One of Spyderco’s Most Requested PM2 EDC Knives Finally Returns

Arguably the brand’s most venerated folding knife, this version of the beloved ParaMilitary 2 is a performance powerhouse.

Close-up of a black Spyderco CPM-M4 folding knife blade with a textured handle on a red surface.

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By Sean Tirman

Published 44 minutes ago

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Spyderco’s Para Military 2 (also styled as Paramilitary 2) is probably the brand’s single most recognizable and beloved folding knife. In fact, it’s among the greatest pocket knives of all time, by my own estimation, as well as the estimation of EDC fans around the world.

While it has seen many variations in materials, colorways and more, one of the most popular and highly-requested options is the Spyderco PM2 Tanto CPM-M4.

If you count yourself among its legion of fans, I have some good news: it’s finally coming back!

Two Spyderco folding knives with black textured handles and partially serrated blades on an orange textured mat. — This beloved pocket knife will be available with either a satin- or black-finished blade.

Friendly neighborhood Spyderco

To first understand what’s different about this particularly popular configuration, you must first know about what remains of the original, as too much change is a no-no for fans of this knife (or any knife, really).

The overall specs remain virtually unchanged. The knife measures 8.25 inches in total with a 3.44-inch blade. The handle, similarly, has not changed, keeping the signature shape and G-10 scales.

Two black folding knives with textured handles and metal clips resting on a brown cylindrical object and a red surface. — Both of the configurations have the same materials beyond their blade finish, including that signature G-10 handle.

That also means the four-position pocket clip, lanyard hole and, most crucially, that fan-favorite Compression Lock are all intact. Operationally speaking, this knife is no different from its siblings.

It even comes with two blade and hardware finishes: satin and black. Technically, the black finish is slightly more durable than the satin, but it also costs slightly more, as a result of the change.

Close-up of two Spyderco CPM-M4 knives with partially serrated stainless steel blades and black textured handles on a red surface. — This fan-favorite is equipped with a tanto-shaped blade done in M4 steel.

Tactical, practical, perfect

Now, for the changes. The standard version of the PM2 comes with an S45VN steel blade with a version of Spyderco’s signature leaf blade shape, albeit a longer, thinner one.

While the classic Round Hole deployment is present on both the original and this different configuration, the other elements are heavily altered.

Hand holding a Spyderco CPM-M4 folding knife with a black textured handle and partially serrated blade. — The knives’ overall specs have not changed. They remain 8.25 inches long with 3.44-inch blades.

Instead of a leaf shape, this version gets a far more aggressive, tactical compound grind tanto shape. While that makes sharpening more difficult, it also makes the blade stronger overall, including, most importantly, the tip, while the main cutting edge remains razor-sharp.

To match that shape, the steel is also upgraded to the fan-favorite CPM-M4. While it takes a hit in corrosion resistance, this material is significantly higher-performing across virtually every other metric.

Two black folding knives with partially open blades on a textured red surface. — Of course, both configurations of this PM2 come with the beloved, proven Compression Lock (not pictured).

Availability and pricing

The Spyderco PM2 Tanto CPM-M4 returns to Blade HQ on July 22, with a special multi-tiered early bird drop for Blade Club members. The public launch starts at 11:00 am MDT (1:00 pm EST).

However, if you wish to have any hope of grabbing one for yourself, I highly recommend signing into Blade HQ and adding this drop to your wishlist now. That way, you’ll be alerted as soon as it becomes available.

Blade HQ

Spyderco ParaMilitary 2 Tanto CPM-M4

Starts at $275

$225 (-22% off)

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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