The original Spyderco Military was introduced in 1996 and quickly became one of the most iconic knives of all time. The knife came about after someone asked founder Sal Glesser what folding knife their son should take into the military.

For nearly three decades, the Military excelled as a lightweight yet hard-use folder you could bet your life on.

However, Spyderco is never a brand to rest on its laurels and finally updated the classic knife into something even better.

Take a look at the Spyderco Military 2.

The second iteration has the same general design with a few much-appreciated quality of life improvements.

Its 4-inch S30V blade now locks with Spyderco’s sturdy Compression Lock that takes the fingers out of the folding path.

The new lock allows for larger stainless steel liners that increase its structural strength. The Military 2 also joins its brethren by offering a four-position pocket clip.

This updated model is essentially a larger Paramilitary 2, which is one of the best compliments you could give a knife.

It’s tough making such a great knife better, but Spyderco somehow did it with the Spyderco Military 2.