The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 (PM2) Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

The PM2 is an incredible knife, with a great lock, solid lockup, and a really beefy feel. Although it's not a great knife for the office lunchroom, and it's not a great knife for my EDC needs, it's a damned good knife to have around for the apocalypse. Put differently, it's a very solid, very large gem.
Here's the "What's the best EDC video" I mentioned at the start: • Video

[@KarmaFlight]

For those of us with big hands, the size is really nice. Great review!

[@SuperPussyFinger]

Best knife reviewer on the Internet.

[@SuperPussyFinger]

I hear what you’re saying. Actually, it’s kind of ironic that he reviews knives, but never cuts anything. Ha.

[@theplasticdesert2408]

Castle Bravo and maybe one day he’ll learn how to sharpen them...

[@joshduffy5078]

He's dogshit. Sounds like a clown.

[@ssunfish]

You had me laughing describing the Apocalypse...."locusts looking like Gilbert Godfreid"

[@artl52]

that WOULD be scary!

[@Sam1986E]

Lol same here, thats when i subscribed to his channel.

[@Rashoop]

Been watching quite a few of your videos, but this was the most fun to watch of them all. The size comparison to the printed image of the mountain? Genius! I do love my PM2 too. GREAT knife.

[@bobbyb608]

Why does this guy sound like a 1940's sports announcer?

[@NickShabazz]

+Christmas Gummyworm The real question is, why don't you?

[@abc456f]

Christmas Gummyworm His voice always struck me as a WWII era news reel reporter.

[@streetlover404]

Can we at least agree that his voice is great.

[@streetlover404]

I should say, "a gem."

[@dreadjavapirate]

It's called a New York city accent. Language dialects make America colorful and interesting.

[@bradyblackburn4863]

Hands down my favorite knife. I've thrashed on mine, and it just keeps going.

[@dannyrybeck]

Nicks reviews are a refreshing change from all the slow boring knife videos here on youtube, he's got that NY or Eastern accent and talks fast, I could watch his reviews all day. Yeah the Maitraya Buddha thing gave me a chuckle.

[@r.w.6251]

If you’re like me, you buy a knife in anticipation it will be your favorite for years to come, but after a few weeks you start looking for your next favorite. I purchased my PM2 about a year ago and it’s still my favorite. I almost always carry two knives at a time and my PM2 is always one of the two.

[@desertratedc9596]

Sounds like me and my BM-940. There is only two other knives recently that I carry just as often and one being my Delica and surprising to me a SMKW exclusive Kershaw Ti S35V Highball Xl that I got on a whim because it was on sale for dirt cheap and fell in love with it. I just purchased another SMKW exclusive the jungle wear M4 PM2 and I'm hoping it makes the list of my top most carried and loved knives.

[@carlosmatos9848]

Just ordered one of these. So stoked to finally have a nice, USA made knife. Now all I need is a ZT 0562 and my collection will be complete.... for a month or so lol.

[@Mrplacedcookie]

PM2 is one of most carried knifes. For me it disappears in pocket due to its light weight. Allso it works like a tool ,cuts well and not just open letters but ind the woods and alike. As a couchninja i digging the name "Paramillitary2". thank for sharing your thoughts Nick!

[@pappystern2955]

Joe Pesci, thank you for a great PM2 review

[@proctor9443]

😂😂😂

[@radialorbits]

That PM2 - mountain size comparison was on point. Great review, agree 100%. Its rock solid

[@cfltitan]

I LOVE my PM 2. I feel like the larger handle is for the intended hard use this knife was built for. It gives you a much better purchase on it, especially of wearing gloves.

[@chrisbyars4422]

The Spyderco Paramilitary 2: no complaints whatsoever. It fills my hand nicely, it doesn’t disappear in my hand. Works for me.

[@r.schaefer1536]

Thanks for the inspiration Nick, I ended up getting a PM2 in 15V with Flytanium Lotus brass scales and another Blurple S110v Titanium with a compass etching scales .Happy with both

[@BenM]

"even the tip is pretty damn beefy" okaayy nick

[@oceanwaves83]

Yeah that was a huge fail

[@Stucknthe80z]

My Pm2'a tip broke after being dropped on a carpeted floor... Great slicer, durability, mehhh......

[@gwailotus9154]

@@oceanwaves83 - can i make a t shirt with that quote?

[@oceanwaves83]

@@gwailotus9154 lmao go for it

[@barlow2976]

@@oceanwaves83 I'm new to knife and blade YT/Forums etc, and have noticed there's an awful amount of male testosterone induced 'my knife's better than your knife' dialogue, or rather insult trading. Why's that? Are there a lot of frustrated single males into knives? I only came here to help me make a choice, not to hear homophobic filth.

[@theplasticdesert2408]

Many extra points for the gilbert godfrey reference.

[@Cracktower1]

As a person with big hands, I think the extra space on the handle is welcoming

[@Agent-vj3ns]

He meant the gap, which they make 100s of different variations of

[@Cracktower1]

@@Agent-vj3ns 5:15 I was referring to his comments about the handle to blade ratio. Please feel free to mind your own business.

[@DarrenGWhite]

Ok, I lolled at the mountain bit. 😂

[@xallthatremains8339]

He sounds like he knows a guy that would break your kneecaps if you gave him a thumbs down

[@vybtom1]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@davidaylsworth8964]

Well, what can I say? Nick, as always, you've provided an informative and entertaining review of one of the most popular knives. Keep up the good work sir!

[@vancebooth9819]

I love watching any knife review but yours are the best and always humorus to watch

[@midwest1228]

Sitting around drinking coffee on a Sunday morning watching KZbin and came across this gem. 6 years later the PM2 makes a comparison appearance in about every knife video out there. Any way,, like the PM2 .. Nick you're the staple every knife reviewer tries to compare to! 😀

[@HarryStone]

Every time I've complained about handle ratio it's because the handle is too small, not the other way around. Ergonomics are way more important than an extra quarter inch in your pocket if you're going to use the knife! Thanks for another great video Nick.

[@dan-dan-da-treeman]

great work sir. I like your down to earth reviews.

[@NickShabazz]

Thanks much!

[@RovingRoninEDC]

Have been looking for a Para 2 for quite a while and was finally able to get one 4 days ago. A Cabelas about 90 min away sent me and email to let me know they had 5 Para 2’s in stock. I paid for it immediate and asked them to hold it so I could pick it up. After all this time, I wasn’t waiting. By the time I got there, the one they were holding for me was the only para 2 in the store as the other 4 were gone in 3 hours. Glad I waited, ended up with a sprint run version CPM S45VN, gorgeous black G-10 scales. Spyderco just does it right

[@GU5S]

Great review. But seriously, the PM2 is your apocalypse knife. Its a back pocket back up to your back up apocalypse knife.

[@aaronwolfe9640]

My god I am ashamed I havent followed you longer. The banter alone is worthy of it.

[@losdawg6265]

Hey Nick! It’s always fun coming back to your older videos. I purchased the PM2 about 4 years ago based on this review. A really dead-on, accurate review. Still loving my PM2. If anybody is on the fence at all, just buy it. You won’t regret your purchase.

[@neboimaging]

Thank you for this

[@DDFFFFDDFDFD]

Best accent for a knife review ever

[@abc456f]

Just got my pm2 with digi camo scales and black blade yesterday. I've been carrying a RAT 1 for a couple of years so the size of the pm 2 doesn't bother me. What surprised me was it's light weight for a knife of this size. Very nice. Smooth operation and came razor sharp. Extremely happy with it.

[@jetsgo66]

srg914 that's good to hear, I'm waiting on my pm2 to arrive to replace my rat 1 edc

[@abc456f]

jetsgo66 Just got a new rat 1 with D2 steel and carbon fiber over g2 scales. They made a great value knife even better. I've got ten knives in my collection but the rat 1 seems to find its way into my pocket more than any other.

[@letterbomb_actual]

I just got mine today and I was so surprised from the weight I thought it was a fake!

[@abc456f]

Hitman6205 Ha....yeah it's really light for its size.

[@mayo470]

Nick did you say the tip is "beefy?" did they change the tip on the PM2 for this model? I have one in S30V ant the tip is *very* delicate. Thanks. Also video was hilarious and the "look how big this knife is" montage had me on the floor.

[@bauhausoffice]

Jesus that’s a great review. Some people have the ability just to analyze something and really Hon ones observations down to the meat and potatoes so to speak. Nick does that.

[@francoiski]

that mountain joke was funny :)

[@e.t.preppin7084]

I'm happy to say that the pm2 is my edc knife. I originally carried a mini grip for a year or so. Then bought this knife amongst many other fine knives,carried the pm2 for a year or so and began to try replacing it for a day with other really fine knives but at the end of each day with another knife in pocket I would always come home from work and immediately put my pm2 back in my pocket. It just feels right. Maybe I'm thinking subconsciously the apocalypse is near lol. Great review Nick as always and you've kept me from buying a bunch of junk and for that I say thanks!!!

[@harrysmith3502]

This review gave me the nudge to order this in digicam with a black S30V blade. Great review as always!!

[@buckwylde9567]

It’s funny to watch the videos you do now then get in the way back machine and watch something from 7 years ago 👍

[@ronnietarnacke5153]

hmm .. maybe I'm weird , but the pm2 is my smallish knife ...

[@Billthesheepdog]

cool!

[@dreadjavapirate]

Sounds like you need a Military instead of a PM2.

[@bigladstu8093]

Ronnie Tarnacke get a k2

[@oceanwaves83]

No you're not weird, nick was very narrow minded back when this was recorded

[@CoordinatedCarry]

Not weird, different. That’s the great thing about knives; there’s a flavor for everyone. From your mom to Crocodile Dundee.

[@Keen_Edge]

Are you a freaking psychic? You read my mind on every point of this knife.

[@Orochi_001]

Every time a knife I’m using snags on the sharpening choil, I think “I wish this thing didn’t have a stupid sharpening choil.” I prefer to have one unsharpened half-millimeter of edge than to have a gaping, unsharpened cutout in my blade.

[@kneevie]

That size comparison w the mountain really got me I have to admit 😂

[@ftlaud911]

Video cracked me up. Well played Nick. Love my Para 3 Variants - Fits like a glove. Way late to the game and just got a PM2 and Manix 2. Wow - both are huge in comparison. Comfort - Manix 2 or Para 3 (toss up), then PM2 which is still comfortable. EDC ability - Para 3, PM2, then Manix 2. Blade - Like the Pelican Para 3, Manix 2, then PM2 (all depends on what you need/want). May get a Sage 5 to see how it compares. Looks like another great option. All three are amazing knifes. Para 3 really needs a deep carry clip IMHO and then shines as an EDC. Going to war PM2 or Manix 2 if you need a folder. Personally would grab a 3V or 4V fixed blade. Not selling any of them and glad I have them.

[@davidlocke1668]

It’s so much of a gem I procured one for myself and two for my mom.

[@Milkman4279]

I love the Delica but it's kind of small for me. I went to my local knife store and took a few different Sypercos for a test drive. My absolute favorite was the PM2. It's a large knife, bit it fits my hand perfectly. Now I just need to find the funds and justification to buy one.

[@deanalbertson1725]

Regarding the size of the handle, if you have big hands, and if you take this knife camping, or if you are in a self defense situation, it's good to have a large handle, to get a good grip on the knife. This is the kind of knife you can put in your night stand by your bed, just in case you need it. You could also put this knife in your tool box, or in your car.

[@barlow2976]

Do Americans get into many self defense situations? In the UK there are more and more gang stabbings in our cities (hence our carry laws), but I'm guessing they are nothing compared to the states. Fortunately most of the UK's residents don't have to fear being assaulted, I would hate to have to carry my knife as a weapon.

[@griffithchung9377]

@@barlow2976 Late to this, but the answer is no, the likelihood that any given American going about his or her own business in almost any part of the US that you pick will find themselves in a "self-defense situation," whatever that means, is vanishingly small. We may have higher violent crime rates than many other countries, but our streets and homes are still pretty safe places to be. Personally, I've lived for years in what a lot of people would label a "rough neighborhood" in Chicago, and during that time I've lived my life as normal without once feeling unsafe.

[@jimm244]

I've had a PM-2 in s110v for a couple weeks and couldn't agree more with your sentiments. It's a great knife and I love the compression lock, but it's 20% too large for my personal practical EDC. I wish they made a PM-2 mini! You have the best reviews on the web! Please continue!

[@NickShabazz]

+Jim M You know they're working on a 3" PM2 right now, right? I'm really, really excited about it.

[@seanaguilar1637]

Lol. The Apocalypse part made me smile. I enjoyed this video and you deserve my subscription. Thank You🙂👍

[@whiskyguzzler982]

I completely agree. The PM2 is exceptional. If you don't have one and you are watching this channel, get one. I did find a bad one, where the blade not centered, so do look at them - same as anything you buy. That said, this is one of my favorite things. I use it constantly. (Thanks Nick for turning me on to this knife. I was whinging about the cost until this review. Glad I spend the money. This knife is definitely worth it.)

[@PS987654321PS]

If I have interest in a folder, I first check to see if Nick Shabazz has a take on it. If I don't see his review on a particular knife, my heart sinks a bit. No one in this community can touch him for reviews. I'm not sure if I'd even buy a knife if he hasn't reviewed it.

[@dreadjavapirate]

The large handle can be a con but can also be a pro. It makes the knife really comfortable. Sal says pick a knife by its handle and not it's blade.

[@nohero178]

Actually, Sal says just the opposite: "When you select a knife by looking at the handle, you're looking at the wrong end of the knife. Some people get married that way, but that's another story." kzbin.info/www/bejne/o33GhYqtnZZ2psU

[@Seveneleven44]

You sound like Willem DaFoe in Boondocks Saints. Great work my friend.

[@Seveneleven44]

Think the para is big? The regular military is the big momma.

[@jjm6187]

I dig that sprint run! Nice subtle custom color.

[@cwrowe]

Just curious: why do you like S35vn steel? It’s my favorite because in my opinion it’s the easiest to sharpen......

[@henrirt8991]

Great review, informative, honest and certainly entertaining. Keep em coming!

[@colnagocowboy]

For the record for the apocalypse, im grabing my Ontario USAF survivial knife.

[@gwailotus9154]

OLD SCHOOL YEAH!!! my dad was an army pilot and gave me one when i was 13 in 1984. of course i lost it. miss the military "double edge" version

[@johnnyscarpetti2322]

“For when you suspect shit might get real.” Lol I love it!!! 😂

[@telemarktumalo6978]

Mail drop tonight for a PM2 from BladeHQ base model. Pleasantly surprised. Advertised as S30V but arrived S45VN. Weight feels really nice. Super sharp. A bit stiff out of the box, but will patiently break in. My first time with the compression lock and sorting out that feel for one handed open and close. Workmanship looks great. Alignment slightly off, but negligible. Basic G10 scales are much better than expected for a base knife. Consider me a fan. Can't wait to break it in this weekend.

[@Sparky6string]

Blade length to handle ration= non-issue. The Delica taught me that.

[@grizzcon2]

Wait till the PM3 (or whatever they decide to call it) comes out. It might cover some of the size issues. Kinda anxious to see it. Better than that might be the Sage 5 Compression Lock.

[@NickShabazz]

+grizzcon2 I'm very excited about that one. And the Sage 5 will be great, no doubt, but I just can't bring myself to give a damn about a Sage. The blade shape just isn't there.

Unfortunately not.

[@Jawnderlust]

Your apocaplyse sounds like my last Acid trip

[@jakeizlove]

Must get one!! I carry the Emerson CQC-7 daily so the size shouldn't be an issue.

[@verruckterwissenschaftler]

I could listen to you say PM2 until the end of time Nick. I love your accent.

[@ChaplainDaveSparks]

"Too much" ... for someone (you)? Excellent selling point (for me). 😀

[@RaduMichael]

Nice touch 👍😅

[@MikaelCedergren]

God, the mountain comparison..... You're so awesome!!!!

[@appleztooranges]

My first knife is a paramilitary 3 Spyderco in g10 Black. Love it

[@richardshafter5633]

Phenomenal review

[@JROTCBALL]

Got me the left hand version of the pm 2 in cpm s45vn n love it! I live in Texas so I just consider it a Texan sized EDC xD love the way it fits in your hand n blade size is perfect. Got a Military 2 preordered for the apocalypse

[@WalterDavidRiffmon]

I'm getting one to replace my lost 710. I never cared about small. That's why I carry a SIG SP2022 or a CZ 75b every day! I'm glad this sucker has an ergonomic good sized handle! Nice review! Enjoy your presentations.

[@21RIP]

Was this a review or a comedy skit? Lol, this was good man. Keep up your amazing work.

[@chrisw.1090]

You sound like Frank Rizzo (Jerky Boys). :D Great videos, thanks!

[@lmazcraz]

Chris W. Look heeah rubba neck. Right mike....whadahyah say bill?

[@justinwang3384]

Excellent review, have a normal S30V one and liked it enough to order the blurple S110V version. Can't wait to see how the new steel performs.

[@jamesgrant9377]

So good Nick, love your review, you made me laugh in a good way many times. Great style!

[@baseballhunter42]

This sold me on a delica or 940. Too many people say the pm2 is the perfect edc. The perfect edc shouldn't be unnecessarily large in pocket like the pm2 is.

[@JoeyBozify]

I love my PM2, I don’t think it’s as big as you make it sound, for most part I forget I have it on me !

[@The4cp]

I went way way out of my way to find the exact PM2 I wanted lol.

[@andrewsisneros7995]

I love the pm2, but I always find myself picking up a heavy framelock, weight is always nice. Then again I like 3.6 to 4 inch blades. to each their own and keep up the reviews!!!

[@NickShabazz]

+Andrew Sisneros Thanks! And there's a lot to be said for a heavy-feeling knife, that's for sure.

[@cukedaddy]

Spydie Mili in titanium...gotta love that knife

[@seversebastian]

Just got mine a couple of days ago. I agree to the compression lock being a little sticky. I also have small hands, but it feels great. I also had a Delica but I hated the lock back with it's rigid action and so I gave it to my wife (who never EDC's it).

[@alecbarnes6917]

Loving mine... My hands are a bit bigger as I can just fit 4fingers barely.

[@thefinder8087]

Surprisingly, they have these at Bento Box right now for $155. I've got a S110V Para3 and I love it, so now I've really been wanting to try the Paramilitary 2. Glad I was able to pick up the S35VN version, really dig the brown scales.

[@artgrusensky121]

great review Nick everything I need to know without the fat

[@artgrusensky121]

and you don't have to worry about Gottfried

[@kevanglover792]

It's a great Knife of been caring it for about three years still in great condition

[@peterprestigiacomo9318]

Appreciate the videos, you do have the best knife reviews on here. I am debating between the PM2 in S35VN, a Benchmade 940-2 in S30V or a PM3 in S30V. I own the endura 4 which I beat up pretty good and giving to a friend after I clean it up and sharpen it so looking to replace that with a some what smaller knife but not as small as the delica 4. I also have the 950 rift and the size on that knife for me is perfect. Any suggestions willing to spend $180 depending on the knife and blade steel. Preferably something with g-10 or micarta handles.

[@redriver6541]

The way Nick say "thick" several times with that inflection..... Classic. I normally cannot take a "northerner" telling me about items like these.....but Nick seems like such a sincere and qualified person......I'd listen to the guy tell me just about anything......and be polite to a fault to him even if I disagreed with him. Like we all should to each other these days.....Right?

[@jackdillon4467]

Great review! Have one coming!!!

[@northernninety7]

Yes it's a big knife and I like big knives. My Manix turned out to be bigger than I expected and I like it.

[@JadeGeminiM390]

Nick is a fucking comedian it's so good

[@EdwardValenti]

Nick, great review of the Spyderco PM2. I never completely understood exactly how the compression lock worked (having never owned a PM2) and other reviews had referred to it as similar to the Benchmade axis lock system. Now I understand that it is just a better design of a liner lock which keeps your hand out of the way when closing the blade (a simple yet brilliant concept). I had planned to add a Spyderco PM2 to my knife collection, however, after this video I feel my money could be better spent on a ZT 0452cf, ZT 0808, or the Benchmade 940 with G10 handles from Knifeworks, knives that I may actually carry. The Spyderco PM2 may be a bit much for me to carry even as a duty knife, let alone an EDC. My current EDC is the HK Nitrous Blitz, which I like very much and does the job discreetly. Thanks for the video!

[@theoutdoordad7395]

PM2 handle is perfect for outdoor/heavy use. Full grip with our without the choil, fills the hand well, and works with gloves. Your gripe about the PM2 size is nonsense, its not that big. The warranty gripe is legit.

[@gwailotus9154]

trust me and 99.9% of outdoor knife users and get a fixed blade for that

[@lgladsteph]

instant subscribe after this guy compare a knife to that mountain

[@jesusofamerica]

The thing about the pm2 is its a combat knife. The large handle is for better control and a butt to attack with. Also it hang out the pocket so you can grab it and your not trying to hide a knife in war really.

[@jackdillon4467]

Just got mine and I love it!!!

[@Ni66otFa66er]

Have a bunch of spydercos and a newer s45vn PM2. It's my least favourite spyderco as it has a defect I discovered over time. Even fully tightened and threadlocked it can sometimes open itself inside my pocket. Too scared to carry compression locks now

[@jackiechow860]

6 feet tall with tiny hands.

[@jkstdstang]

Nick let's be honest you kept it for the fidget factor.

[@joshuajacob6402]

Great review, Nick and good points you made. This is my main EDC blade and it can definitely handle anything I throw at it. I have a dedicated pocket for my knife so sadly I wouldn't know about how annoying it can get, especially if you are carrying other items in the same pocket. Also when I use the knife hard, it does feel boxy in the hand, I wish they would have contoured the handles, but overall I have no complaints. Keep up the great work as always, my friend!

[@NickShabazz]

+Joshua Jacob A little contouring would definitely go a long way here, thanks for the kind words!

[@bobsyeruncle4841]

Fun review subscribed

[@yehoshua77]

My PM2 has been getting quite a bit of pocket time lately. I seem to have grown accustomed to its size, and the deep carry pocket clip from MXG helps. I got a Spyderco Resilience as my "apocalypse knife" LOL

[@hannahmay5461]

Love the big handle, it make the tool more of a tool

[@36trooper]

I feel the same way. I love my PM2 despite it being much larger than what I'm used to carrying. Part of the reason I won't give it up is because I have a set of John Grimsmo's Titanium scales for it. I'm a huge fan of his work, and since a Norseman is way to big for me, and not really my cup of tea, my Ti PM2 is the next best thing to owning a Grimsmo knife. Although I have an eye on the up coming Rask. Keep up the good work Nick.

[@NickShabazz]

+36trooper Those Grimsmo scales are pretty rare these days, but excellent. And you best believe I'll have a Rask review out as soon as mine arrives :)

[@ponycarfan]

Excellent review - very entertaining 😎