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Spyderco Paramilitary 2
The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is one of the most celebrated folding knives ever produced. Poll any knife forum, review channel, or serious collector about the best EDC knife on the market, and the PM2 comes up time and again. It has earned that reputation through a combination of 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 as one of the first production knives with a particle metallurgy steel blade. The Military proved popular with soldiers, outdoorsmen, and EDC users, but many asked for a more compact version suitable for daily carry. Spyderco answered with the original Paramilitary in 2004, then refined the design through their Constant Quality Improvement process to create the Paramilitary 2 in 2010. The second generation introduced a narrowed handle profile, thinner blade stock, improved ergonomics, and a four-position pocket clip—refinements that transformed an already excellent knife into an icon.
Design and Construction
The PM2 features a 3.44-inch full-flat-ground blade with Spyderco's leaf-shaped profile. The full-flat grind creates a thin cutting geometry that slices efficiently through cardboard, rope, food, and general materials with minimal resistance. A textured thumb ramp and finger choil allow for multiple grip positions, letting users choke up on the blade for precision tasks or grip back on the handle for power cuts. The oversized 14mm Round Hole provides fast, ambidextrous one-handed deployment—accessible even with gloved hands.
The handle is built on nested stainless steel liners with textured G-10 scales. The liners are skeletonized to reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity, and they sit flush within machined recesses in the G-10 for a slim profile that carries comfortably in the pocket. Open-backed construction allows easy cleaning and further weight savings. Despite its robust build, the PM2 weighs approximately 3.75 ounces.
The Compression Lock
The Compression Lock is a Spyderco-patented mechanism and one of the defining features of the Paramilitary 2. It functions by wedging a leaf-like spring from a split liner between the blade tang and stop pin, creating exceptional lock strength. Unlike liner locks, the Compression Lock allows safe one-handed closing without placing fingers in the blade path—you simply press down on the lock from the spine side to disengage. The mechanism is fully ambidextrous and becomes a favorite among users who appreciate both security and ease of operation.
Why the PM2
The Paramilitary 2 occupies a sweet spot that few knives achieve. It is large enough to handle serious cutting tasks but slim and light enough to carry daily without burden. The blade geometry excels at slicing while the precise tip handles detail work. The Compression Lock inspires confidence under hard use. Ergonomics accommodate a range of hand sizes and grip styles. And because it is made in the USA with premium materials, it delivers the kind of fit and finish that justifies its place in any collection.
Sprint Runs and Exclusives
For collectors and enthusiasts, the PM2 platform offers endless variety through Sprint Runs and Exclusives. These limited-production variants feature unique blade steel and handle combinations that are produced once and never repeated—everything from high-wear-resistance tool steels to corrosion-proof alloys for marine environments, paired with handle materials ranging from canvas Micarta to colored G-10. Sprint runs sell quickly, so sign up for notifications to secure yours when new releases drop.
Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Specs
| 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 |