Griptilian / Para Military

R

raja

Joined
Nov 2, 2005
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I'd appreciate comparisons on the Griptilian and Paramilitary. Is the Para worth the extra $40? The knife will be used for general duties.

Thanks Raja
 
Hard to describe how the para "feels" better to me. I own a grip, but have handled the para and the regular miliary. The griptilian has a plasticy feel to it. It even sounds plasticy when it snaps open. Still, it is a good knife and I REALLY like the lockup on the one I own. The para's handle is more solid in feel and I like the design better. I also like the steel on the para. The lockup is different though. The example I held was fairly solid, but the axis locks I've used and owned just seem more consistently solid and satisfying.

I think the para is worth the money...but I wish it had an axis lock??? Something like that...
 
The para isn't worth it to me. There's lots of talk about "plasticky feel" to the Grip, but I've never heard of a handle failure in them. Amazing knife for the price.

Phil
 
phatch said:
The para isn't worth it to me. There's lots of talk about "plasticky feel" to the Grip, but I've never heard of a handle failure in them. Amazing knife for the price.

Phil
Click to expand...

Good point. My handle has held up fine. The 3/4 liners help it no doubt.
 
I love my Para. It's probably the best medium-sized tactical folder I've ever used. But the Grip is a great knife also, with probably the superior locking mechanism.

I'm betting that your ultimate happiness will come down to the finger choil on the Para. Some people love the finger choil, some hate it. Not much inbetween. I personally don't even bother with tactical folders anymore, that don't have a finger choil. I find them that useful and that comfortable.

For a rather lengthy review of the Para, take a look here:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=398956
 
I love my Para, probably my favorite EDC knife right now. Flat grind with great steel, G-10 and the compression lock. What's not to like? The Grip, buttery smooth action, Axis lock, D2 steel, another winner. I have'em both, they each have different personalities, but if I had to have only one... I'd take the Para, hands down! JMHO...
 

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TxTroubleMaker said:
I love my Para, probably my favorite EDC knife right now. Flat grind with great steel, G-10 and the compression lock. What's not to like? The Grip, buttery smooth action, Axis lock, D2 steel, another winner. I have'em both, they each have different personalities, but if I had to have only one... I'd take the Para, hands down! JMHO...
Click to expand...


Where did you come by those pocket clips? They aren't the "original equipment" ones.

Thanks
 
STR did the lefty tip up conversion and Ti low ride clip on the Para and made the Ti low ride clip for the BM as well...
 
Tx, the aspect on your picture makes the Griptilian handle look longer than the Para, while in fact the Para handle is a tad longer. The difference in blade length is not as great as the picture seems to show.

I have a Para and a couple of the mini Griptilians. I think which one you like better will depend on your handle preferences (both shape and material) more than anything else. Both have good blades and locks.

I was never one for the finger choil until the Para. With the Para the choil feels quite natural and useful.
 
As the Paramilitary comes from the factory it is uncomfortable during hard use because of the edge of the clip sticks up into the palm of a right hand user.
It also blocks most of your pocket if carried by the clip.
STR, can make a variety of colored clips and position them so that both problems are eliminated and then the Para is nearly perfect.

The Griptillians are wonderful heavy duty lightweight knives. The composite handle material is nearly indestructible and is backed up by stainless steel liners. Most of their criticism seems to come from types who have never actually owned one.
Does anyone know of any other knives that come in as many sizes and blade shape variations as the Griptillians ?

They are both great knives which I am glad to EDC.
 
Id take the Para hands down. I personally dont much care for the axis lock. It isnt nearly as strong as the lock back on the pars. It also has springs that can wear down. Its fine for light duty but i just dont trust them . I had a grip and sold it.

i also beleive the para to be a better cutter.


jsut my .2 cents.


Good luck
 
I own a mini ritter grip and I will share my views on it.

The plastic handles does not feel cheap to me at all. It feels tough and robust.

I love the Axis lock. It locks up tight and your fingers are not in the blade's way when you unlock it.

I never handled a para miltary before, so I can't make a fair comparison though
 
I have owned both.

They're SO different...I mean, outside of overall length (and only when open), these are totally different.

The para on the left, grip on the right:
G10 versus FRN
110 versus 55
S30V versus 440C
Finger choil versus regular handle
Compression lock versus axis lock

etc etc etc. Basically, what I'm getting at is play with them and you're going to find a clear winner for you. Personally, I think the para is worth the extra 50 if you've got it. However, the consistency of para quality is way under that of grips. Many griptillians have passed through my hands, all perfect, and I've seen plenty of paras (including my own), and maybe half of them are flawed. No big deal though, if you see the knife in person or have NGK check it out for you.

In response to razor: the axis lock is plenty strong, as is the compression lock. Compression locks (like all liner locks) DO suffer wear (like the springs in other locks, including the axis lock). However, the omega springs are replaceable in an axis lock knife. Also, the para isn't a lockback.
 
razorsdescen said:
I personally dont much care for the axis lock. It isnt nearly as strong as the lock back on the pars. It also has springs that can wear down.
Click to expand...

that's strange, I've had an Ares for something like 6 years, and I do inertial openings and have used it quite hard without lock wear or spring failure. I also have an M2 rittergrip, 530, and 806D2 with no problems.
 
hardheart said:
that's strange, I've had an Ares for something like 6 years, and I do inertial openings and have used it quite hard without lock wear or spring failure. I also have an M2 rittergrip, 530, and 806D2 with no problems.
Click to expand...


I said it was my opinion.

The same way i dont edc a an AO anymore. It might not ever break on me but i fear that it would.

Im not claiming any failure on mine at all.

I SIMPLY DONT TRUST SPRINGS.:(

And im simply stating that its not as strong as a beefy frame lock or lock back.

Im sure it is perfectly reliable, just not my cup of tea.
 
I own a 550 Grip and as much as I try to carry others, it keeps ending up in my pocket. Just a great knife from 440C, 154CM or D2.
 
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