Why all the Para options?

agent clark · #1

How come the Para Military is the go-to for so many of the sprint/dealer runs? Overall sales or requests? For all the Spydies I own, I have no experience with the Para or full-size, so I'm just curious why not more Natives, Delicas, and Enduras...

computernut · #2

Probably because the Para is made in the States so they have more say over the scheduling and from what I've heard the Japanese would probably be bent out of shape using non-Japanese steels

DRKBC · #3

Natives are made in Golden , Delicas I think Seki and I am not sure about Enduras but I think (and this only my opinion) it is because they are so popular.

The Para 2 is the go to EDC for pretty much every die hard Spyderco customer. It is a great knife not too big, not to small it's juuust right, I think they nailed it with this knife,

apintandafight · #4

It is really just a great knife, they really put the whole package together with the compression lock, blade shape and ergos. It just works, And lots of sprint runs just means folks like me need to buy them all >.<'

SolidState · #5

I think it's because Sal loves and respects his customers so much, and because the design is the fruit of his collaboration with his son of whom he's proud.

chuck_roxas45 · #6

I'm glad they did.

Blerv · #7

The Para2 is a real bandwagon knife. Most by its own merit but the cool kids are doing it. It's easy to move sprints in so less risk than say Leafstorm sprints. There are other runs in other Golden models though. I don't know I would say its the pick for most hardcore Spydie fans (but quite a few).

Japanese sprints don't use domestic steels. We normally see oldies return with innovations and ZDP-189 or VG10.

Evil D · #8

Because it's a badass performing badass knife. It's an awesome selling knife in standard form, so sprint runs are a safe bet. For every one person who doesn't love this knife there's probably 10k who do. Not all the sprints interest me but I'm still glad they're being offered. There's a few knives I'd like to see sprints done for, like the Centofante 3/4 in ZDP/BRG, but if the sales for the original aren't solid then getting a sprint probably wont happen.

Mjolnir74 · #9

Buy one, carry it , use it.

Bearcat1 · #10

You have to own a PM2 to understand. Once you have one you will buy more. They are one of the best models out there. :)

IceCold · #11

For the Price and Looks USA made quality CPM S30V steel pretty much the best premium steel for a knife. Everything is perfect. Full Flat Ground hair shaving sharp out of the box.

After light stropping, it is Hair splitting sharp Yes there are videos of this on youtube. Easy to sharpen.

All I need now is a Desert Earth Tan, Black Blade DLC coated Version. And a Combo Edge, Black DLC coated, Urban Grey/Black digital pattern.

OldSarSwmr · #12

I would agree that it has to do with the popularity of the design. It may not be everyone's favorite but it is extremely popular and a respected proven design. I look at it as Spyderco's answer to the requests for a "folding mule". IMHO
I feel that the Endura/Delica have their fair share of variants too, maybe not in the steel as much as the Para2, but definitely in colors and handle materials.

If you can pick one up, I think you will get a better understanding of why they chose this platform. I was a die-hard Manix2 fan (still am) then I started carrying my Para2 and I find that it is getting more pocket time then my Manix2. That all being said, the Manix2 is another example of variety in one model.

This is why I love Spyderco! I love pizza too and sometimes I want plain, sometimes I want mushroom, sometimes I want a deluxe. Its all still pizza but variety is the spice of life. What other knife company offers such a menu to its' customers?

Thanks for the interesting question, it helped reconfirm why I have been a customer of Spyderco for twenty years and will continue to be.

Dan

Sequimite · #13

When they went from the Para to the Para2 they dropped the price significantly to try a lower margin higher volume sales model. The improved knife at a lower price was a big hit, selling so fast that it couldn't be made fast enough. Distributors and dealers realized that with the value/price ratio of the basic knife so high, exclusives would be a slam dunk to sell, and that has turned out to be the case. If memory serves, after the 204P order new exclusives were put on hold until production could catch up.