Military or Paramilitary...decisions...

[SlideTechnik]

Well until recently I was dead set on getting a military. My intent was just to get it as a toy...not an EDC, but something I carry hiking, or for general use.

Then my mind started to wander as I envisioned myself carrying it, and I started thinking the paramilitary might be the way to go so I could carry it more often due to it's smaller size and use it with less worry due to what appears to be a slightly more robust tip.

Now I am split. They are about the same price and I just can't decide. Thus, I would like to invoke the knowledge of the Spyderco crowd to help sway me one way or another. The obvious answer is to get both...but my knife budget is rather slim lately.

[DMgangl]

I went with the Military. I don't really worry about NKP, I'd rather get the job done efficiently as possible.

DM

[SlideTechnik]

Excuse my ignorance, but what is NKP?

[DMgangl]

Non-Knife People.

DM

[VashHash]

I'd prolly go with the military too it seems like it would ride nice in the pocket and more is better than less. Besides ppl will always frown on a knife no matter what the size. Military all the way

[iwolf81]

I suggest trying both, if possible, and then decide. I recently got the D2 Para and became an instant fan of the nest compression lock, which is on the top/backside of the handle and is finger operated. I also recently held an Emerson closer, which has a liner lock on the bottom/inside of the handle and is thumb operated; this is same type of lock as the full size Millie. Both lock types have their advantages, though the Emerson/Millie liner lock seems to require less fine motor skills than the Para compression lock (e.g. thumb vs finger operation.) Try both lock types and pick the one you like best. You won't go wrong with either the Para or Millie.

Regards,
Ira

[5.56]

I had to have both

Bite the bullet, you're going to end up with both anyways. :)

[aebfroman]

Military, military and military.

[Water Bug]

I have the Spyderco Military and Para-Military, and would recommend you eventually get them both.

In the meanwhile... it means more to me to have extra blade length, thus I went with the Military first then got around to purchasing the Para-Military. I feel you can always use less of a Military's edge for small cutting chores and still have the remaining length available for bigger cutting issues. I do like the Para-Military very much, but there have been times when I EDCed a Para-Military where I wished I had more blade length.

[SlideTechnik]

Bite the bullet, you're going to end up with both anyways. :)

Who am I kidding, right? Haha

Thanks for the input guys.

[Gary W Graley]

For me I've stayed away from the para due to the lock type
I'm sure it's great from all reviews, but I guess I'm a stick in the
mud, either regular liner lock like the Milly or a lockback and I'd
pick one up quick!

From the choices you listed, I'd vote Regular Military, very solid knife!




G2

[vito72]

Hope this can help, take a look..

http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39380

[skatenut]

if in doubt, try them both, if somehow possible.

I prefer liner locks to compression locks, but the Para fits my hand as if custom made, the Millie is a little too big for my hand, decisions, decisions. :)

so, I got them both and like them both :D

[jezabel]

I use and carry both, nearly everyday.

IMO the Military suit's outdoor use better and is more glove friendly. I feel that the tip is stronger too. ( I managed to snap a little off my Para's tip...totally my fault)

The Para seems to suit all round EDC duties better due to it's more friendly size.

Jez

[gull wing]

5.56
Nice shots of the digi :) . I didn't get a chance to handle one, so:
Are the scales made of the translucent G10? They look much better in your shots than in the sales shots.

[5.56]

Yes, I don't think many people realize that the digicamo is translucent. I was really impressed when I got mine.

[gull wing]

Yes, thanks for the insite and the nice photos. Yours look super.

[Doc Pyres]

I'd say start with a Para, and then try a Millie when you have the funds. Both are great knives, but as you said, you'd mainly like it as a toy, and the compression lock is a lot of fun to play with once you get the hang of it. :D

[SlideTechnik]

Well, I've made my decision. I've ordered the big one :-) Thanks for the input everyone.