Stretch 2 vrs. Para

bigbre

bigbre

Joined
Dec 9, 2008
Messages
270
hey I was looking for an opinion on a couple knives for EDC.

I am wondering yall's opinion of a few spydies. The Stretch 2 and the Para military. I know that there are hundreds, probably thousands of threads about the Para.

I have Medium to Large hands, The full sized Griptillian and the Tenacious are about the perfect sizes for my hand. I was wondering if anyone who has either of these knives(the stretch and the Para as i already have the Grip and the Tenacious) could fill me in on thier thoughts about the handles.

One thing about the stretch that worries me is how thin the blade looks towards the tip. Would the Para or the Stretch make a better EDC Blade-Wise. I actually perfer the length of the Stretch, but i also like the design and look of the Para.

Another thing about both knives that i was wondering about was the Ergos of both for my hand size. Can someone give me an idea of the handles of these when compared size wise to the Tenacious and Grip. I worry about the bumps on the top and the bottoms of both.

The steels to me are less important as they both have very good steels VG10, D2, S30V, ZDP etc...I know that there are a bunch of threads on these so thats pretty easy.

I appologize if there is another thread on here comparing these too, I cant search on here so if there is I would really appreciate if someone would link me to it.

Thanks and have a good afternoon guys.

-Alex
 
One thing that might immediately affect your decision will be the blade to handle ratio on these two knives. The Para has a shorter blade compared to its handle size than normal and the Stretch is about on the other side of the spectrum. The blade on the Stretch is about as long as a blade can get with its handle size. I personally prefer the blade to handle ratio on the Para, but some folks dislike the Para's design because of that feature. The blade to handle ratio on the Stretch is why I dislike that design.
 
I've had both. I'll say that for large hands, the Stretch might be the way to go. There's more room to "stretch out" on the handle, even without using the choil. I have medium hands, and the Para grip is just more comfortable. Some dislike the Para choil, claiming it's too small. Just right for me though. The tips on both knives are pretty thin, I think the para has a more dramatic distal taper. And as Kaizen notes above, the handle/blade ratio is a pet peeve with some critics of the Para, but it seems plenty enough for most of my tasks. Best thing to do is handle both, if you can. If it would help, I'd loan you my Para for a few days, to give you an idea how it feels in hand. Can't help you with the Stretch, though, since I sold both of mine just recently like I mentioned. Hope that helps.
 
I appreciate the posts, Rain have you ever handled or owned a tenacious? how would you say the handle on the para/stretch compare to it. I just ask because thats probably the best comparison since i currently have a tenacious in my pocket. The handle on the tenacious perfectly fits my hand. I would guess that my hands might be on the more Medium then large size.

I personally perfer the larger handles because i feel they give me better purchase. I have a BM Nagara and i find that its skinnny handle makes it feel difficult to hold especially with its smooth handles. is the handle on the Para terribly skinny?

-Alex
 
The para is relatively narrow, but you should have no problem having good purchase on the handle. IMO the ergonomics are great, between the contours on it, and the texture of the g10, it feels really nice in my hand
 
bigbre said:
I appreciate the posts, Rain have you ever handled or owned a tenacious? how would you say the handle on the para/stretch compare to it. I just ask because thats probably the best comparison since i currently have a tenacious in my pocket. The handle on the tenacious perfectly fits my hand. I would guess that my hands might be on the more Medium then large size.

I personally perfer the larger handles because i feel they give me better purchase. I have a BM Nagara and i find that its skinnny handle makes it feel difficult to hold especially with its smooth handles. is the handle on the Para terribly skinny?

-Alex
Click to expand...
I've never handled a Tenacious, sorry. It's on my short list. The Para handle is thin, but wide. I would put the CF Stretch right there with it in terms of width and thickness, with maybe a bit more length. I have handled a full-size Griptilian, and I would say the Para handles are longer, thinner, and wider. Ergos are much superior to the Grip,though, IMO. If a thicker grip is your preference, then consider the FRN Stretch. You can get it in ZDP, for quite a reasonable price. And if you don't like it, you can always sell it here on the Exchange. I know one online dealer with excellent prices on these, drop me a PM if you'd like to know who it is:D.
 
The pinky hump on the para seems like it wants to get in the way but I have yet to have a major problem with it.
TC
 
I have a Para (in my pocket right now), Stretch II, Tenacious, and a large Grip.
Of course it's personal preference. Since you seem to like the Tenacious a lot I would suggest you also consider a Manix II. Very similar (I own one of those too).

If the knife God's said I couldn't have these five knives...take it to one knife, I'd keep the Para with out batting an eye. Now a Mini-Manix might win out.

Anyway, I have big hands and the Para works very well for me as does the Stretch (my second choice on your list). Of course, the Tenacious is the value purchase hands down but you already have one.

Get the Para you will be very very happy.
 
I don't own a Stetch so can't help there. I do have the Para and just can't get to like it. The quality of the knife is very good but it just doesn't fit my hand comfortably.

I have big hands and the full size Griptilian works really well for me, as does the Buck 110 and other full size folders. Despite the largish grip of the Para it never feels right and the clip exacerbates it by rubbing in all the wrong places. I have tried to get used to it but have just given up - this is not a criticism of the Para - it is a well engineered piece but it is not the knife for me.

Handle the knives you are interested in if at all possible before you buy.
 
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