Cost of Spyderco Para Military

M

mdarby

Joined
Apr 10, 2005
Messages
87
Hello,

I am in the market for a new larger EDC for weekends. Current rotation includes BM Griptilian, BM 710D2, Kershaw R.A.M., Spyderco Native and Spyderco Endura Wave.

It seems like the Spyderco Para Military is very well regarded. I am trying to see one live before I make a final decision, but one question I had was regarding its price. It is more expensive than the other knives I mentioned, in some cases by a fair margin. For example, about 2x the BM Grip and even more than the BM 710D2.

Is this just good market positioning by Spyderco -- establishing the Para Military as a premium product, or do the cost of materials and labor justify the differences?

Thanks for you opinions. This forum definitely helps fuel my desire for more knives than I could possibly actually "need."

MBD
 
mdarby said:
Hello,

I am in the market for a new larger EDC for weekends. Current rotation includes BM Griptilian, BM 710D2, Kershaw R.A.M., Spyderco Native and Spyderco Endura Wave.
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There's an old but decent review of the Kershaw RAM compared to a para in the knife review section, if you wanted I could post the link up for ya. As far as pricing goes I do not know how they figure it, but it would be almost impossible for someone besides a company rep. to answer that cause, the law of supply and demand, cost of labor and materials, shipping, and some other expenses all play a role in deciding a MRSP. Which is then varied by the retailers.
 
I have found the price of the 710, para mili and mili to be comparative at most places.
 
The Para is a somewhat popular model offered by Spyderco, hence the price tag. Spyderco as a company wants to make a profit, when they have a model that is one of their staple products then the price won't be low nor will it be ridiculously high. I must say that I was put off by the price on the Para, until I read all the good things about the knife.

Comparing the Para to the knives you listed, you will find that the Para will have better fit and finish. I spent more for my Benchmade Mini Rukus than I did for my Para, and the fit and finish is higher on the Para. I love my Mini Rukus, but it doesn't even compare to the quality of the Spyderco Para Military. From my experience, you will find that Spyderco typically prices their products based on the market whereas a company like Benchmade decides to just charge a high price for their knives, because they're "benchmades." Kershaw have good products around the same price of the Para that have near equal fit and finish, but in my experience Benchmade does not.
 
In my opinion it comes down to personal preference and if you feel it is worth it to you. I have a 710 and a paramilitary and I feel that the para is worth the price. I also feel that when it comes to performance, the griptilian and 710 are two of the best bang for your buck folders on the market. The edge and tip on the para are probably a little thinner. My para was the sharpest knife out of the box that I ever got. And it also held its initial edge longer than any other knife I have as well. For the longest time I thought it was ugly and not worth the money, that is until I bought one and it is now, IMO, one of the best folders on the market, no matter what price range you are looking at.
 
mdarby said:
It seems like the Spyderco Para Military is very well regarded. I am trying to see one live before I make a final decision, but one question I had was regarding its price. It is more expensive than the other knives I mentioned, in some cases by a fair margin. For example, about 2x the BM Grip and even more than the BM 710D2.
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Please, keep in the mind that Para has full flat grind S30V blade. Steel and grind is more expensive on Para. Will you benefit from this steel and grind, all depends on your applications and preferences.
I personally, would take full flat grind S30v blade over saber grind D2 at any time.
 
"I am in the market for a new larger EDC for weekends"

The para milli is smaller that the other knives you carry. The handle is big for the size of the blade which has both pros and cons. The para handle is roughly the size of the handle of the 710 with a blade about an inch shorter. The Spyderco military may suit your needs.
 
The para is only 3in so if you want a large folder get a millie. The millie and para millie IMO are spydercos best knives and some of the overall best pocket knives you can own. Its only a 20 or 30 dollar difference than the cost of a 710, your lucky to be able to get knives like the millie and 710 at the rather low price they can be had for. IMO they are worth their MSRP.
 
Thanks for the feedback, it sounds like $120 is in line with the quality of the product and the reality of its popularity.

hwpaintballer: I really like the R.A.M. so would appreciate a link to a comparison review.
 
Para is one of the best knives Spyderco offers, and also one of the best knives on the market for the money. It's tough, reliable, and an excellent slicer. It can't cook, but what more can you ask for?
 
I paid $145 shipped from New Graham about a month ago for my Paramilitary. Probably could have gotten it cheaper somewhere else, but I like New Graham and would rather spend a little more with them than somewhere I don't know.

Great knife and one that I think will be in my pocket for years to come.
 
Remember that Spyderco has set margins for what they charge. The price you pay (more accurately, what the dealers pay, they can charge whatever they want) is directly tied to the cost of manufacture.
 
Another factor in the P-Millie's cost is the machining that is required for the compression lock. IIRC, Sal said in a long ago post that it takes quite a bit more effort to get the compression locks manufactured to correct specifications and then to get them installed and "tweaked" on each individual Para before it leaves the shop.
 
If you get it, you'll love it. My D2 Para is one of my all time favorite EDC but the S30v should be a keeper too. Check out the Exchange forums. A Para just sold this week for $85
 
I really like my Para. Out of all my Spyderco's its got the best lock-up and is smooth, smooth, smooth. My Police3 will give it a run for its money in lock-up but its no where near as smooth to open.

The Para is super light weight and the egro's of the knife really allow you to put some power behind that blade. Its a great cutter because of the full flat grind and because of the amount of belly in the blade.

I only wish the pocket clip was different...I rather have a smaller one. I guess they wanted to save some $ by using the same clip as the Millie.
 
Joshua J. said:
Remember that Spyderco has set margins for what they charge. The price you pay (more accurately, what the dealers pay, they can charge whatever they want) is directly tied to the cost of manufacture.
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First you have fixed margins, meaning they don't arbitrarily inflate the price to make it seem "premium" at all.

Next you have G-10 with about 30% more fiberglass fill then normal. This is custom made for Spyderco and pricey.

After that you have the mechanics of the knife. Giving S30V a full flat grind is especially tough on belts and equipment. The compression lock if finicky as mentioned previously in this thread. The liners are nested into the G-10 handles, further increasing the cost.
 
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