5/14/12

Spyderco Para-Military2 - Unboxing and Initial Impressions



A box arrived in the mail today.  I absolutely love boxes.

Earlier last week I was browsing the internet, as usual, and discovered that Amazon.com had a wonderful offer on the Spyderco Para-Military2.  I casually mentioned this fact to my girlfriend, Megan, and minutes later I received an email confirming an order.  Unintended, unexpected, and incredibly appreciated.

Unboxing

Over-packaging 101

As a quick aside, Amazon seems to have an obsession with over-boxing things.  They use far larger boxes than one might assume was necessary.  Perhaps my comprehension of shipping methodology is lacking...

In any event, the Para-Military2 is packaged in a little cardboard box with Spyderco logo embellishments.  Typical knife packaging for a not-so-typical knife.

Included in the box is a short pamphlet delineating the changes made between the classic version and the updated second version of the knife.  Also included in the box is, of course, the Spyderco Para-Military2.


Initial Impressions

This is my first Spyderco knife.  I've heard exceptional things about their knives but haven't had the pleasure of owning one, until now.

The first thing I noticed was the weight of the knife.  I expected it to be a bit heavier.  I must say that the lighter weight is a pleasant surprise.  After tossing it in my pocket and running some errands it was clear that the knife is going to all but disappear when clipped to my pocket.

I really like the aggressive texture on the G-10 handles.  They're very non-slip but not to the point of discomfort.  The jimping on the spine of the knife and the finger choil is a nice touch.

Golden, Colorado U.S.A. Earth; nice touch...

As I said, this is my first Spyderco.  As such, I don't have any prior experience with Sypyderco's trademark hole (although, from a legal perspective I wonder if it could be challenged alleging that it's a functional feature that hasn't acquired a strong enough secondary meaning to be eligible for trademark protection; that's beside the point, though).  From my brief experience with it I am exceptionally impressed.  It facilitates a very quick opening.

The Para-Military2 employs a compression lock.  It's a bit new for me, though, as it unlocks on the back of the knife, as opposed to the front, where one finds most liner and frame locks (encompassing most of my collection, currently).  This allows the user to close the knife without putting fingers in front of the blade.  Great design, in my opinion.

Also worth mentioning is the fact that simply disengaging the liner lock while the knife is in a slightly vertical position causes the blade to gracefully swing closed.  I love it.

The liner locking mechanism on the Para-Military2
The blade shape is pretty.  It's a nice departure from the "traditional" shape to which I have become accustomed.  It has a great point and sufficient belly for great slicing, as far as I can tell.

The Para-Military2's blade is ground from CPM-S30V steel.  S30V screams high-end.  It's a fantastic blade steel and the Para-Military2 is the first knife I'll own that's constructed from it.

The pocket clip is capable of being mounted for tip up or tip down, left or right side carry.  Straight out of the box I unscrewed it and mounted the clip for tip up right side carry.  I always carry a knife in my right front pocket and prefer tip up carry for reasons I won't get into here (I keep saying that I won't get into something here, I should start getting into it somewhere else, I think).

The Para-Military2 features a sizable lanyard hole.  I don't think I'll be using it anytime soon, but it's there if I ever want to attach something.

I really look forward to carrying this knife.  It's going straight into my pocket and isn't likely to be replaced in the near or distant future.  It's in the review pipeline behind a bunch of other things - keep on the lookout.

4 comments:

  1. Greetings Jason, just want to let you know that the Para Military 2 uses a 'compression' lock as opposed to a 'liner' lock.

    I received mine last week after a 3 or 4 month pre-order waiting period.
    This model, 'Para Military 2' has been quite popular, Spyderco cut not keep up with the demand and has been sold out for the last several months.
    I have several Spyderco knives that utilize different locking systems, this is my first with a 'compression' lock which took a bit of getting used to as I'm used to a bottom 'liner' lock which my thumb releases.
    With a 'compression' lock, it's on top and I need to use my index finger.
    I have the black blade, black screws and camo handle/scales, which I may replace with custom handles/scales made of Bocote wood by Cuscadi:
    http://www.cuscadi.de/2012/09/21/spyderco-para-military-2-animal/

    Great blog Jason... I'm really enjoying reading your posts/reviews etc.
    Thanks for all your work put into it!
    Mark / Manhattan, N.Y.C.

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    Replies
    1. Hey Mark!

      Thanks for pointing that out. I've updated my remarks here.

      Seems that in my excitement I made a bit of an oversight. In my full review you'll note that I discussed the locking mechanism in a bit more depth and correctly identified it as a compression lock.

      I've seen Cuscadi's work all over, their vintage micarta blows me away. I'm working on either justifying the expense or, alternatively, buying some micarta sheets and trying to cut my own. Neither will likely happen anytime soon.

      Thanks for reading, hopefully I'll be finding some time to post something new quite soon.

      -Jason

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    2. Jason, tried to find and email for you on the blog however I don't think there is one, so I'm sharing this info to you here.
      I want to let you know about a knife I own, a superb small folder made by Jason Brous of Brous Blades called The 'Silent Soldier Flipper'.
      http://www.brousblades.com/

      Originally there were only 500 made, I purchased mine on Ebay a year ago for $200.00, they sold for $279.00 before they were all sold out.
      (He's releasing them again in March upcoming)
      If you have some cash, I guaranty if you pick one up... you will love it.
      (get it on Ebay for around $200.00)
      The design: ergonomics, fit, finish are "superb".... I think it could easily be in The museum Of Modern Art.

      You can view pics of mine here:
      http://s183.photobucket.com/albums/x23/silverspurr/Knifes/Silent%20Soldier%20Flipper/
      And a superb video here:
      http://www.edgeobserver.com/brous-blades-silent-soldier-flipper/

      Best regards,
      Mark - Manhattan, N.Y.C.

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