paramilitary 2 or military???

dantheglockfan · #1

Hey there guys I am new to the forums, and to quality folders. I have a decision to make I am looking for a great edc blade that is super quality, and will hold up to hard use. I am in love with the paramilitary 2 and the military, and can't make my mind up. If you guys could help me pick one that would fit my needs. I work as a master pistolsmith, and I also work in a world class leather shop making custom holsters, belts and pretty much everything you can imagine that can be made from leather. So I do some heavy cutting. My old schrade is getting tired. I want a spyderco I had a police model a few years back and loved it, and I sold it to a friend when times got tough. Any help and opinions strongpoints of each would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dan

MCM · #2

It really dosent matter which one you get 1st.
You will end up with both anyway. :rolleyes:
The shorter Para2 blade might work better with leather.
Might as well try both........

gundude73 · #3

i think it depends on what size you prefer. i have both and really dont think you could go wrong either way.

Orion's Belt · #4

The Para 2 is a great EDC choice. It's light, strong as **** and very ergonomic. The Millie is the same, just bigger and a tad bit heavier (from what I could gather in my minuscule time owning my Military). I would say it depends on whether the size will make a huge difference. I haven't been able to carry my Military yet, so I can't comment on that. If at all possible, handle both and decide upon that. You won't get a bad knife either way you decide to go.

pmbspyder · #5

you will eventually end up getting both. Get the para 2 first, that way when you get the millie it won't seem huge. if you get the millie then the para2, it will seem small to you. If you have some type of crazy willpower that no one else on this forum seems to possess, and really will only get one, i would go with the para2. I'm biased though, as i got my first millie yesterday and haven't had time to really compare it to my para2's which are my favorite folders of any knife i own, or have ever owned.

chuck_roxas45 · #6

You won't go wrong with either but getting both is probably inevitable.

dantheglockfan · #7

I like the ability to carry tip up with the para2. Does the military also have the option to carry this way also ? I really like the larger blade of the milie I think for 30 bucks more if I don't get the military I may regret not getting it. I really appreciate all your help guys you are awesome!!

John_is_my_name · #8

The para2 is much more people friendly. When my wife first saw the mili she was taken a back immediately.

The mili is tip down cary only.

For edc, I prefer the para2, but the mili does come in handy every once in a while for my personal tasks.

SQSAR · #9

For quality they are both a wash, can't go wrong either way (as many have already said). As someone who tends to gravitate towards larger knives I say that trend is bucked when it comes to these two knives. The Para2 is way lighter, and can handle most anything I've ever called on a folder to do. But, I guess the best barometer is how much pocket time both knives see, and for me, it's the Para2 by far.

mongatu · #10

I don't have a Military yet so can't really comment on that, but I do cut some leather from time to time making strops and the Para Military 2 is great for that and seems like it would be better ergonomically and size wise for that than the Millie.

Actually, I've also cut a lot of leather with a ZDP-189 Caly Jr. and that was excellent because of the thinness of the blade. It's like working with a strong razor. So I would say the ZDP-189 Caly 3 would also be a great choice for leather cutting for the ergos, thinness and the ZDP edge holds up great to that kind of cutting. But the Para 2 has fantastic ergos and the compression lock is super strong with awesome lock up. So I guess I would say P2 and Caly 3, would be best for leather cutting. I think it might be a little harder to control the tip when cutting leather with the Millie but this is just a guess based on how perfectly the 3.5 inch Para 2 handles in that application.

dantheglockfan · #11

Do you guys think that the blade on the para2 would also make a decent defense blade? I have a chk and I would like this not only to serve as a cutting tool but also in defense roles as well that is the main reason I was considering the milie. I am pretty much sold on the para2 right now.

DiKa · #12

I went to get Para2 a few month ago, ended up buying 2 Para 2's and a Military. It was an amazing deal. I think Para2 is better for EDC, even though before, Police was in my pocket 24/7 for a few years.

mongatu · #13

Imo, the Para 2 is excellent for SD (not that I'm any sort of expert). But it deploys very fast and the large handle with great ergos makes it easy to maintain a very firm and stable grip whether thrusting, slashing or in any type of motion. The tip would have excellent penetration and the blade shape and strength is good for slashing too. The way the base of the handle sticks out also makes it useful as a non lethal striking surface. I think it was called the "Para Military" for a reason and the name fits.

avoidspam · #14

If you haven't looked already it is worth doing a search on Youtube for the models (something I do when a model sparks my interest). There are a lot of videos posted of these models which will give you an impression of size etc. Not as good as trying in a shop of course but for me in the UK I often order knives from the US unseen.

pmbspyder · #15

So Dan, which did you go with? It's a win either way...

dantheglockfan · #16

Guys I had to go with the milie!!! I held both and I just fell in love with both but I decided to get a tactical blade first, and I will get the para2 next payday or a strech 2 heck I am in love with these knives. The millie I got was just a plain blade black g-10 handle. I must say I am super impressed at how sharp at how sharp these things are out of.the box. I did fi.d a stretch 2 with a zdp-189 blade that was begging me to take it home. Thanks for all the help you guys I really appreciate all your opinions and thoughts. You sure helped alot I will stay around and enjoy the forums for sometime to come.

MCM · #17

More help....... :)

dantheglockfan · #18

I just ordered a para2 to go with my military. It should ship out tomorrow lol. I wanted to have both so I got both. I am just so happy with my milie I had to get its little brother and have the set.

FLYBYU44 · #19

You can always sell the one you don't carry as much, if money is an issue. While they both are nice, and the Millie certainly has a really strong lock, the comp lock on the Para is engineering brilliance. Plus with the new Para 2 you have more options for carrying. Personally I'd go Para 2, but the Millie is no slouch at all, both good knives, just different.