Which Spyderco for a Reliable and Versatile EDC?

[lavegute]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for a Spyderco knife for everyday carry—something reliable, well-balanced between compactness and performance. avis jerkmateI'm currently torn between a few models:

Paramilitary 2: A classic, great ergonomics, but is it too large for certain tasks?
Para 3: More compact, but does it sacrifice grip and cutting performance?
Manix 2: Solid lock, excellent blade, but a bit bulkier in the pocket.
I’m aiming for a good steel (CPM S30V or better), a sturdy locking mechanism, and smooth deployment.
Do you guys have any experience with these models? Any other recommendations I should consider?

Thanks in advance for your input!

[Bergy24]

The Manix is close to the same length but also wider than the PM2.
The Para 3 is the smallest of the ones you noted.
The Manix is probably the strongest out of all them and has the Ball Cage Lock.

I have some of each and rotate them all for EDC.

It really come down to what you will typically be doing with it.
You cant go wrong with any of them and before you know it, you will have multiple of each anyway.
The Steel also makes a big difference depending on what you are doing with it.
I particularly like the Micarta / Cruwear combo's.

My first Spyderco was a Para 3. The bite was very infectious and the infection keeps spreading.

[8th_Note]

I currently own a PM2 and a Para 3. I used to own a Manix 2 but sold it because I was not a big fan of the ergos, or the lock (but others love it).

My favorite is probably the PM2, but I actually end up carrying the Para 3 more often just because it's really all the knife I need in the majority of situations

[Brock O Lee]

My vote is for the PM2. It was my first Spyderco, and 15 years later still one of my favourites.

The 3.5 inch blade length is about perfect IMO for utility work and also long enough (just) for food. This length blade also means the handle is generous for a full grip for larger hands.

The PM2 blade shape is very functional. It has a continuous belly and an acute tip for piercing. The spine starts off thick and sturdy near the pivot for power cuts, and thins with a distal taper for a very slicy blade up front for detail work. I like the flat spine for scraping.

The compression lock is fantastic.

[zuludelta]

If I were to pick a "one-and-done" EDC folder from Spyderco that would cover all my needs in a folder, it would probably be a PM2 in MagnaCut. The standard S45VN PM2 is no slouch either... a little better in edge retention than MagnaCut, but with less toughness & just a bit less corrosion resistance but much more readily available & at a lower price.

I know I'm the resident Yojimbo 2/Lil' Temperance 3 guy in these forums & they are both awesome knives that I connect with a bit more from a design, ergonomic & philosophy-of-use standpoint, but neither is as fool-proof versatile as the PM2: the Yo2's wharncliffe blade requires some adjustments when cutting on a flat surface, and the LT3LW might come up short in certain tasks requiring a 3+" blade. And neither is currently available in a steel as well-rounded as MagnaCut or even S45VN, as far as I am aware.

[Wartstein]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for a Spyderco knife for everyday carry—something reliable, well-balanced between compactness and performance. avis jerkmateI'm currently torn between a few models:

Paramilitary 2: A classic, great ergonomics, but is it too large for certain tasks?
Para 3: More compact, but does it sacrifice grip and cutting performance?
Manix 2: Solid lock, excellent blade, but a bit bulkier in the pocket.
I’m aiming for a good steel (CPM S30V or better), a sturdy locking mechanism, and smooth deployment.
Do you guys have any experience with these models? Any other recommendations I should consider?

Thanks in advance for your input!

You´ll probably get a lot of different replies and recommendations, cause much is just about personal preferences.
That said: Some of my thoughts on your question:

- For a general EDC knife the Para 3 would be too small for me - in actual grip area and in edge length.
The Para 3 imo is somewhat a "small knife that carries big" anyway, if you want to stick with that small size and want a comp.lock, I´ d get a Sage 5.

- Between PM2 and Manix imo the latter is not "bulkier" in pocket - just a tad wider, but for that shorter than the PM2 and with a slimmer, more rounded handle end, while PM2 (and Para 3) has (have) a wide handle end that "blocks" the entrance to the pocket more in tip up carry.
Also the Manix 2 offers the LW version (I´d recommend that over the G10 Manix anyway) - a lot lighter carry than any PM2.

- Manix 2 has a thinner, slicier blade stock than the Paras, but still a strong tip due to the blade shape - thinner stock, sturdier tip is what I prefer over thicker stock, somewhat delicate tip (Paras)

- I´d take a CBBL (Manix) over a comp.lock any day of the week: CBBL is totally ambidextrous, has a better closing bias, requires no cutout in the handle that can mess with the ergos and offers a lot of ways to be operated one handed.

- In the PM2 / Manix size range I personally though would rather take a Stretch 2 or, even better, an Endela SE (I´d recommend a serrated Spydie anyway if available).
Backlock, chamfered FRN, solid liners, but still light... just perfect for me.

- That all said: You really can´t go wrong here!
As long as you have figured out what size (range) you want: ALL GREAT KNIVES!

[Larry_Mott]

[Bergy24]

I am going to throw another option out for you as well.
Tenacious with M4 Blade. It is made in China, but in my opinion, the Tenacious with M4 gets overlooked sometimes.
The M4 makes it a great EDC and the size is perfect for EDC.
It is very flickable but the liner lock makes it less fidgety compared to the P3 and PM2.

As I noted, I have numerous models, but to be honest, if I cant decide on what to carry or need to grab something fast, it is almost always the M4 Tenacious.
I found mine on sale 2024 Black Friday for a great price but you can find them for less than $150 all day long.
I have never order from them, but Dack Outdoors has for less than $100.
I think they can take a while to ship from what I have read.

[Manixguy@1994]

You will get a bunch of pros , cons , and preferences asking this question . Do you have access to any places selling knives where you can possibly handle different models , or shows ? If so it may save you a lot of time and money . Obviously I am a Manix fan but a PM2 is a fantastic knife . Just starting with knife a Delica or Endela will not let you down . Just depends on you , use , and environment what type of steel would be best for edc . MG2

[Evil D]

There are fewer wrong answers than right answers. Spyderco doesn't make many models that are just outright not good for being reliable or versatile, most of their designs fit this criteria and even the steels are all good and maybe excel better at certain things. You'll get as many answers to this question as there are options.

[WilliamMunny]

I own all three, if I had to choose only one it would be the Manix 2. Good size, good grip, strong lock, just an all around do anything EDC knife. If you are worried about the bulk get the LW SPY-27 version, it carries a lot smaller.

As a side note in my office, in a suite I do tend to carry my Para 3 more.

[benben]

Just buy all three of those you mentioned, plus two more, five is a great starting out number!

Of those three, for me it's the Manix! Check out the Crucarta model and the KnifeWorks 204P exclusive, both are fantastic!

[Switchback]

Considering that you want a good balance between compactness and performance, the Para 3 might be your best option. In my opinion, it doesn’t sacrifice grip or cutting performance but I don’t own the other two models on your list because of a 3 inch carry restriction in my location.

I acquired a Para 3 Salt Magnacut about 8 weeks ago and I can’t find any other knife in my collection that can kick it out of my pocket. The ergonomics are incredibly good and it doesn’t feel like a small knife to me.

The Delica is worth consideration too but I prefer the heftier handle and ease of blade deployment on my Para 3.

[WilliamMunny]

Just buy all three of those you mentioned, plus two more, five is a great starting out number!

Of those three, for me it's the Manix! Check out the Crucarta model and the KnifeWorks 204P exclusive, both are fantastic!

Forgot that the KnifeWorks 204P was still around, great looking knife. I already own three Manixs so I really don't need another.

[gooeytek]

2nd the Sage 5.

[gtdiver]

Are there any legal restrictions where you are regarding blade length, locking vs non-locking, visible pocket clips, etc. that would affect your choice? How about company policies regarding knives?

My office carry is a Sage 5 LW with the wire clip. It has all the pro's of the Para 3 LW but I find myself reaching for the Sage more often. The Delica is a great choice, too, with the advantage of being ambidextrous.

[Paul Ardbeg]

All 3 good choices (i own all 3) and as many already mentioned there are quit a few more models that can be added to the list. I would suggest to check your local knife laws in regards to blade length. What will you use the knife for? Will it get wet or be used for food (acidic) then I would suggest MagnaCut, LC200N or even S30v blade steel. Does it need to be lightweight? then go for FRN scales without liners.

[abbazaba]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for a Spyderco knife for everyday carry—something reliable, well-balanced between compactness and performance. avis jerkmateI'm currently torn between a few models:

Paramilitary 2: A classic, great ergonomics, but is it too large for certain tasks?
Para 3: More compact, but does it sacrifice grip and cutting performance?
Manix 2: Solid lock, excellent blade, but a bit bulkier in the pocket.
I’m aiming for a good steel (CPM S30V or better), a sturdy locking mechanism, and smooth deployment.
Do you guys have any experience with these models? Any other recommendations I should consider?

Thanks in advance for your input!

Paramilitary 2: A classic, great ergonomics, but is it too large for certain tasks? It's arguably one of the best 3.5" blades out there for everything. Maybe too large for your taste/pockets/environment?
Para 3: More compact, but does it sacrifice grip and cutting performance? It is just a compromised PM2. If you don't mind the size, the PM2 is better in every way
Manix 2: Solid lock, excellent blade, but a bit bulkier in the pocket. Lots of fun factor and locked in grip feel, but I'd rather carry and use the PM2 every time if I could only have one
I’m aiming for a good steel (CPM S30V or better), a sturdy locking mechanism, and smooth deployment. Spyderco's S30v is some of the best!
Do you guys have any experience with these models? Any other recommendations I should consider? Sage5 > Para3

If you want something slimmer in pocket with great performance and don't mind a lock back, check out the Delica/Endela/Endura lineup.

[RustyIron]

Paramilitary 2: A classic, great ergonomics, but is it too large for certain tasks?
Para 3: More compact, but does it sacrifice grip and cutting performance?
Manix 2: Solid lock, excellent blade, but a bit bulkier in the pocket.

Hey, @lavegute.
I don't think that the PM2 or Manix 2 are too big. Frankly, I find the larger blades to be more useful for everyday chores. The Para 3 is a bit diminutive for my tastes.

The PM2 is prettier, I think, but the compression lock isn't all that great in your left hand. The the caged ball bearing lock on the Manix 2 is great. It's equally good in either hand. For me, it's just as good in the pocket as the PM2.

[vivi]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for a Spyderco knife for everyday carry—something reliable, well-balanced between compactness and performance. avis jerkmateI'm currently torn between a few models:

Paramilitary 2: A classic, great ergonomics, but is it too large for certain tasks?
Para 3: More compact, but does it sacrifice grip and cutting performance?
Manix 2: Solid lock, excellent blade, but a bit bulkier in the pocket.
I’m aiming for a good steel (CPM S30V or better), a sturdy locking mechanism, and smooth deployment.
Do you guys have any experience with these models? Any other recommendations I should consider?

Thanks in advance for your input!

I find those models small for my hand size and preferences.

That said, out of the three I'd go with the Para 2.

I never found the Para 2 too large for anything. Quite the opposite. I often wished for a longer blade.