New EDC - Paramilitary or ???

S

Slidetechnik

Joined
Jul 16, 2009
Messages
739
I'm in the market for a new EDC. My current choice is a Spyderco Paramilitary.

It has:
1)Full Flat Grind
2)Blade between 3-3.5"
3)Awesome locking mech
4)S30V steel
5)Lightweight
6)Looks good(digicamo G10)


Are there any other knives in the ~100 dollar price range that I should be considering that are characteristically similar to the Para? Want to make sure I explore all my options and know about all the "must haves".

Thanks in advance.
 
I would just go with the para. Why not? If the para is exactly what you're looking for then get it!
 
I like your list of "wants"...I would only add tip up carry, which unfortunately the Military and the Para do not have.....drat.... have to keep searching. (I am not set on S30V though either).
 
readyme said:
I like your list of "wants"...I would only add tip up carry, which unfortunately the Military and the Para do not have.....drat.... have to keep searching. (I am not set on S30V though either).
Click to expand...

I always bury my knife in my pocket and don't carry with the clip so tip up vs tip down has never been an issue for me.



Heiheit said:
I would just go with the para. Why not? If the para is exactly what you're looking for then get it!
Click to expand...

The para has many of the traits I'm looking for, but that's not to say there aren't others that meet my criteria as well that are equally capable. I suppose I'm just surveying my options.
 
I carry a paramilitary and I love it, along with my BM 710, my grip, etc..... You will not be dissappointed with a para. Pull the trigger...
 
Not a fan of the Para-Military due to the lock. The lock just never felt right.

For example, I had issues going from my 710, Griptillians, etc. to and from the Para. Muscle memory I guess.
 
orthogonal1 said:
Not a fan of the Para-Military due to the lock. The lock just never felt right.

For example, I had issues going from my 710, Griptillians, etc. to and from the Para. Muscle memory I guess.
Click to expand...


That's one thing I worry about. I haven't handled one in a long time, and can't remember if I can close it one handed.
 
Slidetechnik said:
That's one thing I worry about. I haven't handled one in a long time, and can't remember if I can close it one handed.
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I found I could close the Para-Military one handed, it just felt awkward.

Another awkward knife for me is the Kershaw Speed-Bump. There are a few of these lock designs that are just different enough to feel awkward.

These knives are okay, BTW, as far as quality/materials go.

I just have found I stick with locks that are readily disengaged with my thumb in a more common movement that I'm used to. At this juncture, such a movement is just more natural.
 
I have never owned a smoother opening and closing knife than the Para. Once you get used to the compression lock it can be opened and closed many different ways. I really like not having my hand or fingers in the way of closing. Of all my Spydies, it's my fav.
 
The Para closes effortlessly with one hand. Just push the tab with your right index finger and flick your wrist. The Para is sufficiently different that for your specs, it is without peer. The only other consideration might be a CPM D2 Para.
 
I think the Para would be a perfect fit for all of your criteria. I have several and they are the knives I carry when I'm not at work and somewhat limited in my choices (sometimes I carry them there, too). I have a lot of confidence in the Para's design and capabilities. I've carried one or another for several years now on hiking/camping trips and for use around the home place here.

For alternatives, you might want to look at BM's Rift. It's a great knife in 154CM and G10 that's fairly close to the Para's size and price, although it's a bit heavier. The H&K 14205 also comes in at nearly the same size and price range. IIRC, A G Russell also has a lockback folder with a FG blade that's in that size and price range.
 
have you considered the spyderco sage at all? It has most if not all the things you said you were looking for id check it out
 
Para or Manix2, take your pick

para2.jpg

manix154.jpg
 
Maybe its because of the liners but the Manix 2 seemed much "bulkier" to me. Moved it shortly after getting one.

The Paras are fantastic. Recently got a second one and it's a digicam like the one shown and its top dog in the EDC rotation.

:thumbup:
 
orthogonal1 said:
I found I could close the Para-Military one handed, it just felt awkward.

Another awkward knife for me is the Kershaw Speed-Bump. There are a few of these lock designs that are just different enough to feel awkward.

These knives are okay, BTW, as far as quality/materials go.

I just have found I stick with locks that are readily disengaged with my thumb in a more common movement that I'm used to. At this juncture, such a movement is just more natural.
Click to expand...

Thumb and forefinger, pinch the leaf spring to disengage the lock and give the knife a slight jerk forward and the momentum sends the blade into a closed position. It is a similar action to axis lock closing. It took me about 2 days to have it down to muscle memory. Axis lock is a little easier, but still easy with the para. I love the fit of the choil on my finger and thumb on the para with blade open it feels very secure.
 
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