Got a PM3 but mistake and don't like it!

[MyLegsAreOk]

Hey, I have a Bear Grylls Compact Scout Knife I bought in 2010 or so ( somewhere in a drawer, I think). I used it at work to cut open the sides of beef boxes and such. Great knife, well except the 1/2 inch of side to side blade play and the vertical blade play I got after a couple of years.... I wonder if they have a "forever" warranty?

I just googled the thing and boy it's a pain to even LOOK at. Then again it's only $30 so you get what you pay for.

I prefer larger folders too. A 4" blade is about perfect for me. That's why the Military is my ideal choice. More specifucslly , the S90V/CF/Ti Military. Outstanding knife.

I find the PM2 slightly on the smaller side. And the PM3 is just minuscule and doesn't appeal to me in be least.

If you own a Ti military I'm curious if you know if you can buff out the Ti scales to get a mirror polish? I did this on my flytanium scales for the PM2 and it looks great, but never bought the Ti Military because it wouldn't match. The other reason is that it's only in s30v and you can't swap other better alloy blades in because of the lock.

 

[blanex1]

i got my para3 from the 1st batch they shipped,just because i had to have one,and hearing all rave about it,but hear it still sits in my collection box because i never carry it or use,my PM2"s have a much better grip(some like,and others don't)the grip on the para 3 is just to small for my hand,other than the smaller blade that others will need to edc in other states!its a vary well made folder,i just wish i could have like it more.

 

[Danke42]

I just googled the thing and boy it's a pain to even LOOK at. Then again it's only $30 so you get what you pay for.


If you own a Ti military I'm curious if you know if you can buff out the Ti scales to get a mirror polish? I did this on my flytanium scales for the PM2 and it looks great, but never bought the Ti Military because it wouldn't match. The other reason is that it's only in s30v and you can't swap other better alloy blades in because of the lock.

Sure you could, but why? It's only going to get scratched up with use and you'll spend more time polishing it instead of using it.

The best finish for Ti is that natural slightly rough one. It will get some snail trails but as a rule most wear from use will blend into the finish.

If you want a neat finish polish it to a mirror and then mask off a pattern. Blast with your choice of media and then remove the masking. It makes a super nice effect as long as your original pattern isn't heinous.

 

[AF]

I like the Para 3 more than I expected. I still prefer the PM2. If the Para 3 clip were mounted at the end of the handle it would be a great knife. I'm using a deep carry clip out of necessity.

 

[kniferbro]

Good thing the Para 3 is not the next iteration of the Para Military. It is a unique line based on the Para Military 2. So you can still hold out hope for a new PM that fits your size requirements!

 

[willywall]

I must be in the minority because I love the Para 3. The PM2 is awesome but 3" blade, with a handle that larger than average hands can use is the sweet spot. I love that they broke the edges to round out the scales. Without using the choil its not great but not terrible. The amount sticking out of the pocket isn't a huge deal for me, neither is the size of the clip. The lanyard hole is another sore spot for most people but I wouldn't have noticed any of these if I didn't watch/read reviews. Its one of my favorite knives.

 

[MyLegsAreOk]

Good thing the Para 3 is not the next iteration of the Para Military. It is a unique line based on the Para Military 2. So you can still hold out hope for a new PM that fits your size requirements!

With how Spyderco discontinues models all the time I'm still anxious every day they'll stop making the PM2. When that happens I will jump off cliff as it is the perfect knife because of how it matches simplicity with utility in both use and maintenance.

I must be in the minority because I love the Para 3. The PM2 is awesome but 3" blade, with a handle that larger than average hands can use is the sweet spot. I love that they broke the edges to round out the scales. Without using the choil its not great but not terrible. The amount sticking out of the pocket isn't a huge deal for me, neither is the size of the clip. The lanyard hole is another sore spot for most people but I wouldn't have noticed any of these if I didn't watch/read reviews. Its one of my favorite knives.

I don't think you're in the minority at all. However outside the knife nuts community I have never seen a P3 as of yet while PM2s have been popular since way back on release.