Noob Question: Spyderco Paramilitary Owners

E

everydaycarry

Joined
Nov 4, 2005
Messages
15
Hi Guys,

I'm a long time lurker on this forum, and have finally decided to start posting.

I've been thinking about getting my first Spyderco, and really like the feel and construction of the Paramilitary. I have a few questions for Paramilitary owners:

- How well do Spyderco's DLC Blade coatings hold up to regular wear and tear ? I like to use all my knives, but I also like them to look good in the process :)

-I've heard that some people don't like the Paramilitary because the area of the blade that is used for the lock engagement sticks out of the handle awkwardly when the knife is closed in the pocket. Any comments good or bad on this?

Thank you for your help!

-Gabe
 
I would like to know the answers to these same questions! I have a Black blade s30v Para-Mili on the way.
 
The coating will wear. Its may be best to just embrace the notion that a well-worn knife is a happy knife. :thumbup:

Military S30V:
IMG_1489.jpg


IMG_1487.jpg
 
any coating will wear, eventually. spyderco's coating is as tough as any out there.

the tang does stick out, but i think the knife's other merits outweight that particular one.

the compression lock is pure genious, imo, and you have a variety of scale colors and either s30v or d2 for the blade.

the blade to handle ratio is not great, but a result of the lock system.

its a very good knife, and certainly worth a try.
 
Thanks for the pics Powernoodle. That blade actually looks better than a brand spankin new one!

I've never owned any coated blades, but the all black Paramilitary really caught my eye.

Morimotom- I agree on the blade to handle ratio, although I usually don't mind a full size handle with a mid size blade as it gives a good grip without too intimidating of a blade size when using it around non knife people
 
everydaycarry said:
That blade actually looks better than a brand spankin new one!
Click to expand...

I agree. I like the look of a user/beater knife, 1911, flashlight and so forth. The wear sort of says to me that the item has been tested under fire and will work when you need it.
 
If I were buying a Spyderco, it would be a Paramilitary. Compression lock, good size, thin and sharp. I'd likely get D2, but that's splitting hairs.
 
no comment on the coating but it will wear:)

I dont really notice the tang much--doesnt bother me. I love mine. Its one of the few knives ill be keeping. I can only keep 4 =P
 
The Para is one of my all-time favorites in its price range. I don't know about the coating, but I don't see why it would be any different from other companies. I've never had any issue with any parts sticking out when in the pocket and I agree with Morimotom, the compression lock is genius. The one negative is that the detent seems to be a little on the weak side, but not so much that it opens accidentally.
 
I have had a black para for over two years. My coating is only a little less worn than the picture shown above. I have never noticed the compression lock causing any discomfort while using the knife. It is a fantastic knife that you will not regret purchasing.
 
I snagged a d2 model and love it. love the easy closing with the compression lock. I haven't had issues with the tang sticking out, I keep mine in my back pocket. I had more issues with my axis lock griptillian coming open than with the para.

now that I have a Paramilitary, I want a Military.
 
I've got one, S30V uncoated. It's one of my favorite pocket knives of all time. The blade-to-handle size ratio is great for a general purpose utility knife (I have large mitts and work in an environment where a secure grip is needed). The lock is solid, the construction is sturdy, the blade is a perfect size/shape. Won't be getting rid of mine any time soon.
As far as the tang protruding from the handle... It looks a little less sleek than the full-size Military when they're both closed and placed side-by-side, but it really doesn't have any negative effect on how the knife is to carry or use.
 
The coating will wear with time and use. If you want a black blade, that's gonna be a problem no matter what.

The tang is another matter. I've had 6 or 7 Paras by now, still have and carry 3 of them... never had a problem with the blade tang and I do carry down in my RFP, not clipped. Mine have run the gamut from the old large jimped early models to the new CPM D2 versions... solid locks, no tang problems, and mostly no blade play. Only one particular knife had any of that. The others have been good and solid.
 
Last edited:
I think you all have made up my mind to get a Paramilitary :-). I think it will fit me nicely for a weekend EDC for doing chores around the house as well as a secondary self defense tool if it ever came down to it.

My first Spyderco, should be interesting!

Thanks Again for all the help.
 
everydaycarry said:
I think you all have made up my mind to get a Paramilitary :-). I think it will fit me nicely for a weekend EDC for doing chores around the house as well as a secondary self defense tool if it ever came down to it.

My first Spyderco, should be interesting!

Thanks Again for all the help.
Click to expand...

Good choice... it's my overall fav Spyderco, everything considered. I've actually carried and used mine in PA when we've gone on holiday near Berkeley Springs, WV. Since you didn't ask :D, my choices would be S30V PE for more frequent outdoor carry/use in winter (snow & ice), or CPM D2 for general carry/use where there would be some outdoor winter use but I could clean the blade daily. I really like my D2 getting extremely sharp and staying that way. It gets most of my Para carry now here in GA. But for all 'round bad weather carry, I still go with my S30V Para. She's held up to snow, the Atlantic Ocean, and a lot of stuff in between.

BTW, if you want some aftermarket stuff for yours, Dave Abrahamson at Lifter's Leather made me a great IWB sheath for mine.
 
I don't even know why people bring up the tang sticking out when the knife is closed. Its more cosmetic than anything. It has never bothered me, and its not like its a sharp corner that could catch on something. Below is a pick of a closed Para, along with a Leek, an Atwood Prybaby and Tactical Whistle, and a AG Russell Ultimate Pen Knife.

EDC.jpg
 
Carry the Para clipped to your rear right pocket. You won't have problems with the tang poking you when you reach into your pockets then.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top