Is the Para really that good?

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Marc9910

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Apr 25, 2007
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I was all set to get the Manix 2 and was about to place an order. I just wanted to check if there were any more reviews about it but I keep coming across these threads about how good the Para is.

Is the Para really that good?

Which would make the better camp knife?
 
I had a Para and got rid of it. I just could not get used to the lock mech. Don't get me wrong, the knife was top shelf for fit & finish. The knife and I just did not make a match. I was way better off with the Military.
 
Get a Para and a Military, then decide which folder is for you.
I like a FB for a camp knife, btw.
The Para is my edc.
 
Lycosa said:
Get a Para and a Military, then decide which folder is for you.
I like a FB for a camp knife, btw.
The Para is my edc.
Click to expand...

(I'm sorry for hijacking this thread)
Lycosa,

What would you recommend for a FB camp knife and how big of a blade? I'm looking into the Hossom woodlander for a camp knife but there is very little information about them.
 
Sang--- There are many excellent "camps" available. Shop around. Blade size depends on use, as you know. I have a Bark River.
Have fun.;)
 
the para that i have is smooth as silk, but for a camp knife, i would lean towards the bark river or a rat cutlery knife, probably the 4 or 5.
 
Between the Para and the Manix2, I'd have to go Para.

Better steel, and arguably a better lock. But both are excellent.

I just ordered another Para and I will have to start another Para thread soon. ;):p
 
I LOVE my Para. Its a great little knife but I'm not sure I would call it "camp knife". If I was trying to use a folder as a camp knife I'd probably stick to my Military.

I would much rather have a fixed blade as a camp knife though. My Becker BK2, Scrap Yard Scrapper 5, or (gonna order it soon!) a RAT RC-4 would be my choices for camping or hiking. If you wanted something smaller in a fixed blade to carry I suggest a RAT Izula, Becker BK11, or something like the Spyderco Swick.

What use will it have as a camp knife?
 
The Para has a following like many of Spyderco's models such as the Police and Military.
Both the Para and Manix 2 are great knives. However, you might have to hold them in person and perhaps even use them to decide which one is better for you. Unfortunately, buying both and returning the one you didn't like as much would not be economical for most.
As for my own preference, I would take the Manix 2 overall. The 154cm steel has proven great for working. I can't say I've noticed much difference from S30V or VG-10. S30V is the current standard for production knives, but I have a hard time justifying paying more for it.
I personally prefer the caged ball lock over the compression lock. The ergos also suit me better. The hollow grind works great for almost all cutting chores. I find that I don't miss a full flat grind.
What does this tell you? Well, not everyone is the same, I guess. :p
Is the Para a great knife? Yes. Is it the better camp knife for you? I guess you may just have to get one and find out.
 
Paramilitary is outstanding. Very good knife with great solid lock up and the nice flat ground blade we like form Spyderco. If I could only keep a few knives this would be one of them. I have the original S30V and the D-2 versions. Really prefer the D-2 one just because....:)
 
I've had my D2 para for a week thus far. It's a little beast of a knife: very strong, sharp and just big enough to get most tasks done. The fit/finish is as good as I've seen from Spyderco.
 
I have had a millie for a while and I just bought a Para. It is an outstanding knife, it didn't revolutionize the world but it is my new favorite knife.
 
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