Better Lock...Para Mil or Military

I think just the opposite actually. The compression lock by the way its compressed at the contact, at least in my mind indicates to me it should be stronger. I don't think strength is an issue with either one of them. In my mind again, reliability would be higher in the compression lock as well. Overall I think the Compression lock by Spyderco is an improvement all around to the liner lock. I saw draw backs with some models with the 'pinch' that some would give the meaty portion of your index finger a sting now and then. For me the Yojimbo model was particularly bad for this while others never seemed to be bothered by it. I've had a couple others here that it was an issue with. Yet with others, probably just due to different ergos and my hand I have never had the pinch happen one time. The Para Military for example is a flawless knife for me. The ATR was a great knife and I really liked everything about that one (well, except the pocket clip.:D) I've got one of the Spyderco S models that also uses this and its never been a problem for me there either. Go figure.

Anyway, to get back to subject. I think the Compression is the better lock personally. Its just my opinion though.

STR
 
I think you are comparing apples to pineapples. Many would argue the Military has one of the best liner locks around. Even though it not a full liner, it's very strong compared to some other knife companies. I've done some spine whacks on a 2x4 and the lock did nto fail or move at all.
The Para also has a very strong lock up. Some had said tha you will probably end up destroying the knife before the lock fails. I doubt I will ever have to use a knife that hard, but it's reassuring. I do not know about the Yobimbo, I missed that model entirely.
 
While arguing about actual strength under use might be a moot point, since both locks are aqequately strong, you can't ignore the intangible perception that a given lock conveys. In my experience, having owned and used both I can honestly say that the Paramilitary's lock inspires waaaay more confidence from a purely subjective point of view.

It's kind of like Cold Steel's Tri-Ad lock: Are you gonna need a kinfe to lock up that tight? Probably not, but it's still something to brag about, and the confidence it inspires is comforting.
 
For me this discussion is a bit like me asking what rifle has the highest muzzle energy between a .577 Trex or .700 Nitro Express? It is a silly question considering that I am never going to need that sort of power for hunting paper targets and occasionally a deer, nor do I want to submit this body to that sort of damage.

Both knives have very strong locks. Perhaps some of you guys use them hard enough to have a legitimate concern which is stronger...I know both are vastly over designed for my needs.

Sorry for the distraction. I can understand the desire to know which is stronger...but please understand that if you do something to make the lock fail on either knife...you should not be using a folder to begin with IMO.
 
All great replies. I was just wondering why they picked different locks for the same knife series.. and which one is a superior or stronger lock
 
The Para Military is one of my favorite designs. Packs the Military into a possible EDC blade. However, I hate the compression lock. I would pick up a Para with a liner lock. I think the lock on the Military is very tough, but the older one that I had had a better lock than my new model. It just felt better. I still use my Military without any problems though.
 
I don´t know what "system" that is "better" or stronger but the compression lock hurts a little bit when I put some hard use on the Para.
 
I really like both locks in these examples, and neither has shown me any reason to be distrustful under hard use. Maybe the compression lock is a bit more confidence inspiring, but IMO much of that stems from its uniqueness. A lot of people seem to have issue with the liner lock and its reliability, but Spyderco's execution of it puts it in a whole different category than any other liner lock I have.
 
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I believe the compression lock is much stronger than the liner lock. I also believe I have seen Sal say this.

Considering how these two locks are built, it makes sense to me.
 
From what I understand, and I may be wrong. Spyderco used a liner lock on the Military because they wanted more of a flow through design to simplify maintenance and usability.
 
I'd trust my Para more than my Military because the liner lock on my Military moves some and the Para has no movement at all. On my Military the liner sits dead centered on the blade and if you put pressure on the spine of the blade the liner moves over even with the left side of the blade (if you are looking down into the body of the knife = edge facing you).

Plus my Para is slicker than two eels in a bucket of snot when opening...My Military not so much...
 
Quality control > Lock mechanism.

:)

I love well executed liner locks due to the ease of closing one handed (for me) and out of habit.
 
There is no doubt to me....the Para lock is superior. I don't even by liner locks anymore. The Ti Military with Framlock is awesome by the way.
 
Ed Gordon said:
There is no doubt to me....the Para lock is superior. I don't even by liner locks anymore. The Ti Military with Framlock is awesome by the way.
Click to expand...

Yeah if I had my ruthers I'd have the Para in a traditional frame lock over the compression lock. You take what you can get though. As it is the Para is still one of the best models Spyderco ever offered IMO. Frame lock the compression lock on the Para its even closer. Make it traditional for an option and you'll set the world on fire though!

STR
 
The Compression lock is stronger by far. Even though, Spyderco makes some of the best liner locks in the business.
 
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