The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is one of the most celebrated folding knives ever produced. It has earned that reputation through cutting performance, ergonomics, build quality, and a locking mechanism that remains one of the best in the industry. Every Paramilitary 2 is manufactured in Golden, Colorado.
The PM2 traces its lineage to the original Spyderco Military, introduced in 1996. Many users wanted a more compact version for daily carry, so Spyderco released the original Paramilitary in 2004, then refined it into the Paramilitary 2 in 2010. The second generation introduced a narrowed handle profile, thinner blade stock, improved ergonomics, and a four-position pocket clip—transforming an already excellent knife into an icon.
The PM2 features a 3.44-inch full-flat-ground blade with Spyderco's leaf-shaped profile. The thin cutting geometry slices efficiently through cardboard, rope, and general materials with minimal resistance. A textured thumb ramp and finger choil allow multiple grip positions for precision or power cuts. The oversized 14mm Round Hole provides fast, ambidextrous deployment—accessible even with gloved hands. The handle pairs nested stainless steel liners with textured G-10 scales, and open-backed construction allows easy cleaning while keeping weight at approximately 3.75 ounces.
The Compression Lock is a Spyderco-patented mechanism that wedges a leaf-like spring between the blade tang and stop pin, creating exceptional lock strength. It allows safe one-handed closing without placing fingers in the blade path—simply press down on the lock from the spine side to disengage.
The PM2 platform offers endless variety through Sprint Runs and Exclusives—limited-production variants featuring unique blade steels and handle materials produced once and never repeated.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Blade Length | 3.47" |
| Cutting Edge | 3.10" |
| Overall Length | 8.29" |
| Closed Length | 4.82" |
| Blade Thickness | 0.145" |
| Weight | 3.75 oz (varies by configuration) |
| Handle Material | G-10 (standard); variants include Micarta, FRN |
| Lock Type | Compression Lock |
| Pocket Clip | Four-position, tip-up/tip-down, left/right |
| Made in USA | Golden, Colorado |