The compression lock on the SuperLeaf is better. Smoother, easier to disengage. The blade falls when released with no side to side play. It might be because the tension on the lockbar is not as tight but it's still tight enough. I'm not sure but perhaps the lockbar is longer. No Compression Lock pinch on my finger pad whatsoever on the SuperLeaf where I get that occasionally on the Para 2. You also may find that the placement of the tab in relation to the handle grip is better than the Para 2. More room to stretch if you will. You might even find that you can depress the lock tab with your middle finger and close the blade with your index finger on the same hand at the same time. It's close for me.
If I could put S90V on the SuperLeaf I'd prefer the SuperLeaf FTW over the Para 2 even though it's bigger, wider and heavier.
Now keep in mind I haven't carried it yet. I will tomorrow. But here are some more observations:
* When you hold the knife not using the front choil, the knife fits me like a glove.
* The position of the thumb ramp is further back in relation to the front choil versus a Sage for instance. With the Sage, you feel like you are pinching your thumb against your index finger tip when choking up. That is one of the best features with the Sage IMO, Even if you do lose some edge length.
* With the SuperLeaf, the thumb ramp being a good amount further back than the choil makes it feel like you want to place your thumb on top on the spine or not use the choil at all. But that's fine! It works since that choil grip is for control, not strength of purchase.
* And it was wise that Spyderco chose to not jimp the top of the spine for the thumb because it carries tip up and that smooth, wide (4mm wide) spine looks like it will be easy on your pocket material. Well done and the right choice IMO.
* Also, I wouldn't have been disappointed if the choil was lost altogether either. The handle is roomy and that pull cut horn in the back works for me. I didn't think I'd like that part but the knife fits fantastically when not using the front choil. Losing the choil would add nearly another half inch of cutting edge and if you stare at the profile and imagine the blade all the way back minus a sharpening plunge, you can imagine the SuperLeaf looking pretty nice that way. Dare I even say sexier? I guess choils are a Spyderco tradition though and I like them on some knives. Not so much on others. Here, I'm neutral.
* Like any Spyderco, it carries a tad wider than other MFG's because of the Spyderhole but from the pictures, you can see it's not that much wider than the 0551 or Rockstar.
* But all that aside, these things do not take anything away from the SuperLeaf. For now, this knife is my pleasant surprise from Spyderco this year. At least until I get some others down the road. I was not expecting to like it as much as I do.
* That pull cut horn also makes the knife look bulky and heavy in pictures but in reality, that's just not the case. It's pretty fleet feeling in hand.
* It has to be emphasized that this SuperLeaf may have taken the crown as smoothest knife I have ever operated. It's astounding. I mean astounding. I even had my girlfriend operate it and she said the same thing and I didn't mentioned the action at all when I asked to her to "check it out".
I'll be carrying it tomorrow to see how it works in the pocket but I expect it to fine.
The SuperLeaf is a great knife and Spyderco deserves a Well Done for this blade.
This knife is begging for a CF/S90V Sprint run without the front choil! I personally believe it will be received well enough in its design to warrant consideration for a Sprint Run . . .
How does the compression lock compare to the lock on the S90V Para 2? I have a superhawk and it doesn't feel nearly as nice as the updated Para lock. Do they feel similar or is there a difference?
If you were to add the S90V Para 2 to the list, which is your favorite?
A lot of knife for under $130. The choil uses up a lot of cutting edge but it's a very nice knife and a keeper for me. It's going into the rotation for sure. It's just hard for any knife to kick the 0551 out right now.
The Spydercos aren't bad, but I can't stand those pocket clips. I actually like the rest of the knife, which is something since I generally don't like Spyderco designs.
