spyderco Military/Para

T

txman321

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Jun 18, 2009
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I am pretty much deadset on getting a spyderco military or a paramilitary i just am not sure what version to get, I have a few questions about the two.

On the Black Coated version of the military/para does the coating hold up fairly well?

Is the compression lock just as strong as a liner lock?

I hear that the orange g-10 versions get dirty very easily?

Is the digicamo version semi-translucent like people say?

And between the two what one would you pick? i know most will say the TI military but im not really sure if i am a fan of frame lock designs. the only frame lock i have ever tried was the kershaw leek and it just feels awkward in my hand kinda like its too skinny/small. does the Ti military feel that way?

Thanks I really appreciate it. Im going to eventually end up with both but I just cant decide right now what to buy first
 
I have a Ti millie and a std. black G10 paramilitary. The millie is HUGE, way too big for my EDC. On the other hand, the para is now my fav. EDC (I have about 20 dif. spyderco folding models).
IMHO, the compression lock is stronger over the long term than the framelock (and ball lock even stronger). With the compression lock, the reverse liner lock arm ensures that the weight of a stab is distributed between the pivot and the stop pin. To me, this can be compared to putting a wedge in between the leaves of a door hinge and trying to close the door. It's not going to happen without ripping the hinges loose. Conversely, with a framelock, the pivot and rear pin carry the load--unless there is pressure on the back of the blade, then the load is transfered in part to the locking arm. Metaphorically, I'd compare this to the piston that can be locked to hold open a screen or storm door, but rigid. It would take a good bit of power to close the storm door, even if pushing hard at the end of the lever--but you could probably do it.

I don't know about the digicam/orange scale or blade coatings.

Unless you plan on repeatedly stabbing something hard, from a bad angle, for years, the millie framelock will not let you down. My Ti millie is an incredibly well-made and robust knife. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to EDC a framelock with a +/- 3" blade.
 
I think Chandler hit it pretty good. I would vote for the Para. While I don't have a military to compare to, it just seems a little big for my EDC. The Para is my favorite EDC. Although I do have a place for larger folders and want to pick up a military, but a Para II will probably be first.

Matt
 
I did a comparison video a while back (the video is not great, but the topic of discussion (audio and annotations) might aid your decision a bit).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTmav43xp1M

The locks on both knives are VERY strong, I doubt that you will find many reports of either lock failing, and for those you find, I can only imagine the degree of abuse that must have preceded the failure.

The black coating is VERY strong. It takes a lot of work to wear it down. I have been EDCing mine for 6 months and the edges of the spine are starting to look slightly lighter than the blade indicating that the black coating is wearing thin on the spine edges. I have cut some ridiculous stuff with this knife and the coating seems as tough as the steel (perhaps harder?).

Both are fantastic knives. I think either (PM or Mil) would be fantastic...Only you can decide which is best for you/your uses. Hope the video helps.
 
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your video was very helpful, for some reason im leaning towards the military right now to get first but the para seems more edc friendly
 
txman321 said:
Is the compression lock just as strong as a liner lock?

And between the two what one would you pick? i know most will say the TI military but im not really sure if i am a fan of frame lock designs. t
Click to expand...

I find that both locks are strong enough for my purposes. I prefer the G10 Military because it's much lighter than the Ti. Both are too large for my EDC needs, but the G10 Military is surprisingly easy to carry for it's size.
 
txman321 said:
your video was very helpful, for some reason im leaning towards the military right now to get first but the para seems more edc friendly
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I figured as much. The video and my preference is the Military.

I am not sure what aspect of EDC you mean when you say "more edc friendly".

I would say from a weight, and size in the pocket point of view the PM is easier to carry, but it is pretty subtle. From a size of blade and "scare the heck out of everyone" point of view, I think either way is a push.

I have rarely found a situation where someone freaks out about the Mil that they would not also have flipped over the PM. It is really how you use it when it comes to spectators.

I wish there was a way you could try before you buy (like test driving a car). Watching videos and talking on the web is a big help, but the only sure test is to stick it in your pocket for a month and then do the same with the other. Until you have carried both for a month or more, you will never REALLY know the perks and dis's of each.
 
unit said:
I figured as much. The video and my preference is the Military.

I am not sure what aspect of EDC you mean when you say "more edc friendly".

I would say from a weight, and size in the pocket point of view the PM is easier to carry, but it is pretty subtle. From a size of blade and "scare the heck out of everyone" point of view, I think either way is a push.

I have rarely found a situation where someone freaks out about the Mil that they would not also have flipped over the PM. It is really how you use it when it comes to spectators.

I wish there was a way you could try before you buy (like test driving a car). Watching videos and talking on the web is a big help, but the only sure test is to stick it in your pocket for a month and then do the same with the other. Until you have carried both for a month or more, you will never REALLY know the perks and dis's of each.
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yeah i wish we had a spyderco dealer here where i live but we dont unfortunately. I meant more edc friendly pocket wise i think the para would fit easier but I already have quite a few blades with a 3"blade length, the military would be something different and they would also be my first Golden, Colorado spyderco
 
For EDC, Para. My Mili is pretty large. Para would be a better choice I feel.

For outdoor use, nothing beats the orange Mili. Yes, it does get dirty, but just clean it and keep cutting.
 
The Para is more pocket friendly for EDC. The compression lock is less likely to fail and much more fun to operate. Once you get good, you can actuate it like an axis lock. But everyone should own both of these knives really.

The digi-cam scales are translucent.
nontranslucent.jpg

translucent.jpg
 
im really liking that satin finish digi camo paramilitary. Gosh i may just end up buying both at the same time... would that fix the problem :confused::(
 
5.56 said:
The Para is more pocket friendly for EDC. The compression lock is less likely to fail and much more fun to operate. Once you get good, you can actuate it like an axis lock. But everyone should own both of these knives really.

The digi-cam scales are translucent.
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How did you get that polish on the blade?
 
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wongKI said:
For EDC, Para. My Mili is pretty large. Para would be a better choice I feel.

For outdoor use, nothing beats the orange Mili. Yes, it does get dirty, but just clean it and keep cutting.
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This is pretty much on the money. The Para is an out standing all round EDC work knife. However if your using your knife outdoors or wear gloves a lot the millie can not be beat.

Anyway you will end up buying both eventually ..

Bo
 
The Millie is a large folder, but it carrys about the same as my Para. The difference when you whip it out isn't quite as subtle. I work with some pretty hard core guys and the first time I whipped out my Millie to cut some zip ties I got, "Holy Crap!". The compression lock is smooth as a whistle and is a lot of fun as you can deploy it many different ways. Never thought I'd get both, but glad I did.
 
wongKI said:
For EDC, Para. My Mili is pretty large. Para would be a better choice I feel.

For outdoor use, nothing beats the orange Mili. Yes, it does get dirty, but just clean it and keep cutting.
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I EDc my all black millie and I'm comfortable with it. i have an orange millie on order which i'm planning to carry because i like it's looks better. I'm glad when you say it cleans up easy. :D
 
I have several versions of both knives and carry/use them regularly. I've found that the lockup on both models is far more solid that I'm ever likely to need. Both types of locks have broken in somewhat with a little use and have stayed in that position for several years of use. Both locks are easy to use and both knives are easy to clean.

I don't use orange scales or coated blades so I can't tell you about those things. The digicam G10 is slightly translucent, but my digicams have become my fav pair. I carry the Para a little more often because it's a little less obvious when I use it in public. The Millie is easy to carry but it does have a more noticable "presence" about it when used around NKP.

BTW... I have never broken or damaged a tip on any of my Millies or Paras after several years of warehouse and outdoor use, nor have I ever had a Spyderco lock of any type fail during use... just in case you were thinking about asking those questions.
 
either one would be a fine choice, my para is my main EDC, and i have to get a matching military in the future.
 
txman321 said:
im really liking that satin finish digi camo paramilitary. Gosh i may just end up buying both at the same time... would that fix the problem :confused::(
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Not even close.

Once you buy both you'll realize how awesome they all are and before you know it you'll wind up like Yab (insert millie wheel here) or me.

IMG_0026-2.jpg
 
5.56 said:
The blade is not polished, it's an optical illusion. Those are smudges on the blade.
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Smoke and mirrors. Now that you say that I can definitely tell. It looked so awesome when I thought it had a mirror polish.
 
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