Limitations of Para-Military handle?

K

Kirk_Ferentz

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Feb 16, 2010
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I'm thinking about picking up a para-military (not sure whether the original one or wait a while for the para-military 2, and I'm also considering some other models). Reading about some perceived limitations resulting from the big knob on the end of the handle.

Does anyone else have this problem? To be clear, I am talking about digging in and wrapping your hand completely around the handle to get a really sturdy grip (i.e. no thumb on thumb ramp or finger on choil, gripping shallow, etc. ... what I'm talking about is just wrapping around the handle it like a hatchet handle or something). Sounds like that knob is right where your pinky wants to be ... but I suppose that might be an issue of hand size? I just can't tell.

I call this a "limitation" rather than a "problem," since it looks like it is fine unless you are doing the deep, wrap around grip.

On a related note, why is that knob so big? Meant for butting someone in the head? Keeping the hand from slipping off if doing some sort of downward striking motion? Seems way beyond what is needed to cover over the blade tip.


The fact that the para-military 2 gets rid a lot of that knob makes me wonder whether there might be something to this complaint.

Also reading some general comments about hot spots on the handle due to the lock & clip locations. Any comments on that are also useful.

The other models I am considering, like the CF stretch in ZDP-189, manix 2 in xhp, or the Para-military 2 don't seem to have this problem
 
Structured handles either work for you, or they don't. Spyderco makes a lot of models that have them, so they apparently work for a fair number of people. In general, I favor them but prefer models like the Stretch, C83 Persian, and Chinook where they don't add excessive length to the butt. Others, however, prefer the long straight backstrap the Para's handle provides and the price for that is generally "bubble butt".

Paul
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Big hand-uncomfortable. You'll feel squashed, I assume.

Small hand is OK. I personally found the Para1 handle very good-better even than my very secure Military.
 
I have medium/large hands and I've not had limitations with the handle. I know exactly what you mean though. The bump I think is designed to prevent your hand from slipping off the back. The Para2 addressed this area and it is more refined from what I am able to tell. I do own 2 Para2s, and several variations of the original. Both are great knives.
 
I have med sized hands. Typically don't have a problem with things that are a little large or small.

Initially, I didn't think I would like the Para, as I thought the handle was too large in relation to the blade. Found out to the contrary, the handle is what makes the knife handle so well.
 
I'm probably going to go with the original, although going to throw up one more post about my choice before I decide for sure. I like the length of the 2's blade, but I think I'd like the thicker blade of the original, and I'd prefer a coated blade. I'm sure the 2 will get a coated blade eventually, but sounds like it could be a long time.

But I'm not even sure where the 2 is being sold... I did a search and didn't find any in stock.
 
Kirk_Ferentz said:
I'm probably going to go with the original, although going to throw up one more post about my choice before I decide for sure. I like the length of the 2's blade, but I think I'd like the thicker blade of the original, and I'd prefer a coated blade. I'm sure the 2 will get a coated blade eventually, but sounds like it could be a long time.

But I'm not even sure where the 2 is being sold... I did a search and didn't find any in stock.
Click to expand...

They are... hard to find. There aren't even any left on the Spyderco web site.
 
Kirk_Ferentz said:
I'm probably going to go with the original, although going to throw up one more post about my choice before I decide for sure. I like the length of the 2's blade, but I think I'd like the thicker blade of the original, and I'd prefer a coated blade. I'm sure the 2 will get a coated blade eventually, but sounds like it could be a long time.

But I'm not even sure where the 2 is being sold... I did a search and didn't find any in stock.
Click to expand...

AFAIK a Para2 with coated blade and digi camo handles should be out soon..
 
I have medium hands and never found the handle shape to be an ergonomic issue. Actually, the new Para2 is so similar to the original Para that I decided not to get it, at least for a while (already have a couple of Paras and that's good enough for me). I found the new Para2 lock uncomfortable and am waiting for the issue to be fixed in a later release...
 
If I recall correctly (there is a thread in this forum about it) Sal mentioned an S90V version and something with comperable CTS steel as well. Maybe the later part of the year, and for sure the other next year.
 
RevDevil said:
If I recall correctly (there is a thread in this forum about it) Sal mentioned an S90V version and something with comperable CTS steel as well. Maybe the later part of the year, and for sure the other next year.
Click to expand...

The only CTS that I am familiar with is XHP, but I have read great things ... that might actually be something that would have me kicking myself... What would a comparable CTS steel be?
 
Reeper22 said:
It's an issue of hand size.
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:thumbup:

For me the "orginal" Para has better ergo, the drawback is that sharp corner that tend to hurt you a bit when you pick it up from your pocket and perhaps the ugly pocket clip...

The Para 2 has fixed the problem with the "corner" and has a very nice looking pocket clip but for me the ergo is not as good as the "original" and I tend to hurt my finger on the "new" comp. lock.

conclusion I like the "original" more in fact I had forgotten how good it is, I have to EDC it again.
 
Kirk_Ferentz said:
The only CTS that I am familiar with is XHP, but I have read great things ... that might actually be something that would have me kicking myself... What would a comparable CTS steel be?
Click to expand...

That would be CTS-20CP, ot is said to be the Carpenter equivalent to S90V.
 
I really like the original, except for the bubble butt handle. Everything else about the knife is amazing. So I modded mine. A bunch of 200 grit sandpaper, a hard flat surface, and some patience is all it took.

Before and After:
Y29udGVudDovL21lZGlhL2V4dGVybmFsL2ltYWdlcy9tZWRpYS8xODA.jpg

Y29udGVudDovL21lZGlhL2V4dGVybmFsL2ltYWdlcy9tZWRpYS8xODE.jpg


Y29udGVudDovL21lZGlhL2V4dGVybmFsL2ltYWdlcy9tZWRpYS8xNzc.jpg

Y29udGVudDovL21lZGlhL2V4dGVybmFsL2ltYWdlcy9tZWRpYS8xNzg.jpg


-nate
 
RevDevil said:
That would be CTS-20CP, ot is said to be the Carpenter equivalent to S90V.
Click to expand...

Hmmm, I will have to research these steels. I know that militaries used to be made out of S90V, but I don't know how it compares to S30V. And know nothing about the cts steel. It seems to me that there could be a better option than S30V, which is why I am considering the ZDP-189 stretch. But it sounds like the ZDP, although able to hold a great edge, is a bear to re-sharpen.
 
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