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If you’re like me, you constantly obsess about finding the perfect pocket carry knife for your EDC. I’m proud to announce that my search is over. From here on out, I’ll be carrying the Spyderco Para Military 2! It’s crazy that I haven’t reviewed any Spyderco blades before now, as I have a collection that many of my friends envy. My dad gave me my first Spyderco knife — a bright purple Delica 4. That’s where my obsession began, and if anyone has followed along with my career, they know two things about me. I like nice things, and that nothing I own is black. The more unique the color, the better!

History Of Spyderco

Spyderco has been around for almost 50 years, since Sal and Gail Glesser founded the company in 1976. In 1978, they settled in Golden, Colorado. Initially, the company focused on selling the Tri-Angle Sharpmaker, primarily at fairs and trade shows around the country. In 1981, Spyderco introduced their first folding knife, the C01 Worker.

That knife pioneered the concept of a round hole in the blade for one-handed opening, a clip on the handle for carry at the top of the pocket, and the option of a serrated edge for aggressive cutting performance. Those features revolutionized the knife industry and defined the form of the modern folding knife.

One thing that Sypderco has done well over many other brands that caught on later is catering to specific people like me who enjoy colorful knife handles. I get it. A knife is a tool, but a little color and a fun pattern on the handle never hurt anyone. Normally, that’s the steel’s job. Now, if you ever walk into a knife store and see Spyderco, you also expect to see the rainbow.

Para Military 2 Technical Specifications

Once I got my hands on the Para Military 2 knife it has not left since. This is Spyderco’s way of taking their Military Model knife and compacting it into a more pocket-friendly package. This knife features the Compression Lock mechanism, has a four-position pocket clip, and all the strength and reliability you’ve come to know and love from Spyderco.

Here are the Spyderco Para Military 2 specs:

• Steel: CPM S45VN
• Overall Length: 8.26″
• Blade Length: 3.45″
• Closed Length: 4.82″ 
• Edge Length: 3.05″
• Weight: 3.8oz
• Blade Thickness: 0.145″ (3.7mm)
• Handle: G-10
• Clip Position: Ambi
• Tip Carry Position: 4-position
• Lock Type: Compression
• Grind: Full-Flat

What’s neat about the Para Military 2 knife is that Spyderco has made “Sprint Runs” of this blade to feature different colors and handle designs, different steel including CPM Magna Cut and CPM S110V, and more. Many of these versions sell out quickly, but what’s unique is you can always find a design that fits your style or your favorite color. I liked the Camo pattern and stainless steel blade, but it’s also available in a black blade option.

Features: Spyderco Para Military 2

• A round hole in the blade assists with ease of opening and can be used one-handed
• The compression lock securely stores the blade when not in use and makes an audible sound when the blade is closed properly
• With an overall length of just over 8 inches, you’d think this knife would weigh a lot more than it does. It clocks in at under 4 ounces, so you have a great blade without too much-added weight
• The reversible belt clip can be mounted in four different positions on the handle (3 tiny Torx Head screws hold it in place)
• The textured camouflage pattern G-10 scales aren’t overly aggressive, but provide a good grip for holding onto the handle in wet or cold conditions

Spyderco Para 2 VS 3

You may be on the fence about which Spyderco Para model to get. To be honest, you can’t go wrong with either option. I’ve owned both the Para 2, and its little brother the Para 3, so I’ll give you a quick rundown of my impressions. 

The build quality for both is basically the same, the base models also share the same CPM 345VN blade steel. If you have large hands, the size and grip of the Para 2 feels more natural. However, the opposite is true about Para 3 if your hands are smaller. In pocket, both feel about the same, even though the Para 2 is larger and weighs slightly more. For me, the added blade length of the Para 2 was more practical for my purposes, and being able to securely grip its larger handle while cutting in less-than-ideal weather conditions gave me more confidence. In terms of durability, both have aged well with no warranty claims needed after a year of heavy use.

Take a look at the Spyderco Para 2 VS Para 3 specs below:

Technical Specs	Spyderco Para 2	Spyderco Para 3
Overall Length	8.26″	7.2″
Closed Length	4.82″	4.29″
Blade Length	3.45″	2.93″
Blade Thickness	0.145″	0.145″
Edge Length	3.05″	2.62″
Blade Grind	Full-Flat	Full-Flat
Tip Carry Position	4-Position	4-Position
Clip Position	Ambidextrous	Ambidextrous
Lock Type	Compression	Compression
Blade Steel	CPM S45VN	CPM S45VN
Handle Material	G-10	G-10
Overall Weight	3.8oz (108g)	3.4oz (96g)
Origin	USA	USA
Warranty	Yes, Lifetime	Yes, Lifetime
MSRP	$265.00	$250.00

What’s Good About It?

The Blade

Let’s be honest, besides looking cool, the blade is the most important feature of the knife. Spyderco uses a CPM S45VN steel for the standard Para Military 2 knife blade. CPM 345VN steel is a high alloy stainless steel with excellent edge sharpness, increased corrosion resistance, and above-average toughness. These properties make S45VN an outstanding choice of steel for high-end folding knife blades. It’s sharp right out of the box, and if you manage to dull it, you can ship it back to Spyderco to be professionally sharpened for a nominal fee. 

Lock Type

I’m a big fan of the compression lock that Spyderco developed to provide extreme lock strength and ease of use. A compression lock mechanism uses a leaf-like spring from a split liner in the handle to wedge laterally between a ramp on the blade tang and the stop pin (or anvil pin). 

To fold the blade in, exert pressure downward on the compression lock and fold in the blade. I prefer a compression lock if I know I’ll be doing a lot of cutting (which is what the Para Military 2 was made to do) to ensure the blade doesn’t accidentally fold in on itself.

Weight vs. Blade Length

I think the most impressive ratio on this knife is the 3.45-inch blade length on a 3.8-ounce knife after the G10 handles, clip, screws, and everything is included. Most bigger knives aren’t great everyday carry knives because of the weight they add to your pocket. This knife makes a wonderful EDC to clip into your pocket and go.

What Could Be Improved?

Pricing

I’m all about a quality blade, so I don’t find the price too high, but the Para Military 2 isn’t a budget EDC knife by any means. It has an MSRP of $265.00 and potentially more if you’re looking at any of the Sprint Run versions of this knife. I don’t think this blade needs any improvement, but the cost could be a deterrent for some. If you’re on the fence, consider the industry-leading warranty that comes with each Spyderco knife. 

The Clip

It’s not that the included stainless pocket clip is bad, it’s just that for the price it could be better. The finish on the clip scratches easily with regular pocket carry. It’s also shiny enough to attract attention when clipped to your pocket. I personally swapped mine out for a brushed finish titanium deep carry pocket clip. I do like that there are 3 Torx Head screws instead of the usual two I commonly see on knives, so I trust it to stay in place. 

Common Para Military 2 Questions

What happened to the Para Military 1?

The Para Military (first gen) was introduced back in 2004 as a mid-size knife made for cutting that performed like a larger knife. This blade was CPM S30V steel, 3-3/32″ long, with the Spyderco Round Hole generously sized at 14mm for gloved or larger hands. Spyderco discontinued it and introduced the Para Military 2. 

Is the Para Military 2 easy to open, and can you open it with one hand?

Yes, this knife is simple and easy to open one-handed. The Spyderco Round Hole makes it easy to lever open with one thumb.

Is the pocket clip reversible?

Yes, it’s also ambidextrous. Just remove the three small Torx screws and reattach the clip on the opposite side.

Is the handle made for right-handed and left-handed users?

The G-10 handle has no specific right-hand or left-hand grooves or rest, so once you swap the clip to the other side, either dominant hand can comfortably use it.

Is the Para Military 2 made in the USA?

Yes, the origin of this knife is the United States. 

Does the Para Military come with a sheath?

No, it does not come with a sheath.

Is The Spyderco Para Military 2 Worth The Price Tag?

What I do know about Spyderco is that they make great knives, have been around a long time, and have top-notch customer service. As mentioned, they also have a warranty that covers the owner of a genuine Spyderco product for the life of the product. In my opinion, the price of this knife is worth it for what you get. As I mentioned, it’s my every day carry blade. If my Para Military 2 knife is not in my pocket, I don’t feel like I’m fully dressed.

The lightweight design, quality steel, and neat G10 Camo grips make this knife one that’ll last the abuse you probably will give it. My knives are tools, and I treat them as such. I have yet to have a failure when using the Para Military 2 from Spyderco. I’m also in love with how it looks, which is just a bonus. I give this knife 4.5/5 stars and look forward to adding it to my EDC routine.

If a classic folder is more your style, check out our review of the Buck Model 110, a quality hunting knife at an affordable price!

My overall rating of the Spyderco Para Military 2 knife: 5/5

Kenzie Fitzpatrick is a competitive shooter, firearms instructor, published writer in the industry, and the host of the Reticle Up podcast.