This year marks a jubilee year for Spyderco as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. To open up the year, they’ve been unveiling new releases at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas, such as the 0.8-ounce Charisma we covered earlier this week.
Well, Colorado-based knifemaker isn’t done with lightweight releases yet, as we’ve also been blessed with a new lighter version of their fan-favorite Para Military 2 EDC folder.
Trimming the Fat on an Icon
Since its 2010 debut, the Para Military 2 has earned its place as one of the most carried EDC folders in the world. Born from Sal Glesser’s 1996 Military — a hard-use field knife built for service members — the PM2 refined everything with a bushing pivot, improved ergonomics, and that now-legendary Compression Lock.
Made in Golden, Colorado, the new Lightweight variant keeps that approach intact while dropping weight from 3.8oz down to just 2.8oz. The secret are injection-molded fiberglass-reinforced nylon (FRN) handle scales instead of G-10. Anyone who’s handled Spyderco’s other FRN models knows how well the material delivers. The scales feature their Bi-Directional Texture pattern for grip security, and the Compression Lock has been streamlined to shave grams without sacrificing strength.
CTS BD1N and American Manufacturing
The 3.47-inch full-flat-ground blade uses Carpenter Technology’s CTS BD1N, a nitrogen-enriched stainless steel that balances edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance with reasonable sharpening requirements. Not the most exotic steel in Spyderco’s catalog, but a smart choice for a knife that’ll see regular use. The blade keeps the round hole for ambidextrous one-hand deployment plus a textured choil and thumb ramp for control during precision cutting.
Available in PlainEdge and fully serrated SpyderEdge, there’s also a super-stealthy DLC-coated tactical variant with black hardware. All versions include a deep-pocket wire clip (reversible for left- or right-side tip-up carry) that’s a welcome upgrade over the standard Spyderco clip.
Spec Sheet
Model: Para Military 2 Lightweight (C81PBK2)
Blade Steel: CTS BD1N
Blade Length: 3.47″
Edge Length: 3.08″
Blade Thickness: 0.145″
Closed Length: 4.82″
Overall Length: 8.29″
Handle Material: Fiberglass-Reinforced Nylon (FRN)
Lock Type: Compression Lock
Weight: 2.8oz
Grind: Full-Flat
Clip Position: Ambidextrous, Tip-Up
Origin: United States
Price: $202
Pricing & Availability
The Para Military 2 Lightweight is available now through Spyderco’s website and authorized dealers at $202, which is about $63 less than your standard PM2.
Recap
Spyderco Para Military 2 Lightweight EDC Knife
Spyderco just dropped a lightweight version of the iconic Para Military 2 that sheds over 25% of the weight by swapping G-10 for FRN scales while keeping everything else that makes the PM2 great. At 2.8oz with a streamlined Compression Lock and a deep-carry wire clip, it’s the same reliable folder you know but easier on the pocket.
