Is the Para really that good?

Just to add a dissenting voice: I can't say that I really care for mine. I like the compression lock and the D2 steel, but the handle isn't all that comfortable to me and the blade/handle ratio is poor. Also I prefer tip-up, so I will have to drill and tap it to suit me.

Construction is first rate, I just don't care for the design. No big deal, there are tons of other Spydercos that I love.
 
Unless you can tell the difference between steels (I can't) or you "need" FFG (I don't) my vote is for the M2. This knife is a workhorse of a knife and is only $80.00... It just can't be beat.

Thankfully its made in America and not a shitty knife from Tawain (JK).

5.56, I respect your opinions, can you let me know why you feel the compression lock is better? Thanks.

Paul
 
Paul- The compression lock and the caged ball lock have both proven to be very strong locks. I personally favor the compression lock due to it's closed retention and ease of use one handed. The CBL is not as easy to operate with one hand.
 
I personally really like both knives. For a camp knife, id get a fixed blade though--this depends on your camp chores of course. For just regular cutting use I would probably be a bit bias towards the miltary just because it fits my hand so well and I really like the d2 on the blade. Full flat ground is another positive. Tough choice, but i think both will work great.
 
Manix 2 is probably as good as it gets for a quality, USA-made knife around 3 inch blade - great lock, typical Spyderco ergos and fairly light for how heavy-duty it is - however, the initial blade stock is a fair amount thinner than the Para. The Para is easier to close one-handed. Both IMO, from factory, have less detent than I would like.

Personally, overall, I like the Military (stock) - the Para only fits my hands with a little reduction to the tail "hump" and index-choke-up choil - some sandpaper and a good quality filtration mask would be necessary for that though. The Manix 2 fits my hand well, if not quite as well as the Military.

For camping, you can't go wrong with a SAK, a Mora, and a small hatchet. A good saw (folding or otherwise) would be a good addition.
 
The Para is by far the most used spydie I have(23 and counting), I carry it everyday and use it for all sorts of things. The compression lock should be a staple on all knives. I would not use it as a camp knife however, you should use a good fixed blade so you can baton wood and perform other hard use tasks. Just my opinion.
Thanks
 
Which folder has sold the best... Military or Para Military? I'd like to see the numbers.
 
Lycosa said:
Which folder has sold the best... Military or Para Military? I'd like to see the numbers.
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If I had to bet, it would be the Military easily.
Sorry Lycosa, I'm single handedly trying to change this though. :p:D
 
Paul 883215 said:
Unless you can tell the difference between steels (I can't) or you "need" FFG (I don't) my vote is for the M2. This knife is a workhorse of a knife and is only $80.00... It just can't be beat.

Thankfully its made in America and not a shitty knife from Tawain (JK).

Thanks.

Paul
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Where can you buy Para's for $80.00? That's a deal!:thumbup:
 
Standard satin finished Para's used to go for $80-$90 on eBay.

Now it looks like only the serrated ones can be had around that price.
 
I would vote for the mlitary over the para. The lick on the para licks up well but blade detent is very poor.
 
tomsch said:
I would vote for the mlitary over the para. The lick on the para licks up well but blade detent is very poor.
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:confused: How often do you lick your knives?

For me the blade detent is okay, it could be a little bit stronger but I wouldn't want it too much more.
 
Thanks for the replies so far. I should clarify myself, when I say camp knife. I don't intend on battoning wood, that is what I use an axe for. A camp knife for me is more of a general purpose knife that can step up to bigger tasks if needed, maybe at most cutting heavy duty rope/cord, pvc piping, soft building materials, skinning and cutting meat and soft bone etc.

I have a Tenacious which I love but I am after a nicer steel, thicker blade and a more durable designed lock. I think the Tenacious would be able to comfortably perform about 70% of my requirements but I just "need" something a little more robust knowing that it will last. Is the Para or Manix 2 this knife or do you have another suggestion?

Regards
 
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Marc9910 said:
Thanks for the replies so far. I should clarify myself, when I say camp knife. I don't intend on battoning wood, that is what I use an axe for. A camp knife for me is more of a general purpose knife that can step up to bigger tasks if needed, maybe at most cutting heavy duty rope/chord, pvc piping, soft building materials, skinning and cutting meat and soft bone etc.

I have a Tenacious which I love but I am after a nicer steel, thicker blade and a more durable designed lock. I think the Tenacious would be able to comfortably perform about 70% of my requirements but I just "need" something a little more robust knowing that it will last. Is the Para or Manix 2 this knife or do you have another suggestion.

Regards
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Manix 2 is probably tougher then the Para. I love the Para for edc, but the Manix 2 would win out for a camp knife if I couldn't carry my millie.
 
5.56 said:
The CBL is not as easy to operate with one hand.
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It's not?! Well, good thing I stumbled on this thread before I ordered my Manix 2. Does it not operate like an Axis Lock? Never owned a Spyderco CBL
 
5.56 said:
Paul- The compression lock and the caged ball lock have both proven to be very strong locks. I personally favor the compression lock due to it's closed retention and ease of use one handed. The CBL is not as easy to operate with one hand.
Click to expand...

I can do it one handed. :D
 
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