Para 1 vs. Para 2 ?

PropThePolecat

PropThePolecat

Joined
Jan 31, 2009
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Im looking to try my very first Para. Ive found secondhand but NIB original Para that looks pretty tempting. But i can add approximately 20-25% cash and get a new Para 2.

My question to you, who has owned both, how do they compare? Would it be worth it to pay the extra money for the Para 2?

Theres no need to list all the upgrades on the second version, i know exactly what they consist of. I just want to hear how they compare in real life and during use/carry.

Which one is more ergonomic? Do the rounded corners on the 2 actually improve comfort when carrying it in the pocket? Ive read that the Para 2 is slimmer too...but by how much?

Does the orginial Para feel beefier because of the thicker/shorter blade?

Only thing thats annoying is that the Para 1 dosent have the 4-way clip. But im not sure id be willing to pay 25 % more just to get it.

If anyone could post a pic of the 2 side-by-side, then id be forever grateful :thumbup:
 
I hope you are aware forever is a very long time :)

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I like the Para2 better, although I do still carry my Para1 from time to time.
The 2 is indeed slimmer and has better ergonomics, while 1 feels indeed beefier and stouter. I like the longer blade on P2 but I also equally like the more-bellied blade shape on P1 .
Oh, and the clip is a non issue for me since I'm right handed and carry both Paras tip-down anyway.
Not a very helpful post, I am afraid ;)
 
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I've got the P2 and handled the P1 in a store. Didn't like the P1 at all. Stubby blade was a big turn off esp since I didn't like the way the handle felt either. Took a chance on the P2 based on the changes and it's remarkably nice. The mods are really spot on. I know a lot of people don't like larger knives, so the P2 gives me something I can recommend to them. Hope that helps.
 
There both great knives, but I traded my para 1 after I got a para 2, it just feels better.
 
Both are great knives! I like the para 2 a little more because I am lefthanded and the larger blade. Its really up to you though have you had a chance to handle both? You will probably buy both at some point in time anyway:D
 
Thanks brj for the excellent comparison pics. They really helped. I didnt realise the Para 2's blade was that long compared to the 1. And im not digging the Para 1's shiny clip. At least i can swap the 2's clip out with the black Endura/Delica clip.

So far the 2 has gotten all the votes. Unfortunately i cant handle them before i make the buy. All i have to go on are pics and your experiences.
 
Standard clip on Para1 is coated, I've swapped the shiny one on mine since none of the hardware was black. If you have other specific questions just shoot, I will be more than glad to help.
 
I have had 3 P1s and 2 P2s. I like them all. I only carry tip down so that wasn't the lure of the P2 for me. It is a bit more "balanced" in looks and slightly more comfy reaching into the pocket only if you carry tip down.
The new Para 2s are less expensive than the Para 1s were and still are if you can find the originals. The difference is marginal though. You can't go wrong but I think the 2 will fill the bill perfectly.
 
Para 1 has the most uncomfortable handle I've ever held (for a Spyderco) while the Para 2 feels like it was made for my hand. Add to that my preference for tip-up and there's really no contest for me.
 
brj said:
Standard clip on Para1 is coated,
Click to expand...

Yes, youre right. The secondhand Para 1 im considering has the black clip.

bigmo66 said:
The new Para 2s are less expensive than the Para 1s were and still are if you can find the originals. The difference is marginal though.
Click to expand...

That is correct. If i was buying one from new, id go with the Para 2, no question about it. But the choice is between a secondhand NIB Para 1 and a brandnew Para 2 from the dealer. The price-difference between the two knives will be approximately 20%.
 
elkins45 said:
Para 1 has the most uncomfortable handle I've ever held (for a Spyderco) while the Para 2 feels like it was made for my hand. Add to that my preference for tip-up and there's really no contest for me.
Click to expand...

Id couldnt tell by looking at the pics, that there is such a big difference between the two in the hand.
 
Looking at them in photos the differences seem pretty subtle but the P2 is very close to perfection whereas the P1 is not. It it was me, I'd go for the P2 even if it cost 50% more. I just couldn't be happy with carrying the P1 every day knowing the P2 was available. For something you carry and use every day, the cost difference is fairly insignificant, imo.
 
I own 4 of each. There is no question that the Para 2 is an improvement in virtually every aspect. It feels better in the hand. It's simply more ergonomic, it's better looking, it's slightly bigger, it sits lower in the pocket, it doesn't have that unfortunate and unsightly lump when closed. Get a Para 2. The only reasons to get a Para 1 is the CPM D2 version or a Spyder Edge.
 
I must have weird hands. While the Para 2 has straighter, easier on the hands scales, I could cut all day long with the original without a problem. The blade length difference is 6mm or .23 inches.
 
I am comfortable with both. I like the beefy feel of the para 1 but I like the longer blade length of the P2. The bushing pivot of the P2 which is probably the culprit for the lateral blade play that so many have commented on, is a step backward, IMHO.
 
i have both. stock, i would take the para2. if i could modify (ie lowrider clip) i would be fine with either.

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I have regular Para 1 and both sprint Para 2's, while I still carry my P1 often I prefer the P2 as well.
 
I own both and they're both good knives. If I had to choose one it would be hands down the Paramilitary 2. It carries better and feels better in hand than it's predecessor. The Para 2 is just a better EDC option than the Para 1.

Can't go wrong with either, but the Para 2 is the better knife IMO.
 
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