ATR vs PMillie vs BM Ares vs BM 520

G

GarageBoy

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May 23, 2003
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I'm considering these as a supplement to my Calypso Jr as part of my NYC legal EDC. This will do what the pure slicer won't. I considered the AFCK, but it was a tad long. I prefer a slim profile, though if it's a little thick, it won't bother me. I don't like that slight recurve of the 710 Thanks!
 
I'd been carrying an Ares in 154 CM. Now I carry the caly Jr. I could not obtain the same edge on the Ares as the Caly came with and I now maintain. Other steels are available in the Ares line, I think D2 and maybe S30V, but these are harder to come by. The Ares was more pleasant open and close but not to use.

I think the Paramilitary is hard to beat in it's size/price class. A serrated Para would make a geat companion to that little slicer of yours.

What do you want to do with this secondary carry blade?
 
Anything I'm afraid would damage the thin edge of the Calypso Jr. (STILL has it's factory edge) I'm considering the D2 Grip, though I REALLY want G10 (Well, the ATR SS is an exception) I'd actually consider the AFCK, since I love the design, but 16 in NYC + huge folder = some punk cop is gonna try to get me into trouble
 
I have a Ritter Grip but find it a little too bulky. The Mini-grips are a better size IMO.
 
For slicing ability to match your Calypso Jr, the Para would be a good partner -great ergo's, flat ground sturdy S30V blade with a strong compresion lock up. I have a plain edge Para that doesn't get much use as I find the 3" blade length a little short for my EDC requirements and I find it a little uncomfortable to carry - its looking for a good home.
 
i would be wary of the ATR, several folks on the forum (me included) have had probs with the blade opening in your pocket due to insufficient detent.

i took a trigger pull gauge and fastened it on my ATR and my BM 806 to test pressure needed to open it ( i know i know not scientific, but does prove a point, to me anyway) the 806 took about 2 lbs to open, the ATR didnt even hardly register FWIW, i would be wary of the SS ATR's, MAYBE the ti is diff but i have had 2 compression lock spydercos do the same ( ATR and a gunting) so maybe it has something to do w/the lock design??

too bad cause i love the design, fits my hand great, but a folder that opens in your pocket isnt a good thing imho
 
All of the knives that you're considering are very good ones, but I think the Axis-lock is the decision maker.

So I will recommend either of the Benchmades over the Spyderco.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
I think the ATR is fine. The detent was more than enough to keep the knife in safe working order.

SIFU1A: Have you sent your ATR in to Spyderco yet? You complain on nearly every thread involving the compression lock, but you seem to refuse to get someone to look at it to fix it for you...
 
I have a bunch of AXIS BM's and lots of Spyderco's but the one I carry the most is the Para Military. I have really grown to like the compression lock. It's fun to depress the lock allowing you to flip the blade open and closed similar to an Axis. It's light, thin profile and cuts really well.
 
If I go with a G10 BM, I don't know what's left!
The SS ATR fits my hands nicely, though it's not G10
 
i would be wary of the ATR, several folks on the forum (me included) have had probs with the blade opening in your pocket due to insufficient detent.
Click to expand...

I think there may be a 'run' of these knives out there. I went to a dealer to look at one, and it felt weak, but I don't know if I was predisposed to the problem. Besides, who wants the hassle of having to send it back.
 
GB, I would stick with the Calypso Jr. for NYC EDC, it looks less weaponish and the lock backs are a little harder to flick open (which is often considered to be an illegal “gravity knife” by the NYPD). I would also suggest carrying “deep pocket” instead of clipped, so that the cops don’t see it and you won’t get called on it.


Save the money for a spare Calypso Jr. and a Sharpmaker..



- Frank
 
Thanks, I already got the full size Spyderco benchstones, so I'll be working on those. Rolling Lock with InDraft sounds useful (keeps the blade in)
 
One of my favorite knives is my 733-01 Ares. Unfortunately, I don't dare carry it for fear that I'll get stopped by a cop somewhere. Tight pivot or not, the best I could hope for is confiscation. Buy one for the aesthetics, but don't carry it around in NYC. The only knife I use in public now is a SAK. It really is that bad. A friend of mine runs a knife store in Queens (well, it's not so much a knife store anymore). He had every single Benchmade in stock confiscated by officers who insisted (among other preposterous things) that Benchmades were only legal for LEOs and the military. He recently had another batch of NY's finest come in and give him a hard time about some Gil Hibben stuff. Bad times, man. Stay with the Calypso Jr. I'm 22 and I still won't carry a knife I care about losing.
 
A Spyderco UK Pen Knife is another possibility for a NYC EDC (if you can find one), the non locking blade should sidestep the “gravity knife” issue.



- Frank
 
GB, have you handled an endura before? It's got a 4 inch blade, but is really light. no G10 tho'. A fully serrated Endura makes a fantastic rescue, farm, outdoors knife...plus has excellent SD mechanics. Only $45 as well. The Endura was my first spyderco.

The other suggestion I have is the Benchmade 635 (out in 2 months). That's going to be my only production knife for this year. I love it already.

As for the paramilitary...not sure if you will take to the compression lock. Handle is quite big as well, and the clip is not deep enough.
 
I love the Compression Lock. Handled an ATR at the NYCKS couldnt put it down. Spyken, can the PMillie be tightened down to be unflickable?
 
a bit difficult, cos the pivot screw requires two set(s) of torx drivers the same time. it's still possible I'm sure. my ball detent is quite strong right now, so I've not been able to flick it open. the para is not a slim package tho' but is very strong due to the 4mm blade (altho it suffers the same affliction as any other spydie tips) and the strong G10 and nested liners configuration. If you're getting the para, get the serrated version - looks great.
 
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