Having carried a hand-me-down Spyderco G2 during most of my time at 2nd Ranger Bn, I thought I was pretty familiar with their products. First arriving to the Earthpig Platoon of Attack Company 2/75 in the fall of 1992, I was wide-eyed, physically fit and ready to crush the world. Yet during the initial introduction to my Team Leader, he noticed I arrived minus a personal knife. Pulling a well seasoned Spyderco G2 clipped to his front pocket of his BDU’s, he tossed it to me in a father-like fashion and said, “you’ll need to carry a knife at all times here”. 18 years have passed since I left the brown fenced compound I used to call home. But recently, I’ve rekindled my relationship with Spyderco. This time with the Para Military 2.
For starters, this second generation knife is in keeping with Spyderco’s philosophy of Constant Quality Improvement (C.Q.I.). Originally introduced in 2004 the first generation Para Military traces its lineage to the earlier Military model. Yet the Para Military model was designed to be more compact and easier to carry. Included in the original Para Military model was Spyderco’s new patented Compression Lock mechanism. 2010 saw its second revision refining this very popular model with the launch of the Para Military 2. Version 2 incorporates improvements to the locking detent and some minor ergonomic refinements. Additionally, the G-10 handle envelopes an embedded stainless steel liner maintaining a slim profile overall. Finally, a four-position clip is added for maximum versatility, addressing all carry positions.
What makes the Spyderco Para Military 2 a premium knife worthy of the price tag? In addition to the aforementioned features, it comes down to the high quality CPM S30V stainless steel used in its 3.438″ full-flat-ground blade. Finishing off the already resistant steel is a sexy black DLC (Diamond Like Coating).
“CPM S30V is considered a premium grade knife steel. It is so expensive that it strongly affects the price of the knife, and is largely used in higher-end production and custom knives. Buck Knives calls it “the absolute best blade steel available”. Joe Talmadge claims it might be the ultimate high-end all-around stainless steel, due to high performance coupled with easier machinability and sharpenability than the other steels in this class.”~ Wikipedia
As with all Spyderco folding knives, the Para Military 2 showcases the iconic oversized 14.5mm Round Hole. So simple yet effective, allowing swift, ambidextrous opening with one hand. Furthermore, excellent grip is achieved through a pair of lightly textured 4.8″ G-10 scales. And with the Compression Lock located on the spine of the knife, the blade is easily closed with one hand. All without placing any fingers in the path of the edge. Finally, Spyderco incorporates an open-backed design making cleaning and maintenance a snap. Which is also the key to keeping an 8.3″ knife weighing under 4 oz.
In conclusion, this is a lightweight, easy to handle sporty blade. Because of that, the Spyderco Para Military 2 reminds me of my youth and the time I spent alongside the warriors of 2/75. Sitting around the squad room flipping open my old G2 knife by holding the blade between my fingers and flicking the handle downward. Then closing the blade with a similar motion while holding the handle, pressing the lock and snapping the knife shut. Acting like some bad-ass East LA gangster with a butterfly knife waiting for our call to action.
Para Military 2 specs courtesy of spyderco.com
- Overall Length: 8.281 ” (210 mm)
- Blade Length: 3.438 ” (87 mm)
- Steel: CPM S30V
- Closed Length: 4.812 ” (122 mm)
- Edge Length: 3.078 ” (78 mm)
- Weight: 3.9 oz (111 g)
- Blade Thickness: .141 ” (3.5 mm)
- Handle: G-10
- Clip Position: Ambi
- Tip Carry Position: Tip-Up/Down
- Lock Type: Compression
- Grind: Full-Flat
- Origin: Golden, CO, Earth
- MSRP: $229.95
