The Spyderco Knives Parata Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

Today, we'll take a look at a new, very strange knife from Spyderco and Paul Alexander, featuring the brand new 'Stop Lock', the Parata.

[@kerryrwac]

The perfect knife for an Inuit hunter who wants a folding Ulu Skinner .

[@aaronkahn-bork1120]

Calling it at the beginning... if Nick likes it, he’ll say spyderco ought to be “parata themselves”

[@reginaldwigglebottom4731]

“If you make something idiot proof nature makes a better idiot.” !😂. Now THAT is a beautiful ting.

[@johnscarborough4746]

It really looks like it was purpose designed as a field skinner and would be a heck of a slicer. I look forward to when it gets marked down.

[@BladeBanter]

That's a really interesting lock there. Definitely a polarizing design. I find it to be cool and also odd at the same time.

[@hunterglaspell5580]

‘Weirdly shaped and a little big too’ my nickname in highschool 😂

[@jojojaykay]

Hunter Glaspell for your body or your peen?

[@hunterglaspell5580]

jojojaykay ones attached to the other 😂 😉. I’ll leave it up to interpretation.

[@jojojaykay]

@@hunterglaspell5580 oh my!

[@Orochi_001]

It would also be great for finely mincing herbs

[@InGratitudeIam]

It's a skinning blade shape. I don't know if I want a folder for skinning tasks... too many nooks and crannies for collecting blood and guts. As a fixed blade this would make complete sense.

[@krislong9338]

That makes a lot of sense. Even if the functiin and ergonomics are there, it's vastly easier to clean a fixed blade, and a little uncleaned blood can lead to corrosion.

[@dominiccampbell947]

I'd love one of these. I don't even think $180 is that bad for how much steel and work went into that blade, really gives me the fizz. Unfortunately, with VG10 I probably won't bother. I know there are limitations with which Spyderco models can be made where and with which steel and such but it still really kills it for me. Even if it had been Plain-Jane S30V and been like $200 I still would have had a hard time walking past it. I don't look forward to seeing how much shops in my country try to sell this for either. You guys in the US complain about Spyderco ripping you off? Go on holiday to another country, purchase one then get back to me.

[@picklejamrecords8731]

Pm2's are like $170. What are they by you?!

[@dominiccampbell947]

If you convert the currency the black G10/satin blade works out to almost $210. That's from somewhere reputable, some places, Amazon and a few others will charge you that and send you a chinese clone. I know there's tax and shipping to make up for and all but it still sucks. That's life outside of freedom land for you though I guess, sucks for that better for other things! I've had my same PM2 for maybe 8 years now, I just hope I don't lose it ha!

[@toastz17]

I think it looks pretty cool, I would buy it if it was in the lower 100s.

[@mattakudesu]

"If your make something idiot-proof, nature will produce a better idiot" HAHAHAHAHA WAY TOO TRUE!

[@macmccartney5760]

I really like the knife but the price is crazy for vg-10... I don't understand why spyderco does that

[@The4cp]

Reminds a a bit of an ulu, or Chris Tanner's JX 4. I really like this. It's just odd.

[@cp1532]

Oh noooo not the unimpressive blade grind of death! I hadn't planned on picking one up, but it was looking and sounding better and better, all I needed was to hear is that it was a good slicer or something to that effect. I can deal with vg10, but I need it thin behind the edge

[@E1337N3SS]

I wish Spyderco would stop killing Paul Alexander's designs with their material and factory choices. I'd rather they make this a $250 knife done well than a $180 knife that feels like a $100 knife.

[@ajbriles3647]

The locking mechanism reminds me of the Chris Reeve Ti lock.

[@monkeyfaceII]

i was just about to say it reminds me a bit of the ad10 haha its a cool knife

[@itsaknifestyle8482]

It reminded me of the steel will ant lock

[@peteg22397]

I wish the value was there, but for a Brit, it really, really isn't. Best price I've found was £258, which is $323, almost double the price in the US. That's a big nope from me boss

[@Jimatuscc]

I really like the lock, lets hope they decide to go ahead with this lock type on other designs.

[@isabellam1936]

Paul Alexander also designed the Ikuchi and the Sliverax both by Spyderco in case anyone is interested.

[@Jimatuscc]

I see a hole to blade ratio that would make for one incredibly weak blade.

[@thomash4578]

That does not look structurally tough

[@markvenable945]

I like it...not as an edc....it looks like it would be good for processing game? Great review Nick

[@finnmcool2]

I think it would be great in the kitchen too.

[@krazykat64]

I was thinking the same thing. Looks like it’d be a pretty decent skinner.

[@ohioknifelover]

For $180 I’d rather get a Kizer or Bestech that I know are well madeand have a definite steel upgrade or even the Shaman which I feel is a better knife overall with one of Spyderco’s best locks and comes standard with good textured G10 and S30V in it’s basic model

[@JustIn-op6oy]

Are you implying that spydercos are not well made?

[@ohioknifelover]

@@JustIn-op6oy No I'm saying Spydercos are overpriced for what they are

[@DanDannyDanielleBob]

I wanted to buy this for the weird, but honestly wish it was weirder. Like an uncommon steel, handle material, and better construction.

[@daeholm]

I wonder if there's someone out there who's collected all the weirdo Spyderco knives over the years. The Civilian style, the Szabo ones, the crazy ethnic series ones etc. There's dozens of them. That would be quite a collection to behold.

[@monkeyfaceII]

am sure there is a . guy out there who owns them all

[@krislong9338]

There are definitely a number of people in the factory forums as well as BF. I would lean that way, but it's not weirdness but a combnation of uniqueness and function that grabs me. Don't forget Ed Schempp's designs, there are a number of odd ones in his ethnic series knives, and they are awesome. I find this very interesting but would prefer to hold one first. Might buy one for the lock alone.

[@vahkor]

Hey Nick one other negative point is that sharpening it will be difficult because of shape of the blade

[@dandildarious4849]

I don't own this one because of the high price, but I don't think it would be too hard to freehand sharpen this... especially if you own full size bench stones.

[@PaulMunkoTV]

I actually really like the look of this knife! If it came with brown micarta scales I think it would be an instant buy from me. I've just gotten kind of bored of black g10 😉

[@mikee4993]

I have to agree with you, that the price they’re asking for it does not give you good value. This knife is egregiously overpriced. In fact, it should be priced at about $109.99.

Much easier to justify it sitting in a drawer at that price

[@krislong9338]

That's about what a Delica, a seki made knife with about half as much blade steel, goes for, when in production. Twice the blade steel, new lock, unique design, and it's a collab with a designer. Spyderco doesn't license names for a small flat fee, they take care of independent designers. It's quite likely that some in-house designs will have similar ergos, blades, or locks moving forward. Perhaps something similar will eventually be made in China at a much lower price (so far, the Byrds and Chinese spydies don't have special locks but that may change in time). Totally understand it not being worth the money for people who don't care about those things or don't like the design. Just please don't assume that the price is being jacked up when the build and licensing increase the cost significantly.

[@snakehead324]

Would have to agree with Kris, if you look at most of the other collaborative Spyderco knives, the’re right around $200 mark. I think they are worth the money and if you look at resale values of Spyderco knives in general, you will see they don’t depreciate much. In fact, many appreciate in value especially if you buy versions that will inevitably be discontinued like this or sprint runs.

[@gregorywalker4997]

why not free? i can't understand how you came to this exact price. was it based on this review or do you know all the production costs associated with development, execution, and distribution. otherwise maybe a shot in the dark.

[@edcevo3052]

Looks like it would be a great skinner!

[@EricandEmilka]

Reminds me of the TOPS felony stop.

[@grimflipz]

Looks like a good game skinning knife

[@rustyknifelover4463]

Oddly I like it, but the price...REALLY. You could process allot of vegetables and fruit with it.

[@tazsworld9693]

Ok so was this a technical exercise buy spyderco? The new lock is interesting sure but is that the whole point of this knife ?

[@grumpyoldwizard]

Reminds me of a prototype (2013) by Jason Brous (when he was hand making blades) called the “Threat”, but it was a full tang with a better blade and handle shape, blade thickness, close enough to almost be a knock-off. It was more of a close carry fighter; it’s similar, not identical but you can see it if you look close. That lock sounds like a gravity lock, illegal in a lot of states. I would check out knife laws before you carry it. (Looking at the comments, the Brous, indeed, was about $100).

[@krislong9338]

Spyderco is very careful to look into knife regulations. If the compression or CBBL knives are not specifically banned, this most likely won't be. Also, many back lock knives swing freely when engaged enough.

[@PulledPurk]

Got one at the seconds sale. Hundred Bucks.

[@PulledPurk]

@Tom Smith sweet

[@chrisjaskulski8613]

Is this lock functionality an analog to the Demko Scorpion?

[@enjayfilmz]

Great review again Nick, very interesting to hear your thoughts on it, informative video.

[@alpine1600s]

Besides the lock, this has Cold Steel written all over it. Oh, if Cold Steel sold it, it would at least have S-35vn at Spyderco's highway robbery prices.🤦‍♂️🤣

[@AcidTripwire]

Prices over here in the UK certainly aren't representative but: the Code 4 (S35vn) is £116 while the PM2 (S30v) is about £150-250 depending on the flavour you choose. Seriously seriously overpriced and honestly overhyped

[@justaamateur6533]

@@AcidTripwire same prices everywhere else in europe too what ive seen

[@mickeymch876]

I presently have absolutely no rational reason to buy or have any use for this knife. It's different, it's light, it's odd so I bought one.

[@TheSynthros]

$180. Nope, no.

[@vikvicious1]

Not for VG10

[@thomash4578]

With extra nope sauce on the side

[@F0XD1E]

The Paul Alexander stuff seems to be overpriced across the board.

[@chrisjaskulski8613]

Yeah... VG10 is OK at $100> IMO... I want to feel a little pride of ownership from materials over $100.

[@mickkeim4142]

Yes...it is a weird knife. I can see where it might be a good hunters knife, but not sure about an EDC.

[@gregshock]

This is the first Spyderco knife I’ve been jazzed about, since the original Calypso Jr. with the stainless steel handle, back in ‘98. I bought two of them and love them both! They’re keepers.

[@monkeyfaceII]

spyderco makes weird knife and innovate in locking knife technology (shockiing) haha . great video Nick

[@918M]

It looks so rad though

[@slick_slicers]

Why didn’t you mention the gigantic weak point in the handle where the lock is? There’s no frame or liner, the G10 is super thin and there’s a pin drilled though the narrowest part. Clearly you wouldn’t Batton it with it, but that heavy blade screams chop with me, the handle shrieks NO!

[@mosherogoff1252]

I don't know why, but I thought you reviewed it long ago...

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

Nice Review. Thanks for sharing

[@beard18276]

This knife is my favorite edc

[@SMH_WOW]

Looks like a pear. If they used lc200n it would be a great kitchen knife

[@patrickmartin3361]

Hear is the dealieo. Its a folding ulu with a strange back lock. Might b wrong about the lock.

[@finnmcool2]

What I like about this design is the underlying philosophy. This knife is clearly designed as s tool first and foremost. Sure any sharp edge can be a weapon but a rock would be more efficient than this knife for that purpose. Don't feed the mall ninjas.

[@monkeyfaceII]

tactical rock haha spray paint it black

[@finnmcool2]

@@monkeyfaceII It's the perfect tactic in a knife fight. You keep some distance and still have your knife.

[@sharperdamage829]

@@monkeyfaceII Matte black, of course. Gotta be stealthy.

[@eskee1]

This in automatic would be a dream knife 4 me...

[@sputumtube]

Other than the small-skinning-knife usage mentioned, it appears to serve no other purpose. It's weird for the sake of weirdness and to see what Spyderco can get away with at the expense of a gullible public. The new lock system may be it's only redeeming feature. Emperors New Clothes comes to mind. Again.

[@SirGalath]

Quite a convoluted way to say it is a novelty...🤣

[@ExtraCrispy357]

LOL! 😅🤣 Nick: "On the final conclusion front, this is a weird knife - that's my biggest conclusion from this . . . I mean, Spyderco has a history of weird, but this . . .[inhales deeply] . . . this is really weirder than usual" . . . "this is a seriously weird piece." . . . . "But I can see the knife appealing to some people . . . If you're working at a Vaseline factory, this could be a very, very good piece." LOL - So funny! 🤣😂 Personally, IMO, I think the Parata is a very unique (and weird) knife that was primarily made for collectors who are big Spyderco fans. As a big Spyderco fan, that's OK with me. 😉

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

Looks like a perfect tool for making marshmallow sticks. That’s kind of a lot of money for a marshmallow stick maker.

[@e.t.preppin7084]

If you think this would be a cool skinner watch the disassembly video and see what your gonna have to go through to clean it all the time. Ugh 😑

[@ekekiel0898]

That's one weird knife.

[@F0XD1E]

The new lock could be promising. This knife is not for me and it's also about twice as expensive as it should be.

[@deanalbertson7203]

A folding kitchen knife.

[@raygixxer89]

Nice review. I've watched many of yours beofer I buy a Spydie. Anybody tell you that you sound like Kyle's cousin Kyle from South Park? LOL Keep up the great work!

[@pixelb3285]

Such an interesting design. Would love to own one, but I'm not buying any expensive knives which I can't also carry. I wish Spyderco would make a Germany-legal, two-handed opening only locking design.

[@monkeyfaceII]

the ace iona is a nice locking knife (and the thumbstud comes out pretty easy making it a two hand opening knife

[@pixelb3285]

@@monkeyfaceII That's one of the problems: From what I heard, if it's originally supposed to be opened with one hand, it counts as one handed even if you remove the thumb stud.

[@MightyRude]

Pixel B I remember a time when you had to travel to Germany to buy knives that are illegal in other European countries Now its reversed and only the UK and France have strickter knife laws (and French police don't even enforce the law)

[@pixelb3285]

@WalkOn Bye I know, it's ridiculous. These laws only help (or at least don't bother) the bad guys while law abiding citizens have the trouble. I'm simply not the type of guy who can just knowingly act in violation of weapons laws, as stupid as they may be.

[@lastdracon]

I want to say cold steel had a lock like the stop lock. The knife fails to come to mind

[@jadennorman9515]

Can you please do a review on the crkt seismic or any of their knives with the new deadbolt lock

[@groundofbeing9733]

Very cool knife spyderco ruined by putting a huge thumb hole in and compromising integrity

[@brentrichardsbaseballcards]

That is the ugliest thing I have ever seen

[@Mazhrr]

Brent Richards the same could be said to you

[@sputumtube]

It's more spoon now than knife, twisted and evil.

[@Stahlwerk88]

I can’t believe THAT blade pops out of THAT handle. Honestly though, I love it.

[@brentrichardsbaseballcards]

paul greenwood hahaha nice

[@Tankman333]

agree great concept but under built to hard to clean hair and blood and overpriced so after hunt camp sell it and buy a real fixed blade hunt knife but for every seat there is an ass

[@benwilde4337]

It’s a ‘miss’ for me... Dilex Junior was also overpriced but is somewhat reminiscent and better for me.

[@stoneblue1795]

I'll have what Carl is having, cause clearly he's high as F. I LIKE IT A LOT. SCORE.

[@zulvalor7266]

Wow I love ot

[@damienhughes7228]

When will you review the shirogorov neon zero?

[@ChrisinHove]

You’ve got to love Spyderco for giving these odd-balls a go.

[@mcss327]

Nice! Looks like a classy cold steel knife.

[@e.t.preppin7084]

I don’t know how you were able to do a review of this piece on the same day you went through that disassembly. I would have had to wait till I cooled off. I’m still frazzled from just watching it 😂

[@outeredge6483]

I don’t know why they use vg10 on a knife of that value. Even s30v would be better. Not my style but kinda like the lock mechanism. Thanks for the review.

[@macmccartney5760]

Very odd, but i love it😍😯

[@eskee1]

I hope they send me one for giving up that idea...

[@squirts1]

I want to see more of the unique locks from spyderco

[@Mike_Pedals]

For $10 less than this knife, I just picked up a ZT 0920 (used but in perfect condition) and I cannot imagine getting the same level of enjoyment out of the Spyderco

[@dtester]

Spyder drop deploy?

[@knifenoob5411]

180 $ for VG 10. Ugly.

[@alexanderbertallo1995]

Wonderful piece... Great review... IMHO this is a hunters blade, maybe even a defending tool...

[@BCMZ]

Same policy of crkt, spyderco invest money in the design not the same for the level of the material parts.

[@TheKillerKlok]

This... I like.

[@brettclemens194]

Absolutely intended to be a Hunters all purpose knife, gutting, field dressing, and skinning. Perfect grip when you have blood on your hands, ideal shape for gutting, and the Ulu skinner integrated, as far as the steel goes, perfect for a hunter (we love to sharpen our blades). All that said, the price is twice , not nice. I can do really really well for $100 what this knife does for $180.

[@charlescollier7217]

Skinner is the immediate and obvious presumed purpose of this. The shape and ergos are near ideal for that and unlike almost any other lock, I would be less worried about hygiene issues.

[@darichard11]

Skinning what given how short it is - squirrels?

[@charlescollier7217]

@@darichard11 squirrels make good eatin'!

[@lewisward4359]

Looks like an an elegant skinner. Seen similar fixed blades knives that were ugly and unbalanced. Too bad it's VG10. Sure to sell for the high end hunting crowd.

[@grumpyoldwizard]

Ramsay Bolton from GoT would like to order one of these, please.

[@conductorcammon]

A folding skinner....?

[@monkeyfaceII]

thats a better name than parata haha

[@RichardHarlow]

Do you live near an airport?

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

I love it, this knife has a beer belly.

[@colnagocowboy]

Looks like a skinning blade to me

[@monkeyfaceII]

vg10 can be field sharpen easily too might be a good choice

[@gmotionedc5412]

Love the boldness of the knife but that blade is not a city persons edc blade. Looks like a jungle knife 🔪 but then there’s better knives for that too.

[@manpotion]

Am I the only one bothered by that hole being smack-dab in the middle of the ricasso? Sort of compromises its structural integrity when the blade fixed on those arms.

[@lyndylou1686]

In a weird way... I kinda like it. But I mean..not gonna lie, sometimes I have a hard time differentiating whether I just would like to experience it or if I would like to actually own it lol I think I'm getting flipper framelock fatigue or something; maybe I browse knives too much? Seems like I get intrigued now by things that look different than EVERYTHING else on the market (within reason) And it's not too common to find knives that are extremely small hand friendly. P.S. VG-10 is overrated.

[@Frostbite1090]

Anyone else the fleck of spit fly out and hit the knife at about 2:55 lol

[@LTT.Official]

The only parata I know if roti.

[@imjustlookingformydog896]

Cool lock but good lord that is an ugly knife

[@monkeyfaceII]

haha it really is but its also kinda cool

[@cloudcleaver23]

Spyderco keeps shafting Paul Alexander's stuff. I still think the Silverax is one of the best-designed EDC knives in their lineup, but between pricing, materials, QC, and the implementation of the action, it's not worth owning.

[@Greenmachine305]

It screams skinning knife.

[@groundofbeing9733]

Starting to realize these “reviews” are just how companies market in 2021.