ATR opinions

[SoCal Operator]

I'm considering buying a SE ATR for a fully dedicated hard-use knife. How does it compare to knives like the para-millie or the manix, and which style do you think works the best. Any advice or experience with this knife is welcome, and yes, price is a factor.

Thanks for the help.

[STR]

I've had both the ATR and the Para-Military. They are both truly great knives. The ATR is so silky smooth to open and overall very good looking. The Para-Mi has those great G10 scales though and they make it much more comfortable and grippy in the hand. They are also not as prone to getting cold if you work outside.

Its a tough call but I believe right now I'd go with the Para-Military.

STR

[thombrogan]

It should cut with less force than the Manix, so it should be able to get more accomplished with the amount of energy.

[STR]

My bad. I thought you were asking for our opinions on which one to get.

[silverback]

I've got a PE Ti A.T.R. and love it.
The only question is, do you like the smooth metal handle?
The handle is very ergonomic and the holes improve the grip a lot, but with very sweaty hands or mud or whatever making your grip slippery that might be a problem for prolonged use.
Other than that, it's a very good cutter and solid as heck.
Also, for a knife that size, it's surprisingly slim in the pocket.
I'd say, go for it! :)

[SoCal Operator]

Did :spyder: ever make a fully serrated millie with a black blade? I would prefer a black bladed knife with full serrations, that's why I am looking at the ATR.

[Woody]

SoCal, I own an ATR SE and the Military CE. They both are outstanding blades....... Like STR mentioned the opening of the ATR is silky smooth... You can't go wrong with the ATR... Outstanding knife, a true beast..... If I had the chance to purchase another one... It would be the ATR over the Milie... Hope it helps...... :o However I would not give up my Milie either.... :cool:

[raven]

SoCal, I have a SS ATR PE. It is a very good cutter, solid lock up (compression Lock), and super smooth opening. I've never handled a Ti ATR, so I couldn't tell you how it would compare weight wise. But, I know the SS has more lightening holes drilled in it, and for its size, it is a fairly light knife (to me anyway). My only slight disappointment with the knife, is it has a light rattle noise to it near the rear of the knife where the clip and lanyard hole are. Other than that, it is a solid design and cuts very well. Like STR and Silverback stated, it may be a slight bit slippery for prolonged outdoor use and in the cold. Of course with the SS having a few more holes drilled in it, it may be a little more "grippy" than the Ti ATR. :spyder:

[raven]

SoCal, by the way Best Knives has the SS ATR for $99.95 and the ATR Black (SS) for $116.95. Look in the Spyderco Tactical and Rescue section. :) :spyder:

[JD Spydo]

I like the ATR but I by far prefer the Titanium version. The feel of the Titanium is head and shoulders above the stainless version in my opinion. Now I have nothing against the Military and Paramilitary both. I really don't think you could go wrong with any of the knives mentioned here. Both the ATRs are well made knives.

Now I do agree with the one brother about the cold weather scenerio. The G-10 handle of the Military would be a lot less punishing in really cold weather than either one of the ATRs. If you get an ATR just go ahead and spend the Extra $$$ for the Ti version. If you elect to get the Military just be sure you get the S30V blade steel and the same goes if you get the PARA. good luck

[Tank]

I love my ATR SE, it gets more pocket time than any other knive I own for the past year. As said, ultra smooth opening fits great in the hand Great blade shape.. Its my work horse.

[mikewww]

Would you rather drive a Mercedes or a Chev ? As JD said, spend the extra $$$ and get the Ti ATR. Also, as you say it will be for hard use, I think the black coating on the ATR blade will take some punishment and look worse for wear.

[dialex]

ATR anytime for hard use. Not that the Paramillie or the Manix wouldn't do, but those are in full flat grind (great slicers), while the ATR comes with a hollow grind, therefore a stronger edge.
Just like my forespeakers said, an uncoated version would be prefferable. The ATR uses top notch materials, with great corrosion resistance so coating just adds to the "coolness" factor, which I understood you're not after.

[spydutch]

I very much like my Ti ATR/SE.

However, there's one little downside(if it is a downside). I find the serrations rather small and round compared to the Military(or other) and they don't look as useful to me(see pic) :( .

Besides that: great knife, very good ergonomics and beautiful ;)

[death-bringah]

The serrations on my ATR ss are noticeably chunkier and deeper than those pictured on the 1 above. I Don’t know if the serrations on all ss ATRs are the same.

Also don’t know how much of a difference it makes…I read on the forum somewhere that Spyderco “experimented” with different serration sizes and patterns…don’t know if the results of these “experiments” have ever been made public.

It may also have something to do with the type of steel the serrations are ground into?

I really like my ATR, but for using over extended periods of time, because of the thin metal handle on the ATR, you might consider the Little Temperence.

my thanx…d

[J.B]

SoCal Operator,
the bad thing with Spyderco is, if you get a well made sample (e.g. without vertical bladeplay and in case of a backlock, with proper heat treatment of the spring), you can´t go wrong with any knife that was mentioned or others. that leaves you being spoilt for choice. :D

always in my pocket is the Paramili PE. this is THE ONE for me, because i haven´t dared to use my NIB late Lil´ Temperance S30V PE yet. i don´t know if i ever gonna be able to use it, it is simply too good.

my ATR ss PE in my opinion is the knife with the strongest lock of all and an extrem slicer. yes, it is a bit slick, although the cobra hood and the holes give enough grip for most tasks, i still dream of getting thin grippy G-10 scales on it. the ATR ti is discontinued! take in consideration, it becomes more and more rare. if i´m informed right the newer model have a flat ground blade and therefore it should be better for harder tasks. on the other hand an ATR ss with it´s lower price maybe doesn´t hurt as much if it is getting scratched in hard use.

about serrations i can´t tell anything except that i have shot me a NIB Paramili SE with collectors number a few days ago. it is very well made. there is only a slight burr on the backside of some teeth, but with the ceramic files round and teardrop this should be fun to eliminate. i didn´t like serrations, i just was curious what is the hype about them. after i touched them and cut a few soft things i bet they´ll let me smile when cutting appropriate stuff. :D it feels good to have his most favorite model in SE too. now i´m looking for a Paramili GBK. :cool:

Best wishes,
JB

[SoCal Operator]

Thanks for all the advice. One of the best things about a forum like this is the amount of ACTUAL knife information available, as opposed to website statistics or sales pitches. That being said, I have decided to go with the fully serrated ATR, probably in black. I need a fully serrated knife, and would like as little visibility as possible. also, I doubt cold weather will be a factor where I live, so the metal handle shouldn't be a problem. Thanks again for the advice and and keeping this great forum alive.

Review and pictures pending.

[WORKER#9]

I like the the Black ATR!!! It is an excellent EDC knife. I love to carry it when I am wearing a suit, as it blends perfect with dark colors. The SE gives the knife a wicked look. It also is nice in a suit as it is thin and light for packing so much blade!

Good luck I am sure you will enjoy!