took my knife apart? I mean I could use red loctite and everything when I put it back together right before I sent it in. Just saying.

I'm reporting you to the tite police, prepare to be stripped.

[@carlosmatos9848]

G Man Prepare to be stripped, yeah red loctite does that

[@laidbare819]

Like he said during the video, it's near impossible to get all the original coating of red loctite off initially so this also means that it can be seen that it's been disassembled before after initial assembly. They can tell.

[@hfuffvnjvnijd8989]

my back lock is a bit sticky. knive is 1 week old but openend a lot in the past week.

[@jakem9524]

Ah, frog lube and simple green, good times!

[@moonman6984]

i just bought a pm2 they dont still use red loctite do they

[@pedroordepo9860]

Nick, my PM2's stockpin is starting to rust and my knife is only 3 months old. I don't like next to the ocean or in a jungle. I also like to keep my knife clean and dry (although now I am having second thoughts). Have you experienced this issue before?

[@frankbutta9344]

Hi Nick, That pivot screw would drive my OCD mind crazy. Can you thread a thin nut on, and then Dremel a hair off the length? I bought a PM2 in S110v last week, but the blade wobbled with the screws torqued mightily. I sent it back, and just have my two all black PM2's... :-)

[@HardcityRaindrops]

I don't know Nick I've taken this knife apart 5 or 6 times now, I have everything right I've watched this video each time to get the Blade to fall free like that I can't figure out how to get the blade play to go away!!! And if I tighten up them screws a little bit it's almost too tight and the blade won't even flip open.

[@NavYblu99]

Mess with the body screws along with the pivot screws. You may need to back some of them out a tad/apply loctite so they stay where you want em. Dont know if that helps you.

[@shellbee577]

Try blue lube on the bushings. I just got a new one and was going to take it down until I learned that it voids the warranty. Anyway, my knife being new its a bit sticky and the blue lube has it falling shut.

[@1993wethebest]

Make sure the bushings are the right way on my para 3 if the washers are backwards from the original screwed down position I get blade play and tight pivot - I put them back the right way and boom like grease lightning with just some 3 in 1 oil lmao

[@stevenjodeir534]

keep the loc-tite portion. it's the little things us padawans needs to learn!

[@dirtrider88]

good news everybody, it looks like spyderco has updated their warranty. maybe this is old news since this video is so old but here it is strait from spydercos website "Spyderco’s knives are assembled to exacting tolerances by trained technicians, so we discourage end users from disassembling or adjusting our knives. If a knife has been disassembled and reassembled correctly-so as to maintain its proper mechanical function-this warranty remains in full effect. However, if a knife has been disassembled and reassembled in such a way that, in Spyderco’s sole determination, the proper mechanical function of the knife has been compromised, it is no longer covered by warranty."

[@Chadiillac]

How often should I do this? With “normal” daily use

[@myvenusinuranus]

what size are the paramilitary 2 body screws? I just bought a used one and the screws are all buggered up

[@MH-ls1xi]

myvenusinuranus t10 for pivot t8 for body t6 fot pocket clip

[@qui-gone]

This may already be answered, but what version of PM2 are you using, and are those scales after market?

[@darrellallen7931]

great tutorial Nick, thanks...........have you ever polished the blade surfaces where the pivot washers lay to help smooth out the action, and if so, how did you do that ?

[@applegwava]

Darrell Allen micro level polishing/lapping compound on glass plate.Just open it a few more times,knives are meant to be opened and closed(Irritating everyone *wink nudge nudge)