All in all, I’m very impressed with the blade steel and other materials that Spyderco uses on this knife. Be patient and maintain a steady hand, and it’s possible to get S30V very sharp, even with rudimentary skills and entry-level equipment. Sage won't tear up your pockets and will probably be a slightly better slicer. I have no complaints with the way it works as a pocket clip. I will work that into the original review. The little beak and ill-placed clip that cause so much ergonomic drama on the Para 3 are gone on the Sage 5. The native is another option to consider if you haven’t browsed around already. Do I think you need the clip to enjoy the Para 3? The satin finish is perfectly done to reduce friction as well – definitely a better finish than Taichung. I can dig Militia in principle. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. “The Para 3 is an American made EDC folder with ergonomic features designed to take on the toughest cutting jobs,” Spyderco’s Joyce Laituri tells us. We may get paid an affiliate commission if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of the links on this web page. I don’t like the G-10 para 3. For the Para Military 3, it is lighter with merely 3.04 ounces. Yes, but the Para 3 has a tall blade with full height flat grind and a distal taper. Oh I’m all about some pedantry. I probably agree as much with this review as any other I can remember reading, on this site or another. But it seems to have that X-factor of being a knife that people just love. I let my dad handle it a couple weekends ago and his comment was that it was “very lightweight.” You can always count on BladeRevi… Your email address will not be published. Lighter than it's G-10 handle cousin, this P3 incorporates injection-molded FRN (fibegrlass reinforced nylon) scales and a streamlined version of their patented Compression Lock mechanism. And I’ll say that I think the Para 3 is perfectly priced. Spyderco missed the mark prioritizing the large lanyard tube over clip placement on the para 3 but they corrected they with the lightweight model. Jun 4, 2019 - An in-depth review of the Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight. The Para 3 is a big knife that is ultimately just as useful as the other two but it definitely carries smaller. That makes it strong and relatively lightweight, but it’s also comfortable and ergonomic in the hand. The Para 3 started as a fantasy: “Wouldn’t it be great if there were a smaller version of one of the most storied modern production knives of all time?” Then, this fantasy became a rumor, and that rumor became a confirmed project. Spyderco UK Not 100% satisfied with your purchase? anycal wrote:Using it on my PM2s. The Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight ticks every box for the ideal EDC pocketknife. The PM2 is definitely my favorite as it fits my hand so well and the blade shape works much better for me than Manix 2. Now the handle on the Para 2 is made from G-10. Im assuming you’ve done your homework , but if not, the para 3 is USA made. Thought I would want the Para 3 over a Sage 5, but I guess I was wrong! Some things to consider: If you can legally own the PM2, I still think it edges the Para 3 out in terms of design. BladeForums has ZERO TOLERANCE for extremism or calls of violence. Sage 5 lightweight vs Para 3 lightweight, which one finds your pocket more? Then all of a sudden, in a whirlwind three months, the Para 3 was unveiled and released. How about cost? Although the Golden, CO knives are fundamentally different in overall ethos than the Taichung stuff, if this Para 3 is a fair representative of the new plant’s capabilities, they are every bit their equal in term… It might be a little less efficient in long cuts (as through cardboard), but it gains a little more maneuverability, and that seems like a fair trade. As you can see from my pictures, I found a solution to this particular problem. Utilizing the forward choil, the Para 3’s ergos are excellent. Did you revere the clip and try carrying it tip down? But before touching on the negatives, I want to first mention the greatest benefit that the Sage 3 has over its siblings. The Delica 4 is a great EDC knife for half the price. Forum rules. The Para 3’s strongest competition comes from within Spyderco’s catalogue – and it’s NOT the PM2. Because I can’t help but be a giant pedant sometimes, I have to point out that the knife is officially “Para 3” instead of “Paramilitary 3”: http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C223G/1009. Filed Under: EDC Knives, Folding Knives, Made in the USA, Recommended EDC Knives, Spyderco, USA Made EDC Knives Tagged With: Compression Lock, g10, Made in USA, s30v. It is made in Golden, CO, and is the first Spyderco I’ve handled that was produced in their new facility. Then there was a year-long lull. Dan As for the clip: no, I didn’t try that, only because I got the Lynch clip so soon after acquiring my Para 3. I was not aware of Amazon selling any counterfeit Spydercos, and have generally thought Amazon is pretty good about not selling counterfeit stuff. As for sharpening – well, I’m beginning to learn that any steel requires time and attention to sharpen properly. Nicer looking all around over the para 3. 2.3mm blade stock vs 3.7mm is a huge difference for me. Sage 5 lightweight looks superior on paper. military vs. paramilitary 2 vs. para 3 The Paramilitary 2 (middle) is a perfect size for general EDC tasks, but you’re also in luck if you’re looking for something a little bigger or smaller. The Para 3 has a blade length of just about 3”, with a cutting edge of 2 5/8”, an overall length of 7 1/8”, and a weight of 3.37 oz. [easyazon_block add_to_cart=”default” align=”center” asin=”B01NBRLS5S” cloaking=”default” layout=”top” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”brdfkdfk-20″]. Re: Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison. military vs. paramilitary 2 vs. para 3 The Paramilitary 2 (middle) is a perfect size for general EDC tasks, but you’re also in luck if you’re looking for something a little bigger or smaller. The main secret behind their lightweight is the high-quality of the G-10 material. But Spyderco managed to bring something long wished-for to life without losing the magic, and in and of itself that’s an accomplishment. The Military (top) is a behemoth of a folder with a 4” blade and lengthy scales to match. I know the site gets compensation for people buying through links… But is it wise to list Amazon with their reputation for counterfeits of spyderco in particular? Matt The problem is that it goes across so much of the usable handle it’s bound to press uncomfortably somewhere at some point. When not contributing to BladeReviews, he is the editor of KnifeNews.com reporting on the latest news on new and popular knives, production knife companies, custom knife makers, and things happening in the cutlery industry. It is also better balanced; both knives offer phenomenal blade control but the Para 3 is more graceful and responsive. There is also the Sage 5 to consider, as well as knives like the Native 5 and Caly 3. http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C223G/1009, http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C81G2/472. Spyderco’s popular Sage Series is a distinctive family of folding knives that uses a single design theme to showcase influential lock designs and honor their inventors. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Spyderco Para 3 offers the same great ergonomics of the Paramilitary 2 in a smaller, more urban friendly package. Is it a must buy world beater? 70 ($32.23/oz) $197.95 $197.95 It is worth exactly $120 to me, and pretty much sets the limit for what I consider sensible spending on a pocket knife. The clip also presents issues. The PM2 is definitely my favorite as it fits my hand so well and the blade shape works much better for me than Manix 2. Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight - Red FRN ... We've continued the Red M390 theme from the Paramilitary 2 and the Para 3 to the newest model in the Para lineup, the Para 3 Lightweight. The Para 3’s strongest competition comes from within Spyderco’s catalogue – and it’s NOT the PM2. The Para 3 is a big knife that is ultimately just as useful as the other two but it definitely carries smaller. The Military (top) is a behemoth of a folder with a 4” blade and lengthy scales to match. Retaining the intuitive and strong compression lock, the Para 3 is a reliable EDC tool that will offer all day comfort at just 3.4 ounces. The Chaparral is the smallest knife of the three mentioned coming in at 2.5oz with a 2.8" blade. Actually, I think that distinction is particularly important in this case. Moving down toward the main part of the handle, the news is less good. Watch Queue Queue That may be the case, and I get that, but from Spyderco alone the Sage series and the Native 5 both do a better job of being a 3” (or sub 3”) daily carry knife than the Para 3 does, and in some cases even for less money with better steel – like the Native 5 Lightweight. You can get aftermarket scales … So I guess the worst thing I can say about the Para 3 is that it’s just another great Spyderco design. I know eBay is more notorious for counterfeit knives. The sage 3 (3.5oz) is the same size (3" blade) as the Sage 1 (3.2oz) , has the same CF G10 laminate scales but uses the Spyderco bolt lock kinda similar to the Benchmade Axis Lock. If you watched the video up top then you are probably aware of all of the many awesome variations of the Spyderco Paramilitary 2. Spyderco Sage 3 PlainEdge Knife – Amazon / Blade HQ. And good point regarding the weight of the Sage 1. The Spyderco Para 3 is a compact version of the spectacular Paramilitary 2 folding knife. The knife community is almost unanimous in its praise for the PM2. Spyderco C223PBK Para 3 … Casey Lynch of Lynch Northwest is well-known for his aftermarket Spyderco pocket clips, and his short clip works perfectly on the Para 3 – and I mean perfectly: it feels like it was made specifically for this knife, and it fixes every issue the stock clip presents. Para 3 Vs. Sage 5. Purchasing anything through any of the links on this site helps support BladeReviews, and keep this review train running. Companies like SOG, Cold Steel, and CRKT habitually release their knives in different sizes – why were we getting so excited about the Para 3? No doubt about it, there’s a lot to talk about here. The beak isn’t so pointy that it would create a hot spot during most use, but the PM2 was so accommodating in both grip styles that it’s a bummer the smaller Para 3 can’t quite pull it off. 00 ($148.39/100 g) Like its bigger brother, the Para 3 has the Compression Lock, textured G-10 scales, and a full-flat ground blade. The Para 3 has a blade length of just about 3”, with a cutting edge of 2 5/8”, an overall length of 7 1/8”, and a weight of 3.37 oz. Para 3 will be released in so many other steels and the Sage 5 is S30V only. Comparing pics of the two knives, I personally would take the Sage 5 LW over the Para 3 LW any day of the week I guess: Virtually same blade and edge length, still a bit shorter when closed, probably a tiny bit shorter handle, but still offering seemingly a lot more usable grip area behind the choil. Spyderco doesn’t do a ton of CF but it’s definitely not out of the question. The off-centered blade, only having one washer and some reported blade play has turned me off to the para 3 lightweight. I appreciate the correction, and I’ll update the review. But since day one of getting the Sage 5, it's been the only one in my pocket besides my work knife. The off-centered blade, only having one washer and some reported blade play has turned me off to the para 3 lightweight. Not that it really matters towards build quality. The Para 3 is Spyderco’s response to a public demand for a more compact, lightweight, and easily concealed military style blade. If not, give the Watu a good look. It doesn’t stay hyper keen after a day or two of frequent use, but it retains a clean, usable edge for a very long time. Sage 5 lightweight looks superior on paper. Unlike some of those fine knives, however, the Para 3 doesn’t feel like a collectible in any sense. Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Midnight Blue Folding Knife with 3.42" CPM S110V Steel Blade and Durable G-10 Handle - PlainEdge - C81GPDBL2 4.8 out of 5 stars 319 $196.00 $ 196 . The Para 3 takes all the proven features and benefits of Spyderco’s best-selling Para Military™2 and distills them into an even more compact all-purpose cutting tool. Spyderco has always been a company that’s about iteration, not revolution. Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight vs Benchmade Griptilian Similarities, Differences and Our EDC Preference Two Competing Everyday Carry Knives (Left: Benchmade 551SBK Griptilian – Right: Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight) Excellent EDC Options . It’s lightweight, highly functional, and embodies many of things we love about Spyderco knives. The responses here really show how much variety Spyderco offers. With the adjustments Spyderco made to the design, the Para 3 lives up to the billing. Best Survival Knives As stated before the weight of Spyderco Para Military 2 is 4.8 ounces, which means that it is a lightweight knife. The Para 3 Lightweight has an overall length of 7.27″, a 3.00″ blade, weighs 2.4 ounces, and is made in Golden Colorado, in the United States of America, here on planet Earth. Dan Mr.SATism likes this. Both knives are very good knives, some of the nicest factory made folders I've ever personally handled. That makes it strong and relatively lightweight, but it’s also comfortable and ergonomic in the hand. With all of this being said, Spyderco isn’t the lone dog in this and faces some stiff competition from Benchmade. Even stock, ergonomics are well above average. Nobody questions the fast deployment and free-swinging blade, just the variance in terms of lockup from knife to knife. A Casey Lynch Short Clip makes it even better. Technically they aren’t in the same use category, but they do share design fundamentals and I’d rather have more variety amongst my tools than two very similar albeit excellent knives. Ben Schwartz is a writer and gear geek. That would be so cool, and would probably take the price down to at or under $100. This video is unavailable. It doesn’t bother me that much personally but I do think the Para 3 carries unnecessarily high in the tip down configuration. Expectations were not just high, they were at that particular airless altitude where it’s hard to say that people were even aware of just what it was they were asking for. The difference between the standard Para 3 and the Para 3 Lightweight blades is the steel – while the original G10 Para 3 used CPM S30V steel, the Lightweight uses Carpenter CTS-BD1N steel. Best High Value Knives. Para 3 lw is roughly the same size but I wouldn't really put them in the same category. This is a Sal Glesser design. I would love to see an FRN version. The Sage 5 doesn’t have the mystique of the Para 3, but it is quite competitive in an objective sense. The spydie drop open technique works great on this knife. From natural G-10 to the highly anticipated PM2 tanto , Blade HQ has offered a variety of exclusive para 2 models and limited sprint runs over the years and will most likely offer several more in the future. On the PM2 I’ve found the Compression Lock to be a somewhat finicky one to maintain, but I’ll chalk that up to my inexperience rather than some mechanical failing. If you're talking S30V, go Sage 5. The Spyderco Para 3 offers the same great ergonomics of the Paramilitary 2 in a smaller, more urban friendly package. Highlighting our own patented Compression Lock®, the Sage 5 is so popular we decided to take it a step further by offering it in a lightweight format. We here at Outdoorsupply want you to be completely happy with your purchase, so if you're … Spyderco needs to be careful not to end up like Apple with their product names. This is an excellent follow-up to what is arguably their best knife. It’s a bit more angular than the drop point on the Native 5, but I also think it looks very attractive… It also features a full flat grind which, again, I like because it keeps the blade strong and makes the knife a …