Para military compared to military or neither?

G

generallobster

Joined
Apr 7, 1999
Messages
514
I've gone nuts for spydercos recently, adding a native, D'Allara and ATR to my collection within the last two months. I'm now looking at the paramilitary primarily but want some feed back as I have never handled one. 8 years ago I owned a military briefly but was dissapointed because it wasn't the knife I was looking for at the time. I didn't like how flexable the handle felt, how I was able to squeeze the g10 slabs together, and ultimately I was much more satisfied with the bm710 and spyderco wenger with its solid metal spacer. I don't think my tastes have really changed but I have come to appreciate a lightweight knife, so my question is does the para military have that "flexable" feeling in the hand that the military has? Has the military been upgraded with dual liners now? And comparing the two is the military handle tougher when it comes to lateral stress considering the compression lock of the para military makes putting more than two screws in the handle spine difficult?
 
I have both and honestly never felt the "flexibility" you refer to in the military. No lateral flexibility issues for me. Either they've fixed the problem, or you have a crazy robot-strength grip. Between the two knives, I prefer the paramilitary, but that's mostly because I really like the compression lock. Both are hell-for tough, as long as you don't use the knife as a prybar or screwdriver.
 
i own the cf bg-42 military, and a para-military. the military is the better knife, and neither of them flex when you squeeze the slabs together
 
I've never had the flexibility issues either. I open up my Military and squeeze those handles as hard as I possibly can and they don't move. They just grip my hand tighter and tighter. It is possible you had issues with your Millie because it was an older model. I'm sure newer models have been strengthened and refined a little.

The liner lock is incredibly strong with no play at all. My Para handles feel the same strength wise as my Millie, but obviously in a trimmed down package with a compression lock. Both locks on these knives are extremely easy to use, so for me IMHO it all comes down to which one you are more comfortable with. Once again I am right at home with either one.

They both scream for hard use too. Just don't use them for prybars or screwdrivers and they'll take all you can throw at 'em. Good luck with your decision. Or make it easy on yourself and get both like I did.
 
Agreed with the above posters. The Paramilitary would have less flex (if there were any!) than the Military due to its smaller size. Both are incredible knives.
 
For what it is worth, the G-10 slabs on the newer Military are noticeably thicker than they are on the old one. The new production pieces have a nested partial liner on the non-lock side. I can flex the scales in a bit on my old 440V Millie, but not on the carbon fiber models or the new G-10 models in black or foliage green.
 
The G-10 scales on my old 440V Military measure 0.122" and the scales on my foliage green D2 Military measure 0.140" thick. It makes quite a bit of difference in the feel of the knife.
 
I have the foliage green g10 versions of both the military and the para, and they are both solid, no flexing or anything. And yes It does have nested metal liners.
 
I have 3 Millies and 2 Paras... none of them have any flex to the handles.

The Para is still my fave Spydie... BUT... I gotta say that the more I handle and use the Millies, the more I like havin' one.. or three.
 
after getting my millie today, i have to say, its close to perfection...
No flex, anyway, it has nested liner on the other side to, so yes it has dual liners :D
 
I love my Millie. It's one of three knives that are on my "untouchables" list. That means it's saved from any selling/trading. It's a great knife and I don't go anywhere without it.
 
I like my Para. It is a bit handier for EDC. The compression like really grew on me. Only wish it were tip up.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top