Spyderco para vs. Benchmade 5500?

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fritter

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Mar 1, 2008
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I'm looking for a good quality knife for work. I'm a federal LEO and a good knife is something I need at work. I think I have it narrowed down to two. The Spyderco para military or the Benchmade 5500. Any comments or advice is welcome.
Thanks in advance.
 
Both are great knives.... I currently own the para military.... and at one point owned a manual presidio...... I prefer the para for the simpler design, ease of cleaning and operating..... Its a good slicer.... It also has g-10 handles which provide a better grip... the benchmade, was just as strong if not stronger.... And it was very smooth.... The concept of the spyderco hole is just easier to operate and fun to play with even..... Its one of my favorites...
good luck
 
If your an 1896 like me, the Para, if youre at a POE or any one of the 1811's, the 5500 would work fine. Spyderco's are just hard to beat for those of us trodding around in the brush. In a knock down drag out fight, that big ole spyderhole is your best friend. While I like the thumb stud on the benchmades, I think they're better suited for situations in which you have all your faculties available to you. Just my .02
 
I am an 1896, I appreciate your input. I think I am leaning toward the Spyderco. Be safe out there!
 
I have a 520 and love it (manual version of 5000). For me, the axis flip is easier than a hole.

What do 1811 and 1896 mean?
 
5500 is basically an auto mini Griptilian, so you should love it for work.

Of course, comparing an auto to a lockback is kind of unfair. At that price, if you can stand the alox handle, you might as well go with the Ritter Grip vs. the Manix. Same blade steel, more similar blade shape.

You really can't go wrong either way. I'm a huge fan of the Griptilian, but am looking at getting a Mini Manix fairly soon. Love the look and ergos of the knife, and it has a reputation of being rock solid--plus it just looks thick and beefy.

* Just re-read and noticed the part about being a federal LEO. You might just want to get the auto because you can.
 
I have the Para and the full size Presidio.

I think the big difference, aside of the weigh, is the feel of the handle. The Benchmade feels harder, colder and sharper, the G10 in the Spyderco is, for me, more comfortable.

Keep that in mind if you will use the knife often! :)
 
I think you will like the carry ergos of the Para better . It is also a better slicer . Both are fine pieces .

Chris
 
kjbenner said:
I have a 520 and love it (manual version of 5000). For me, the axis flip is easier than a hole.

What do 1811 and 1896 mean?
Click to expand...

It has to do with the type of job we have, Federal LEO's are broken down into numerical series.
 
For an LEO I would say go BM because the auto axis is ambidextrous if you don't want to carry the knife gun side.
 
Tiny86 said:
For an LEO I would say go BM because the auto axis is ambidextrous if you don't want to carry the knife gun side.
Click to expand...

Youre right, that dang hole only works on one side. :) Sorry bro, had to say it.
 
I'd go with the Spyderco Paramilitary. Love it.
you can't argue with the ergos, and s30v is superior to 154cm in everyway IMHO
 
I have a manual mini-Presidio and a Para. I don't like autos or A/Os so I don't have any of them, although I've handled a couple in the past. The Para is the only one of the two that I use and I use it for everything hard and dirty... same things I use my SnG for.

Understand that my 525 has not failed in any way. I did carry and use it lightly. Everything worked fine on it. It just ain't my cuppa tea.

I prefer the Para for the ergos of the handle, the open construction (harder to collect junk and easier to clean out), and the ruggedness and simplicity of the compression lock.

If you're concerned about quick, one-handed openings, the Para should be a fine fit. The Spyderhole is large (and ambidextrous :D) and the compression lock is also easy to operate with either hand for closing. Plus, it's a very simple, manual system, and I see a lot of strength in simplicity.

I also prefer G10 to aluminium for scales. Both are tough, but the G10 is going to be less subject to temp variations that might affect your grip and if you drop a G10 knife, you're not going to be able to tell it from the handle scales. Aluminium does ding and scratch.

154CM is one of my 3 fav SS, but so is S30V and I've had zero problems with any of my S30V knives. It'll hold an edge for you a little longer than 154CM, although it'll also take a little more time to sharpen it up if it gets dull. Keeping it sharp doesn't really take any more time than any good SS if you do it in a timely and consistent manner.

The only... I say the ONLY... caution I would issue about the Para is to be "somewhat careful" of the tip on the blade. If you don't pry or remove screws with it, you should be fine. I've never broken a tip on any of my Spydercos and I don't baby them. But sharp, fine tips are a feature of this type of Spyderco blade. It's a function of the blade shape, not materials or QC. Those are all top-notch with Spyderco as they are with Benchmade.
 
Keep in mind here that one of them is an auto, and one of them is a manual opener. The Para is easy to open, the presidio will be easier as an auto. Also, the 5500 is tip up, the para is tip down. They are both equally durable, the steel on the para will be more abrasion resistent, the 5500 will take a finer edge. If you sharpen often, the 5500 might serve you better. Good luck, stay safe.
 
5500 is a brick in the pocket. Holds up a little better if you need to pry (stouter tip than the PMil, but you shouldn't be prying anyways with it)
PMil is the better slicer and carries better
 
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