Spyderco Forums

Well, I live in Canada and I am looking to add one final knife to my collection before the knife stock becomes completely depleted because of the CBSA.

I currently have a Delica 4, Benchmade Mini Grip Sheepsfoot, and a Dragonfly.

I am having a hard time deciding between the Paramilitary 2 and the Para 3. I will be buying either of them in S110v.

PM2 makes more sense for me because the Para 3 is going to have a similar blade length to my Delica and Benchmade. And I would like something slightly longer than the Delica 4. I like its looks and pocket clip position more than the Para 3.

But I keep hearing about how delicate the tip is on the PM2 and I know that the Para 3 has a thicker tip due to the blade stock having the same starting thickness yet being shorter. And I do intend on using it as a camp/outdoor knife so maybe I want a thicker tip?

Any thoughts? Or maybe even Manix 2 in S110v?

Para2 in any steel

Get the pm2 or better yet the millie in s110v

I have a Manix in S110V Blurple. Even though I tend to carry smaller knives 90% of the time, I have to say that thing is one of the most awesome folding knives I own. Fit & finish are PERFECT, smooth, ergonomics, there is just nothing not done right on that knife!

Para 2 feels much better in hand for me with big hands.

Get the Pm2 first

The PM2 does have a fine tip, but that doesn't put me off the knife, I like it as one of its features.

I did snap a tiny bit off the tip on one of my s30v PM2's a while back, probably 1mm or less, when I tried to "gently" pry off a lightswitch cover that was stuck with paint (I scored around the perimeter first, but evidently not enough). At any rate, lesson learned. It's really not even noticeable though and now the tip is a little stronger! :p

I don't know how you use your knives, but assuming you won't intend to pry with either in s110v, I would just go with the model you like more, which sounds like the PM2.

I believe the handle on the Manix 2 is thinner than the PM2 which felt better to me. If possible, you should handle the two knives to see what your senses tell you.

As mentioned, since you already have some smaller blades, you should definitely try something bigger.

Pulling out some older pics for comparison,

PM2 is far superior ergonomically for me, and has slowly become one of my favorite all around users. PM3 does not fit my hand well, and the blade thickness and shape just make more sense on the PM2 IMHO.

Not sure what you are doing with your knives, but I would not worry about the tip on the PM2 being and issue, ever.

I checked the tip thickness between the pm2 and the para 3 this morning. The para 3 is slightly thinker, but I’m not sure it’s significantly thicker. They are really close to the same.

They are both great knives but the clip is an issue for me on the Para 3 so the PM2 wins for me. With the current restrictions being enforced in Canada I'd say you should just bite the bullet and buy both. If you end up liking both then you win, if you end up having to sell one then you win again as you'll probably end up getting more than you paid when they are not available anymore.

Fellow Canadian here. I can't believe what they're doing to us nowadays, we used to be the guys the good knife laws.... Anywho, imo Manix > Para 2/3, though I must admit thats partially because I'm a lefty.

PM2 is a must have.

abbazaba wrote:PM2 is far superior ergonomically for me, and has slowly become one of my favorite all around users. PM3 does not fit my hand well, and the blade thickness and shape just make more sense on the PM2 IMHO.

Not sure what you are doing with your knives, but I would not worry about the tip on the PM2 being and issue, ever.

Seconded.

Dunno what OP does when he camps, but I never have to pry with a folding knife when I go camping. If I do want to pry, I have plenty of tools better suited to it - multitools with flat head screwdrivers, carbon steel fixed blades with thick tips and spines, axes, etc. Something like a Para 2 would see most its use as a paring knife dicing onions and potatoes, maybe cutting some rope. Either knife is overkill for that.

I was very pleased when the Spyderco Para Military 2 came out. I like the original Spyderco Para Military, but I sometimes felt the blade was a bit short... that was addressed with the longer blade and design of the Para Military 2. The ergonomics of the Para Military 2 are outstanding and I get a knife with sufficient blade length and great feel I get with the Spyderco Military, but in a slightly smaller package. Although different, it just seems the Spyderco Para Military 3 is too similar to the original Para Military, especially with regards to the blade length.