If you’ve spent any time in the everyday carry (EDC) or outdoor knife community, you’ve probably heard of the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 (PM2). It’s one of the most talked-about knives on the market, and for good reason. It has a reputation for being well-built, highly ergonomic, and featuring a top-tier locking mechanism. But does it live up to the hype?
As someone who owns the Spyderco PM2, I can say it’s a great knife—if it’s exactly what you’re looking for. The blade shape, ease of sharpening, and comfortable grip all make it a solid choice. However, it comes with a big price tag, and there are plenty of cheaper alternatives that might suit many people just as well—or even better.
In this breakdown, I’ll go over what makes the PM2 special, some of its downsides, and whether it’s worth the investment. Plus, I’ll touch on customization options and a possible alternative: the Spyderco Para 3.
1. Why is the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Special?
Iconic Design & Ergonomics
One of the first things people notice about the PM2 is its unique design. It has that unmistakable leaf-shaped blade, a signature feature of many Spyderco knives. The shape isn’t just for looks—it contributes to a smooth slicing experience and allows for precise cuts.
Ergonomically, the PM2 is designed to be comfortable in hand. The finger choil, the thumb ramp, and the overall handle shape make it easy to grip and control. Whether you’re using it for detailed cuts or general EDC tasks, the PM2 feels natural in hand, which is a big part of its appeal.
Premium Blade Steel
The PM2 is offered in multiple blade steels, but the most common options include:
- CPM-S30V – A well-balanced steel that provides good edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
- CPM-S45VN – A slight upgrade from S30V with improved corrosion resistance and toughness.
- Maxamet, M390, and CruWear – Higher-end steel options that offer extreme edge retention or toughness but come at a higher price.
The steel quality is a strong selling point of the PM2. It holds an edge for a long time, making it ideal for people who don’t want to sharpen their knife frequently. When the time does come to sharpen it, the PM2’s full flat grind makes the process relatively easy.
Compression Lock
One of the biggest reasons why the PM2 is loved in the knife community is the compression lock. This locking mechanism is located on the spine of the handle and allows for effortless one-handed closing without putting fingers in the blade’s path.
Beyond safety, the compression lock is also one of the most fidget-friendly mechanisms available. If you enjoy flipping your knife open and closed, the PM2 is extremely satisfying to use. The lock is also quite strong, capable of withstanding hard use without failing.
Lightweight & Durable Build
The PM2 features G-10 handle scales, which provide a great balance between grip and durability. Unlike some other grippy handle materials, G-10 won’t tear up your pockets while still offering enough traction to ensure a secure grip.
Despite its large size, the PM2 remains relatively lightweight for its category. It’s easy to carry for long periods without feeling too heavy in the pocket, making it a solid option for EDC enthusiasts.
2. The Downsides: Not for Everyone
While the PM2 has plenty of strengths, it also has its fair share of downsides. It’s not a perfect knife for everyone, and here’s why.
Large Handle Proportions
The PM2 is a big knife with a small blade—sometimes unnecessarily so. The handle is around two inches longer than it needs to be, making the overall proportions somewhat awkward. When you hold it as intended, a lot of the blade sticks out before you reach the actual cutting edge.
For some, this extended handle provides extra grip, but for others, it makes the knife feel larger than necessary for everyday tasks.
Pocket Clip & Carry Issues
One of the biggest complaints about the PM2 is its stock pocket clip placement. It sits high in the pocket, meaning a significant portion of the handle sticks out when clipped to your pants. This makes it more noticeable and can be uncomfortable for some users.
Luckily, aftermarket pocket clips can fix this issue. You can get a deep-carry pocket clip for around $10, which allows the knife to sit much lower and more discreetly in your pocket.
Price Considerations
The PM2 is not a cheap knife. It typically retails for around $200, depending on the steel and handle material. While the quality is excellent, it’s hard to justify for someone who just needs a reliable knife for basic tasks.
If you’re just looking for a solid everyday knife, the Spyderco Tenacious or even the Ontario Rat 1 are much more affordable options. They offer good performance at a fraction of the cost. These knives are fantastic hard use knives. They will take a beating and you wont feel bad doing it.
3. Should You Buy It? Is It Worth the Price?
The short answer is. No. Unfortunately not. Its a wonderful knife because of the design and the materials. But does that justify the huge price tag? No, not at all. You can get a knife that will work just as well for you for really cheap.
Who is the paramilitary 2 Perfect For
- Knife collectors – If you’re into knives and appreciate Spyderco’s designs, the PM2 is a must-have.
- Someone who just wants the PM2 – If you love the design and don’t mind the price, then go for it.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere
- Anyone looking for a practical EDC knife – There are better options for less money.
- Those needing a hard-use knife – The PM2 isn’t as tough as its price might suggest. If you need a truly rugged blade, something like the Benchmade Adamas or Cold Steel 4-Max Scout would be a better choice.
4. Customization: Making the PM2 Work for You
One of the biggest advantages of the PM2 is the sheer number of customization options available. This was a major selling point for me when I bought mine.
- Handle scales – You can swap out the G-10 scales for micarta, titanium, or carbon fiber.
- Pocket clips – A deep-carry clip fixes the stock carry issues.
- Blade steel options – Spyderco releases different steel versions, so you can choose one that fits your needs.
- Wave modification – If you want an Emerson-style opening feature, you can add a wave mod.
5. If you like the paramilitary 2 but the proportions are wierd try out the para 3
If you like the look and features of the PM2 but aren’t sold on the size, the Spyderco Para 3 might be a better fit. Here’s why:
- Smaller handle – Makes it easier to carry.
- Slightly lower price – Still expensive, but a bit more reasonable.
- Same compression lock and steel choices – You get all the great features of the PM2 in a smaller package.
6. All together
The Spyderco PM2 is a good knife, but it’s not for everyone.
If you’re a collector or just really love the design, the Paramilitary 2 is a great choice. However, if you’re looking for a practical EDC knife or a hard-use blade, there are better (and cheaper) options available.
Personally, I still like mine and will continue to carry my Paramilitary 2. But if I had to pick a go-to knife, it wouldn’t be the PM2, it would be my CRKT M16-03KS. That knife just works better for me in real-world use. its cheaper, has a better profile, holds an edge better, and is allot more durrable.
At the end of the day, the PM2 is a great knife if it fits your needs, or if you want it. But if you’re on the fence, consider the alternatives before pulling the trigger.