Changing para 3 scales

[RugerNurse]

How is difficult is it to swap the para 3 scales for micarta? I’ve seen some walkthroughs on YouTube but don’t know if there are tricky parts to it. I’ve never taken about a para 3 before.

 

[King of the Cheese]

PM2 but same concept. I recommend keeping ALL screws and small pieces in baggies as you go. Dropping a screw and watching it bounce around/roll under furniture/disappear into carpet isn’t fun.

 

[mmyron1]

Changing scales in general isn't difficult at all. The most difficult part that I've found with Spyderco tend to be the lanyard tube on some models.

 

[RugerNurse]

Guess the only other consideration is that the scales are $50 so I could just get the PM2 in micarta with cruwear

 

[King of the Cheese]

Guess the only other consideration is that the scales are $50 so I could just get the PM2 in micarta with cruwear

If you plan to sell it at some point, that would be best. You won’t get your money back for aftermarket scales unless you own an XM-18 and Rick Hinderer made them.

 

[rustyspike]

Do not know. But I have a new clip that needs to put on. Been laying on my desk for a year.

Rich K.

 

[pholder]

Guess the only other consideration is that the scales are $50 so I could just get the PM2 in micarta with cruwear

You won’t regret the purchase, the Cruwear is really impressive as are the scales. I liked it so much I bought another one just in case

 

[RugerNurse]

You won’t regret the purchase, the Cruwear is really impressive as are the scales. I liked it so much I bought another one just in case

I had a PM2 in micarta and the G10 was rough. I do like micarta. The 3.4” is a bit over kill but I love the compression lock. I sold my G10 PM2 but kind of regretting it now. How is the stain resistance of the Cruwear?

 

[Knives&Lint]

EZPZ for the most part, but as mentioned the lanyard tubes on many Spydercos tend to be a bit stubborn due to their design. Still, I removed mine fairly easily by doing the trick where you slide the shaft of a driver between the scales and frame. There are a few videos out there showing the simple process.

Getting the new scales back on the lanyard tube can also be a bit tricky, but all in all there's nothing in the process that should deter you from getting the knife you want how you want it. It may be a bit daunting if you've never done anything like this before, and there may some frustration along the way, but that's just part of the fun of tinkering with things and figuring them out, and the reward of the finished product is totally worth it IMO.

Here's my Para 3 (Maxamet) with RGT canvas micarta scales (natural/dyed teal)

 

[SonofASpider]

EZPZ for the most part, but as mentioned the lanyard tubes on many Spydercos tend to be a bit stubborn due to their design. Still, I removed mine fairly easily by doing the trick where you slide the shaft of a driver between the scales and frame. There are a few videos out there showing the simple process.

Getting the new scales back on the lanyard tube can also be a bit tricky, but all in all there's nothing in the process that should deter you from getting the knife you want how you want it. It may be a bit daunting if you've never done anything like this before, and there may some frustration along the way, but that's just part of the fun of tinkering with things and figuring them out, and the reward of the finished product is totally worth it IMO.

Here's my Para 3 (Maxamet) with RGT canvas micarta scales (natural/dyed teal)

Wow, What a gorgeous build! I love the bright blue micarta, that is definitely an eye catcher . Is that an acid wash on the blade?

 

[Knives&Lint]

Wow, What a gorgeous build! I love the bright blue micarta, that is definitely an eye catcher . Is that an acid wash on the blade?

Thanks! I wasn't sure how well the micarta would dye but in the end it turned out perfect. I soaked the blade in apple cider vinegar.

 

[pholder]

I had a PM2 in micarta and the G10 was rough. I do like micarta. The 3.4” is a bit over kill but I love the compression lock. I sold my G10 PM2 but kind of regretting it now. How is the stain resistance of the Cruwear?

I usually force a patina so I have one less worry, not exactly an answer to your question, sorry

 

[RugerNurse]

I usually force a patina so I have one less worry, not exactly an answer to your question, sorry

No worries, patinas are nice. I’ve read Cruwear is an upgrade of D2, which I’ve never had rust on me. I just wipe it down each night.

 

[SonofASpider]

Thanks! I wasn't sure how well the micarta would dye but in the end it turned out perfect. I soaked the blade in apple cider vinegar.

Dang what a lucky dye job! never heard of soaking a blade in apple cider vinegar, I'm definitely gonna try that out now.