An alternative to compromising the paramilitary

[docboy]

Well guys, I posted this over at the Spyderco forums, but I figure some of you might have an opinion to offer on this subject so here's something to consider.

I just read the paramilitary thread, most notably when STR and some of the other guys were talking about a smaller blade, and maybe making a new blade to fill that niche. I think that this alternative should be emphasized: don't adapt the Paramilitary to dilute original survival purpose.

I know the Kiwi is one of the most sheeple friendly Spyderco's out there, so maybe focus on making a larger version of it? Another modification that would be useful is to make a "partial belly" on the front part of the knife. Why? The Dodo is a terrific utility knife, but the front tip is a little fragile--part of mine broke off while cutting boxes. The Captain has a terrific "chisel-like" front which allows for controlled cuts that are ideal for package opening. Combine the two, and a great geometry will result. Obviously, this knife that I propose is geared more toward urban, day-to-day, office-nkp-friendly use.

A rough profile of the blade shape is included. The other handle and top-profile shapes are just to start the ball rolling. I really want to emphasize the utility of this shape--this is not a "gimmick grind" or anything like that. The front part would be ideal for package opening / push cutting / controlled cuts, while the straight part can be used for everything else (cutting strings / pull cuts). (The straight part could even be serrated.) So in this way, it is similar to the Captain. However, I see this design as a less "premium" knife that the average joe would go for, like an Endura or Native, but geared toward the office worker's needs.

I know this type of blade works: my dad used to have a letter opener of this blade shape and it was terrifically useful, except the steel quality was just abysmal. I think that the Paramilitary should retain its function as a compact survival knife without compromise, and this knife can be unapologetically utilitarian in a more urban setting. I know Spyderco has recently released smaller knives, but I think this has a credible place in the lineup for office professionals, filling in the gap the Dodo left with a sheeple-friendly design. Plus, with a blade length of 2.5" to 3", it could be widely used, even (if 2.5") in Boston!

Here's the design:

 

[kgriggs8]

I consider the Para to be just a few steps away from being almost perfect. It is almost, almost perfect. I had a couple of them but I didn't find them "right", they are close and at times I thought they were almost perfect but they were not. I can't wait to see what the Para II looks like. I think pretty much any change would improve it as long as the keep the blade fully flat ground.

I would like to see a liner lock like on the military, anything but the compression lock which I can't stand. A more compact simpler handle. All those strange bumps and valleys just feel weird in any grip. Get rid of the choil and make the blade almost all edge. It is a small blade anyway so why not make use of every inch of it?

 

[docboy]

Hi kgriggs8, thanks for the feedback.

Yeah, I'm not proposing this as an alternative design for the Para, but a design so that the Para can stay just as you love it (with minor improvements). I mean for this knife to fulfill all the other requests from other "Spyderites" for a smaller blade; you know, return the purity of the Para while addressing size concerns with a different knife.

The handle is variable, hence the question marks (also, question marks on top of blade in case people don't like Wharncliffe's). I just picked the Native-style handle, because I figure it's the most common and feasible, should this become a reality. Also, chalk up the strange bumps and valleys on the handle to me being a poor artist (but again, the handle can be whatever, I just wanted to introduce the blade shape and its utility). Yeah, I definitely agree with using as much of the blade as possible (like the Shabaria!), but I just feel that a choil could be good for NKP and the sometimes more detailed cutting required in an urban office setting.