Ritter RSK Mk1 or Spyderco Para-Military?

While I prefer the basic Griptilian design, and own the Ritter Grip, the Paramilitary is a perfect EDC version of one of my favorite folders, the Military. I just can't stand that compression lock. I'd like to see the PM with a liner or frame lock. However, since it is only offered with the compression lock (I know the lock is solid, but I just don't like the location of it), I would have to go with the best Grip offering, the Ritter design.
 
Doesn't look like this thread is helping you much,lol, as you can tell both knives get plenty of love.

Can't go wrong with either, but I prefer the PARA. Mine is D2, but I can't tell any diff in it and the s30v on my large Millie, and others.
 
Honestly, you cant go wrong with either one.

If I had to take one I would lean towards the Para.
 
They're both marketed as "survival knives," and both represent solid value. If you tend to abuse your equipment, I think you should lean towards the RSK, as it has a sturdier tip. If you're interested in pure cutting performance and awesome ergonomics, the Para is the way to go.

As far as what another member suggested, about trying to 'mix' the best of both by getting the Griptilkin scales for the RSK, that's a decent thought, but I think you'll find that getting both the RSK and the Para may be less costly.

My vote is for the Para!:thumbup:

Regards,
3G
 
As far as what another member suggested, about trying to 'mix' the best of both by getting the Griptilkin scales for the RSK, that's a decent thought, but I think you'll find that getting both the RSK and the Para may be less costly.

Tell me about it...

Getting a Ritter and the and WilkinsGrip would be like what? $240 at the very least...
 
While I prefer the basic Griptilian design, and own the Ritter Grip, the Paramilitary is a perfect EDC version of one of my favorite folders, the Military. I just can't stand that compression lock. I'd like to see the PM with a liner or frame lock. However, since it is only offered with the compression lock (I know the lock is solid, but I just don't like the location of it), I would have to go with the best Grip offering, the Ritter design.

Up until a few days ago I would have agreed with you. I had a Paramilitary a few years ago and I found the compression lock horrible. Nearly impossible to actuate the lock. While I knew that it was a wonderfully solid lock but in my mind the “flaws” of the lock out weighed that.

That was as I said up until a few days ago. After looking for a fathers day gift I ordered a CMP-D2 Paramilitary when it came I was shocked to see how smooth and almost perfect the lock was. So I decided to keep the knife and order him a second. That second knife came yesterday. Also smooth. I also went to a local dealer and handled a couple S30V para’s on both of these the locks were also perfect.

It would seem that I’ve spent the last 4 years looking down on the compression lock simply because I bought a lemon.

Long story short, grab the Paramilitary.
 
Love my grip and I am completely confident in it, but if I had to pack just one I'd grab my Para D2..
 
Wow, thanks for all the responses.

Why are the D2 Paras so much cheaper that the s30v? I know they are out of production,but I would think that would make them more expensive, as they are now collectibles.
 
Wow, thanks for all the responses.

Why are the D2 Paras so much cheaper that the s30v? I know they are out of production,but I would think that would make them more expensive, as they are now collectibles.

CPM-D2 is easier to heat treat than S30V - less cryo & temper steps to get to the end product. I believe the cost of the steel was also cheaper?

Both are very good knives - I prefer the handle and opening mechanism on the Paramilitary better. Both can be flicked open easily. The Paramilitary is thicker stock than the Ritter Grip, but both will hold up to moderate-to-hard use just fine. You can also pick up a Griptilian in D2 from Cabalas. ;)
 
I think its because spyderco put them on fire sale.

out of those two, I would chose the mini sized ritter grip. I was thinking I woudl chose a full sized military over that, but I bought my military knowing that I wouldnt carry it (tn blade length max is 4.0" and I dont want to push it, I bought the military because it was on sale and a quality blade) for at least 2 years.
 
I'll go with para.Better lock just as strong but more reliable.Spyderco also puts a better heat treat on their blades,Para better handle ergo's with choil.It's also a lighter blade with more options to boot.
 
CPM-D2 is easier to heat treat than S30V - less cryo & temper steps to get to the end product. I believe the cost of the steel was also cheaper?

Both are very good knives - I prefer the handle and opening mechanism on the Paramilitary better. Both can be flicked open easily. The Paramilitary is thicker stock than the Ritter Grip, but both will hold up to moderate-to-hard use just fine. You can also pick up a Griptilian in D2 from Cabalas. ;)

The D2 version is cheaper because it has been discontinued. Spyderco also recently raised the prices of all their knives, but retailers don't raise the price of discontinued knives. Get the D2 while you can, it's almost $40 cheaper.
 
The Griptillian is more comfortable for me, yet I love the D2 steel and Compression lock of the Para. I modified my Para's handle and now it's a lot more comfortable, though not as good as my Emerson CQC14. Between the two I'd go with the Ritter.
 
Man...

I really can't afford either of these right now, but with the D2 para selling out everywhere, and it being so cheap, it's hard not to pick it up. GHAAAHHHH!!!!


Also, I'm really not a huge fan of foliage green. But I guess since a lot of other people love it, so it wouldn't be hard to trade with someone.
 
I have the full size Ritter Grip and the Para D2 as well. Both are absolutely superb knives and excellent slicers. If I had to pick one for survival purposes, it would be the Grip, due to it's stronger point. The Grip would also be my EDC choice, as it goes in and out of pocket the easiest. The Grip doesn't seem to shred pockets the way that G-10 will.
 
I love my ritter grip. Feels fantastic in the hand, and you can put a lot of faith in the super beefy blade. And IMO, the axis lock wins in ease of use for day to day tasks.
 
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