Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife
Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife

Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife

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About the Product

The Spyderco Para Military 2 (PM2) is a benchmark folding knife for people who want long-term performance without babying their gear. Its CPM S45VN stainless steel blade aims for a sweet spot of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and sharpenability, while the textured G-10 scales and deep choil deliver confident control. Spyderco’s Compression Lock pairs the brand’s round opening hole with one-handed, finger-safe operation—traits that make the PM2 a dependable everyday cutter rather than a drawer queen.

Durability and function are backed by thoughtful details: a four-position hourglass clip supports left/right, tip-up/tip-down carry, and the pivot is tuned for smooth, low-play action. Reviewers consistently praise the PM2’s cutting efficiency and long-lasting edge; a common nit is that its squared handle edges can feel a touch boxy during long sessions. Compared with smaller EDCs (e.g., Para 3) or ultralight rivals, the PM2 trades a little pocket compactness for stability and work pace—an advantage if you want a knife that still feels solid after years of use.

Warranty coverage is lifetime against defects in materials and workmanship, published in clear language. Normal wear, misuse, or unauthorized repairs are excluded, and service starts with a simple printable form—practical support for keeping a well-used PM2 in rotation for the long haul.

About Spyderco

Founded in the late 1970s in Golden, Colorado, Spyderco built its reputation by rethinking what a folding knife could be. The company pioneered features now standard across the industry—like the one-hand opening hole, pocket clip, and serrated edge—cementing its place as one of the most innovative and enduring names in knife design. That focus on function-first engineering and consistent reliability has earned Spyderco a loyal following among outdoor enthusiasts, tradespeople, and everyday users alike.

Spyderco’s mission reflects an uncompromising commitment to quality and continual improvement. The brand emphasizes practical durability over flash, producing knives designed to last through years of real-world use. Many of its models are manufactured in the U.S. and Japan, using high-performance steels and materials chosen for longevity rather than cost-cutting. Beyond the products themselves, Spyderco supports charitable initiatives for veterans, medical research, and law enforcement—showing a sense of responsibility that extends beyond its factory floor.

After nearly five decades in business, Spyderco remains privately held and financially stable, with ongoing production and strong consumer trust. For shoppers seeking knives built for a lifetime of service rather than short-term trends, Spyderco continues to stand out as a proven, enduring choice.

Product Score:   59.6

Mission & Values
Whether the brand explicitly commits to durability, repairability, and sustainability.
Ideal: Brand mission and actions clearly prioritize long-lasting, repairable products.
Confidence — MEDIUM
2 sources
65.0% (W 40%)
PRO
Spyderco emphasizes an “uncompromising commitment to quality” and innovation rooted in long-lasting design, as stated on its homepageSpyderco supports charitable partnerships donating portions of knife sales to veterans, medical research, law enforcement, and community causes, indicating broader brand values beyond profit
CON
Track Record / Reputation
Independent history of reliability and consumer trust.
Ideal: Decades of consistent positive reputation from reviews, watchdogs, and experts.
Confidence — HIGH
5 sources
85.0% (W 40%)
PRO
Spyderco is credited with pioneering key folding-knife innovations—pocket clip, serrated edge, one-hand opening—transforming the industryMultiple independent reviews highlight Spyderco’s quality, reliability, and innovative design, such as praise for consistent quality across models and durable performance comparable to high-end knives.
CON
Corporate Stability
Financial and organizational stability of the brand or company.
Ideal: Established, stable company with low risk of discontinuing support.
Confidence — HIGH
3 sources
80.0% (W 20%)
PRO
Spyderco was founded in 1976/1978 and remains in operation with a stable U.S. base in Golden, Colorado, demonstrating long-term continuity.Spyderco continues to produce both USA-made and foreign-manufactured knives, indicating sustained product development and organizational presence.
CON
Coverage
Scope of what failures the warranty covers.
Ideal: Full coverage of defects and workmanship, including all major components.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
75.0% (W 20%)
PRO
Spyderco warrants that genuine products are free from defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product.Coverage applies to defects in material and workmanship across the knife.
CON
Warranty explicitly excludes damage from accidents, abuse, misuse, improper handling, alterations, neglect, improper sharpening, normal wear and tear, and unauthorized repairs.
Duration
Length of warranty term.
Ideal: ≥10 years (lifetime where feasible).
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
100.0% (W 30%)
DATA
Lifetime
Ease
How simple it is to file and process a warranty claim.
Ideal: Clear online or phone process requiring minimal effort or paperwork.
Confidence — MEDIUM
1 sources
66.0% (W 10%)
PRO
Spyderco provides a printable Warranty & Repair Form for customers to include with their item when shipping.
CON
Cost
Direct costs to the customer for warranty service.
Ideal: No cost to the customer, including free shipping and parts.
Confidence — LOW
0 sources
0.0% (W 10%)
DATA
Exclusions
Limitations or carve-outs in warranty terms.
Ideal: Few or no exclusions; coverage applies to all core components.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
50.0% (W 10%)
PRO
CON
Excludes damage from misuse, abuse, neglect, improper handling, alterations, improper sharpening, normal wear, or unauthorized repairs.
Transparency
Clarity and accessibility of warranty wording.
Ideal: Plain-language warranty document published openly online.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
85.0% (W 10%)
PRO
Warranty terms are published in plain language and easily accessible on Spyderco’s website.
CON
Transferability
Whether warranty transfers to subsequent owners.
Ideal: Warranty fully transferable between owners with no loss of coverage.
Confidence — LOW
0 sources
0.0% (W 10%)
DATA
Blade Steel Quality
Type and hardness of steel used in the blade.
Ideal: High-carbon stainless steel with Rockwell hardness 58–62 HRC for edge retention and corrosion resistance.
Confidence — HIGH
4 sources
90.0% (W 35%)
DATA
CPM S45VN (also available in CPM S110V, MagnaCut, Maxamet)
Corrosion Resistance
Ability of blade and components to resist rust and staining.
Ideal: Stainless or coated steel with proven long-term resistance to corrosion in outdoor use.
Confidence — MEDIUM
2 sources
70.0% (W 25%)
PRO
CPM S45VN and other offered steels are stainless and reasonably corrosion resistant by design.
CON
Lock Strength
Durability of the locking mechanism under repeated stress.
Ideal: Reliable lock design (e.g., frame or back lock) tested for thousands of open/close cycles without failure.
Confidence — HIGH
2 sources
85.0% (W 25%)
PRO
Uses Spyderco’s Compression Lock mechanism, known for extreme strength, reliability, and one-hand safety.
CON
Pivot & Hinge Wear
Longevity of pivot, washers, or bearings with repeated use.
Ideal: Sturdy pivot construction with serviceable washers or bearings that maintain smooth action for years.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
80.0% (W 15%)
PRO
Review notes a smooth bushing pivot system that provides effortless deployment and minimal blade play.
CON
Blade Sharpening Ease
How easily the blade can be resharpened to working edge.
Ideal: Steel that balances hardness and toughness, sharpenable with common tools.
Confidence — MEDIUM
1 sources
70.0% (W 40%)
PRO
CPM S45VN offers a good balance of edge retention and sharpenability suitable for common tools.
CON
Spare Parts Availability
Access to replacement screws, clips, or hardware.
Ideal: Manufacturer or third parties provide readily available replacement parts.
Confidence — LOW
0 sources
0.0% (W 30%)
PRO
CON
Serviceability
Whether the knife can be disassembled and reassembled without damage.
Ideal: Standard screw fasteners and clear design allowing easy maintenance.
Confidence — LOW
0 sources
0.0% (W 30%)
PRO
CON
Blade Sharpness Retention
How long the edge stays sharp with typical use.
Ideal: Edge remains sharp through extended use before resharpening is needed.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
85.0% (W 35%)
PRO
CPM S45VN steel provides impressive edge retention and long-lasting cutting performance.
CON
Ergonomics
Comfort and safety of grip during prolonged use.
Ideal: Handle designed for secure, comfortable grip with minimal fatigue or hot spots.
Confidence — MEDIUM
2 sources
75.0% (W 25%)
PRO
G-10 handle with textured surface and jimping provides a firm, comfortable grip and precise cutting control.
CON
Some users note the handle’s edges may feel boxy or sharp in prolonged use compared to other models.
Carry Options
Practicality of clip, sheath, or pocket carry design.
Ideal: Multiple carry positions with durable pocket clip or reliable sheath.
Confidence — HIGH
2 sources
85.0% (W 20%)
PRO
Features a four-position hourglass clip enabling ambidextrous tip-up or tip-down carry.
CON
Blade Deployment
Ease and reliability of opening mechanism.
Ideal: Smooth, consistent deployment via thumb stud, flipper, or assisted mechanism.
Confidence — HIGH
2 sources
90.0% (W 20%)
PRO
Compression Lock and round hole enable smooth, reliable one-handed opening without placing fingers in the blade path.
CON

See details on our Scoring Method.

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Sources

These references are living documents: our research team and community continually review and update them to keep product evaluations accurate and fair. When stronger or more up-to-date sources emerge, we re-score accordingly. If you know of a credible study, review, or technical resource we’ve missed, please share it below — every contribution helps strengthen the evidence base.

  1. Warranty & Repair – Spyderco
    spyderco.com · Updated 2025-10-16 [Key]
    Please complete and print the Spyderco Warranty & Repair Form to include with your item prior to shipping it to us.* Spyderco, Inc. conducts its business in ...
  2. Are Spyderco Knives Good Quality and Worth the Price?
    knifemanual.com · Updated 2025-10-16
    Spyderco is a very unique and famous knife brand based out of Golden, Colorado. The brand receives a lot of attention for its innovative knife…
  3. Spyderco Military Vs Para2 Vs Para3 Comparison Guide
    www2.knifecenter.com · Updated 2025-10-16
  4. Charitable Partnerships
    spyderco.com · Updated 2025-10-16
    Spyderco believes deeply in helping our community, and one way we do that is through charitable partnerships and donations. We donate a portion of the sales of many of our knives to charitable causes like medical research and caring for our nation’s wounded veterans. We also regularly support law…
  5. Spyderco Para Military 2 Pocket Knife Review
    cleverhiker.com · Updated 2025-10-16
    With a sturdy handle and a blade designed for heavy-duty use, this pocket knife provides outstanding edge retention and cutting power.
  6. Unveiling the Edge: An In-Depth Analysis of Spyderco Knives
    sharpyknives.com · Updated 2025-10-16
    Spyderco is a knife brand that has earned a respected reputation in the knife community, but is this marketing hype or due to the quality and performance of the knives? Are Spyderco knives any good, and should you consider one of these knives for your next knife? The reputation of Spyderco knives…
  7. Para Military® 2 Maxamet®
    spyderco.com · Updated 2025-10-16
    This distinctive expression of the Para Military 2 combines all the proven qualities of the best-selling standard version of this model with Carpenter steel’s state-of-the-art Micro-Melt Maxamet blade steel.Maxamet is an extremely hard high-speed powdered tool steel developed specifically for…
  8. Products
    spyderco.com · Updated 2025-10-16
    Spyderco is an American cutlery company based in Golden, Colorado, producing knives and knife sharpeners. Spyderco pioneered many features that are now common in folding knives
  9. Para Military® 2 Salt Yellow Black G10 Magnacut
    spyderco.com · Updated 2025-10-16
  10. Para Military® 2 CPM® S110V®
    spyderco.com · Updated 2025-10-16
    One of the most popular and in-demand folding knives ever created, the Para Military 2 distills the performance and reliability of the Military Model into a more compact, pocket-friendly format. It also adds the advantage of Spyderco’s Compression Lock mechanism—a high-strength lock that allow…
  11. Spyderco - Wikipedia
    en.wikipedia.org · Updated 2025-10-16
    Spyderco is an American cutlery company based in Golden, Colorado, producing knives and knife sharpeners. Spyderco pioneered many features that are now common in folding knives, including the pocket clip, serrations, and the opening hole.[1] [failed verification] Spyderco has collaborated with 30…
  12. Para Military® 2
    spyderco.com · Updated 2025-10-16
    Undeniably one of Spyderco’s most popular and in-demand designs, the Para Military 2 distills the world-class performance of our legendary Military Model into a more compact, pocket-friendly package. Not content with that feat, it then added the extreme strength, reliability, and ease of use of…
  13. Spyderco Tenacious Review: The Relentless Workingman's Knife
    blademag.com · Updated 2025-10-16
    Built like a top-shelf Spyderco, but at a fraction of the price the Tenacious more than lives up to its name.
  14. Spyderco, Inc.
    spyderco.com · Updated 2025-10-16
    Spyderco is an American cutlery company based in Golden, Colorado, producing knives and knife sharpeners. Spyderco pioneered many features that are now common in folding knives
  15. About Us
    spyderco.com · Updated 2025-10-16
    Spyderco was founded in 1976 by Sal and Gail Glesser. In 1978, they settled in Golden, Colorado and, initially, the company focused on selling our first product: the Tri-Angle Sharpmaker which was primarily sold at fairs and trade shows around the country.
  16. Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife - CPM Liberia
    liberia.ubuy.com · Updated 2025-09-29
    Spyderco Folding Knives Editorial Review. The Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife is made in the USA and sold by authorized dealers, ensuring authenticity.
  17. What is the big deal with Spyderco knives? : r/EDC
    reddit.com · Updated 2025-09-29
    Dec 7, 2016 ... I never understood the fuss about Spyderco knives. A percentage (albeit small but still enough to have an effect) of my EDC knife is the ...
  18. Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife with 3.47" C81MPCW2
    shopyedeals.com · Updated 2025-09-29
    Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife with 3.47″ C81MPCW2 · Shipping & delivery Not included · Reviews · Related products · Subscribe Now and Unlock Exclusive ...
  19. Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife with 3.42 Liberia
    liberia.ubuy.com · Updated 2025-09-29
    Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife with 3.42 CPM S45VN Steel Blade and ... Folding Hunting Knives Editorial Review. Spyderco's Paramilitary 2 ...
  20. Top Ten Rules for Using the Sharpmaker - Page 2 - Spyderco Forums
    forum.spyderco.com · Updated 2025-09-29
    It is usually located where you can find the Comet & Ajax products. I have tried many cleaning products on the Spyderco stones but I've yet to find one as good ...
  21. Everyday Carry Gear: Our Guarantee - Lynch Northwest
    lynchnw.com · Updated 2025-09-29
    CAN I RETURN A KNIFE I ORDERED? LynchNW-manufactured knives are covered by our warranty as described above. For the other brands we carry (Spyderco, Benchmade, ...
  22. Cruwear Corrosion/Discoloration Clean-Up (PM2) - Spyderco Forums
    forum.spyderco.com · Updated 2025-09-29
    I actually lent the knife to a friend for a couple months to get him hooked on Spyderco, (it worked btw). When I got it back it had a couple rust specks on the ...
  23. Spyderco C81GP2 3.44 inch Folding Pocket Knife for sale online ...
    ebay.com · Updated 2025-09-29
    Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife with 3.42" CPM S45VN Steel Blade ... Perfect size, ease of use and sharp every time! Verified purchase: Yes ...
  24. Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife - CPM Barbados
    barbabos.ubuy.com · Updated 2025-09-29
    Spyderco Folding Knives C81MPCW2 Editorial Review. The Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife is made in the USA and sold by authorized dealers, ensuring ...
  25. Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Left-Handed Knife ... - Amazon.com
    amazon.com · Updated 2025-09-29
    ... Spyderco · Spyderco · Visit the Store. Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Left ... Para Military 2 Signature Knife. Onkata. For this product.
  26. Spyderco Efficient Review — Everyday Commentary
    everydaycommentary.com · Updated 2025-09-29
    Mar 3, 2017 ... Spyderco Efficient Review ... I was in a distinct minority when I proclaimed the Spyderco Tenacious to be a hohum blade. At the time, Nutnfancy (' ...
  27. Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife with 3.42 6625
    shopyedeals.com · Updated 2025-09-29
    Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife with 3.42 6625 · Shipping & delivery Not included · Reviews · Related products · Subscribe Now and Unlock Exclusive ...
  28. Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife with 3.42 Botswana
    ubuy.co.bw · Updated 2025-09-29
    Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife with 3.42 CPM S45VN Steel Blade and ... Folding Hunting Knives Editorial Review. Spyderco's Paramilitary 2 ...
  29. Spyderco - Amazon.com
    amazon.com · Updated 2025-09-29
    Spyderco Tenacious Folding Pocket Knife with 3.3" 8Cr13MoV Steel Blade ... Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife with 3.47" CPM Cru-Wear Steel Blade and ...
  30. Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife with 3.47" CPM Cru-Wear ...
    learnmarathiwithkaushik.com · Updated 2025-09-29
    Opening Mechanism:Manual Original/Reproduction:Original Product ... Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife with 3.47″ CPM Cru-Wear Steel Blade ...
  31. How do I take care of a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 that might go ...
    reddit.com · Updated 2025-09-29
    May 11, 2020 ... How do I take care of a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 that might go through semi-frequent washes? (disassembled and cleaned with dish soap and ...

Status

Created 2025-09-27 COMPLETE
Updated 2025-11-19 COMPLETE
Published PUBLISHED
Scored 2025-10-22 COMPLETE

Change Log

2025-11-19 UPDATED product metadata edits
2025-10-22 UPDATED product metadata edits
2025-10-16 UPDATED product metadata edits
2025-09-27 UPDATED product metadata edits

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