Military vs. Para Military Questions

[jmfwsu]

Hi,

Do the newest S30V Militaries have dual liners, or is that just a feature of the BG42 CF Militaries?

Do the Paras have dual liners?

Also, aside from blade length, how does the military compare to the para-military? Is the liner lock as strong and reliable as the compression lock?

If blade length isn't an issue, would you just go with the para?

Thanks,

Jason

[A. Stanton]

I don't know about the specs on the two knives. But I would advise you to start with the Military. It is the best foundation for a collection. You can always go smaller down the road. And there isn't a lot of difference between the two knives price-wise.

[smcfalls13]

Do the newest S30V Militaries have dual liners, or is that just a feature of the BG42 CF Militaries?

I believe it was a design change. The BG-42 Militaries were the first to have dual liners, and I think all the S30V knives made afterwards will also have them, but I'm not sure.

Do the Paras have dual liners?

I would assume so, since every other compression lock does, but I'll have to defer to someone who has one.

Also, aside from blade length, how does the military compare to the para-military? Is the liner lock as strong and reliable as the compression lock?

In terms of raw strength, the compression lock wins easily. In the reliability category, the compression lock is still better, but comp locks can be temperamental sometimes. Slight blade play occurs infrequently, but it does happen.

If blade length isn't an issue, would you just go with the para?

I'm the wrong one to answer this, because I'm left handed and neither of those knives have clips on the proper side :p That little fact aside, I'd prefer the Para, because I like the blade/handle ratio better. The Mili is just too much blade for me.

[kgriggs8]

The Military is a better knife in amost every way. The liner lock is more reliable and stronger than the compression according to Spyderco and tests done on that knife. The Para is slightly less bulky in the handle but not enough to notice. The real difference is the blade, the Para shorts you on the blade for no reason. If the Para handle was smaller and less weird and it was a liner lock, it would be a great knife. The handle is not very comfortable on the Para while the Military is very comfy.

My vote goes to the Mili unless you don't want the longer blade for some reason. If that is the case, I would go with a different Spyderco. The Mini Manix, Stetch, R-2 and Calypso 3 are all good choices that seem to be better than the Para. I do think the Para blade is great however and would like to see it mated to a better handle and lock.

[Harry White]

i have to agree with kgriggs8 -- if blade length isn't an issue, the military is the way to go. i'm not sure about the claim that the liner lock is stronger, as i've heard just the opposite claim by others that the compression lock is stronger. but i do have two paras and one military, and one of my paras has noticeable vertical blade play.

the paras do have dual liners. and like scott said, i believe that all cpm s30v militaries will now have dual liners, after the change was made on the bg-42 sprint run.

the military handle is much more comfortable than the paras. but, as much as i've criticized the para here, i do love this knife. but there is definitely some room for improvements in the areas of blade play and handle ergos, imo.

[jaislandboy]

I've had similar thoughts about my Para vs. my Millies, Harry..
the handle design of the Military feels like "butter" in my hands (as does the Endura) vs. their junior sized counterparts....the Delica and PM...
the blade play u describe on the Para though (hopefully) can be eliminated by adjusting the pivot screw and stop pin screw.... :rolleyes:
I guess its hard to beat perfection.... :p

[jmfwsu]

I was just assuming that the Para was more refined because it is a newer design, but I guess that may not be the case since the Military has been evolving for over 10 years. I may just go for the Military and hope I don't have any issues with the lock.

Jason

[Zeppelin]

Harry, Islandboy, not meaning to disagree or say anything polemical, but it seems I'm a bit of an oddity. On most of the knife/gun/manly things boards I read regularly, everyone always talks about having big hand and how so many things aren't ergonomical. I have small hands and find the Paramilitary fits me almost perfectly. I don't own one as I don't care for its handle thickness in my pocket, but I've handled them several times. Ergonomics are such a subjective thing, it's very hard to answer someone's question "which one feels better in the hand."

[Harry White]

Ergonomics are such a subjective thing, it's very hard to answer someone's question "which one feels better in the hand."

very true -- i agree. :) i personally "favor" the para in most situations because of its smaller size. for my hands, i find the full sized millie much more comfortable, and even similar sized spydies are more comfortable than the para. a great knife, but not one of the better in-hand ergos for me. i've heard many say the opposite. always a good idea to handle any spydie before purchasing, though this is hard to do for a lot of people (including me).

[stonyman]

Hey what do you have against big hands? :D I cannot help that I have large mittens! Get what feels good. Cannot knock the mili, it has a proven track record! If you need the smaller blade for legal reasons, you can do a lot worse than a para! Which ever one you get, do not worry..........you will be purchasing more! :D Take care and God Bless.

[smcfalls13]

The liner lock is more reliable and stronger than the compression according to Spyderco and tests done on that knife.

Where did you read that? I was under the impression it was the other way around.

[spyderHS08]

id get a para, just because its more my size and i dont like liner locks as much.
but im a newb so wat do i kno

[spyderHS08]

sorry bout that guys, ididnt know how big the font was.... hehe

[The Deacon]

Where did you read that? I was under the impression it was the other way around.

I'm sure you are correct Scott. I think Sal has said on numerous occasions that, all other factors being equal, the compression lock is superior in both strength and reliability to the liner lock. The laws of physics would bear that out as well, it is always going to be easier to flex a long narrow strip of metal than to compress a small cross section of that same strip.

A point that might need clarification. Yes, the BG42/CF and latest S30V/G-10 Military have a "liner" on the left side. However it is by no means a full liner. It is a strip of steel about .5" wide and perhaps 2" long. Have no idea of the thickness, never took one apart. It does provide additional support to the pivot on that side, but if you're expecting a full liner, you will not find one.

[LJK]

IMHO the Military is hands down the best large folder ever made period. In midsize the Para is up there. Compression lock is stronger and probably more reliable, but the Military's liner lock is so **** excellent, for me, it doesn't matter. Both great knives but the Milli... if you like big folders their's none better.