Spyderco Para-Military...or ?

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Hello everyone, I'm new here. Firstly, I appologize if this knife has been discussed alot, I did search and find alot of threads on it. However, I'd like some more specific feedback.

I'm looking for a new EDC. I've pretty much narrowed it down to the Spyderco Para-Military black blade. I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on it, but I'm wordering if theres any other knives I might not have looked at that I should consider.

Things I'm looking for in a EDC are: light-weight, strong, tactical, roughly a 3.5" blade, G-10 handle for around $100. Although I'm not opposed to spending a little more.

Thanks in advance!
 
Can't beat the ParaMilitary for value, strength, size, and usability IMHO.

A lot of people also really like the Spyderco Manix, so that may be worth checking out to you.
 
It is a very nice knife. I would also look at a couple Benchmade's if it were me.

If you can go to a local shop to handle the knives it would be great.

I'm thinking you might like the Benchmade 520.
 
Joe Dirt said:
It is a very nice knife. I would also look at a couple Benchmade's if it were me.

If you can go to a local shop to handle the knives it would be great.

I'm thinking you might like the Benchmade 520.
Click to expand...

Thats a good idea. I'd like to see them in person before I buy.

The 520 is sweet. A little more than I want to spend, but a very nice knife. I like the combo-edge, thats a nice feature to have.
 
For under $100... Benchmade probably has a couple. Spyderco's got a couple.
You can still find Gerber Spectre's, and I just picked one up for $80. Take a
look at one, I think you'll be impressed.

Sam
 
I'm going to have to advise against anything Gerber. They rip designs off of other manufacturers and have pretty junky quality these days.

The Paramilitary is going to be hard to beat. I would rather have a Benchmade with an Axis lock but that is only my opinion.
 
The Paramilitary IS an excellent knife! You will be very happy with it, I assure you!!
 
If you've never used a Compression-lock folder before you might want to handle them in person before you buy.

I have a Vesuvius that does'nt keep the blade closed very well--it's the only knife that has ever opened inside my pocket.
I was very pleased when Spyderco released the Centofante III.

I later had a Salsa and I did'nt like the Compression-lock on that knife either.

Some folks love it, but it's best if you can check it out firsthand.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
My friend just got a new para full ser and he loves it really tight, and centered and it fits good in the hand. I have the mili and I really like that knife, i just like the liner and the size better than the para but its still a great knife especially if you like that size.
 
go for the Para. I just got one. Real sweet. Hard to go wrong with this one.

here are some pics, the Para and the Military:

56071105.jpg


56071107.jpg


and a pic of the Military, Para, and mini Manix

56071108.jpg
 
get the mini manix or manix! I have the manix and its my favorite folder. Its PERFECT to me. Feels great in my hand, has great steel, and has the strongest lock spyderco makes. Some people say its too big or too heavy...but i like it that way...
 
I agree with dniice87, get the spyderco mini manix, it is solid stainless lined on both sides and does have a strong lock.
 
You've just described the attributes a large amount of people desire in a knife. Unless you're living in a shack on the side of the highway eating out of garbage cans, you can probably afford to cycle through some knives before you find the one you like. Order a couple catalogs, go to a couple gun shows and knife dealers, handle the knives before you buy them, and make your decision. I only like small folders for EDC, but I like big folders for camping, working outside etc. You might find you need more than one folder. Great thing is, you can trade what you bought on here for something else if you're unhappy with it, or get a Gold membership and start selling everything to fund your purchases ;).
 
One time I had both a paramilitary and a small ritter grip.

The Ritter grip has almost the same size blade in a knife that's 3/4 on an inch shorter, AND axis lock works pretty darned smooth.
 
Well, I just bought the Para-Military.

Seems to be the perfect knife for me. G-10 handle, tactical, lightweight, rougly 3" blade, etc.

Now I'm all knife crazy though...I found like 4 others I want to get too.:rolleyes:
 
You'll probably own those four others before six months have passed.

I have a Para, but mine has had many QC issues such as very bad blade play, not staying closed securely, closing off center in the handle, and the lock barely engaging. I sent it in and it came back with all the same problems save slightly improved blade play. I've personally had enough of the knife.

I did order a Carbon Fiber Military however, and it is perfect in every way. I like it ten fold over the Para. Also, I'd like to add that I have over fifteen other Spydercos, and they are by far my favorite brand, so I'm not knocking the company at all.
 
I have two Para Military knives. They are a great knife but many find the lock a bit awkward. I'd recommend handling one first if you can find one. My favorite Spyderco of all time is the Ocelot hands down.

BenchMade makes a super knife also. Their HK14200 is, in my opinion one of the best knives I've ever bought also, right up there with the Ocelot.The Axis locking knives are super smooth, made with great blade steel, and the grip and handle is second to none on this HK of mine. I really like mine a lot. You can still find these for around $112.50 at newgraham.com http://www.newgraham.com/hk_knives.htm but the new 06 stock is moving in and the price went up on them. The new price will be $137 and some change once the 05 stock is gone.

The one I have is the HK34FDP also referred to as the 14200. I might also add that if you like black blades they make one with a black blade in this model. I think you can still get it for $118.50 Its the HK34FDCB.

STR
 
I lucked out with my Para. Everything is perfect. However, I do wish Mr. Glesser would address why there are so many QC problems with the Para and if anything is being done to resolve them. I hate to see such a great knife get a bad reputation. :(
 
CONGRATS on the Paramilitary!! You WILL buy a lot more knives, I am sure of that.
 
I just looked up the BM 14200 and, that is nice knife. Great looking blade. It appears to be a little heavy'ish for EDC (wish it had been titanium) but, it looks very robust.

I've been thinking that it would be nice to have a knife with all the virtues of the Griptilian but, with more robust handles. This just might be the one.
 
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