Spyderco Para or Emerson Mini Commander?

I don't have a lot of experience with Emersons. I've handled a few and they're great knives, and it's a good company to buy from.

For the past three weeks, I've been carrying my new Paramilitary and it's probably the best knife I've ever touched in any price range. BUT, the ergonomics of the Paramilitary aren't for everyone. It works very well for me, but it may not for you. Handle them both.

The Para gets my nod, but if buying sight unseen without handling either, I may be inclined to go with the Emerson because it has a more generic handle that should feel pretty good to just about everyone.
 
So its pretty much even between the two knives, from the looks of it just boils down to personal preference. I have smallish hands so that takes the Millie out of the equation, since even the Endura feels a bit too big for me.

The number one factor I like bout the emerson is the wave and tip up carry, plus the blade looks real wicked. I'll have to look at the Horseman too, since it was also recommended quite a lot here.

The Para is the closest I can get to a Millie that's comfortable in my hand, though I'm not really sure bout the tip down carry. Should I go for Emerson and just wait for the Para 2 in orange + tip up carry (Will we get to see this in the future?)

The knife would mostly see urban carry for SD purposes since I still don't have a dedicated SD knife. :)
 
Get the Para. :thumbup: You can always have someone like STR mount a lowrider tip up clip if you really thing you'll need it.

IMO the "wave" feature isn't all that great, especially on Emersons. On the few I had, the pivot always loosened up after a couple of open / shut cycles. The blade constantly drifted way off center unless the pivot was tight enough that waving it was impossible. The chisel grind is not something I'm a fan of. There isn't a "magic" to it, neither is there any practical reason in my mind it should be used on a folding knife.
 
ParaMillie001.jpg
 
I have had the Military and the Para from Spyderco and used them then traded or sold them. Great knives but not my cup of tea. As for the two the OP has mentioned, I can tell you I have never been happier with a knife than I am with my Emerson. Once I got it I stopped buying knives in that category. Perfect fit in my hand awesome lock up. Tank tough. The chisel grind is outstanding as far as I'm concerned. I use it every day on the job and it cuts with authority. If you get the pivot where you want a drop of Locktite and your good to go. I have never cared for the spine lock on the Para though it is a quality knife. :D

CQC7A

DSC05526-1.jpg
 
Wow, that Para looks real good... and so does the Emerson CQC7...

This makes my decision making a lot harder, though a lot of you guys reco the Para now.

It looks like I'm gonna go for the Para for my birthday (this October), with an Emerson following quickly (for Christmas!)
 
Smart thinking. I would consider the new mini CQC15 before the Mini Commander though. The Mini-15 has the new stonewashed finish. Looks like an awesome little blade.
 
If he's getting a knife for his birthday and Xmas sounds like he's gonna be heading there himself before long... :p
 
Well, I just started into this knife collecting thing, since I got bit by the knife bug two months ago. I already own 5 knives, with two coming in the mail (CS minitac kiridash & RAT Izula), and I'm already considering the next purchase (for the birthday).

Yep, I guess I am headin' in that direction.. :)
 
MrGunn said:
Well, I just started into this knife collecting thing, since I got bit by the knife bug two months ago. I already own 5 knives, with two coming in the mail (CS minitac kiridash & RAT Izula), and I'm already considering the next purchase (for the birthday).

Yep, I guess I am headin' in that direction.. :)
Click to expand...

Glad to have you on board :thumbup:

One way to save your wallet some grief is to take advantage of the trade forums here.

I like Spydercos and Emersons, you can't beat the speed of using the wave opener, but the lock on the para is very unique and strong. Good luck and an early happy birthday, J.
 
Thanks for the greeting, J. I was a gun nut before but then I discovered knives and oh, boy! The knife bug bites harder than its cousin, the gun bug!
 
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