Negatives about the para2?

DrChimRichalds said:
It might have already been said, but my biggest gripe (and only gripe) with the Para 2 is the detent. This may be caused by the compression lock but regardless, it is quite sticky when flicking the knife open. Not really a huge issue, though. It's a wonderful knife.
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I found that to be an issue when the first 2's were released but I had heard that it was resolved in later releases. I know the 3 I got after the initial release are much smoother and fly open/closed
 
The Para2 is one of the few knives I've bought and carried that I know I will have years from now. My only criticism would be the tip is very fine. Could be an issue if you were using this as a heavy use knife or trying to pry with it at all I suppose.
 
I have one, and thought it would be the holy grail knife for me. For some reason though, i just don't like it. Don't get me wrong, the quality is top notch, although mine has blade play that i can't tighten out, but the fit and finish other than that is amazing. I guess what im saying is that i dont have a quantifiable reason that i don't like it, it just doesn't do it for me. The handle just feels all wrong in my hand and it feels just a tad small. I'm a lefty and went back to carrying my lefty unfriendly millie about a week after i got the para 2.
 
I would prefer that the satin finished blade para2 should come with a black coated clip instead.
 
There are more positive things to say about the para 2 than negatives but if you want to hear some negatives then the five different para 2's i have had all had side to side play and the black finish shows wear pretty good if you use it on cardboard.
 
rpn said:
I sold my 350 in favor of the para2. Also ordered a digicam this week and will be the only knife I've ever gone to for duplicates. It's just pretty much folder perfection for me- great ergos, good steel, like locking mechanism and does what I ask. I've pushed the tip a bit and it's held up fine.

Only other folder I carry now (besides SAK) is my Ritter Mini Grip which is just a smidge behind the Para 2.
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I am a Military guy myself, I got the P2 because now I live on Colorado and can't carry the Military, the only issue I have with the P2 is the handle to dang short!
 
My P2 is the only knfe that bumps my CRKs and Strider out of my pocket. It opens, locks, and cuts flawlessly. Ergos are perfect and for what I use a knife for it is more than robust enough. Because of the price I abuse it on the weekends doing yard work, scraping paint, etc. Holds up well and locks up like new. Perhaps one of the BEST knives in the ~$100 range these days.
 
And Clich bails on the para 2!

The 350 is a fine blade for sure...enjoy!
 
rpn said:
And Clich bails on the para 2!

The 350 is a fine blade for sure...enjoy!
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Yeh I did. I liked it until the zt came. The para is like butter and is very well built but the zt is a tank and fits my hand like a glove. That at the cutting edge is longer with the recurve and no choil. Sorry para. Maybe we will meet again
 
rpn said:
I sold my 350 in favor of the para2. Also ordered a digicam this week and will be the only knife I've ever gone to for duplicates. It's just pretty much folder perfection for me- great ergos, good steel, like locking mechanism and does what I ask. I've pushed the tip a bit and it's held up fine.

Only other folder I carry now (besides SAK) is my Ritter Mini Grip which is just a smidge behind the Para 2.
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i did the SAME exact thing! sold my 0350 and got a para 2 and never looked back the 0350 is big and clunky next to the lean and mean para 2 my only other EDC is a mini ritter grip and my alox sak soldier im pretty sure these 3 knives will be all i will ever need for EDC..
 
Hi Clich -

It is a great knife, right sized and all the good stuff you like in a Spyderco. I like the larger lanyard hole as well.

The only negative I see is that you cannot (easily) one-hand close it. Might just be me, but with the lock in the position it is, I have to shift the knife to my other hand to unlock it.

So my typical example - I am working and I have a large bag of (whatever) that needs to be opened. I hold the bag in my left hand, pull out my knife and open it to the locked position. I then slice the bag open, and I need to return the knife to my pocket without releasing the bag with my left hand.

The above scenario is much easier with a conventional frame or liner lock.

Still a great knife design - love the handle/blade etc.

best regards -

mqqn
 
clich said:
Yeh I did. I liked it until the zt came. The para is like butter and is very well built but the zt is a tank and fits my hand like a glove. That at the cutting edge is longer with the recurve and no choil. Sorry para. Maybe we will meet again
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The flipper is sweet too.

I've thought a couple times para2 + flipper = awesome!
 
mqqn said:
The only negative I see is that you cannot (easily) one-hand close it. Might just be me, but with the lock in the position it is, I have to shift the knife to my other hand to unlock it.
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I see this posted a lot about the compression lock, but I have never understood it. Are you by chance a lefty?

I'd check out some youtube videos of people handling the knife to see if maybe it's related to your technique.
 
Hi ctk123 -

Yes - probably due to my own familiarity with normal frame-locks - it just seems more intuitive to have the lock on the bottom where your thumb grips.

It is not impossible, and maybe I just need to get used to it - the little tab does make it easy to find the lock.

It's a great little knife and I think it is one of the best looking Spyderco's out there.

best regards -

mqqn
 
Meatmote said:
The handle is uncomfortably small in my larger-than-average hands.
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para 2?? or ZT0350?? the 350 does have a short and stubby overall feel to it IMO the para 2 has a full almost in of handle than the 350... but if a para 2 is shoort just go with a full size military
 
Love the Para 2 except the lock! Why not just a lock like the Millie? Own a cpl Paras but wont buy anymore bc of the lock position! Its just awkward!
 
The Deacon said:
For me, the wrong handed lock, poor blade to handle ratio, and overly thick blade are deal breakers.
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Soulrack223 said:
The only negative (which I find as another positive) is the blade stock is quite thin. Otherwise it is the best EDC in its price range IMO.
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Yay subjectivity!

for me, the only downside of the para2 is the high cost for sprint runs that I HAVE TO OWN!!!! Seriously, para2 is the gold standard of my pockets.

Also, I'm lefthanded and don't mind the compression lock at all, just takes a bit of getting used to.
 
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