Para 2 still more popular than para 3???

H

Houlahound

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Aug 2, 2017
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Blade HQ poll says so on YT.

I thought the para 3 was meant to improve design features of the 2 and also have shorter blade to make it legal in more places. Both points should mean the 3 should be more popular.

What is this sorcery??
 
Interesting, I personally enjoy the Para3 a lot more than the PM2. If I had to guess, it is because a lot of people who already had the PM2 didn't feel the need to buy or try out the Para3.
 
I don't need the smaller blade for legality, my location allows anything. So to me, no reason for the para3. They just shrunk it and changed the stop pin (which was fine on the 2), no other "improvements".

With the finger choil already taking edge real estate on the 2, the smaller 3 just loses that much more.
 
I like both ! Pm 2 you can get in maxamet !! But like a 3 , for easy carry in cramped vehicles
 
I heard the tip on the 2 was too fragile so they strengthened the 3 tip and also improved the ergos.

Disclaimer: I have never handled either, just trying to square away the internet gossip/facts.
 
The Para 3 might be more popular with people that prefer, or need, the shorter blade... The Para 2 will remain popular with those that prefer a longer blade.
I'm not a huge Para 2 fan, partly because the compression lock requires too much thought. I briefly handled a Para 3 (I purchased it for a friend, and he didn't like it), and it didn't appeal to me
 
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I like them both, and though Para 3 is meant to be a smaller version of 2, I never do think it's a 'lesser' knife than 2. What I like most in Para 3 is, instead of shrinking down everything in proportion which may lead to handle that's way too small, Spyderco does leave the Para 3 handle a slightly bit longer so it remains adequate.
 
I'm wondering how much straight part of the blade is even needed in an EDC pocket folder when all the work is done by the tip and belly anyways.

I can't even think when I use the end of a blade really unless I have dulled the front portion from use.
 
I've carried a 2 for better part of 8 or so years...got the para 3lw several months back and I've carried it like 3 times maybe...I don't know what it is but I just like the 2 better. Maybe if I hadn't gone with the lw and got one with g10 I'd like it better?...I duno.. nothing wrong with the 3. Just prefer the 2.
 
I like the PM2 looks and ergonomics more, and the Para 3 is better for IWB carry in shorts/bathers.

But it just looks a bit funny. So because I like back locks and the ergos more, the Chaparral and the Native are my goto small knives - w/ only .24" and .16" shorter cutting edges. The Sage also wins in my book, I just don't have one I like yet.
 
I like them both.

Ergonomically I like the PM2 more.

I am slowly gravitating towards smaller knives as I get older. Other than cutting my burgers and sandwiches in half, I don't need a longer blade.
 
Houlahound said:
I'm wondering how much straight part of the blade is even needed in an EDC pocket folder when all the work is done by the tip and belly anyways.

I can't even think when I use the end of a blade really unless I have dulled the front portion from use.
Click to expand...
Just because you don't use the full length of a blade, does not mean others use it in the same way.
 
Para 2 is way more popular than the Para3. Spyderco can't keep them in stock. And just look at all the aftermarket goodies available for the 2 vs the 3.

The 2 just has better size/ergos. It hits the "just right" spot for most people.
 
For me, the Para3 proportions are wrong due to retaining the full blade width. Then prioritizing the lanyard hole (useless to the majority of users) over deeper positioning of the clip (important to the majority of users). A missed opportunity hopefully to be fixed on the Para3 Gen 2. Fingers crossed.
 
Based on favorite model polls here and the Spyderco forum, activity on IG, FB etc., I would estimate that the PM2 outsells the Para 3 by about 3:1.

The Para 3 tip would naturally be slightly stronger than the PM2, simply because it's the exact same geometry as the PM2, just shortened.

The PM2 and Para 3 don't really feel similar at all to me. The PM2 is one of my favorite folders, but I can't get a full four finger grip on the Para 3 without using the choil, and the blade feels way too short. It doesn't seem like much, but I find myself constantly wishing for the extra bit of blade and the more acute tip of the PM2.

I think that both the Native and Delica are superior 3" models, with profiles that are more properly scaled to their blade length. The Para 3 is a 4" design that's been massaged into a 3.5" version and then later shoehorned into a 3" model. It completely abandons any pretext of feeling or performing like a Millie. Both the Native and Delica were conceived as 3" folders, and the difference is very apparent.
 
I now have both a PM2 and Para 3 and while I like both, the PM2 just feels better in my hand. It doesn’t surprise me to see that it’s more popular.

On a side note, I do wish both came with deep carry clips. Not a huge fan of the standard pocket clip.
 
I had high hopes for the Para 3. Had is the key word in all of this.

The PM2 offers better ergonomics, in my opinion but, I don’t care for the blade.

Give me a PM2 with the blade from a D’Allara 3. Then you would have something. :)
 
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