Performance
CPM-S45VN is the upgraded steel here — sharper out of the box than S30V, holds an edge longer, and still easy enough to touch up in the field. The full flat grind does the heavy lifting: it slices, it bites into cardboard, it handles food prep without drama. The Compression Lock opens and closes one-handed and holds with zero blade play. DLC coating keeps reflections and rust out of the picture. Four-position clip means you carry it however makes sense — tip-up, tip-down, left or right.
Pros
- CPM-S45VN steel — excellent edge retention with good toughness
- Compression Lock closes safely one-handed without repositioning your grip
- Full flat grind slices cleanly through most materials
- DLC coating on blade — non-reflective and corrosion resistant
- Four-position ambidextrous pocket clip
- Made in the USA
Cons
- 3.44" blade puts it over legal carry limits in some jurisdictions — check local laws
- DLC coating can show wear on the edge bevel with heavy use
- Price sits higher than most folders in this size range
Specs
- Weight: 3.75 oz (106 g)
- Blade Length: 3.44 in (87.4 mm)
- Cutting Edge: 3.08 in (78.2 mm)
- Overall Length: 8.28 in (210.3 mm)
- Blade Thickness: 0.14 in (3.6 mm)
- Blade Steel: CPM-S45VN stainless steel
- Blade Finish: DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) black coating
- Blade Grind: Full flat grind
- Handle: Black peel-ply-textured G-10, 4.81 in (122.2 mm)
- Handle Thickness: 0.46 in (11.7 mm)
- Lock: Compression Lock
- Clip: Four-position, ambidextrous tip-up / tip-down
- Opening: Thumb hole (ambidextrous)
- Origin: Made in USA
- Model: C81GPBK2
Final Thoughts
The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 All Black earns its reputation every time you pull it out of your pocket — CPM-S45VN steel that actually performs, a lock you can close without a second thought, and an all-black finish that keeps things low profile. It's not cheap, but it's the last folder most people need to buy.
More Precision. More Function.
Every tool we review moves with purpose. Sharp, minimal, built to last — gear that earns its place in your kit. No trends, no noise. Just precision instruments for those who understand that less is more, and what you carry defines how you move.
