Military VS Para Military

S

SuzukiGS750EZ

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Dec 30, 2008
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I'm looking to get one of these for christmas. Which one is better? Size isn't a factor for me. Tip strength, utility, edge holding and overall toughness is. I had a delica SS that i thought was perfect size. I have carried a timberline worden large tactical and if none of you are famaliar with that, it's huge! Bigger than a buck 110. So, i ask you guys, what is the difference between size?
 
Spyderco says the Paramilitary has the stronger lock of the two, like 200 inch-pounds vs 125 on the Military.
 
Also, the ~3" blade is more sheeple-friendly and IMO more useful in EDC tasks than the 4" blade.
 
Aside from size, they're virtually identical. For your purposes, you won't notice any difference in lock strength. Cutting performance is identical, since they both come in S30V.
I'd get a Para, if I were you. I have both, and find that the Para gets waaaay more pocket time than the Millie.
 
I don't own the para but do own the Military. But based on what you said the para might be better for you. They both use the same steels so this is not an issue.

The tip strength of the Military has always been a question in my mind, it does look pretty fragile. But I'm careful not to pry with the blade. This is why I'm one of the few that really likes the Delica/Endura 4, these are more heavy duty work knives.

Vinny
 
They're both GREAT knives. You might feel now that size isn't an issue, but I'd be willing to bet that eventually, in some specific circumstance when other people are watching, you might find the Military a bit big & scary for others. I tended to be a little too wary of potentially scaring people when I carried my Military, so it became a bit of a downer & distraction when it was in my pocket. So, with that in mind, the Para-Military looks more appealing to me. They both use the same steel on their standard versions (CPM-S30V, fantastic steel, equally thick on both models), and the same handle material. In the hand, they feel great. Surprisingly light weight for their size. Nice, full & grippy. They inspire confidence in that you'll not be worried about losing your hold on it. The 'compression lock' on the back (spine) of the Para-Military might seem odd at first, but it doesn't take long to start liking it. It's said to be stronger than the liner lock on the Military, although even that one seems plenty tough for me.

I have 3 of the Military and 2 of the Para. On any given day, I'm more likely to carry & use the Para. Overall, I'd give it the edge up only because it's not quite so intimidating when others are around, and therefore less likely to get you in trouble with those who might object to it.
 
I have a para because the carry factor was the most important aspect to me. The larger size of the mili makes it more confortable for hard tasks if you have large hands, but that advantage is not that significant otherwise.
 
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SuzukiGS750EZ said:
I'm looking to get one of these for christmas. Which one is better? Size isn't a factor for me. Tip strength, utility, edge holding and overall toughness is. I had a delica SS that i thought was perfect size. I have carried a timberline worden large tactical and if none of you are famaliar with that, it's huge! Bigger than a buck 110. So, i ask you guys, what is the difference between size?
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I have 3 of each the Military and Paramilitary. For tip strength, the para wins. The shorter blade allows it to have a stronger tip over the 4 inch millie blade. For edge holding, they are the same, depending on which type of steel you use (I prefer D2!). Overall toughness, I believe they are also the same. Yes, the compression lock on the para does have a higher strength, but the liner lock on the millie is one of the best if not THE best liner lock on the market; so both will be plenty tough enough for any use. IMO, I think you should get the para, and maybe down the road pick up a millie after that. The para is an awesome knife, and you'll love the quality, smoothness, and toughness.
 
These knives have come up on my "gotta have one if I ever get the money" list. I have a ton of 3 inch folders. Native, minigrip, leek, etc. So I would get the military as it would be more different.
 
The para mili can still be had in d2. That is the version I have. I love it and prefer is over the mili
 
I carry both at work everyday. The Millie really shows up the Para in outdoor environments especially when having to wear gloves. Everywhere else it's the Para.

Fwiw I prefer the Millie's tip strength. I have snapped the tip on a Para before (completely my own fault though)
 
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I've dropped a millie on industrial carpet floor, chipping off the tip of the blade. Others have had better luck tho. I personally can vouch for the D2 para's tip strength, I once dropped one of mine tip first on concrete, not chipping the tip at all. Ya I know I have butter fingers, lol. But I pretty much love both the millie and the paramillie equally. I can't get enough of em.
 
I had a Para & a Millie... I just sold the Para. It is a NICE knife... they both are. I prefer the Millie. I just like the liner lock better. The size is really not an issue. If you just USE the knife and put it away everything is fine... If you pull it out and look around to see who's watching, your body language says that you are nervous or just plain creepy and folks might get intimidated. I've never had anyone say anything negative about my Millie... used it in the Post Office a few times, at work often, @ BBQs.. you name it. I've even asked female acquaintances if they thought it was too large and they all said... well, it's a knife... The Para is a GREAT knife too... I just prefer the Millie.
 
Blade retention on the para is pretty bad on two that I handled before I picked mine. If spyderco was able to fix that it would be a great knife.
 
tomsch said:
Blade retention on the para is pretty bad on two that I handled before I picked mine. If spyderco was able to fix that it would be a great knife.
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Mine is one of the strogest I've ever handled. No problems there for me.
 
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