Spyderco Para Military ?

I love mine (black blade, camo) but I have really considered putting that handle hump on a sander so that I can get all fingers on her.
TC
 
I love it. I find it very comfortable, and the compression lock is awesome. Mine has a tiny bit of wiggle (like, barely perceptible), but I could probably get rid of it with some adjustment. It's only side to side.

I think, as for the ergonomics, it really depends on the person. Some people love it, some people hate it. YMMV.

EDIT: Also, all my fingers fit into the little "finger recess" in the handle. I'm sure that's a big part of why it's comfortable for me...
 
For a short while (about two weeks), I was able to EDC a Para. This is what I remember as important about the folder (for me at least):
  1. It came laser sharp out of the box.
  2. In my hand the size was perfect for EDC - for a "survival folder" I would prefer the Military's full size.
  3. The lock was a bit cumbersome to disengage - I didn't have enough time with the Para to get comfortable with it, but it was SOLID.
  4. Blade size and geometry was ideal for delicate work, something I think is important in an EDC folder.
  5. The handles were a bit harsh on the hand. I really can't remember if the G10 on my Military was just as rough out of the box and the years of use smoothed it out, but with the Para I had the impression it was designed for gloved use. But again, I didn't have enough time with the folder to get used to the handle, so maybe this will not be an issue after a few months of use.
With that in mind and doing the math, more then probably I'll buy another one for me, but this time maybe with the all-black handle (I had the digi camo with black plain blade).
 
I would recommed it, no it doesn't dig into my small/med. hands but I do recommend that if at all posible you go handle one. My CPM D2 is my current favorite high tech folder!
 
I seriously want one.. I barely missed the sprint run on 'em in D2.. Anyone want to EDC trade for a while for a BM 723?? :D
 
Any lefties out there with experience using the compression lock? I'm a lefty and haven't had a chance to handle one.
 
BlueDevil45 said:
Any lefties out there with experience using the compression lock? I'm a lefty and haven't had a chance to handle one.
Click to expand...

well i am ambidextrous and i dont have a problem closing it with the side of my left thumb. it will take a little getting used to but it can be done.
 
While all the praise can be helpful, you will never know if a knife is for you until you can get it in your hands. Is there a store around where you maybe can handle one?
I love mine, but its personal preference. It just fits ME.
That being said, if you have $300 to spend you may be able to snag a Sebenza on the exchange. (sorry had to do it)
 
I have owned one before but I traded it last summer. During my time with it it was always in my pocket. The lock is great, I could can it with one hand. The compression lock is like a hybrid of a liner lock and a lockback. It's jimping and choil really make it stick to your hand. The s30v spyderco uses is great, sharpens up quick and stays sharp for a long time. The handle is comfotable but a little too big imo. It's made in Colorado and can be forund for less than $150 almost everywhere.
 
I think the Para is one of the best user designs around. I love the ergonomics, the compression lock is great. Of all my knives, it is probably the easiest for me to open and close one-handed.
 
I love my Paras! I have two with a third on the way. The different G10 and Steel choices make for great collecting and using. For me the hanndle is very comfortable for my medium size hands. The lock is one of the best features on the knife but also the F&F, construction, weight, and FFG blade makes this knife number 1 in my eyes.
 
I dont have a para yet(i have one on order) I ordered it before I handled it. Today I went to my local knife store to handle some sebenzas and decided to look at the spyderco selection. I got a chance to play with the para. It was comfortable for me but the lock bugged me. I couldn't figure out an easy method to unlock it. I only tinkered with it for a few minutes but I could not figure out a comfortable way to use it one handed(i'm right handed). I tried different methods but none felt natural to me. The guy at the store agreed with me. I have a variety of other lock types and can operate them all efficiently but not that compression lock. I have one ordered and I hope its not a mistake... did anyone else have this issue at first?
 
kvwpwr said:
I dont have a para yet(i have one on order) I ordered it before I handled it. Today I went to my local knife store to handle some sebenzas and decided to look at the spyderco selection. I got a chance to play with the para. It was comfortable for me but the lock bugged me. I couldn't figure out an easy method to unlock it. I only tinkered with it for a few minutes but I could not figure out a comfortable way to use it one handed(i'm right handed). I tried different methods but none felt natural to me. The guy at the store agreed with me. I have a variety of other lock types and can operate them all efficiently but not that compression lock. I have one ordered and I hope its not a mistake... did anyone else have this issue at first?
Click to expand...

If you clean out and lube the knife to maximum smoothness, it should close if you pinch the compression lock and give it a flick. Axis-like I guess.
 
Yes - no - strongly recommended. Find one of the CPM D2 versions if you can. Only lick on this one is that it is not the most lefty-friendly lock arrangement, if that matters to you. Not impossible, just not great, but it is a great knife even in the opinion of this lefty.
 
I have two ! Great knife , good large handle and awesome lock , sharp blade with full flat ground , one of my favorite knifes.:thumbup:
 
I have sebenza's and striders and i consider my Para pretty close to those. It really is a good knife. I have medium size to small hands, so the back bump doesn't bother me. It did take a long time a long time for me to break it in though. Mine was not initially smooth. I've used it for some really heavy duty things and its done well.
 
I wanted to love my Para but the handle never fit me right. That was my first lesson to never buy a knife without first actually handling it. I tried sanding down the handles to make it more comfortable but it didn't help. Also the tip is too thin for my tastes. Now it's been relegated to my truck's glove box.
 
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