One would think that a knife that has recieved nothing but positive press*, and has won a Knife of the Year award for "Most Innovative Import Design" would have some merits. Unfortunately that was not the case with the X-9 Parabow from Paragon.
Original List Price of $249.95 (1994)
On paper the knife looks very interesting:
1) It is a massive folding lockback with a mid-frame release. the 4"
main blade is almost 3/16" thick and mildly recurved with a
thumrest and a false edge starting 1 1/2" from the point. The
frame is a massive piece of stainless about 1/2 thick at the
forward bolster and a full inch thick at the rear bolster.
2) There is a non-locking aggressive saw included as a second blade.
3) Then there are the glitz features. like the carry case, the
compound slingshot attachment and the included (and actually very
well made) sling shot bolts. Did I mention the small compass.
It even has a attachable hammering surface.
4) The piece is made in Seki City, which has produced quality
production knives for the likes of SOG and Al Mar.
But the real knife leaves alot to be desired. My first indication of trouble was printed right on the included instruction sheath. Language like "BY ACCEPTING THIS X-9 PARABOW THE BUYER AGREES TO AND HEREBY DOES RELEASE SELLER AND PARAGON CUTLERY CO. AND ALL ASSOCIATED PERSONS FROM LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY WHICH MAY RESULT, FOR ANY REASON, FROM THE USE OF THIS X-9 PARABOW.(emphasis theirs)" Then there was also the extra special warranty "...limited to the repair or exchange of any part which may prove defective under normal use and service with ninety (90) days from the purchase by the original purchaser."
Then there were the other problems that became apparent all too soon.
1) The finger grooves in the handle were cut deeper than the resting
position of either blade. So the handle could not be comfortably
held regardless of which blade you were trying to use.
2) The slingshot was attached to the frame via a threaded section on
the plastic plate. Since this plastic is threaded through the
stainless steel boster it wasn't long before it wore away
(basically if you get it attached the first time you might as
well leave it there and consider yourself lucky).
3) The rubber scales on the side of the frame were only glued on.
No pins - nothing other than rubber glued to a flat stainless
surface.
4) Did I mention it was heavy ... very.
No problem, if its heavy its OK. It is supposed to be a survival knife anyway so just put it in your backpack, or vehicle and it will be there when you need it. The finger groves... well you can get use to that. at worst you might develop a callus. Which is certainly a small price to pay for survival. If a rubber scale falls off it is just as easy to glue it back on; those modern glues are wonderful, it's just a matter of finding the right stuff.
Now the stripped thread on the plastic thread could be a problem. You wouldn't want that nice compound slingshot snapping off and hitting you squarely in the face. But, why couldn't we simply call Paragon and order a replacement (or several since the life expectancy is soooo short)...
...Sorry, Paragon does not carry any replacement parts for sale. But, they did offer to sell me another copy of the knife.
:barf:
N2S
My appology for the long rant. I hope my loss is your gain.
* See Kim Breed's Spec Sheet in the November 1996 Blade. Strangely, very little was said between 1994-1996 but coinciding with the new 1/4 page color Miss Paragon Ad the knife finally gets a review - in which they neglect to mention the 1994 award. List Price in 1996 is quoted as $335.00!!!!
Most people would have flamed back at me for my deliberate harshness.
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