Spyderco Para Military 2 - CRU-WEAR and M4

This is a review of the Spyderco Para Military 2. The knives in the video are an exclusive from Knifeworks in M4 steel and a sprint run in CRU-WEAR. Both steels are discussed and the video documents sharpening both steels.

[@dennisvwilson]

Best steel reviews on the internet. Spyderco should be sending you test and review samples. This whole community would benefit.

[@michaelchristy4982]

I appreciate you saying so. I'd be willing to work with anything they sent.

[@robinpohl2702]

Dennis Wilson he would really deserve it for all the effort, unfortunatley i don't think they need a lot of advertisement since theyre so well established

[@dangerriff]

Spyderco should employ him!

[@doejon9424]

Ha. Sucks that this guy fell off the KZbin map. Unfortunately, Expecting & wanting a company like Spyderco to send new/updated knives because "you're willing to review them" is pretty comical. Haha! Spyderco isn't new to the block. Sorry Bub's : (

[@mikelikesknives428]

Just bought the Para 2 in carbon fiber with M4. What an awesome knife. M4 is unbelievable. Thanks for the information. This was a great purchase.

[@roadracerqx893]

New Spyderco Manix 2 owner, after many Chinese folders, so interested in steels. Shaving the hair was insane‼️ Was looking at a PM2 next anyway, found this vid and it’s well done and informative 👍

[@D00MTR33]

I love my Elmax Para 2 with a Krein regrind to 0.005. It cuts like a laser and is easy to sharpen. I beat up on it too and it took it like a champ.

[@FingolfenRockhammer]

The annotations are a great addition. They really added to the video for me. As always great video Mike! Thank you!

[@DavidLowry1]

Great vid as usual. Thanks Michael for taking the time.

[@seanmahoney2212]

Never seen someone on youtube with this much passion in sharpening. Inspiring!

[@blanebiondolillo430]

pm2 whats not to like! ether of these flavors of steels are probably my most loved,i tend to enter my own zone when sharpening my knifes and close out the world,thanks michael,love your videos.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Blane Biondolillo thanks. I'm glad you like the videos.

[@45acpP90]

Thank you for your input. I value your opinion, and findings on these great knives. Keep the videos coming. I enjoyed watching.

[@michaelchristy4982]

45acpP90 thank you. I'm glad you like the channel.

[@dubglock2312]

love your channel, i have learned alot from you!!! thanks man!!

[@michaelbonade4667]

i'm new to your channel and like what i hear/see already.....2 beautiful knives..in their utility and design..i'm a big fan of production folders of all types, and the levels of production we are seeing (along with higher pricing) these days makes me smile, and spend...companies like Spyderco, ZT are really driving what is possible on the factory production side of the industry....anyway i don't imagine M4 PM2s get re-sold that often, but i'll keep my eyes open...

[@littlewoody5539]

Good review keep them coming .

[@thefishrustler3893]

Hey Michael, thanks for the review. Good stuff. I always find your sharpening experience very relatable. I have worked with m4 quite a bit and though I like the ease of sharpening and the edge it takes, I think cruwear might eek out a win in both areas. I haven't worked as much with 3v but from the experience I have, cruwear kind of reminds me of a slightly harder 3v.

[@kaylintam1215]

Always interesting and informative bud!

[@michaelchristy4982]

Kaylin Tam thanks.

[@blanebiondolillo430]

really liking your videos,you do a grate job,turns out the M4 is my favorite knife steel and i don't mind keeping a little oil on it,like you said it takes a grate edge and holds it,thanks michael.

[@burritosupreme333]

I've got a PM2 in cru-wear and a Shaman in M4. Both are incredible steels, but I like the M4 just smidge more. That being said, I work in a -20 degree freezer and the condensation is a heartless bitch. The one that goes to work with me is the PM2. No issues with rust thus far on the cru-wear.

[@Hungrybird474]

Two awesome steels imo . 👍👍 very good

[@jeffreyweber8006]

Great video. I just got the cruwear PM2. I ran it on my spyderco bench stones. I was a bit afraid of the hardness of the steel as far as sharpening is concerned, but I found that my medium spydie stone removed metal quite handily and as I progressed to the ultra fine, I could see the refining of the scratch pattern pretty well. (I was keeping to the factory angle and just trying for more of a mirror polish...I did not strop so I didnt get all the way there, but the edge was very much improved)

[@michaelchristy4982]

Jeffrey Weber it does sharpen well. It's not overloaded with carbides, so it doesn't resist sharpening as much as something like S110V will. I'm really glad they put the CRU-WEAR sprint run out.

[@lucacadianalbert]

Man I love your reviews - well done!!!

[@michaelchristy4982]

Luc Albert thanks man. I'm glad you liked the review.

[@lucacadianalbert]

+Michael Christy after these test you still prefer M4 over Cruware? I really like the corrosion resistance of Cruware but man does M4 ever cut.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Luc Albert CRU-WEAR is not stainless. It will have better corrosion resistance then M4, but still not stainless. I still prefer M4 for the edge holding, but I like both steels.

[@lucacadianalbert]

+Michael Christy I've been resisting the urge of getting a Cruware since my M4 has been so good.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Luc Albert the M4 PM2 is really nice. I felt the same hang-up, but I've wanted to work with CRU-WEAR for a while now.

[@jonathanbormann5077]

Holy hell man. I always thought the term "hair splitting sharp" was just an expression. Apparently not...

[@Lukabrazi69]

Very good video as always and thank you for that. I have one question, do you have any experience with Arkansas natural stones? Especially the black surgical for giving the final finish to the edge? What would be your position on using these stones for finishing of sharpening prior to moving to strops? And second question would be how do you compare leather strops with wax compounds vs diamond paste compounds. What disadvantage do you see in leather strops with compounds that you are not normally using them? Thanks a lot in advance for your comments!

[@millivanilli8565]

I like Cruwear the best due to how tough it is. Its very similar in composition to 3V and that toughness really shows while using it.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Milli Vanilli yeah, the toughness in CruWear is great. I also think it might sharpen better then 3V, although they both sharpen really well.

[@Sophocles13]

@ 2:35 you can always tell a knife guy from the bald spots on their forearms haha

[@FW190D9]

I/we are very grateful you're posting your findings, I appreciate the detail. Would you rather carry a para 2 or a stretch 1 or 2? Thanks again sir.

[@michaelchristy4982]

icecoalman smith I'm a huge fan of the Stretch models, particularly the ones in ZDP-189, but I'm a bigger fan of the PM2, especially the sprint runs in steels not usually offered. And I'm glad you like the channel.

[@randyparker8009]

👍's up and enjoyed. I have been watching knives videos for a good many years now. And bar none you get the best edge I have ever seen. By far was wondering if you ever get the chance if you might do a series on sharpening. Different angles I know you use bass wood and finish up on leather. But I was wondering if you could give some pointers like what microns you use on wood on down to leather. Know I am asking a lot I can hold hair and do curly Q's when I don't miss judge and cut through but no where close to what you get. Hope all have a blessed day.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Randy Parker thank you. Glad you like the video. I'm thinking about doing a video or two that are strictly focused on sharpening details, so that may come sometime in the near future.

[@Lukabrazi69]

I also wanted to ask for the same thing. Some sharpening videos would be very very very helpful from a person like yourself. Thanks for all knowledge that's already shared in your videos.

[@BladeAddict8]

Awesome review. Your Cruwear data is a little off. There is a small composition difference in CPM Cruwear and Cruwear. Your figures are for regular Cruwear. CPM Cruwear has 1.15 carbon and 1.00 tungsten. The only reason I say anything is that no one seems to know there is a difference on the forums and everyone is posting Cruwear data. Check the Spyderco site. CPM Cruwear is fairly new. Im really interested to get some data on CPM Cruwear because all the data (Toughness/WR Comparison) and charts are for regular version. just like the difference in cpm 154 vs 154cm. we should see better toughness than m4 and slightly lower than 3v

[@TheWulf1990]

man you know your shit! instant subscribe

[@garrow12225]

Michael, which do you prefer more? the PM2 or the Millitary? Love the vids btw a lot of knowledge

[@michaelchristy4982]

Mohawkjk 2 between the two, I'm not sure. I've been carrying the Military longer, but they are. It's great designs. I often carry both at the same time.

[@danielnguyen6113]

Hey Michael if I have a sharp knife but I want to get it back to hair whittling, do I need to go back through medium stones or can I skip to ultra fine? Strop? I can't figure out why they aren't whittling

[@Throndl]

Love the videos. Quick question, do you think the Military model is a good platform for M4 steel, or do the Gayle Bradley models offer a more optimal platform?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Sam S I think the Military is great platform for M4. I had to let the Jade G-10 pass by, but if someone decides on a cost in fiber run in M4, I'll be all over it.

[@Throndl]

Thank you for replying. Always enjoy your videos.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Sam S no problem. I'm glad you like the videos.

[@lanceruss5572]

Appreciate your reviews. Knifecenter just released a Cru-Wear PM2 and will soon have a S35vn version. They still sell the S30v and S110v. Is the cruwear the overall best version. My only reservation is living in north Texas and having high humidity. Don’t want to always worry about corrosion. Any thoughts?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Lance Russ use oil. I suggest Froglube because it’s food safe.

[@bp-hx9ts]

There’s also a thing called aegis edc I you could also patina it

[@trex8693]

Great review! Very informative and entertaining. Looking forward to more hair shaving demos. Sub'd

[@michaelchristy4982]

Trex thanks.

[@SouthFloridaRealEstateGuru]

Awesome video's, what do you do out the box from spyderco knives. Full resharpening, or factory bevel only? If you do sharpen what gritts do you use.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Moss Hopper I usually fully sharpen out of the box.

[@SouthFloridaRealEstateGuru]

Michael Christy thank you for answering, keep up the great work. Blessings brother

[@bpfohio]

Do you feel the cru-wear does better with a coarse or polished edge?

[@sylvainlevesque9842]

Very good review! I have an opportunity for a PM2 jade in M4 and a purple in S110V. What would you chose between the two? Its for EDC. Thanks for your help!

[@3rdworlddog137]

Id chose the Jade PM2

[@Malegole]

what stopping compound do you use and where do you get them?

[@MrRasnowman]

The compression lock is definitley nice

[@jooky5]

I've been on the fence between the PM 2 in s110v, cru-wear, and m390. Bento box's prices are having me lean towards s110v or cru-wear. Considering you've had the opportunity to use the PM 2 in multiple steel offerings, which steel do you find works best for it?

[@michaelchristy4982]

jooky5 I personally like my PM2 CF in M4 the best. But it depends on what you want from the performance of it. S110V will hold an edge longer then the other options. CruWear will be the toughest. M390 sharpens the best and has the best corrosion resistance. Also, which color handle you'll like the best.

[@jooky5]

Michael Christy Michael Christy thanks this is very helpful. Since I have a Bradley in m4 on the way, I'm leaning towards the s110v. I don't put my folders thru "hard use" but I use them throughout the day cutting wood, cardboard, etc--similar stuff to your tests--so edge holding is important to me. Plus I don't hate the blurple color and think people overreacted to it when it came out. Thanks again!

[@michaelchristy4982]

jooky5 if you like the blurple, more power to you. S110V is a good steel. Maybe a little more brittle then the others mentioned, but good for a folding knife. Great edge retention.

[@chipdouglas3565]

Would I be mistaken that you're somewhat partial to M4 to CRU-WEAR ?

[@Abbbb225]

Would you comment on the cru-wear vs the M4? Edge retention and ease of sharpening? I assume they are similarly tough, both tool steels?

[@michaelchristy4982]

All the tea in China they are both tool steels. M4 will have better edge retention. CRU-WEAR is probably a bit easier to sharpen, but they seemed very close to me.

[@Abbbb225]

Thanks. I am still learning about steel. I wish someone would break it down for me. I am teaching myself tho. It is fairly complicated. Had to brush on basic engineering concepts (stress/strain curves), and chemistry (lattice structures) to think about what is really happening. Still a lot I don't know about metallurgy. There are so many steels on offer it is hard to get a handle on how they will truly perform differently, and I have read such split opinions on the same steels. That's why I like these objective tests, though of course they only show one aspect of use.

[@michaelchristy4982]

That's true, it is only one aspect of use, and it's relative to the details of the test... Details such as, edge angle, finish, level of sharpness, material being cut, the speed it's being cut at, etc. There are many variables.

[@lexlarkin]

Ain't no hiding that you're from Philly that is FOR SURE.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Lex Larkin close to Philly. Nice catch.

[@lexlarkin]

Michael Christy I grew up outside Philly so it sounds like home.

[@dennisvwilson]

Nice to see a couple of Philly guys here. Born and bread here, living outside now. Go birds boys...go birds!

[@georgecesarini7748]

I had a feeling mike was from the philly area. Born in philly and lived in or around the city for 36 years so I tend to pick up on our distinct accent. Go birds.

[@BladeAddict8]

ot seems like there is a lot of upgrades to d2. cts xhp , cruwear, sleipner. all fron what i hear are upgraded d2

[@danniecarmona2509]

Michael were or who do you buy your micron sprays and strops from? Have any money saving links? Thanks!

[@michaelchristy4982]

dannie carmona these days, I buy everything from Ken Schwartz directly. I don’t have any money savings links... sorry man, but this isn’t that kind of channel. I will say, it’s smart to move straight to a product that’s high quality. I spent a lot of time trying different brands. While it seems like you’re saving money at first, in the long run, it’s a mistake. The three best brands that I have used are Hand American, Jende, and Ken Schwartz. Hand American being the least expensive, but I give the top rating to Ken Schwartz and Jende.

[@MK116Alex]

when you strop it seems that you use some pressure. Or does it just seem that way? I tend to use very little pressure when I strop with Diamond or chromium oxide.

[@michaelchristy4982]

MK116Alex I make all my strops. I make them to take more pressure then usual so I can use more pressure without rounding the edge. There was a lot of trial and error that went into figuring out what to use and how to use it. I also use different kinds of compound with different leathers because I've found varying results.

[@McLaneCustoms]

Michael Christy I live in Philly right now, is there a chance you could make a strop for me, seems like you know what you are doing. I really appreciate handmade items and the work that goes in to them

[@andrehawk100]

If you had to pick one paramilitary 2 to carry then what Steel would you choose?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Andre Hawk 10V or K390

[@andrehawk100]

Thank you sir. Really enjoy the videos.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Andre Hawk glad you like the videos.

[@randallkelley3599]

I am older, 68, and just can't hold a perfect angle, so got an KME. It goes to 1500G which is ok for me. But I wish I could get a, say 2000/3000G, just for fun. For me its more mind clearing and fun.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Randall Kelley I hear people say it's like meditation for them, which I can't empathize with. Maybe mind clearing is a better way to put it. Sometimes I feel like it puts me in my element.

[@bp-hx9ts]

Randall Kelley kme sells naniwa waterstones and check out gritomatic they have tons of kme accessories

[@roughroosterknifesharpenin5531]

People dont understand that about fine stones. Good observation

[@michaelchristy4982]

Thanks. That can be an aspect that's missed until a sharpener starts thinking outside the box.

[@roughroosterknifesharpenin5531]

Michael Christy I use a bunch of Arkansas and depends on steel but most time I'll progress through the spyderco uf then a translucent Arkansas then a black Arkansas sometimes even a blue black Arkansas. Grit progression seems to be a thing of the past to most. Its all about speed now. Swing by my channel sometime. Really enjoy the vids u make. Better than most here on KZbin. Take care

[@voider78]

Any preferences between cruwear and M4?

[@michaelchristy4982]

voider78 I like them both.

[@roughroosterknifesharpenin5531]

Hey man, I have found that the dmt coarse fine and extra fine then I went to 6 3 and 1 micron dmt strops on leather. The edge I got from that was insane. I do feel that benchmade m4 takes a better polish and performance I better at a higher polish. Spyderco seems to me to like more tooth. In m4 anyway. Just my opinion goo vid man!

[@michaelchristy4982]

I haven't used Benchmades M4. Funny that you mention M4 and polish though... there's a vid that's finished that I'll probably upload soon relating to that subject.

[@roughroosterknifesharpenin5531]

Michael Christy ive got a benchmade contego I call Frankenstein. Let me tell you that m4 is straight up hardcore. If it was in a ffg it would be the bees knees.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Rough Rooster Knife Sharpening there's actually a Benchmade that I'm looking at right now. I believe it had a saber grind. That aspect is causing me to hesitate buying it. I still may pick it up. I've heard that Benchmade's have pretty obtuse bevel angles from the factory. Has that been your experience?

[@roughroosterknifesharpenin5531]

Michael Christy benchmade u will love. They are such a different knife from other manufacturers. Benchmade does typically have more obtuse angles. But not always. The benchmade Adam as I in d2 its a huge slab of sabre grind and I was able to obtain hair whittling results. There heat treat I optimum IMO. The griptillian in 154cm has a more laid back edge. I usually lay most of mine to 22.5 degrees. With all respects benchmades are made much heavier duty than most spyderco. I believe you would enjoy one as a first. I reprofile everything anyway so thats never a issue with me. if u would like im always willing to talk to people. your more than welome to email me. [e-mail]

[@michaelchristy4982]

Rough Rooster Knife Sharpening thanks. A Griptilian is what I'm looking at.

[@EarthAlien51]

Instant like

[@dustyroads3223]

I just use it until it gets dull then grab another. When 4 are dull I drop off at local knife shop so they can sharpen 😁

[@mattherring230]

Do you offer a sharpening service?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Matt Herring No. I used to take paying jobs, but I don't anymore.

[@jmarsh667]

Just to give you an idea of what hardness that's at. I had my spyderco gayle Bradley RC hardness tested it came in at almost 66hrc! Most people seem to think low 60's but mine came in pretty high. Just figured I'd let you know to give you an idea of what this may be.

[@michaelchristy4982]

jmarsh667 that’s interesting to hear. Glad you posted it.

[@Mrplacedcookie]

Crue Wear vs S30V? any findings?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Jorgen Sandstrom I haven't done the test myself, but I think Cru Wear would be slightly ahead in edge retention, but Cru Wear would be ahead in toughness.

[@Mrplacedcookie]

Thank's

[@user-gu7du9kq6q]

from where do you get hairs for cut? :):):) great videos

[@michaelchristy4982]

nika leladze thanks. I get them from the wife.

[@kjam87gxp]

Ru wear vs sv110?

[@clsmz]

which steel do you prefer?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Cls Martinez between Cru-Wear and M4, I prefer M4. But I like both steels.

[@gorgonzolastan]

I've never seen somebody do that with a hair, take two splits off of it, impressive

[@michaelchristy4982]

Michael Graham thanks. I split them more then twice in some other videos.

[@mountaindont34ify]

Yeah looked like 3 or 4 with the m4

[@matthewkuhl79]

Cru-Wear has nothing to do with D2. It's a powder metallurgy version of Vasco Wear. The composition is _nothing_ like D2 and Crucible does a powder metallurgy D2 anyway.

[@lordnicenstein5105]

Wanted a steel comparison, only got a 10 Min spyderco Ad......

[@henkdaaps7562]

Do you want steel comparison or knife comparison?😶

[@jerseyknifeguy6382]

Wow go get um mike......... Your makin these Mickey Mouse knife reviewers look stupid........... That's a knife review......... It would be killer having you for a Neabor

[@michaelchristy4982]

Pg R it's funny, if you're around me in person and you ask me about knives, I'll talk your ear off. I try to spare my neighbors from having to deal with that.

[@BillesbachB]

Spyderco aren’t even made in the USA. Wake up guys, now is the time to take a stance!

[@paulmarshall9189]

The knives shown here are made in the USA.