The Para2

5.56

5.56

Joined
Sep 27, 2008
Messages
6,602
Just got mine.

My first impression was wow, they really nailed it with this one. I was worried because the first Para fit me like a glove. I'm happy to say that the new handle is on par with the first, it feels very good in every position, and the slightly deeper choil works. The extra blade length is a plus as well, it really evens out the handle to blade ratio and reminds me of a miniture Military. The large lanyard tube is not of importance to me, but for those who use lanyards, I'm sure it will work well. The four way clip was a must for the Para2 and Spyderco did not disappoint, the knife definitely has a lower profile in the pocket. I will surely be switching my clip to tip up. The blade steel is of course S30v, and the knife is made in Golden, Co USA Earth(thank you Sal).

My only complaints so far are minor. I still prefer the old clip, I liked that it was robust and durable. The new polished clip is fine and probably just as rugged, but to me it just doesn't quite measure up. I guess they had to sacrifice something for the new four way setup? Another notable difference is the deeper choil doesn't allow for the blade to be opened using the lockbar like the old Para did. I can sling it closed one handed using the bar, but to open the knife you will need to use the spyderhole. The Para2 does seem to have more closed retention though compared to the previous model, not that it needed more.

Overall, I am very pleased. I got lucky and scored an early model, collector's club #016. The early models feature only Sal's logo on the backside apparently. The fit and finish on my knife is excellent, the blade is perfectly centered and the deployment is buttery smooth with zero blade play at lockup. I will definitely be picking up the Sprint Run super steel Para2's for sure. M4, CF please!

SEE POST #32 FOR MORE PICS AND INFO

Para2.jpg

Para2-2.jpg
 
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I get to pick mine up Sunday. Can't wait! :D

Great pictures as always, 5.56. :thumbup:
 
5.56 said:
Thanks, I plan on snapping more pics this weekend. I was all excited and I rushed these. They're just ok, ;)
Click to expand...

Rob, please snap one of the spine near the lock area. I'd like to see the lock up on this model. Nice pick up by the way. :thumbup:
 
very nice! I never liked the original para, but when I saw this one, I knew I had to get it! Eagerly awaiting my knife and I'm glad you like yours!
 
From the second photo, it looks like the para 2 has full liners in it. Is that the case? My original one has two triangular shaped ones that are only half the handle, not in thickness but is area.

Congrats btw! Really tempted to get this.
 
Are you able to tighten the pivot all the way and still have smooth blade action? It's supposed to have a pivot bushing system.
 
riz_aaroni said:
From the second photo, it looks like the para 2 has full liners in it. Is that the case? My original one has two triangular shaped ones that are only half the handle, not in thickness but is area.

Congrats btw! Really tempted to get this.
Click to expand...

mongomondo said:
Are you able to tighten the pivot all the way and still have smooth blade action? It's supposed to have a pivot bushing system.
Click to expand...

Indeed, it has full liners. The non lock side is skeletonized.

Mongomondo: I haven't played with the pivot yet, I probably won't either until it needs it.
 
5.56 said:
Indeed, it has full liners. The non lock side is skeletonized.

Mongomondo: I haven't played with the pivot yet, I probably won't either until it needs it.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. Makes the knife even more tempting since I didn't even realize that was the case.
 
Man this knife has everything I want. Sadly I won't buy the normal PM2, but Im saving my money on a sprint run that has better blade material and handle.
Thanks for sharing 5.56, appreciate it! :)
 
Ohhh! Can't wait to get one. Only question is wait for the Sprint, or go for the standard?
 
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