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Spyderco PM2

 

Spyderco Para Military 2: The Modern Folding Knife Benchmark

 

 

Few folding knives have had the impact of the Spyderco Para Military 2. Universally known as the PM2, it occupies a unique place in the knife world; respected by enthusiasts, collectors, military personnel, tradesmen, outdoorsmen and everyday carry users alike. More than a decade after its introduction, it remains one of the most influential production folders ever created and continues to set the standard by which many modern pocket knives are judged.

To understand the PM2, it is worth first looking at its predecessor.

The story begins with the original Spyderco Military, a knife personally designed by Spyderco founder Sal Glesser. Contrary to what its name might suggest, the Military was not created as a combat knife. Instead, Sal designed it around a simple question: if his son or daughter were deployed overseas, what folding knife would he want them to carry?

The answer was a lightweight, highly capable cutting tool with exceptional ergonomics, outstanding cutting performance and absolute reliability. The Military quickly developed a reputation as one of the finest hard-use folding knives ever produced and remains a cornerstone of the Spyderco range today.

The Para Military 2 was born from many of those same design objectives but refined into a more compact, pocket-friendly package better suited to everyday carry. Rather than simply shrinking the Military, Spyderco redesigned the platform to improve ergonomics, increase versatility and introduce what would become one of the company's most celebrated locking mechanisms.

The result is a knife that many enthusiasts consider the King of the Spyderco catalogue.

 

The Compression Lock Advantage

One of the defining features of the PM2 is Spyderco's Compression Lock.

Designed by Sal Glesser, the Compression Lock differs significantly from traditional liner and frame locks. The mechanism places a locking leaf on the spine side of the handle, creating an exceptionally strong lock while keeping the user's fingers safely away from the blade path during operation.

The advantages are substantial:

For many users, the Compression Lock represents the ideal balance between strength, practicality and everyday usability.

 

Ergonomics That Defined a Generation

The PM2's reputation is built on practicality.

Its handle design remains one of the most comfortable ever fitted to a production folding knife. The pronounced finger choil allows users to choke up behind the edge for remarkable precision and control, while the handle's contours provide a secure grip across a wide range of cutting tasks.

Combined with Spyderco's trademark Round Hole and four-position pocket clip, the knife feels intuitive from the moment it is picked up.

The PM2 is a knife designed to be used.

 

Cutting Performance That Still Leads the Pack

The Para Military 2 has always prioritised cutting performance.

Its full-flat-ground blade geometry produces excellent slicing ability while maintaining enough strength for demanding everyday tasks. The blade's distal taper reduces weight and improves cutting and piercing efficiency, helping the PM2 achieve a balance between durability and cutting performance that few folders can match.

Whether opening packages, processing food, breaking down cardboard or tackling outdoor camp tasks, the PM2 consistently performs far beyond what its dimensions might suggest.

 

The Ultimate Platform for Enthusiasts

Perhaps the greatest strength of the PM2 is the sheer variety available.

No other Spyderco model has been produced in such a vast range of configurations.

Over the years the PM2 has been offered with:

... to name a few.

Handle options have included:

The PM2 is also available in Salt variants for maritime environments, blacked-out tactical configurations, vibrant exclusive colourways and an ever-growing selection of lightweight models.

The recently introduced PM2 Lightweight brings the platform into a lighter, more accessible format while retaining the characteristics that made the original famous.

 

Sprint Runs, Exclusives and Endless Customisation

For collectors, few knives offer the same depth as the PM2.

Sprint Runs and dealer exclusives regularly introduce rare steel and handle combinations, many of which become highly sought after once production ends. Add to that an enormous aftermarket of scales, clips, hardware and accessories, and the PM2 becomes a platform that owners can truly make their own.

It is not uncommon for enthusiasts to own multiple PM2s, each configured for a different purpose.

 

An Icon for Good Reason

The knife industry is filled with products described as iconic, but few genuinely deserve the title.

The Spyderco Para Military 2 does.

It combines exceptional ergonomics, class-leading cutting performance, innovative lock design, extensive customisation options and proven real-world reliability into a package that remains remarkably relevant years after its introduction.

Whether you're buying your first Spyderco or adding another variant to a growing collection, the PM2 remains one of the greatest folding pocket knives available today.

Frequently Asked Questions

 


What is the Spyderco Para Military 2?


The Para Military 2, or PM2, is a mid-sized folding knife designed by Spyderco. It combines excellent ergonomics, high cutting performance and the Compression Lock into one of the most popular everyday carry knives ever produced.

 

 

What is the difference between the Military and Para Military 2?


The Military is larger with a blade of around 4" and a handle of 5.5", while the PM2 is slightly more compact at 3 1/2" blade and 4.8" handle. The PM2 is generally considered more suitable for everyday carry.

 

 

Is the Spyderco Compression Lock strong?


Yes. The Compression Lock is widely regarded as one of the strongest production knife locking mechanisms available and offers safe one-handed operation.

 

What steel is best for a Spyderco PM2?


Well that depends on your priorities. MagnaCut, SPY27, S45VN all offer an outstanding balance of properties. For extreme edge retention, look to Maxamet and S110V, for toughness look to Magnacut and Cruwear, for resistance to corrosion, it's got to be Magnacut.

 

Why are some of the blades offered in black?

 

Spyderco uses an extremely hard-wearing coating called DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) to reduce the visual signature of the knife and to help protect from corrosion and abrasion damage. Spyderco are moving to a different coating called ZrOC, which will look the same but offer even more protection from corrosion.

 

 

What steel is best for a Spyderco PM2?

 

standing balance, CruWear provides excellent toughness, Maxamet delivers extreme edge retention, and S110V is highly regarded for wear resistance and corrosion resistance.

 

 

Is the PM2 good for everyday carry?


Absolutely. Its size, weight, ergonomics and cutting ability make it one of the most popular EDC knives in the world.

 

 

What is the PM2 Salt?


The PM2 Salt combines the Para Military 2 platform with highly corrosion-resistant steels such as MagnaCut and corrosion-resistant hardware for marine and coastal environments.

 

 

Are PM2 Sprint Runs collectible?


Very much so. Many Sprint Runs and dealer exclusives become highly sought after once production ceases.

 

 

What is the difference between the PM2 and Para 3?

 

The PM2 features a longer blade and handle, while the Para 3 offers a more compact footprint, 2.95" blade and 4.27" handle, designed for users who prefer a smaller everyday carry knife.

 

 

Where is the Spyderco PM2 made?


The Para Military 2 is manufactured in Spyderco's Golden, Colorado facility in the USA.

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