Spyderco Para Military 2 with Carbon Fiber and S90V

[Ben_1323]

I was finally able to retrieve my PM2 CF/S90V from the post office today. I have the G-10/S30V version too, so I got to do an immediate comparison between the two.

The CF/S90V might be lighter (should be), but it's not immediately noticeable when holding one in each hand. We are talking grams here anyway. Fit and finish are very good on my example with the only issue being some rough spots on the inside edge of the bottom of the scales. I attribute this more to the nature of carbon fiber and not having detailed hand finishing. Not a serious issue on this production folder. I will likely try to sand down the very edge of the inside of the scales, softening the edge for improved feel.

My CF/S90V compression lock is perfect in use. It locks up tight, and opens without any hesitation. Compared to to my G-10/S30V, there are a couple of differences.

1. The ball bearing detent does interfere as much to the blade swinging closed. There's no hesitation from the blade riding over the ball bearing.
2. The spring/bend is further back on the lock bar. This makes the compression lock tip (that meets the blade tang) lie flatter into the cut out channel in the handle when closing the knife.
3. The spring tension of the lock bar feels stronger. Maybe this is a result of the spring/bend being longer?

Because of this change in the lock bar's bend, it seems that the opening of the compression lock is improved from the G-10/S30V to the CF/S90V. There were a lot of issues with the new compression lock design on the initial PM2 (based on forum posts/discussion). Maybe this is a rolling change that occurred based on that initial user feedback?

It's a great knife overall. For me, it is the perfect EDC design to date from Spyderco.

I'm glad to hear that your lock is working great. I hope yours is typical of the design, and not mine, because I think I must have gotten a lemon. The lock on mine is terrible. It locks up so tight that it is nearly impossible to unlock with bare hands. The strange thing is, it was fine when I first got it, but after about a few hundred cycles, it has gotten much worse. I figured it would loosen up as it was broken in, but the exact opposite has been the case. Now it's so tight that I couldn't possibly break it in more even if I wanted to, because I can't even operate it.

[orchunter93]

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WIN!!!! MY BABY CAME TODAY!!!! now i have both para 2s...ill be keeping the one, the g10 one of course, and ill trade the CF one...NOT!!! this is my baby and she is just fantastic! This comp lock on this baby is so much smoother, and easier than the other. the grips are the same, i think that the cf actually gives a little more! and it is just beautiful!

[JNewell]

Interestingly (or maybe not), mine has a perfectly centered blade but the lock is a little sticky, while my older son's has a slightly off-center blade but a smoother lock. Go figger. :D This is a great knife, regardless.

[MCM]

2 more in the mail. Will compare to the perfect 1st one in my pocket. :)

[Ben_1323]

I'm glad to hear that your lock is working great. I hope yours is typical of the design, and not mine, because I think I must have gotten a lemon. The lock on mine is terrible. It locks up so tight that it is nearly impossible to unlock with bare hands. The strange thing is, it was fine when I first got it, but after about a few hundred cycles, it has gotten much worse. I figured it would loosen up as it was broken in, but the exact opposite has been the case. Now it's so tight that I couldn't possibly break it in more even if I wanted to, because I can't even operate it.

Update: I took it to the SFO, and they replaced it on the spot! My new one is perfect, the lock is very smooth. Awesome service from Spyderco!

[Chris_H]

Update: I took it to the SFO, and they replaced it on the spot! My new one is perfect, the lock is very smooth. Awesome service from Spyderco!

I'm happy to read that you got a smooth locker now too!

[Kohbanang]

Whats going on with KC?Have my preorder since 08.okt and see yesterday for about 2 hours that the CF Para is in stock.Write a mail whats going on,why you don`t ship the pre out?First they close the Para in "New in Stock" and after that they answer that all are gone at this time!!! :-(
Sad feeling where you waiting.
Any other are waiting of the cf para from KC?
Thanks

[phaust]

Whats going on with KC?Have my preorder since 08.okt and see yesterday for about 2 hours that the CF Para is in stock.Write a mail whats going on,why you don`t ship the pre out?First they close the Para in "New in Stock" and after that they answer that all are gone at this time!!! :-(
Sad feeling where you waiting.
Any other are waiting of the cf para from KC?
Thanks

The first time they put some in stock on the webpage, I emailed them, and the reply was that they went out to the preorders in order, not people ordering them while they are shown in stock online. I think what happens is they get in an order, the system updates to show some available online, they get assigned to preorders, and finally the system marks it sold out again.

[gbelleh]

Just got an email from GP:

Your order has recently been updated to the following status: Processing

Hopefully that means they received their next batch of CF Para2s! :D

[bh49]

Finally mine on it's way to me :)

[jackthedog]

Same. I hope they go out today.

[RedRunner]

I missed the mention of how many were to be produced? Does any know? Thanks!

[JNewell]

700 was the number that sticks in my mind, but I could be wrong.

[SteelDragon]

700 was the number that sticks in my mind, but I could be wrong.

You are correct, that's what the paperwork says.

[Bento Box Shop]

Based on the information that we received, the C81CFP2 Spyderco Plain Edge CPM-S90V Carbon Fiber Paramilitary 2 is a sprint run of 600 pieces.

[SpydieZ]

Looks like the next batch from gp shipped out! Thank God my back up is on the way!!!

[sovereign]

Based on the information that we received, the C81CFP2 Spyderco Plain Edge CPM-S90V Carbon Fiber Paramilitary 2 is a sprint run of 600 pieces.

Whatever it is, it is not nearly enough.

[Jay_Ev]

Just got this e-mail from GP Knives:

Hi Guys,

We received our second batch of the Spyderco Para 2's with CF/S90V this morning.* If you are receiving this e-mail, it is because we have not yet received enough of this item to fill your pre-orders.* I spoke with our Spyderco sales rep this morning and she informed me that there is still a possibility we will be receiving more.* We also have some on order with our distributors; however, there are no guarantees.* We just wanted to give everyone an update as to the status in case some of you are still looking around.* We will leave you on our pre-order list unless we hear otherwise from you.* Please let us know if your interest changes.* We are very sorry for this inconvenience!
--
All the best,

[RedRunner]

That's a fairly large Sprint run. I think everyone will get one. The Manix 2 S90V/CF was only 400. That's one of the smallest productions I've seen. 600 is decent, 700 is like the Military S90V/CF - there is always one around if you want it.

But I will say this looks to be a great knife. I will be using one of mine as a EDC and work tool. I know that sounds bad, but I like using quality tools.

[SteelDragon]

That's a fairly large Sprint run. I think everyone will get one. The Manix 2 S90V/CF was only 400. That's one of the smallest productions I've seen. 600 is decent, 700 is like the Military S90V/CF - there is always one around if you want it.

But I will say this looks to be a great knife. I will be using one of mine as a EDC and work tool. I know that sounds bad, but I like using quality tools.

That doesn't sound bad to me. I like how the CF Para 2 has the same ability as the original Para where you can close it one handed by just pressing the lockbar against the scale with index finger and the blade drops closed, the standard Para 2 I have has the lockbar tight against the scale.