What makes the Para2 open so smoothly?

H

Harpoon1

Joined
Apr 3, 2011
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147
Why does it open more quickly, effortlessly and is seemingly so superior to any other production folder? Is it simply the compression lock design that makes it
"feel" so much better than the rest? Trying to achieve the same feel and performance with any of the other types of lock-up, I always end up with some degree of blade play.

What gives, please enlighten me?:D
 
The Para 2 certainly isn't the smoothest folder I own but it is among the smoothest. I would attribute the smooth action to the pivot bushing that is somewhat similar to the Sebenza's pivot.
 
I am not totally familiar with the PM2 (my next knife hopefully), but I do notice that my Caly 3 which is a lockback design is currently my smoothest design. I think the main reason for a lot of knives not feeling as smooth has to do with the lock type. Even if a liner lock or frame lock are smooth the action is disrupted twice by the detent. It is good to have a solid detent so the knife does not open accidentally and then to catch half closed to not get your fingers. Maybe this is what you are feeling?
 
Harpoon1 said:
Ok, you've piqued my interest, what's smoother?
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The smoothest folder I own by far is my Classic 2000 Sebenza. It's smoother than all my other folders including my other Sebenzas.

gomipile said:
A knife with a well executed IKBS pivot. Kershaw's KVT (like on the Tilt.)
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I have yet to have the privilege of handling an IKBS folder but I heard those practically glide open and close :D
 
Harpoon1 said:
Ok, you've piqued my interest, what's smoother?
Click to expand...
I really like the Para 2 but it is not my smoothest opening folder. Ahead of it are:
All of my BM axis locks (5), Sage 1, 2, all the of my Sebenzas, Bradley 2 and these are just off the top of my head.
 
gomipile said:
A knife with a well executed IKBS pivot. Kershaw's KVT (like on the Tilt.)
Click to expand...

The Tilt is the smoothest knife I have ever owned. It beats my Sebenza and Para 2 hands down. Other IKBS knives are very smooth as well, but the Tilt is on another level IMO.
 
All that said, Spyderco knives with bushings are very smooth for their price range, and the pivots are quite durable and easy to maintain, as well.
 
aznpos531 said:
The smoothest folder I own by far is my Classic 2000 Sebenza. It's smoother than all my other folders including my other Sebenzas.



I have yet to have the privilege of handling an IKBS folder but I heard those practically glide open and close :D
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Haven't held a Tilt yet either.

Yeah, I would hope the Sebenza is, when it cost 3 to 4 times as much. Not really what I would consider a "production" (for the masses) knife.
 
coop1957 said:
I really like the Para 2 but it is not my smoothest opening folder. Ahead of it are:
All of my BM axis locks (5), Sage 1, 2, all the of my Sebenzas, Bradley 2 and these are just off the top of my head.
Click to expand...

None of the half dozen or so Axis locks I have open as effortlessly, smooth maybe, just not as quick or easily.
Same goes for Sage 1. Sabenza are on a completely different level with their price and quality control, or they should be.
 
My Para 2 is smooth, but not on the level of my Gayle Bradley. The GB is slicker than snot on a door knob.
 
Harpoon1 said:
Haven't held a Tilt yet either.

Yeah, I would hope the Sebenza is, when it cost 3 to 4 times as much. Not really what I would consider a "production" (for the masses) knife.
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Just because something costs more doesnt mean its going to be smoother. Smoothness depends on many different factors. Type of lock, washers, pivot, etc all play a role in it. A framelock like a Sebenza has a lockbar spring putting tension against the blade when opening and still opens smoothly. The Para 2 has a much smaller lockbar spring so there is less tension against the blade and thats probably why it feels so smooth. The Tilt and other high quality IKBS folders is a good example of a pivot system that transcends all other variables when it comes to smoothness. Even a $30 dollar walmart ripple with the IKBS felt ridiculously smooth... The smoothest folder I've handled is still the Sebenza. Would love to try out an IKBS folder like the Tim Galyean Pro series or something from Kershaw/ZT.
 
I can't say that's been my experience at all. Now that my Para 2 has had a chance to wear in, it's about as smooth as your average liner or framelock - in other words, nothing special. Definitely nowhere near as smooth as any of the Manix 2s I've owned, and my Alias 2 and Kershaw OD-1 are much smoother as well.
 
Para2 is fairly smooth due to the pivot bushing. I'd have to say my tilt is the smoothest I own though...
 
The Umnumzaan is a very smooth knife as well since it's got the ceramic ball built into the lock bar. You don't feel any detents and the o-ring "shock absorber" system makes it even better.
 
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