Military or Para Military

A

ajdddyoung

Joined
Jan 5, 2007
Messages
169
Could someone with more knowledge than me explain the major differences between the Military and the Para Military. The only one I see is blade length. If any of you own the Military is it carry friendly or is it too large. I am going to buy one of them just need some help before making the final decision.
 
Hi aj, ya might post this question in the Spyderco forum in manufacturers
section. lots of Spyderco folks there. There are a fair number of variations in the military. Different steel and scale materials, some of which are no longer produced. I don't own either of these versions yet, but plan on getting a para soon. Main reason for the choice over the mili (for me) is its smaller, and for me I prefer to carry knives that are under 5 inches. If I don't get a para I will get a Caly 3....
 
The para is a compression lock where as the military is a liner lock. Alot of people like the military as a carry knife as it is slim and light. It is a full size knife though and has a full sized handle so it look pretty big in the hand. The para still offers a pretty decent size handle but the blade is significantly shorter. It would be alot less likely to freak a non knife person out I think. The main differences in these two are the blade size and lock. I would personally put more faith in the compression lock, but the military has a good one for a line style lock.
 
I carry the Military BG-42 every day. The blade does seem too large at times. I will be getting the para soon and find out. MV out!
 
If you can, go for the BG-42 Military. It is the best made spyderco IMO.

As for carry friendly...The military carries extraordinarily well. The thinness makes pocket carry a breeze. Hell, I gave it to my mom and told her to clip it to her pocket, and as an experiment I walked away and sure enough she forgot it was there!
 
Lock wise the Para is a bit stronger , ergonomically I prefer the Millie .

Chris
 
I own both, and I carry my mili over it, I like the liner lock over the compression lock and I overall like the longer blade.
 
i personally prefer the para. it's a more useful size for someone who doesn't need to use a knife all too often. until you hold it in your hand, the military is BIG. 9.5" open is pretty damn big for an edc imo. it is very light but imo kinda bulky in the pocket.
 
I recommend the Military over the Para-Military.
Even though the Millie is a big folder, it does not carry like a big folder.
It is one of Spyderco's very best knives and has a well proven track record as an excellent slicer and a tough knife.
IMO there are not many knives that can compete against the Military as a full-size EDC.
I carry a Benchmade 710 as my EDC because I prefer the Axis-lock, but if the Axis-lock did not exist, I would probably carry a Military.

Good luck,
Allen
 
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