- Joined
- May 26, 2005
- Messages
- 567
About six weeks ago, I got a Ti-handled ATR. I love the folder. In the early 80's, I carried several tip-down carry Spydies for years. I believe, that's the only way they came then. I carried them mostly in my waistband and was never wary of thrusting my hand into a partially opened blade. When I got my ATR, in the Spring, I was impressed, beyond measure, at how far Spyderco had progressed in ergonomics, and, in the case of the ATR, bladeshape. I have always been a fan of useful belly and the ATR has it, extending about 2/3 down the blade from the tip (and what a tip!). The ergos are equally superior, providing a great grip.
But, after a short carry time, two disadvantages became obvious: 1- First and foremost, tip-up carry is not for me. I cannot get used to it and it feels dangerous. 2- The knife and clip are high profile. I still admire my ATR, keep it on my desk and take it into the workroom of my apartment for various chores, but I no longer carry it.
Enter the Paramilitary with bead-blasted, black, ceramic coated blade and tip-down carry. I read several reviews but STR's extensive and creative testing and description did the trick. I now carry the Paramilitary Spydy at all times and use it extensively; From preparing food, to carving wood, box cutting, opening mail and beyond. I will not extoll all its virues as that has already been done; But I love the high flat grind of the blade, the G10 handles with their cunningly nested SS liners, its compression lock; And then, thers's the stealth factor. The black G10 handles and durable matte-finished ceramic black blade make for truly low profile, unobtrusive carry and use. I have opened this knife in restuarants to cut food and only the group I was eating with knew I was using a folding knife. People from other tables, glancing in our direction, obviously, saw nothing unexpected; In fact, they appeared not to see anything at all, other than the flatware provided by the restuarant.
But some folks are never satisfied and I have to complain about something, right? So here goes: 1- I would love it if the clip had the same matte finish as the blade. 2-(less important) If, right at the tip, a slight rise were added to the high, flat grind, it would turn the blade into a drop-point and that would make the blade slightly more versatile.
Overall, this has become my new EDC; A knife for strife; rugged and durable, if need be, yet capable of very fine work. Many thanks to Sal and the whole Spyderco team.
i
But, after a short carry time, two disadvantages became obvious: 1- First and foremost, tip-up carry is not for me. I cannot get used to it and it feels dangerous. 2- The knife and clip are high profile. I still admire my ATR, keep it on my desk and take it into the workroom of my apartment for various chores, but I no longer carry it.
Enter the Paramilitary with bead-blasted, black, ceramic coated blade and tip-down carry. I read several reviews but STR's extensive and creative testing and description did the trick. I now carry the Paramilitary Spydy at all times and use it extensively; From preparing food, to carving wood, box cutting, opening mail and beyond. I will not extoll all its virues as that has already been done; But I love the high flat grind of the blade, the G10 handles with their cunningly nested SS liners, its compression lock; And then, thers's the stealth factor. The black G10 handles and durable matte-finished ceramic black blade make for truly low profile, unobtrusive carry and use. I have opened this knife in restuarants to cut food and only the group I was eating with knew I was using a folding knife. People from other tables, glancing in our direction, obviously, saw nothing unexpected; In fact, they appeared not to see anything at all, other than the flatware provided by the restuarant.
But some folks are never satisfied and I have to complain about something, right? So here goes: 1- I would love it if the clip had the same matte finish as the blade. 2-(less important) If, right at the tip, a slight rise were added to the high, flat grind, it would turn the blade into a drop-point and that would make the blade slightly more versatile.
Overall, this has become my new EDC; A knife for strife; rugged and durable, if need be, yet capable of very fine work. Many thanks to Sal and the whole Spyderco team.
i
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