Lets Here it for the Para-Military!

Joined
Sep 3, 2004
Messages
325
Howdy all! I just received a new Spyderco Para-Military w/ Plian edge today and I am really stoked about it! I have carried the original Military on and off for a couple years, but I find that the Para may be just what the Dr. ordered! I would like to hear some feedback from those who have used/own this knife. Thanks in Advance!
 
I dont care for the compression lock or the handle size vs blade length

but for a $100 knife it works well
 
I didn't like the handle vs blade length either when I first got mine. However, it grew on me rapidly and now I love the way this knife handles. Have had mine for a few months now.
 
The para is great. Ergonomic, S30V steel, G10 handle, full flat grind...isn't much to not like about this knife.

I prefer tip up carry though. But thats a preference thing.
 
I'm very happy with mine. The first time I picked one up in the store, I didn't like the compression lock because I hadn't figured out how to close it one-handed. But I gave it another chance and I'm glad I did. It can be openned and closed without difficulty, and in fact can be flicked open and then closed rapidly by pressing the lock bar to the unlocked position, much the same way you can rapidly open and close an Axis lock.

The first one I had had a problem with the lock -- the lock bar was within 1mm of the opposite scale (no room for wear), so I returned it (River's Edge of Columbus, Ohio replaced it no questions asked no hassle). The replacement is perfect in every respect. Fit and finish, centered blade, etc.

Both of them came with thin, scary sharp edges less than 15 degrees per side (the Sharpmaker at 30 degrees only touched the very edge).

The blade to handle ratio makes it look funny, but handle offers a secure grip in two positions -- choking up and using the choil or with your hand behind the choil for greater extension of the blade -- and so far the blade length works for the kind of everyday cutting chores I encounter.

Another feature I like is the use of a milled out section on the tang that the lock bar fits in rather then a ball detent. On mine it holds the blade securely closed.

About the only thing I'd criticise is that I prefer a knife that rides lower in the pocket.

As others have said, full flat ground S30V, G-10 with dual steel liners, and a strong lock for is a geat combo for about $100.
 
Picked up one a week or so ago, and I like it a lot. Haven't carried it yet, but I like what I see so far.
 
Outstanding knife. I can nitpick little things about it, but it keeps getting clipped to my pocket.
One thing I don't like, and think is worth mentioning, is that along with its length, the handle's contouring was proportionately downsized. Even with my small hands, the ergos were not a good fit in the "choked back" grip (not utilizing the choil cutout for an index finger groove-which was a great fit, for me). Luckily, unlined G-10 is easy to file or grind, and making it a perfect fit was easy. Even matching the bevel at the edge of the handle was as simple as lining up the file with the unmodified areas, and giving a few strokes at the same angle. Since my small hand felt cramped, I can see someone with larger hands disliking the handles. A few minutes with a file and sandpaper can change all that;)
 
The compresion lock isn't as slick in terms of ease of opening and closing as the liner lock, initially any way, but you can get up to speed with it fairly rapidly. What is has going for it is extreme levels of strength and robustness.

As for the knife, high flat grind, thin and actue edge, not much to compain about there. Typical greater than average sharpness from Spyderco. I like the large handles, I have big hands, plus they work well with gloves, and they are more versatile in terms of possible grips.

-Cliff
 
I have not had the Para quite 24 hours now, and already I am getting very comfortable with it! I guess my hands must be about the right size, because I find it almost a perfect fit for my hand! Spyderco makes a great product, and I own quite a few of them, but for my needs this one comes the closest to being perfect. The compression lock already feels like an old friend! ( Must be the constant opening and closing huh?) Thanks for all your replies!
 
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