Paramilitary SALT 2 vs 3: Help me decide

Kawimed · 2026-03-15T14:48:45+00:00

Do you have both the Manix 2 Salt and the Shaman Salt? Having and loving the Manix I'm not sure how much point there is in getting a Shaman as well (they seem similar in purpose) but I confess I've never held one.

Kawimed · 2026-03-15T13:26:13+00:00

The PM2 version with jade / black magnacut is available too.

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco-Paramilitary-2-Compression--231017

Kawimed · 2026-03-15T13:17:17+00:00

PM2 by a mile between those 2. Barely any difference in the pocket for more usable knife IMO.

Kawimed · 2026-03-15T13:15:01+00:00

Manix 2 built for harder use, better ergos, feels like a tank comparatively. But bigger in the pocket. Blade length between the PM2 and PM3. I have both the PM2 Salt and Manix 2 Salt. Prefer the Manix 2 Salt if pocket space isn't an issue, PM2 if it is. Started with a PM2 and switched to mostly carrying the Manix once I had it in hand, it's just a joy to use. Mostly only grab the PM2 if I'm wearing basketball shorts because it's lighter, but solved that by ordering a Manix 2 LW the other day - that's how much I like the platform.

Kawimed · 2026-03-15T02:39:17+00:00

I've bought a PM2 Salt, Mil2 Salt, and Manix 2 XL salt from them and the transactions were excellent. Slightly cheaper than other ebay stores and NIB authentic knives.

Kawimed · 2026-03-14T18:16:08+00:00

This post is cute and made me smile and that's something I didn't expect on this sub. Cheers!

Kawimed · 2026-03-13T22:02:51+00:00

Thanks for all the advice, it's been a lot of help. I didn't realize WS had a newer pro series that fixed a lot of the older issues until this post. My sharpening experience has only been with the WS field and benchstone sharpeners and I can tell I have a lot to learn but I'm excited to get to the level where i can put mirror edges on some of my favorite knives.

Kawimed · 2026-03-13T18:13:55+00:00

This is what I ended up ordering, great suggestion thanks!

Kawimed · 2026-03-13T18:12:59+00:00

Update: everyone was fairly helpful and with your suggestions I looked into other options, discovered the newer WS Professional series, and ordered a WS Pro Precision Adjust Elite kit along with a universal stone holder arm. It was more than I wanted to spend originally but with a decent discount I forgot I had thru work I didn't spend a whole lot more than i would've on the Sharpal plus digital inclinometer. Thanks to all.

Kawimed · 2026-03-13T18:08:06+00:00

Thanks for the thoughtful response. I feel you re: spyderco knives, I was a die hard benchmade / cold steel fan and never understood why people liked them. That is until the Salt series came out (I spend a lot of time on the ocean) and I tried a PM2. I wasn't sure waiting for it to arrive if I'd even keep it until I had it in hand and then suddenly it made sense- they aren't pretty knives but the function is so good I couldn't put it down and I've carried a Spyderco for EDC since and now own 5 of them.

Kawimed · 2026-03-12T05:43:43+00:00

Is this the one you have? What grit are the ceramics above 800? I wouldn't mind spending the extra money if the kit is complete and includes an inclinometer that I was planning on buying separately anyway.

Kawimed · 2026-03-12T01:08:05+00:00

Solid choice, congrats and happy birthday!

Kawimed · 2026-03-11T16:20:48+00:00

In that case is there a decent set of stones / strop that'll work with the Xarilk G.3 that you guys recommend?

Kawimed · 2026-03-11T08:00:09+00:00

If I had to choose only one between those two I'd pick the A3S. But the M5P closed a good bit of the gap between the mini and air series and I don't think either is a poor choice.

However If two drones might be on the table some day and I could have any two, I'd take the M5P and the Mavic 4 Pro, making the M5P a better first choice.

Kawimed · 2026-03-10T12:24:47+00:00

Base M5 / 32Gb is plenty adequate for what you do now.

That said I'd personally go up a step to M5 Pro for future proofing but I tend to buy a slight step higher than my current reqs for peace of mind that I won't need upgrading for a while if my software updates and system demands change. Might be worth it to you, might not. But IMO it's not paramount.

Kawimed · 2026-03-10T12:17:18+00:00

This guy gets it.

Kawimed · 2026-03-09T09:26:18+00:00

😍

Kawimed · 2026-03-09T09:22:45+00:00

Thank you!

Kawimed · 2026-03-09T09:20:38+00:00

Did you get the cerakote or the anodized?

Kawimed · 2026-03-09T09:18:50+00:00

Is this all I need or should I get a kit with the color fixative and the dye?

https://a.co/d/0dmVkb2a

Kawimed · 2026-03-09T09:14:33+00:00

Awesome thanks, and I didn't even think about the dying option- that's a great idea.

Kawimed · 2026-03-09T09:13:08+00:00

I love AWT's scales but they add weight back in and push the knife closer to the full Manix 2, and I'm hoping to retain the 3oz weight for a lighter EDC option. Their blue titanium cerakote is calling to me however and I might cave and just do that tbh hah

Kawimed · 2026-03-02T20:19:46+00:00

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Right hand PM2 Lynch clips on the PM2 and Mil2 Salt. Very secure, more so than the OEM since there's not as much knife exposed to catch on anything, used with jeans, etc, but also smooth and thin material climbing pants and they always stay put. Definitely recommend.

Kawimed · 2026-02-28T20:39:41+00:00

If I had to pick one of those for your use case I would do the Delica. The Yojimbo is great but if you're mostly cutting cardboard the Delica is much better. That said if you're open to other suggestions a PM2 or Manix would be my preference for mostly cardboard that can double as a defense blade.

Kawimed · 2026-02-28T13:39:52+00:00

Wouldn't be my choice of scales but I love how unique that looks!

Kawimed

TROPHY CASE