Para-Military opinions, please

Discuss Spyderco's products and history.
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spd9075
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Para-Military opinions, please

#1

Post by spd9075 »

Hi. This is acually my first post here, although I've been lurking for a while....lots of great people and such an abundance of information!

I had a SE Delica since the early 90's, until I lost it recently :( ,so I replaced it with a SS Endura 4 SE. Not being used to such a large knife, I caught the "bug" and bought a SS Delica 4 PE for EDC also. This style Spyderco is really all I'm used to, but recently, I've been drawn into the newer models which brings me to my query...

I've been eye-balling the Para-Military for a while, and I must say, It looks really nice. It seems to be the perfect size for EDC and durable to boot. I really don't have a local retailer to check it out myself, so before I spend the $ I figured I'd ask here first. I'm the kind that likes to "feel" the knife I use for EDC before I fork out the cash, so I'm a little sceptical. Any and all opinions welcome....oh and I'm glad to be here!
IPSC
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#2

Post by IPSC »

I have a delica 3 and a paramilitary. The para is a great knife with killer ergonomics. It isn't heavy either. Great blade shape and steel.

It is quite thick though and limited to tip down carry only. There is a lot of knife sticking out of your pocket when it is tip up in my opinion.

I've removed the clip on mine and attached a small lanyard. I either carry it in my front or back pocket. Great knife.
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Texas guy
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#3

Post by Texas guy »

The Para Military is my favorite Spydie, and I EDC one along with several other knives. I like everything about the knife, but the ergonomics is what keeps it in my pocket. The finger choil spoils me so much that I hardly carry other knives that don't have one. The Para is not thick compared to most folders, it is actually quite slim, it is thick compared to a Delica or Endura, but not compared to most other heavy duty folders. Some people complain about the high ride of the Paras clip placement, but I have found my Para the easiest knife to pull out of my pocket in the seated position for this reason. I actually like the ride height of the Para. Some people are really into the tip up or tip down debate. I own both tip up and down Spydies and like both setups for different reasons. I like the Para being tip down because I can draw and Spyder-drop it in one move. The blade is just over 3 inches, which I think is a great size for EDC, and if you think the Endura is too large you should be able to tolerate the Para. Spyderco uses the best G10 in the industry. I love my frn Pacific and Caly Jr, but the Para has made G10 my favorite handle material by far. You wouldn't regret buying a Para.
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Piet.S
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#4

Post by Piet.S »

Great knife, it's in my pocket every day since I got it. Now I'm not scared of sharp knives at all but this one is so good, it earns a decent amount of respect.
I guess, IPSC and TexasGuy said it all.
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Civilian
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#5

Post by Civilian »

Welcome spd9075, Hope your stay is a good and long one.
Lets not forget the biggest(IMHO) difference, the CPM-S30V steel. This stuff is amazing! After using Gin2 for 10 plus years I was blown away by the CPM-S30V on the full sized Milie.
MAT :spyder: TER
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#6

Post by FLUTTERBY »

Welcome to the :spyder: forums, lots of good people and information here.
As far as the paramillie goes you can't go wrong with this decision as it is a great representation of what Spyderco manufactures (made in Golden Co.).
I bought mine without ever handling one and I have no regrets.
maintaining an elevated position behind heavy cover with anything belt-fed
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redhawk44p
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#7

Post by redhawk44p »

The Para is a cutting wonder. I really like the compression lock. The only bad feature is how high it sticks up due to the high ride clip. The new Caly 3 will be very nearly ideal IMHO.
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spd9075
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#8

Post by spd9075 »

Thanks everyone! This is the kind of input I was looking for. In terms of my experience (Delica/Endura), I was pleased with the change to VG-10, but I have not had any experience with CPM-S30V or the compression lock.
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spd9075
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#9

Post by spd9075 »

Is there anything I need to look for when shopping for one? How can I tell the difference between an older model vs a newer one? One of the main factors is that I am looking for the most knife with a max blade length of 3.5" as my state considers anything longer a concealed weapon :rolleyes: . So it looks like the Para will fit the bill nicely!
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liltemp1
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#10

Post by liltemp1 »

Newest has the :spyder: etched on the left side of blade and Sal's logo on the other. after the para you need to get it's BIG bro the military. welcome and be safe. :)
I'd rather be tried by 12, than carried by 6.
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Crafft
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#11

Post by Crafft »

Welcome here spd9075,

The Para is a great knife. It's been my fav since I got one. I actually have two. One pe and one se so I can handle all cutting chores with the Para's. All good things the other forumites said about it are very true.

Enjoy your stay....and post a lot of pics once you have one.

Take care.
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tonydahose
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#12

Post by tonydahose »

sorry to hear that you don't have a local retailer in your area. where do you live? maybe there is a member cloce to you that can show his para.
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spd9075
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#13

Post by spd9075 »

Well, the Para it is...now I just have to shop for one. I live near Little Rock, AR. I searched for retailers and came up with three....in Berryville, El Dorado and Lowell. None of which are really "close by". I found the thread on the pass around, but I'm a little too late :( .

I guess this is how it starts, huh? I misplace one...that I was attched to...and replace it with three? Maybe I should just buy 'em all to save the trouble in the future :D .

Thanks again for the info!
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BlackNinja
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#14

Post by BlackNinja »

Welcome to the Forums! :)
Personally, I don't like the Para! IMO, it's WAY to big for a 3" blade!
Let your opponent graze your skin and you smash into his flesh;
Let him smash into your flesh and you fracture his bones;
Let him fracture your bones and you take his life!
-Bruce Lee-
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spd9075
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#15

Post by spd9075 »

What part IYO is too big? The handle thickness? Length? The blade seems like it would be a good size. Thanks for the input!
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Plowboy
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#16

Post by Plowboy »

spd9075,

For a while I considered the handle to be too long. However, as I've become more familiar with the knife I find that the handle is just fine. It allows you to have great control over the knife...you can hold it very securely.

The Para is one of my favorite knives. I particularly like the compression lock.

I recommend you get one...I doubt you will regret the purchase. If you don't buy locally, you may want to check out New Graham Knives (super service) or Savson Swords (a little better price). New Graham, however, is top rate in responding to orders.

Welcome! :)
If you carry either a knife or firearm, please abide by the law and be respectful. We all represent each other.

Let's unite to preserve and expand our legal rights. Please join:


KnifeRights (http://www.kniferights.org) and NRA (http://www.nra.org)

:)
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BlackNinja
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#17

Post by BlackNinja »

spd9075 wrote:What part IYO is too big? The handle thickness? Length? The blade seems like it would be a good size. Thanks for the input!
It's about the same size as a Millie except it has a 3" blade! The handle is too long, it's just like carring a Millie. That's just not my cup of tea. I want as much blade possible that will fit in the handle. A LOT of people love the Para, I'm just not one of them. IMO, if you want a 3" blade, with perfect ergos, a comp lock with G-10, a Lil'Temp is what I would go with, but thats just me. Best knife that ever was! ;)
Let your opponent graze your skin and you smash into his flesh;
Let him smash into your flesh and you fracture his bones;
Let him fracture your bones and you take his life!
-Bruce Lee-
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bowarrow2000
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#18

Post by bowarrow2000 »

The PARA has been riding in my pocket for over a year now. I traded it off soon after I first got it and then made another trade and got it back. Now I have 2 of them. I guess the best thing about it is that I can really get a good grip on it. It's not pretty or anything like that but it sure does work, kinda like a Glock.
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#19

Post by gull wing »

Love my Para, It has almost everything I want in a knife, great steel, thick blade, flat ground, just a little over 3", thin handle.
I solved the "almost" part too by putting a tip up clip of titanium.
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spd9075
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#20

Post by spd9075 »

Thanks everyone. I am now on the hunt for a Para! I figure with the support it has, I can't go wrong! Thanks again. So now I guess It boils down to this....I misplaced one.....and replaced it with THREE! Cool, huh? :D

Take care and God bless!
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