Only real shortcoming on the Para

Shmackey · Oct 30, 2005

The Para has really become my most used knife in the last few weeks. The ergononics, design, and function are darn near perfect. I even got over the fact that the Compression lock doesn't "suck the blade closed" like a lockback or Axis lock. It does everything else perfectly, and it does keep it closed well.

However... I'm getting more and more annoyed by the pointy part of the blade tang that sticks out when it's closed. You know the one--some folders have it sticking out, and some (like my Native III, Lum, Lil' Temp, Meerkat, and others) are designed so the scales cover it.

Every time I reach into that pocket just to keep my hand there--I don't keep things in there other than the knife--it bites me. (This wouldn't happen if it could be carried tip-up, but that's another can of worms.)

I'm sure that the Para would be designed bite-free if possible, so I guess I'm wondering if any design or engineering types could explain why some knives have to dish out Tang Bite and others don't.

wwells20 · Oct 30, 2005

I can't really answer your question, but I rounded mine off. This doesn't interfear with the tang hitting the stop-pin. It's engages the tang at a lower spot on the blade. Also converted mine to tip-up.

Ed Gordon · Oct 30, 2005

I've carried mine for nearly a year and a half. I never had a problem with the tang or how it carries in the pocket. It is a good EDC and I have used mine pretty hard with no problems to report.

Axlis · Oct 30, 2005

I feel that it's biggest shortcoming is its length. It is just over 3 inches, which carry illegal in many locations. I wish Spyderco would have made it right at 3 so there wouldn' be any problems. I know its not too long by much but if something came up,it's actual length would be considered in a court of law.

Stockman · Oct 31, 2005

Have to agree with you on geting bitten by the exposed back of blade on the Para.
It's a great knife in so many ways, however, as an EDC that is continualy taken out of ones pocket, this took some shine off for me, and some skin.

If it could be converted to tip up, this problem would be resolved, however the bite from the business end could be alot worse.

Blue Man · Oct 31, 2005

Hah....you think the para-military is a problem. Try the Centofante III. That knife has an agressively shaped tang, combined with really aggressive ridges above the spydie hole. That combined with the thinness of the blade gives quite a large bite!

I agree with you that knives where the blade tang doesn't stick out are a far superior design. I've also been trying unsuccessfully myself to figure out why some knives are designed this way, and some aren't. (Long live the Calypso Jr....that knife is perfectly designed for pocket carry!...absolutely no bite.)

I can't get over the lack of the blade being sucked in....I also imagine that the knife would be too dangerous coming from the factory tip up without that sucking action.

As is, I've already cut a hole in my pants with it...(perhaps due to me being inattentive, but the knife is still going back).

Much of the knife is perfect, I agree....but the things that are making me return the knife are:

The ones you already identified:

1) The bite of the tang (this is the flaw that actually bothers me least....I'm fine with it on this knife, it drives me crazy on the Centofante III).

2) Blade is not sucked closed... I understand that many people are fine with this....I'm not. Especially because I overload my pockets to begin with....I see why it's less of a big deal if you can dedicate a pocket to just your knife....but even then I wouldn't carry it

Other problems for me:

3) Pocket clip is way to low....it's just too obvious this is a knife when clipped to your pocket.

4) I'll start this off with a compliment....the blade design is awesome. But for me, I prefer a blade that can chop stuff up on a cutting board better...often times I'm at friends houses, and help them cook.....I prefer using my pocket knife to their dull pieces of metal. The blade shape combined with the deep choil is bad for chopping. (I can see how it would be awesome for almost everything else!)

Even with all the above said...if the pocket clip allowed more concealed carry, and the blade "sucked closed"...I would definitely keep the knife, and would love it! Even with the exposed tang....

sheltot · Oct 31, 2005

The one I have came rounded from the factory. A friend of mine however got one with the sharpened tang. Best I can figure is that mine came from and early production run, whereas his came from a later run.

Eric J · Oct 31, 2005

Wow! I must say I've never had a problem with my Paramilitary. I find it functions as it is intended. The bite problem seems to have eluded me! I think it might need some adjusting by the company if it is that hard to live with. Great knife!

Artfully Martial · Oct 31, 2005

On my para, the edge of the tang is pretty well rounded and doesn't cause me any trouble...this might be a newer thing as I bought my para a few weeks ago.

wwells20 · Oct 31, 2005

A.M., this could be . mine are of older stock.

Starfish · Nov 2, 2005

sheltot said:
The one I have came rounded from the factory. A friend of mine however got one with the sharpened tang. Best I can figure is that mine came from and early production run, whereas his came from a later run.

Interestingly enough, I know someone who bought two Paramilitaries. One came with the squared-off tang, and one didn't

Matthew

gull wing · Nov 2, 2005

I got an early model of the Para and it had a lot of flaws none of which I couldn't overcome. Somehow this knife just keeps popping up in my pocket.
Tang is rounded off nicely.

Razzierb · Nov 3, 2005

I've got a couple Para's. It's interesting, my early original numbered Para is nicely rounded off. My second one came later and is a numbered black blade and it isn't rounded off. Go figure. I agree though, the unrounded surface is kind of sharp on the black blade version.

Razz

mike_mck2 · Nov 3, 2005

Maybe I'm missing something here, but I really can't understand how something like a sharp edge can be a shortcoming. You don't need to be an ABS Mastersmith to chamfer or break an edge after all.

Personally, I don't care either way, but if it did bother me, it's a simple matter to fix it and make it more comfortable. I certainly would not want to pay someone else to do it for me.

Am I missing something here?

sheltot · Nov 3, 2005

mike_mck2 said:
Maybe I'm missing something here, but I really can't understand how something like a sharp edge can be a shortcoming. You don't need to be an ABS Mastersmith to chamfer or break an edge after all.

Personally, I don't care either way, but if it did bother me, it's a simple matter to fix it and make it more comfortable. I certainly would not want to pay someone else to do it for me.

Am I missing something here?

No, not really.

kgriggs8 · Nov 5, 2005

"Much of the knife is perfect, I agree....but the things that are making me return the knife are:

1) The bite of the tang
2) Blade is not sucked closed

Other problems for me:
3) Pocket clip is way to low....it's just too obvious this is a knife when clipped to your pocket.

4) I'll start this off with a compliment....the blade design is awesome. But for me, I prefer a blade that can chop stuff up on a cutting board better...often times I'm at friends houses, and help them cook.....I prefer using my pocket knife to their dull pieces of metal. The blade shape combined with the deep choil is bad for chopping. (I can see how it would be awesome for almost everything else!)

Even with all the above said...if the pocket clip allowed more concealed carry, and the blade "sucked closed"...I would definitely keep the knife, and would love it! Even with the exposed tang...."

Let me get this straight, you are returning the knife because there are some things about it that you don't like? I see no mention of any flaws or any defects. If you don't like the shape of the blade. why did you buy it? If you don't like tip down, why did you buy a tip down knife? Why should Spyderco have to return your money for a knife that is made the way it is designed? If you buy a knife and it doesn't fit your hand as well as you wished it did, do you return it?

I hope Spyderco doesn't give you your money back because they will go broke refunding every knife that is not perfect for someone. If I owned a company, you would represent the nightmare customer. You will probably complain if they decide not to return your money as well.