- Joined
- Apr 30, 2001
- Messages
- 701
Well, its here. The Paramilitary is the first passaround I've been involved in, and before getting to the review, I would like to thank jhillas whose real name I've forgotten. The passaround is a great idea for a community like this one, and it all seems to be going really well.
Well, the knife.
I was surprised when I got it at how large it is. When closed, it rivals my SERE 2000 which is the biggest folder I own, and the biggest folder I care to carry.
Up front, I am a believer in a well-functioning compression lock. Innovating novel locking systems for folders that maintain smoothness, ease of use, security, reliability, and lack of blade play is an incredibly difficult task. Spyderco has done it, and done it extremely well. The blade opens smoothly without the drag that would accompany a lockback or a thick-scaled framelock, and I find the lock easy to use. There is also no hint of play, vertical or horizontal. My only other knife where I can say there is NO play is my SERE 2000. Other quality knives I own, Microtech, Spyderco, Benchmade will exhibit play when pressed hard enough. This one has none.
Blade shape and length are great for everyday tasks, and combined with the extremely ergonomic and generous handle, I would trust this knife to take on anything.
The question, though, is: would I buy it? The answer, unfortunately, is no.
For me the most satisfying thing about a knife purchase is how it feels in my pocket, the reassuring sense of quality and thoughtfulness in design that sits clipped to my jeans. Here is where the tip-down only design of the Paramilitary fails it. When closed and clipped, the blade tang is exposed right where your hand enters the pocket. The edge of the tang is a sharp 90 degree corner and just simply is not comfortable. Reaching in to grab keys gets you scratched. (The pic will show what I mean.)
Additionally, for me, the knife is just too big. That isn't a condemnation though. I don't use my folders hard, I take fixed blades camping, so I don't expect my folders to be workhorses. The Paramilitary is. If you're looking for a knife that will fit your hand and outlast you, this is probably it. If you're looking for discrete, comfortable carry and a knife that will not frighten off most non-knife people....this is better than the Military, but doesn't exactly fit the bill.
I hope the rest of you enjoy the Passaround, I can't wait to try more knives out.
Nitin
Well, the knife.
I was surprised when I got it at how large it is. When closed, it rivals my SERE 2000 which is the biggest folder I own, and the biggest folder I care to carry.
Up front, I am a believer in a well-functioning compression lock. Innovating novel locking systems for folders that maintain smoothness, ease of use, security, reliability, and lack of blade play is an incredibly difficult task. Spyderco has done it, and done it extremely well. The blade opens smoothly without the drag that would accompany a lockback or a thick-scaled framelock, and I find the lock easy to use. There is also no hint of play, vertical or horizontal. My only other knife where I can say there is NO play is my SERE 2000. Other quality knives I own, Microtech, Spyderco, Benchmade will exhibit play when pressed hard enough. This one has none.
Blade shape and length are great for everyday tasks, and combined with the extremely ergonomic and generous handle, I would trust this knife to take on anything.
The question, though, is: would I buy it? The answer, unfortunately, is no.
For me the most satisfying thing about a knife purchase is how it feels in my pocket, the reassuring sense of quality and thoughtfulness in design that sits clipped to my jeans. Here is where the tip-down only design of the Paramilitary fails it. When closed and clipped, the blade tang is exposed right where your hand enters the pocket. The edge of the tang is a sharp 90 degree corner and just simply is not comfortable. Reaching in to grab keys gets you scratched. (The pic will show what I mean.)
Additionally, for me, the knife is just too big. That isn't a condemnation though. I don't use my folders hard, I take fixed blades camping, so I don't expect my folders to be workhorses. The Paramilitary is. If you're looking for a knife that will fit your hand and outlast you, this is probably it. If you're looking for discrete, comfortable carry and a knife that will not frighten off most non-knife people....this is better than the Military, but doesn't exactly fit the bill.
I hope the rest of you enjoy the Passaround, I can't wait to try more knives out.
Nitin
