Since its release in 2010, the Paramilitary 2 has earned legions of followers worldwide and earned an iconic status in the Spyderco product line. Hands down one of Spyderco's best-selling models, it has also been the canvas for dozens of special variations, including limited edition Sprint Run and Exclusive expressions of the design featuring a broad spectrum of blade steels, handle materials, coatings and even different blade shapes.
Although enthusiasts enjoy all the unique combinations of materials featured in Spyderco's Sprint Runs, one pairing that has been exceptionally well received is the fusion of a CPM CRU-WEAR blade with canvas Micarta handle scales. First introduced on the Shaman Sprint Run featured in Reveal 3 during late 2019, this distinctive combination was soon dubbed "Cru-Carta" by the Spyderco community. It was an instant sensation and the Shaman Sprint Run not only sold out in record time, but also inspired a strong demand for other models to receive the same treatment.
To meet that demand, Spyderco decided to not only apply the "Cru-Carta" theme to the venerable Paramilitary 2, but also make it a part of their regular product line instead of a limited production Sprint Run. First announced in Reveal 7 early this year, this stunning knife is now a reality.
This elite version of the Paramilitary 2 showcases 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 features less carbon and chromium than D2, but more vanadium and tungsten. This finely tuned balancing of elements promotes the formation of more vanadium carbides in CRU-WEAR, giving it enhanced wear resistance. At the same time, its lower carbon content reduces its overall carbide volume, making it tougher than D2. Despite the reduced carbon content, CRU-WEAR also has a higher attainable hardness than D2 (up to HRC 65), thanks to the secondary hardening response created by the tungsten and molybdenum in its alloy mix. CRU-WEAR also tempers at a higher temperature range than D2 (900-1050°F versus 400-600°F), so it is more compatible with nitriding, PVD coating, and similar surface treatments. It readily retains its hardness after these processes, making it a more suitable substrate than D2.
Although CRU-WEAR was initially produced as a traditional ingot steel, in its current form, it is a CPM (Crucible Particle Metallurgy) steel. In this process, the 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—or separation—of elements that often happens in ingot steels. This fine powder is then collected in steel containers that are sealed and hot isostatically pressed (HIP) at extremely high temperature and pressure. The HIP process bonds the particles into a solid steel, which is then processed in a mill to enhance its toughness and yield the desired finished thickness. Thanks to this process, CPM CRU-WEAR takes full advantage of its sophisticated alloy composition and offers an extremely fine, homogenous microstructure.
Capitalizing on CPM CRU-WEAR's exceptional qualities, the PlainEdge blade of the "Cru-Carta" Paramilitary 2 is full-flat ground and beautifully satin finished for exceptional edge geometry and low-friction cutting performance. It also includes a fully accessible Trademark Round Hole for swift, ambidextrous, one-handed opening.
The other defining feature of this elite knife is its handle, which features brown canvas Micarta scales supported by full skeletonized stainless steel liners. Like other Paramilitary 2s, this knife's liners form the foundation of its high-strength Compression Lock mechanism and anchor its fully configurable four-position pocket clip, but they 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 to create 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 patina—or change color—with age, handling, and use. Over time, this venerable process will give the knife great character that reflects the rich tradition behind its design. Seasoned knife enthusiasts know 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 anticipated knives Spyderco has produced in some time. They are working hard to increase the production capacity of their US factory to get as many of these out into the market as possible, but satisfying the demand will take some time. Trust us, though, as it is well worth the wait.