My first new knife in three and a half years...

P

Psychopomp

Joined
Feb 21, 2005
Messages
2,662
and it's a Spyderco.

I've been EDC'ing a Benchmade 710 since January 2006 and I loved it. I still love it, and I'll alawys love it. It's a wonderful knife. But it's too big. I came to the conclusion that I really don't need four inches of blade for what I do everyday.

So it was time for a new knife, and I just got a new job so I figured I needed something expensive as a celebration. I ordered it Thursday and it showed up in my mail box before I left for work today.

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My first impression is I like the old blue-grey Spyderco boxes better. But that doesn't really matter now, does it? I slid it open and this dropped out into my hand...

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I've lusted over this knife for a few years now but never could justify the purchase. But three and a half years is long enough for one EDC, so here's hoping this one'll stay around for that long.

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First impressions of the knife? I love this thing.

A lot of people complain about the corner of the tang that sticks out (and it was a concern of mine too), but after a day of carrying it and reaching in and out of that pocket for other things, it's a non-issue for me. No scratching.

People whine and moan about the positioning of the pocket clip. I love it. But I'm the one that hates low ride clips, so this pocket clip is positioned pretty much where I would have put it myself.

The compression lock is going to take some getting used to because I've been reaching for that Axis lock for so long. But I like the lock. Some people complain that the lock recess cuts into the webbing of the thumb... but so far it hasn't bothered me.

There's no blade play open or closed in this knife. It's nearly flawless.

The handle fits my hand like a glove with or without using the choil. I had thought about possibly grinding the hump at the bottom down, but I don't think I'll need to.

I only have one complaint and that'll work itself out over time. The G-10 is a little rougher than I'd like. But at the same time, I don't remember what the G-10 on my BM710 felt like when it was new. It'll smooth out over time and I'll be a happy camper.

And finally... the blade is dead center when closed.

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I really wanted the D2 version, but I didn't like the OD green G-10. I'll take S30V any day though.

So after one day, I'm very pleased with the Para-Military. I've been playing with it since I got home from work. Part of my wants to try out its big brother, but I can't see myself carrying the Military, since I bought the Para because I wanted a smaller knife.

Good job on this one Spyderco! I regret that it took so long for me to give it a try.
 
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I should add... this is by far the sharpest knife I've ever gotten new out of a box. All of my other Spydercos came insanely sharp, but this thing is a level beyond insane sharp.

The weight of the blade alone was enough to cut through the paper I used as a background when I set it blade down for the picture.
 
It's always good day, when someone discovers the Para,is a fine knife indeed.:D
 
How many washers?

J/k, congrats on your purchase. From here on out, that knife will serve as a standard for all of your future knives to be measured against. Many will pale in comparison.
 
Great choice, and welcome to the club!! Also, do yourself a favor and buy a Military to go with it!!
 
5.56 said:
How many washers?
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That's the first thing I thought about when I got it out of the box actually. Since I plan on using this thing pretty hard, I'm sure I'll be taking it apart before too long :D.

When I do, I'll let you know ;)
 
I had to chuckle. I just bought a paramilitary in d2 yesterday. You made me scoot over to the bathroom where it's very light and open my knife blade and peer down into the pivot area. I see I have 4 bronze washers.

The other thing I have to say is I was getting a little bit tired of hearing all the talk about this so called wonderful knife the paramilitary.

I hate to admit this but I love it. ;)

sean
 
Seanski said:
I had to chuckle. I just bought a paramilitary in d2 yesterday. You made me scoot over to the bathroom where it's very light and open my knife blade and peer down into the pivot area. I see I have 4 bronze washers.

The other thing I have to say is I was getting a little bit tired of hearing all the talk about this so called wonderful knife the paramilitary.

I hate to admit this but I love it. ;)

sean
Click to expand...

Sean, You got's to stay outa W&W :p By the way, thats a darn good price on the D2
 
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Nice. I've had 5 of 'em... still got 3. I carry my D2 in a IWB sheath that Dave Abrahmson from Lifter's Leather made for me. I carry my S30V in the woods or for really dirty stuff because of the black scales and the slightly more corrosion resistant steel. S30V has gotten to be my steel of choice for a hard use folder that I don't want to have to worry about... it's great stuff.

I've heard all the various complains about Paras. My only complaint is that I can only use one of 'em at a time :D.
 
Three days and I still love this knife.

I'm not usually the kind of person that gets a new knife and sits and plays with it. But, I haven't been able to put this one down.

I'm getting pretty comfortable with the compression lock, but I do wish the lock recess was a little deeper. There have been a few nearly "oh crap" moments when the knife slipped a little when closing it.

Fresh out of the box it was sharper than any knife I've ever owned, but I spent a few minutes yesterday on some ultrafine stones. Now I can see my reflection in the blade and it'll whittle hair. I shaved a layer of skin off my thumb just thumbing the edge to make sure there was no burr. I'm officially scared of the edge I've put on this knife.

I haven't actually gotten to cut much with it yet other than some paper just for fun and I opened a box at work tonight, but that's it. I'm really looking forward to the first time I really need to use it.

The corner of the tang did scratch the back of my hand today though. But I blame that on reaching into my pocket for my cellphone while sitting down, and in that situation, any clipped knife will scratch you.

I mentioned in my first post that the G-10 was a little rougher than I'd prefer... well, the edge around the handle is also a little sharper than I'd like. I may take the knife apart in a few days and round the edges a little more so it doesn't bite into my hand as much.

Other than that... this thing is perfect and I'm scared it'll become an addiction. must... have... more... paramilitary... urrrrrrhhhh

I have decided that this year's Christmas gift to myself will be a full size Military. I probably won't carry it, but I've gotta have one now.
 
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AH I feel ya on needing the military. After getting my first para, the next day I bought 2 more and now I just bought an orange military. Spyderco is going to bankrupt me!
 
I believe they're getting rid of the sharp exposed part of the tang in the next version
 
I think you will be surprised at how easy the military is to carry. It is an amazingly thin and light knife. I don't really notice it any more than I do my paras.
 
Funny coincidence, I also just started a new job and treated myself to a new Para. I chose the black blade plain edge. First time i actually liked the looks of a black blade. I love mine and I'm glad yours came so sharp, but the edge on mine was a total disappointment. It was like a butterknife and thats not an exaggeration. I was really surprised because every Spyderco I have ever purchased has been] ridiculously sharp out of the box. Small complaint though, I actually enjoy sharpening.

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