Spyderco Para Military 2 - Long Term Field Use!

Please Like and Thumbs up! It REALLY Helps my exposure! Also feel free to Subscribe if you enjoy!
-This is my longer term update I promised on my EDC PM2. I wanted to shoot this video in the field to show the environments that I am in every day, and what I base my usage requirements off of. Sneak peak near the end of the video of the 204p Knifeworks Military as well! When talking about Tip Up and Tip down carry I am talking about the pros of TIP DOWN carry but I say tip UP at first, so be aware. Anyways, Rock on and thanks for watching!

[@mantis1977]

Legit. I was on the fence, you sold me with this solid tutorial. Thank you-

[@barrylevitt1170]

It is nice to see some long-term knife reviews instead of the usual unboxing and cut test of a knife. Keep up the interesting reviews. Have a great day. Barry Levitt

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Thanks again Barry! It's always great to hear someone enjoys the content!

[@davidadkins8738]

Amen, such a pleasure to hear someone else voice the same views as me when it comes to tip-down carry, especially with the PM2.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Thanks David! I say carry how makes sense for you. That’s the beauty of choice

[@cocabandi]

Great to see a man actually make good use of a knife designed for outdoor work.

[@aaronnaylor59]

I like the Para-Military 2 for daily carry, it’s still one of my favorite folders.

[@jordy703]

Great review thanks. Mine’s being delivered today can’t wait. Ordered the one with S45VN. Stay safe and greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱

[@panzerfaust5119]

Ive owned several and either gave them away or traded them.I realized how much i missed having a PM2 and got another last week.Imho i think the PM2 is the best edc made,for the value its hands down your best bet by far.There was a time when you couldnt find them.Love the blade and edc it for life.Thanks for sharing your blade thoughts.

[@FINEST-uz9ek]

Great video keep them coming , great office space!

[@ToxicityAssured]

You had just posted the first para video and started your channel when we were on vacation in Florida. That was a neat coincidence. I've been following ever since. I'm glad to see the channel moving forward. Only para I've had is the s110v version. I carry it every weekend, daily a 21 insingo at work. On my para, the stop pin has had a few small easily removable rust spots. I was waiting on you to mention it. Strange my Illinois climate did more damage than Florida. My sebenza has a scar on the blade/inside of the handle. A large grain of sand got lodged and I opened the blade. Now, every time I take it apart I see its Florida scar. Florida is great, can't wait to go back and get more sand damage on new knives! The #drive25 chick magnets are beyond awesome. I'm stoked to see more parks!

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

ToxicityAssured yes! I remember talking about the 110v pm2 and your Pensacola trip! Thanks for watching and following this whole time. It means a lot to have some steady followers trying to grow a channel, especially when I'm doing it ad free and not trying to make money at this, just have some fun and interact with folks! I had no issues with rust anywhere on or inside mine which shocked me as well! I'm constantly island hopping or trudging through salty wet places in 99 degree heat covered head to toe in full humidity and sweat. The lack of rust especially in the pivot when I cracked it open truly shocked me haha! The sand definitely leaves it mark though on anything and everything. The washers inside the para had some scars from sand for sure. But everything cleaned up and polished up just nice and it's even smoother and crisper than when it was factory new now. Thanks again! Always looking forward to more discussion!

[@jacksonblack2776]

Nice vid, nice to see some real use thoughts on the legendary Para 2. It’s my favorite knife as well.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

2knives 1life thanks for watching and the kind words! It's a legend for a reason for sure.

[@FrankChristopherOutdoors]

Just came from your P2 cruwear micarta video and this video sold me man. I’m gonna get the black p2 with the camo G-10 scales. I want to use my knife often and I just feel like that’s the best choice for me. Great videos man !

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Happy belated Jon. Well done video, thank you. Nice to see the man behind the hand.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

The Knife Beater Thanks Jay! I'm going to start trying to be more dynamic than just tabletops with my videos, but nothin crazy lol. Rock on dude. Oh btw gave you a shoutout in my most recent vid on the factor equipment iconic!

[@TheKnifeBeater]

I hear ya, everyone does the tabletop deal (myself included). I try to shake things up, but need to do way more. I saw/heard the shout out Jon, thank you so much for that! I gotcha back on my latest Kershaw Skyline review, let me know what you think. Take care.

[@pablozunigaiii454]

love the honesty, suscribed!

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Thanks Pablo! I try to keep it honest and real! Thanks for watching and the subscription!

[@kylewood8327]

Another great video man! Keep’m coming...

[@jaimieboy999]

Looks beautiful there!

[@samuelbonacorsi2048]

Nice review, I was on edge thinking a gator would jump you at any moment.

[@TheJoeCool1964]

Top down for me. Just gets the job done faster, in my opinion, I agree with you. I have four pm2 and three military. Great knife for all occasions

[@southernyert7597]

Grt video. I luv mine & I carry it tip down. It just feels more natural for me

[@vickyvonstein2331]

Thanks Papa John. This was a great review!

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Thanks Vicky!

[@losdawg6265]

Great review! You deserve WAY more subs.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Thanks Carl! I’ve been in active for a while but hope to make more content at some point!

[@Bwbravowhiskey]

Have and love both those blades! 👍

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Right!? The 204p Military really is something special. Thanks for watching!

[@AnthonySmith-sc4zs]

I feel the same way about spydies, tip down is great. Every other knife I will carry tip up. When the video started I immediate thought “hey that looks like Florida!”

[@dewarner12]

It's nice to see reviews of knives that are actually used for work. I am less and less interested in seeing collections of custom knives that are kept in safes or being told how well they can cut paper or cardboard.

[@ajbriles3647]

Thank you Jon! This video was the final nail in the coffin for me! Just picked one up and I'm excited to finally own one of the most prolific knives of the last 9-10 years

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Thanks dude! Glad it helped your decision. Stay tuned, 4 year update coming soon .

[@ajbriles3647]

@@rangerjonoutdoors6429 lol, I'm assuming you're saying stay tuned for a year update. Not stay tuned for a 4 year update.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Aj briles I meant 2 years! It’s been two years since this video. Going to give an even longer term review

[@ajbriles3647]

@@rangerjonoutdoors6429 Just got my PM2 today. I like it a lot but I want it to be bigger. I'll pickup a Military to compare

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Aj briles the military is all I ever have in my pocket these days. It’s just fantastic. I carry my pm2 a lot but I’m never without a Millie.

[@lv4235]

Great review mate!

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Thanks again dude! This knife just continues to devour any task I throw at it. Truly a legend for a reason.

[@Eldofarmboy]

Can't beat the PM2. Mine saved my life when I destroyed my knee. I batoned it and cross batoned it to make a crutch and splint. I did a video yesterday where I put a whooping on it. Thing's invincible

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Woodland Tactical damn dude that’s an incredible story! I’m assuming you were out in the field when that happened?

[@Eldofarmboy]

I was a few miles deep into a hike

[@adrianbecerra5139]

Paramilitary 2!!!👌CAN'T STOP WON'T STOP

[@ramonrodriguez5728]

Good review.👍

[@robinpohl2702]

Tip down is cool but my main concern is that the pivot is up and since the inside of my pocket is usually clean it's more likely that there will get grit in there

[@evolvedaustin4230]

Looks like my neck of the woods. South Florida Hone sound- Jupiter.

[@cwrowe]

It’s 2018 now. Do you still feel the same about this knife? What do you do for a living? What are your general EDC tasks with this knife? Good video.

[@Hungrybird474]

It’s the perfect edc size for me . I like the para 3 as well for summer carry . Either or tbh . It’s not too big imho and when I bear down with the either one there’s no painful spots for me personally . I quite like the pm2 action better

[@gabrielace4023]

Nice review. I would like to know what are the top 5 task you have done with it at your work. Thanks in advance.

[@blueline5614]

If it’s not my favorite, it’s definitely in my top 3!

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

It really is a masterpiece of a folding knife! A modern classic for sure.

[@zactolan561]

By the way you talked, I knew you would love the military.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Zac, I had been avoiding the military for too long because it's reputation was that its way too "BIG and scary". Well maybe if you live in a big city or work in an office or something but I think it may be the best woods/field use folder I've laid my hands on. It's quickly becoming my all time favorite knife. Thanks for watching and the comments!

[@e.r9111]

Living in Florida myself, especially by Canaveral National seashore myself I put my knives through the same stuff haha

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

I think People overestimate “a costal environment” . Use them knives, keep em clean, and they’ll last years!

[@wartstein8814]

Just discovered your channel - really nice and no nonsense knive-vids, great! Also watched your "shootout Vid" where you did choose the Para 2. Question: Ever tried the Spyderco Stretch 1 (the one unfortunately recently discountinued, the stretch 2 is a step down I think)? GREAT knive, should meet your needs - maybe even more than the Para2. Very good cutting edge to handle ratio (shorter than the PM2 but more edge), slimmer in the pocket, precise but more robust tip, tough as hell. But, of course: cheaper (but not WORSE imho) materials :FRN and VG 10.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Hey I know this is three years old now but I’ve been waiting for the new stretch straight spine for almost that long and it’s finally out! And it’s got k390 steel. That’s gonna be a smoking user knife right there. Thanks!

[@davidbonner409]

Great video, excellent long term review of my favorite knife. Also i did as well pick up a KW 204p military when they were on special for black friday weekend. Jealous of your work environment, and since i am in south flo, i hve to ask.. which park you in? Love your office!

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Hey David Thanks for watching! The 204P Military is just insane. There really can't be a more perfect folding knife in existence for my needs and wants in a blade. I'm definitely in love with this thing! Unfortuneately, while I'd love to tell you what Parks I work at, due to Legalities with work and the public image I have to be very careful with what sort of information I reveal on social media as far as parks, management zones, specific departments or divisions that I work for, etc. Nothing to get into trouble with anyone so that I am not viewed as "representing" the views of my parks, agency, division, etc or anything else on the internet space. I can tell you that I am located in the broader SWFL region though. Thanks for watching again!

[@lagottooperator4336]

Thanks for the update, RJ! Keep them coming. I will be curious to hear about the PM2 when you reach 1 year of EDC... especially since you carry yours in a somewhat non-typical environment that's pretty "hard use." I EDC the Para 3 and Delica 4, but I love my PM2!! Dude... I told you a few months ago you should pick up a Military for when you were out in the bush and you said it was "too large" LOL!! How's the liner lock on the Military? I hate liner locks normally. Prefer the compression lock.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Lagotto Operator haha! I know! My thoughts against the Military were simply the situations when I'm using my knife with or around the public, and not freaking out any folks who aren't used to being around knives. But after getting it I don't think it's nearly as "Big and Scary" as everyone makes it seem. It's a KILLER bush folder for sure. Easily my new favorite hands down! I will definitely do a 1 year update for sure. I'll probably film it in another location to show off the diversity of my work environments. My "office" or work area covers a couple thousand acres throughout coastal hammock, pine scrub forest, salt marsh, mangrove swamp, barrier islands, waterways, etc. I'd really like to start including the natural beauty around me in my videos and share that with people. So stay tuned! Haha and thanks for the tip on the Military, next time I'll have to actually listen! Rock on thanks for watching!

[@lagottooperator4336]

Do you carry a sidearm to work? Or just a knife? Could always keep something like the Delica 4 in pocket for when the folks are around and the Military in your strong-hand pocket for if you round a bend and cross an angry wild hog, etc. That Military looks like a beast! I've never owned one... the liner lock always held me back from making a purchase, though I've thought about it many times. I'll look for your review on that one when you get the time. Ever consider doing firearm reviews? I really enjoy your knife videos, so if you own any guns and feel like doing it, might be a cool idea. Just a thought. Take care, RJ!

[@crookedtool]

But how did you actually use the knife in the field?

[@rinkvh5543]

4:25 "Don't be afraid of the military just because of the size."

[@chaseperkins5487]

That military is awesome! I’d say between the PM2 and Manix 2 you will be hard pressed to find a better user blade. They are built to be used and abused as tools

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

I think with all 3 of those knives in existence together, there isn't really a need for any other larger folder to be in existence haha! They cover some major bases for sure! The Military is awesome!

[@pedroordepo9860]

Enter the Shaman... (find one at a descent price) and it's literally the manix 2 and pm2 put together.

[@gaylordpantamime]

I always find it funny when I watch a review for a knife and their "experience" with it is opening other knife boxes

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

I agree. It’s pretty annoying to me also. A $10 box cutter will do that job infinitely better than any knife. Lol.

[@andrewg7878]

Thanks pm2 is the plan in s45vn

[@dean4545]

Mine just arrived. 158 $. Looking at the fine tip i don't know how you can hard use this knife as you say and not destroy it in time. Even a drop on the stone could break it. Like for the effort to make us a video :)

[@robmata474]

Tip up with a Spidey drop

[@vasudevrameshbabu3427]

Good video mate, couple of questions. 1. Is the paramilitary 2 be grippy for my sweaty palms? 2. Can we sharpen the knife ourselves? Thank you

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

The PM2 has alot of grip for sure. Sharpening just depends on your personal ability. I always suggest people get some sharpening equipment and learn to do it themselves! Thanks for watching!

[@seang1032]

Looks like my backyard in the everglades

[@OLMmedic]

👍🏼 nice. What are you off 75 out there? Cool blades. Love the millie and pm2.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Thanks for watching and the comments olmmedic! I'd love to get into more specifics about locations and everything, but I have to be very careful with specific information that I reveal on KZbin about who, what, where, I actually work for as not to be viewed by my department or higher agencies as "representing" their views in the internet space and keeping things strictly my own personal views! I can tell you I work and "play" in the broader SWFL area from South Sarasota out to Babcock Webb area, and down to Estero & North Naples areas, as well as the off hand trips into the glades. Rock on and thanks again for watching!

[@jovenguardian]

Looks like Big Cypress behind you? Nice video

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Howdy! Not Big Cypress, but a similar environment. Thanks for watching!

[@jelaienfinue]

More people should review knives after some use like you did. I hate when they just unbox it, cut a piece of paper and call it a review. If I want the specs I can google it, just tell me how the knife performs in the real world.

[@davidwalker2218]

4 months later... How do you like the Military 204p? How often do you carry it in relation to the PM2? I'm about to add a new knife to the collection and I'm debating whether to get the KW exclusive Military or the Blurple PM2. I've never handled the Military therefore I'm concerned about 1) the larger footprint in relation to the PM2 and 2) I'm a lefty, and I hear the lock can easily be tripped when using the knife left-handed.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Hey David! Let me start by saying this, the Military is my favorite knife that I own, and the best cutting tool I can think of. I’ve really fallen in love with the Military, especially the 204p model. It’s a large knife, but to me it wasn’t as large as I was imagining in my head. The extra handle length seems a bit silly at first, until you go to use the knife with work gloves or winter gloves on, then it all makes total sense. The extra blade length really comes in handy as an edc. It’s extremely thin in the pocket and also light, which is another huge plus because you get a larger more capable blade that looks like the knife should be heavy and it’s still under 4.5 ounces. Fantastic. As far as the lock, I couldn’t really say because Im right handed and have never had to think about it haha! But I know a lot of folks who are lefties and love their military. I think a lot of guys on the Internet over think things like lock strength and accidental disengagements, etc. so yes I would absolutely recommend the Military big time! But the PM2 is probably the best Goldilocks folder there is. The Military can get some sideways looks from General public and non knife people, but I don’t care because a 4” Blade is legal in my State and I do things with my knife everyday where I appreciate the extra length. The 204p model is a killer must have model. My best and favorite knife I own. You can get a s110v pm2 whenever you want, but these exclusives don’t stick around forever. However I also just bought the other Knifeworks exclusive that is the Carbon Fiber Titanium Framelock S90v Military and I will say.. that may be the single finest production level knife I have ever handled. It is an absolute masterpiece of knife craftsmanship. The 204p I love for edc and it was a sentimental gift and got me into the Military, but the Carbon Fiber Titanium Framelock model is on another level even from that. It really is “The Military to end all Militaries” as Michael Christy has said ! Haha. Hope this answers your concerns well enough! If the Military is legal to carry for you, I’d say go for it, and then pickup some PM2’s later. 🤘🔥

[@davidwalker2218]

Ranger Jon Outdoors thanks for the time-tested feedback! Awesome videos man. Keep up the great work.

[@davidwalker2218]

Are you using the DLC coated blade because of your proximity to salt water? I am also on the Florida coast and I'm considering getting a DLC blade on my next knife to help battle corrosion resistance, although, I've never had an issue with S30V knives obtaining rust since I rinse them with fresh water after each use. I'm just trying to figure out if getting a DLC blade is actually worth the extra precaution to avoid rust. I wanted to acquire the Paramilitary 2 in S110V as my next purchase but, after the 2018 price hike, I could pay $13 more for an upgraded Griptilian in 20CV with a deep carry clip and (arguably) nicer handle. Can't believe I'm even thinking about it, but it's true. It's true...

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

I like the DLC coating more because it tones down the appearance of the knife than a shiny satin finish. When working with tthe public, subdued is better and people seem to be more wary of bright reflective satin finished blades than the muted blacks. Just my opinion though. I think the benefit of a DLC coating for corrosion resistance is actually only minor though, something like a 10% difference. It's not this be all and end all solution so if thats your primary concern I would go with whichever you like best, especially for s30v as it is very rust resistant. I've seen plenty of steels easily rust right through a dlc coating. I have another couple of videos on this topic though from a year or so ago if you want to check them out. Also, these damn price increases from Spyderco do NOT help things. lol. I have also been looking at the new grip in 20cv, and I am a very anti benchmade kind of guy. haha so I feel the pain. Thanks for watching!

[@davidwalker2218]

Good point about being more subdued with the DLC coating. I wouldn't have thought of that. PM2 is tactical by nature, so I guess the coating can help you avoid any Rambo jokes made by sheeple lol. I just watched your vid on the P3 with M390. I like it. A little worried about the shorter cutting edge on the P3 but the shorter handle might be a nice trade off from the PM2 length. If I could find a PM2 in M390, that would be ideal. I'm still somewhat of a knife noob. My allegiance isn't to Benchmade nor to Spyderco but I have 2 of each and I like certain characteristics in all of them. Wanting to expand in one direction and I'm leaning towards the Spydies. But every now and then I go back to the Benchmade allure. It's a love/hate relationship. Help!!

[@frederickj.7136]

My 2¢, David, on the Para 3 option: One arrived just this week (w/ MXG Gear clip), and it took me all of one minute to know that it would fast be leaving. My use is not so much like Ranger Jon's -- suburban EDC, chores, some nearby woods, recreation on water -- but as described, I knew there was no way the Para 3 was going to be displacing my recently acquired Stretch (1, LW-FRN) in ZDP-189 (same weight within 1 gram)... and certainly not my Factor Equip. Iconic Compact anywhere looks, pocketability, and super comfy ergos count. In a nutshell, I found the Para 3 to be just a fairly uninspired collection of pretty much off the shelf Spyderco design elements, which fail to come together to define anything much of its own territory in the Spyderco landscape (which it should have done). The visually jarring, oversized lanyard hole was ill-advised; and the standard black G-10 is simply kind of pathetic aesthetically, having no more character than a light duty tread mat, and being a collector of very visible grime. Not to mince any words... 😉. Bottom line: I think the Para 3 is surely not the shorter Paramilitary 2 a lot of folks hoped for; and it comes up a lot shorter in a number of ways (no pun intended) compared to the classic P2. YMMV, but the Para 3 is not, I think, a scaled down Paramilitary 2... just as Spyderco themselves said! Hope this testimonial helps... P.S.- Pls. don't call them "sheeple". One of the things noobs need to learn fast is to distinguish real grownups on the internet from self-styled tough guys and incessantly political types.

[@huejanus5505]

I think most people like tip up because it puts the pocket clip in the meaty part of your hand, rather than on the joint of your first finger.

[@ngoutdoorgear4063]

Ranger jon will such a pm2 or for example spyderco pacific salt cause any trouble in florida if I carry it clipped to my pocket ? I am visiting from Georgia

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Hey man. I live and work in costal environment and as long as I don’t dunk my knife in the salt (or wash it immediately when I do), I have had zero issues for years now. The pacific salt knives shouldn’t rust at all.

[@ngoutdoorgear4063]

I was asking if the law will get me in trouble for my pacific salt 2 due to the size of being close to the 4 inch limit and also I am not sure if it can be defined as common pocket knife

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

@@ngoutdoorgear4063 no idea there dude. I’m not in law enforcement. I’d Call the Sherrif office for the county you’re gonna visit and ask them. 👍

[@phillipnunya6793]

I'm sorry, but I'm definitely questioning that knife and most other Spyderco knives as hard use field knives. They seem fine for normal person EDC or when you want a thin knife with an acute tip, but the design looks too delicate for real hard field use. I would not trust that knife tip to hold up to much lateral force, and the edge looks like it would be relatively easy to damage.

[@howiemclaughlin3070]

What sunglasses are those?

[@blackforestgrizzly]

Looks like you in the Florida woods

[@miguel555678]

i know that most people review knives after holding them for a few seconds, and 6 months is longer than a few seconds. but, i don't think that 6 months qualifies as long-term.

[@DPIDDY69]

I love spydercos but for me I like the cold steel lineup for ultimate hard users

[@MrRogers360]

Try a manix 2 xl.

[@BilgePump]

I used my old one to help out a stranded person and that’s the last I saw it. My fault, I left it in her trunk and she was a stranger. No good deed goes unpunished. Replaced it immediately. I’m a little lost on the tip up and tip down debate and truth be told don’t care.

[@abc456f]

Wouldn't a park ranger carry a fixed blade in a belt sheath?

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

srg914 work in the field doesn’t really necessitate a fixed blade despite the mental image. We carry appropriate tools for the job at hand. Axes, machetes, saw, chainsaws, torch, drills, socket set, Etc. fixed blades are essential for solid firemaking though! Folding knives are the perfect companion for a General day in an outdoor blue collar job.

[@Steveo30xyz]

Tip up mentality and then next sentence is tip down

[@TheKoss11]

Isn’t it kinda hot to be wearing that jacket?

[@PewLand]

Is this guana? Lol

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Lol Guana?

[@PewLand]

@@rangerjonoutdoors6429 it's a nature reserve near vilano beach florida, it looked very similar to the setting in your video..especially when you pointed towards the intercoastal.

[@happyknife8785]

Tip down is for amateurs

[@donz8501]

Lot of words saying nothing.