My 3 new spydies...and some impressions

[cistercian]

My Para 2 arrived today with a FFG endura and a Police 3 G10.
Just like my first police it came with the pivot way too tight...oil, adjustment and exercise fixed it right up.Great epic blade.

The FFG Endura is really stiff...I had to adjust it too.It is wicked sharp...and that includes the spydie hole.Not acceptable.That will meet the dremel to provide some relief.The centering in the endura is not so hot either...but it does not rub so I am fine with that.I have to admit my fond memories of my older enduras were better than this knife.Not thrilled...but not unhappy enough to return it.It will break in and with tlc will make a fine addition...besides...I really am happy to be rocking an Endura again!

Now I come to the much ballyhooed Para 2.Mine is black G10.Unlike the others I got today zero adjustment was required.Razor sharp and lightning fast out of the box.Pictures really don't show very well how massive the lock/pivot/spine area is...it is freaking thick!The giant spydie hole is wonderful...slow or fast it is really nice.Blade centering is perfect.The only ding I can think of is I like the G10 on the Police more.But the grips on the para are very good.The compression lock is interesting and the main reason I wanted to try this knife.It is like a liner lock...but isn't.
I really like it.I now own multiple axis locks which I think are epic.The ball lock on the Manix 2 XL which opens lightning fast and is uber smooth but takes quite a bit of force to release to close the blade...and as of today the compression lock.The comp and the axis are both ridiculously fun to play with.But all three open super quick.

I can see why the para 2 is so widely praised...it is a lot of knife and fun for the money.And the finish is really high on mine.
Worth every penny!!!

I will eventually post a full review with photos as soon as my about to be insane schedule permits.


Overall, a very good day!And I can't wait to use my new ultrafine stones for the sharpmaker.They came today too!!!

 

[wire edge]

Para 2's are awesome. With a little practice, the Compression Lock is very intuitive. Probably one of the safest one hand closers out there.

I'm never too hard on Enduras/Delicas, they are workhorses after all. I can't say I've ever had one too out of whack. For those sharp Spydie Holes, I carefully run the corner of the medium Sharpmaker Rod around the edges at an angle. Don't slip off or you'll have a scratch!

 

[Fred Sanford]

Nice write-up. Thanks for doing it. I agree with everything you said. I've had a couple Enduras that are so-so and a couple that were fantastic. For whatever reason the ZDP-189 versions I have had have been the best.

I also agree with Roger. Para 2's are some of THE best knives I have ever owned. Really dang awesome.

 

[Acadian]

Great review!

I also love my PM2 - I have the black blade/G10 version and when I first got it, it was a bit sticky (eg the blade wouldn't drop when holding it horizontal and squeezing the compression lock). The more I use it, the better it's getting. I've heard the coating on the black blades take longer to break in. Ergonomics are fantastic.

I also have two Delicas and they've been perfect. Unlike you, I actually like the sharp Spydie hole. As a contrast, I find the Spydie hole on my Techno not sharp enough.

 

[CryoGuy5272]

My Para 2 gets the most playtime as well as pocket time. Mine looks like its been through the ringer but is functionally feels brand new. I have knives with better fit and finish but jone that perform and feel like the Para 2

 

[cistercian]

My Para 2 gets the most playtime as well as pocket time. Mine looks like its been through the ringer but is functionally feels brand new. I have knives with better fit and finish but jone that perform and feel like the Para 2

It is very interesting to play with...it is light...but really positive and solid at the same time.The sound of the lock engaging is unique.
I loosened one pivot today to induce a tiny bit of play...enough to pump oil into the pivot.I then re-tightened and it is now frictionless.
Epic.It is hard to describe how it feels because it seems to combine contradictory terms...IE: feels light and also very solid.It has handling qualities very different from my other blades...it really is in a class by itself,I have never handled anything like it.I have felt liner locks that were very easy to open...but they just don't feel as positive in lockup...and none of them were as fun in hand either.
I really dislike liner locks for full disclosure...I just don't trust them in extremis.

But this this knife...it really is a very, very different animal.No wonder it has a cult following.