Griptilian / Para Military

[Hair]

I SIMPLY DONT TRUST SPRINGS.

The Para lock is a leaf spring.

They actually usually wear out faster than coil springs.

In the case of the Axis and Compression locks, the springs will last a very long time.

I prefer the Military to the Grip, but I do not like the Para. I strongly dislike the Compression lock. Play with one (and an Axis) and decide if it is for you.

 

[Steven Andrews]

I had a Para very briefly. I couldn't get on with the compression lock and I generally prefer my knives' handles to be simple, with no finger grooves or choils.
I use Benchmade Axis locks almost exclusively and have never had a spring break. I don't believe that "not trusting springs" is a valid reason to disregard the Axis lock. There are a lot of guys around the world entrusting their lives in rifles that are full of springs.

 

[jimmy123]

i just got para and I have been through a strider, BM, and finally spyderco.

I like the para military the best, its feels very sturdy and tough in your hand and the coil are awesome for grip. The lock locks very tight too. I also love the g-10 grips, VERY NICE KNIFE...get it if you want something that won't let you down and will stay concrete in many situations.

 

[lambertiana]

I have a Para and two different mini-Grips, and I have handled a full size grip on a number of occasions. Both have their strengths, and, as you can see from previous posts, opinions vary widely.

That being said, I prefer the Para. It is hard to describe, but it just feels more like it belongs in my hand. I can open and close it easier than the Grip, too. The only time I would take a Grip over a Para is if I were doing a lot of work that required a good belly to the blade.

 

[Blop]

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.

Without any facts or experiences, just based on thoughts, how should this held any further?

Based on wich fact is an axis not as strong as a beefyx back lock? How beefy? 6mm, or 4?

I did destroy an average back lock with five spine whacks completly and still miss the part, that blow away somewhere in our flat. The 550 took this with no weakness and still is like first day.

There are thousands of threads about the pros and cons of locks and i personally like the compression because every part is solid compared to the omega springs. The Lock discussion is strongly leaded by personal views and feelings, that i doubt, we will find a helpful conclusion here.

I do use axis knives without any spring problem and i have stored a thread about making new springs by myself.

So, besides any cosmetics, like feels plastic, i do prefer the 550 handle because it is not that groovy. It feels great in any position. The Para just did feel good in one, the short position. I don´t like overthoutout handles. Comfortable simplicity is one of Mel Pardues design aspects on Benchmades i adore. Be it the Grip, be it the 520. But that is just me.

The Paras edge is very well thought out. It peels great and cuts anything else great. But i did miss a straight part for more precise cuts. Again, just me.

Conclusion:

Locks:

Both are strong and secure, itis your personal view, which to prefer.

Handle:

Your hands decide. You will hardly tell from one single grip, which is better. The Para comes with a good feeling on first grip but the Griptilian excels on the longer run. Take time for that.

Blade:

Hard to tell from just handling both. Follow your heart.

Steel:

154CM or S30V is not much of a difference.

Price / Performance:

Griptilian! All the love from Benchmade in knifemaking with a clear, very well executed concept at a relative low price. :thumbup:

 

[DaveH]

hmm, I may sound like a broken record... the small ritter grip is the way to go IMO. widir blade, better steel, same length blade as the para, but in a overall smaller knife.