BM 940 or Spyderco Para? Also a steel question..

Masteroffajitas

Masteroffajitas

BANNED
Joined
Oct 7, 2008
Messages
2,412
I've gotten two trade offer, one being the 940. The other, the para.

Both are in really nice condition, but I cannot decide....Help me choose, what's feels better, which has the better lock. Better warranty? Steel?

Also, between s30v, cpm d2, and cpm 154, what's the order from 1-3 in what's hardest? 1 being softest.
 
D2, S30V, 154 in terms of edge holding. 154 seems to get keener than S30V for me and S30V than D2 but D2 holds the edge the longest. I like all the steels, can't really go wrong with any unless you have specific needs.

I handled the 940 a couple times and it is pretty nice. It's a looker, and it has a nice solid feel. The Para is like a tank, though, with its thick G10 handles. I think the AXIS and Comp. lock are tied for strength but the Comp. seems like it aught to be more reliable (no omega springs).
 
Both are quality knives, so you can't go wrong with either. Both are backed by solid warranties. The axis lock has a lot of fans here, but in my experience the compression lock is just as good.

930 - Nice and slim, slick action, looks sexy.
Para - Fantastic ergonomics

They are very different knives. Personally, I find the Para easier to open and close. I really like the compression lock. The Para handle is built for hard use, and is very comfortable. I like the Para better.

For steel choice, if you live in a humid climate or will be getting the blade wet all the time S30V may be the better choice. D2 is semi-stainless and pits. I don't have any experience with CPM D2, so I don't know if it behaves much different from regular D2. The CPM D2 reportedly gives a little better edgeholding, but it probably wouldn't be very noticeable for the average user.
 
The 930 sits in the pocket much better than the Para. It also has a more stout blade tip. Far less chance of snapping off a tip if you like stab at things.

But I find the Para to be a much better "using knife". It cuts better, and doesn't look like hell if you accidentally skid it across a concrete floor. And G-10 is much "grippier" than aluminum. The tip is a bit delicate, but is awesome for precision cutting.
 
Title: Gingered Spam Salad
Categories: Salads, Go-withs, Misc.
Yield: 1 Servings

1 cn Spam, sliced matchstick size
1/4 c Finely chopped ginger root
1 ea Small red onion, finely
Chopped
1/2 ts Garlic powder
1/4 c Freshly squeezed lime juice
Zest of 1 lime
1/2 ts Oriental dried chili powder
1/4 c Chopped cilantro leaves
8 ea Cherry tomatoes
Thai bird peppers and
Cilantro sprigs to garnish

Combine all ingredients in a sealed glass or plastic container to
marinate. Refrigerate at least two hours or preferably overnight.
Stir or shake occasionally to evenly coat. One hour before serving,
stir in cilantro. Serve on a bed of torn lettuce of your choice.
Garnish with quartered cherry tomatoes, Thai bird peppers and
cilantro sprigs.

~- Typos courtesy of Wesley Pitts 5/12/95

MMMMM
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Masteroffajitas said:
I've gotten two trade offer, one being the 940. The other, the para.

Both are in really nice condition, but I cannot decide....Help me choose, what's feels better, which has the better lock. Better warranty? Steel?

Also, between s30v, cpm d2, and cpm 154, what's the order from 1-3 in what's hardest? 1 being softest.
Click to expand...

Hardness depends on the heat treat. I believe all of those alloys you named are capable of being heat treated to 60 - 61 HRC.

What you want to ask about, I think, is edge retention.
 
Masteroffajitas said:
I've gotten two trade offer, one being the 940. The other, the para.

Both are in really nice condition, but I cannot decide....Help me choose, what's feels better, which has the better lock. Better warranty? Steel?

Also, between s30v, cpm d2, and cpm 154, what's the order from 1-3 in what's hardest? 1 being softest.
Click to expand...

If it were the 943, I would go with that. Since it's the 940, I'd go with The Para.

If I were to get a 940, I'd just pay for the limited run version outright instead of trading for the regular version. It's got a blue anodized handle instead of the regular green handle and D2 blade instead of 154CM. Much better looking knife, IMO.
 
I'd go with the Para. It doesn't carry very well, as it's a bit far across when closed, but it is nice and thin. I love the blade shape and edge, S30V works better for me than 154 and probably D2, although S30V and D2 are two of my favorite steels. I tend to prefer the axis to the compression, but both are great.

But the thing that really sets these knives apart is the way they feel in my hand. They're both comfortable, but the security of grip the para gives you is nearly unbeatable.

But, anyway, both great.
 
I prefer the compression lock to the axis, and I'm a Spyderco nut. :) My money is on the Spyderco. Better blade shape and ergo's then the 940. Plus D2 is a lot better then 154CM. The latter is (in general) a bit softer, so you won't chip out the edge, but it doesn't hold the edge like D2 will.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top