Super light, built to work — Spyderco’s Paramilitary 2 Lightweight hits all the right buttons for a multi-purpose EDC folder
by Dexter Ewing; photography by Marty Stanfield, Marty Stanfield Photography
The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 — aka the PM2 — has been a great seller for the company. Hailed by fans as being the perfect midsize folder, the PM2 is situated comfortably between the full-size Military 2 and the compact but capable Paramilitary 3.
In 2026, Spyderco released the Paramilitary 2 Lightweight, an ultralightweight version utilizing molded FRN handles, further reducing the overall weight of the knife to a mere 2.75 ounces compared to 3.81 ounces for the standard PM2 with G-10 handles. That’s a considerable weight savings that still retains the performance characteristics of the standard PM2 model.
Spyderco has been the leader for these lightweight folders, having manufactured several models that are iconic in the Spyderco lineup, such as the Endura, Delica, Dragonfly, Ladybug, Manbug, and Rescue models. Eventually, making the PM2 in a lightweight format seemed like the next logical choice.
The PM2 Lightweight shares the exact same dimensions as its G-10 siblings. Blade length is 3.4 inches, overall length 8.2 inches, and the closed length is 4.8 inches. The only thing that has changed is the blade and handle materials.
The blade is made from CTS BD1N stainless steel, which is a product of Carpenter Technology. The “N” denotes nitrogen, with enhanced nitrogen content to achieve high hardness without sacrificing the strength of the steel. This steel is ideal for kitchen cutlery as well as EDC knives because it is relatively easy to resharpen and is very receptive to stropping, thus making it easier to maintain a hair-popping edge.
The standard PM2 models with G-10 handles utilize premium CPM S45VN stainless steel, which is definitely high performance steel but also costs more. Spyderco wanted the PM2 Lightweight to also be more affordable than the standard versions, so the choice of blade steel had to be adjusted to hit this price point. Thus, CTS BD1N is used.
The FRN (fiberglass reinforced nylon) handle is rigid yet lightweight. One thing about these lightweight knives that is a point many criticize is the fact they have inherent flex in the material. The handles of the PM2 Lightweight have zero flex, and there are no full steel liners in the handle, either — only a partial steel liner that comprises the included Compression Lock blade locking mechanism.
The PM2 offers minimal weight AND rigidity in a lightweight, high performance folding knife. You can have it all! The blade is secured open by Spyderco’s own Compression Lock, a proven blade lock that is used on quite a few of Spyderco’s models. This lock has proven itself over time to be secure yet easy to manipulate.
Situated on the handle spine of the knife, the Compression Lock releases by pinching the exposed liner with your thumb and forefinger and allowing the blade to drop shut. This effectively removes any fingers from the radial travel path of the blade, further eliminating accidental cuts during the closing process — something that liner locks can do as they require you to disengage the liner with your thumb and kick the blade closed with your index finger on the same hand.
The Compression Lock is also rock solid. Once it is secured open, there is zero blade play in any direction and there is steel-on-steel contact, guaranteeing the lock integrity.
Finally, there is the signature bi-directional texturing used on all Spyderco lightweight folding knives. This unique traction pattern does a great job at keeping your hand in place regardless of the weather conditions or whether your hands are wet or not.
The reversible wire pocket clip is a deep carry design and is mounted at the butt end of the handle, so the knife sits below the pocket seam for ultimate discreet carry. For lefties, the clip is easily switchable to the opposite handle. The mostly open design of the handle spine allows for easy and quick cleaning of the inside of the handle using compressed air or rinsing it in the sink.
In action, the PM2 Lightweight is a lean and mean cutting machine. The full flat ground blade has a distal taper to the tip, so this means the blade can sail through just about anything you can cut with a knife with little resistance. Any one of the Military family knives has this same level of performance. The platform is a flat-out working design that is sure to please the most discriminating knife user.
The blade tip is fine enough to take care of delicate work as well as scoring. The CTS BD1N steel holds an edge respectably but not as long as S45VN used on the regular PM2 models with G-10 handles. Conversely, when it comes time to maintain the edge, CTS BD1N sharpens up fairly quickly, and that is a big plus, especially if you must sharpen your blade out in the field. So, there is a tradeoff.
Regardless of what you are cutting — rope, cardboard, plastic sheeting, corrugated plastic, fruits, vegetables, or meat — the PM2 Lightweight handles it well.
Carrying the PM2 Lightweight around is also as much of a joy as it is to use. The FRN handles allow the knife to sit comfortably in the pocket without any bulk or unnecessary weight. The light weight even allows for comfortable carry when clipped to the elastic waist band of shorts or sweatpants.
The Paramilitary 2 Lightweight has an MSRP of $202.00 and is available now from your favorite Spyderco dealer. The knife is also available in a black blade finish for $222.00 MSRP, providing a sleek all black look.
