Maxamet Para 3 vs. Maxamet Native Lightweight: Which to Buy?

[kniferelatedname]

The one thing no one mentioned is that, according to Spyderco's specs, the Native 5 LW, at .125", is thinner behind the edge than the Para 3 in Maxamet, which is .150" thick. Assuming that this is behind the edge (which, admittedly, may not be a correct assumption), the Native 5 LW should be a better slicer.

Just FYI. That is the thickness of the stock they start with. And will be the thickness of the tang of the blade where it is unground, and probably the spine closest to the handle. But it does not relate to thickness behind the edge. One might reasonably assume thinner stock will be thinner at the edge, and Spyderco generally produces good slicers.

However it is possible, for example, to start with 0.150" thick stock, and full flat grind it down to say 0.02" before grinding the secondary (edge) bevel. While perhaps the 0.125" stock is full flat ground down to 0.05" before grinding the secondary (edge) bevel. Assuming the blade is of typical width for a Spyderco, the thinner stock in that case would be thicker behind the edge.

I don't think that's common, but just wanted to point it out.

Also the thinner stock will likely be less wedge shaped, and therefore a better slicer, regardless of the thickness at the edge.

 

[Knibes]

The Para 3 is more quick and fun to open and close.

 

[RipD]

As others have said, it's really a carrying and ergo preference. I like the lock on the Para3 more, but the Native has a choil and carries better (for me). Both are great.

I would look into getting a diamond strop and keep it away from the Worksharp for as long as possible. Depending on what you're doing with an occasional strop it could be years before Maxamet needs to be sharpened.

 

[olywa]

I have both but not in Maxamet. I like and carry both frequently. As others have said, the Native 5 LW is perfect if you use the choil, and I think it slightly edges out the Para 3 in that regard. If you don't use the choil, the Para 3 ergos are better. I think this is due to the rear handle design being quite different. The N5 LW has a bit of a hook that offers no purchase for my pinky when not using the choil. The Para 3 handle angles up and back at the rear and is much more comfortable when not using the choil.

Granted, I have pretty meaty paws and others may have a different perspective. I don't have any hot spot issues with the clips but I did swap the stock Para 3 clip out for a deep-carry Lynch clip. These knives are 2 of my favorite edc blades and I have no regrets about buying either of them. I just wish that the N5 LW had a deep-carry wire clip and I could do without the lanyard hole on both of them.