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Since its launch in 2010, the Paramilitary 2 has garnered a dedicated following around the globe, achieving iconic status within the Spyderco product line. As one of Spyderco's best-selling models, it has served as the foundation for numerous special variations, including limited edition Sprint Runs and Exclusive versions that showcase a diverse array of blade steels, handle materials, coatings, and even different blade shapes.
While enthusiasts appreciate the unique combinations of materials featured in Spyderco's Sprint Runs, one pairing that has received particularly high praise is the combination of a CPM CRU-WEAR blade with canvas Micarta handle scales. First introduced on the Shaman Sprint Run in Reveal 3 in late 2019, this distinctive blend quickly earned the nickname "Cru-Carta" within the Spyderco community. It became an instant hit, with the Shaman Sprint Run selling out in record time and sparking strong demand for other models to receive the same treatment.
In response to this demand, Spyderco decided to apply the "Cru-Carta" theme to the esteemed Paramilitary 2, making it a permanent addition to their regular product line rather than a limited production Sprint Run. First announced in Reveal 7 earlier this year, this stunning knife is now a reality.
This elite version of the Paramilitary 2 features a blade crafted from Crucible Industries' CPM CRU-WEAR. An air-hardening tool steel, CRU-WEAR was designed as an upgrade to D2. Its alloy composition contains less carbon and chromium than D2, but more vanadium and tungsten. This finely tuned balance of elements promotes the formation of more vanadium carbides in CRU-WEAR, enhancing its wear resistance. Simultaneously, its lower carbon content reduces overall carbide volume, making it tougher than D2. Despite the reduced carbon content, CRU-WEAR can achieve a higher hardness than D2 (up to HRC 65), thanks to the secondary hardening response created by the tungsten and molybdenum in its alloy mix. Additionally, CRU-WEAR tempers at a higher temperature range than D2 (900-1050°F versus 400-600°F), making it more compatible with nitriding, PVD coating, and similar surface treatments. It retains its hardness after these processes, making it a more suitable substrate than D2.
While CRU-WEAR was initially produced as a traditional ingot steel, it is now available in its current form as a CPM (Crucible Particle Metallurgy) steel. In this process, perfectly blended molten steel is poured through a small nozzle, where high-pressure gas transforms the stream into a spray of small spherical droplets. These droplets rapidly cool and solidify into particles, "freezing" their alloy mix in perfect form and preventing the segregation of elements that often occurs in ingot steels. This fine powder is then collected in sealed steel containers and hot isostatically pressed (HIP) at extremely high temperatures and pressures. The HIP process bonds the particles into solid steel, which is then processed in a mill to enhance its toughness and achieve the desired finished thickness. Thanks to this process, CPM CRU-WEAR fully capitalizes on its sophisticated alloy composition, offering an extremely fine, homogeneous microstructure.
Leveraging the exceptional qualities of CPM CRU-WEAR, the PlainEdge blade of the "Cru-Carta" Paramilitary 2 is full-flat ground and beautifully satin finished, providing exceptional edge geometry and low-friction cutting performance. It also features a fully accessible Trademark Round Hole for swift, ambidextrous, one-handed opening.
Another defining feature of this elite knife is its handle, which showcases brown canvas Micarta scales supported by full skeletonized stainless steel liners. Like other Paramilitary 2 models, the liners form the foundation of its high-strength Compression Lock mechanism and anchor its fully configurable four-position pocket clip. However, unlike other models, these liners are not nested into the scales; instead, they support the full surface area of the slim Micarta scales on both sides of the handle. The two halves of the handle are joined by stainless steel standoffs, creating a lightweight, easily cleaned, open-backed construction. In keeping with the tradition of this design, this knife also includes a generously sized lined lanyard hole for easy attachment of fobs and lanyards.
Both tool steel and Micarta are distinctive "old-school" materials that naturally develop a patina—or change colour—with age, handling, and use. Over time, this venerable process will imbue the knife with great character, reflecting the rich tradition behind its design. Seasoned knife enthusiasts are aware of this, but if you’re new to these materials, please give them a bit of extra care and attention to prevent corrosion.
The CPM CRU-WEAR/Micarta Paramilitary 2 has been one of the most highly anticipated knives Spyderco has produced in recent times. They are diligently working to increase the production capacity of their US factory to meet the demand for this model, but fulfilling that demand will take some time. Rest assured, it will be well worth the wait.
**Specifications**
- Blade Length: 3.47" (88 mm)
- Closed Length: 4.82" (122 mm)
- Overall Length: 8.29" (211 mm)
- Cutting Edge: 3.05" (77 mm)
- Blade Thickness: 0.145" (3.7 mm)
- Blade Material: CPM-CruWear Tool Steel
- Blade Style: Clip Point
- Blade Grind: Full-Flat
- Blade Finish: Satin
- Blade Edge: Plain
- Handle Material: Canvas Micarta
- Handle Colour: Brown
- Locking Mechanism: Compression Lock
- Pocket Clip: Stainless Steel (Tip-Up/Down, Right/Left Carry)
- Model Number: C81MPCW2
- Model Name: Paramilitary 2 CruWear
- Weight: 3.99 oz. (150 g)
- Made in the USA
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