What keeps the Para from being a bigger hit?

[kgriggs8]

I had a Para and the more I used it the more I liked it but there were some things that I just didn't understand.

Why is the handle shaped the way it is? It is weird. There is a finger choil that is too small for anyone to use and behind that, the grip just doesn't feel right. It is like they tried to make a finger choil but then changed their mind half way through or something. The handle confuses me. I think the older Rescue and all Enduras have very good handles. Why not just go that sort of route?

Another grip about the handle. It is a little large for the blade size. I felt like I was carrying a full sized knife with a medium sized blade.

The compression lock. I did get used to it and it does work well. I just don't like it as much as a frame lock or a axis type lock. Both of these lock systems would be better IMHO.

That is about it. Other than those few complaints I really like the knife. I like the flat ground blade, blade design, G-10, tip down carry, SV-30 steel and how flat it is. It is a very good knife that is close to being a great knife. Maybe the Para II will be what I am asking for.

 

[Carlos]

Seems like the Para hande just doesn't suit your hand. Sometimes that happens. It fit mine just fine. The Centofane handle is very uncomfortable for me.

My design complain would be the lack of a tip-up carry option.

This is my partially own fault, since I was in the charge against a wire-clipped Para. Maybe a single run in that configuration would be a good test? We are more used to wire clips now.

I would also want an anvil pin that was more stainless, even at the cost of a little lock strength.

 

[dogrunner]

The para is my #1 field knife. I agree that the handle is not "perfect" but as always this is going to be very individualistic (is that a word). I would prefer it to be a tiny bit longer (and I have small hands). In fact, I would prefer it to be a Chinook II handle

Tip up would be good, or at least that as an option.

But I find the shape/size pretty good overall and it does not detract from the incredible versatility of this knife - great material, great blade, and I prefer the compression lock over ANY other lock I've used (which is just about everything currently out there plus some that I haven't seen in a while).

 

[mike_mck2]

The Para is pretty much perfect for me, and the one sure way to ruin it would be to add the nasty axis lock that quite a few seem to be so enamored with.
I don't like it and never have. Same goes for the pretty much useless bushings that some are lamenting the lack of.