Para 3 goodness!!!!

The M4/natural G10 Para 3 exclusive from BladeHQ just dropped ten minutes ago...
 
I sold off my original Para3 because I wasn't carrying it then found myself with a Cru-Wear because I wanted to try the steel. Next thing I know I've traded for the Maxamet and M390 and just ordered the M4. It really is a great, not overly expensive platform on which to try different blade steels. And the compression lock quickly spoils you for other methods.
 
Thread needs a bump.
I really love this platform. Didn't know what to expect at first but it didn't take long to become a favorite. Melts into my hand, very easy to carry, and both of mine are buttery smooth. Just a great EDC knife.
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Dallas T said:
View attachment 930294 I have to say im usually a benchmade fanboy! Warranty, quality, strength, design just always checked my boxes. However I’ve never had many spydies other than the delica 4.
Had a pm2 s110 very briefly just didn’t like how the s110 reacted for my sharpening abilities. I like the easy to sharpen steels.
Was always worried about the delicate appearing tip of the pm series, until recently beating the snot out of the delica while building my new deck. It took a real whooping.
So in my quest for a stronger smallish edc after deciding the much anticipated mini presidio 2 was too heavy for its size, I ordered a para 3 and I have to say im in love with it!! I think it’s way more capable and stronger than I ever expected!!
Anyone else feel the same? Welcome to join in.. oh yeah what’s a thread with out pics.
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What alloy is that one? s30v? I'm usually a Spyderco fan but when you bring up Benchmade the Bugout whips everything sub 3'' on the market easily. The para 3 can't hold a candle to it. In fact I mistakenly ordered a Para 3 but after 2 hours decided to send it back because with a PM2 already I in no way saw the use for it, the Bugout however is the best knife SINCE the PM2.
 
It’s s30v, im easy to please steel wise! Hadn’t tried or had a bugout yet
 
Ya can't go wrong with s30v. It'll do you good and is a lot easier to sharpen than the s110v you were talking about.
 
I got myself a basic S30V Para 3 just a week or two ago, which itself was not long after getting my Caribbean. I love them both. I've been carrying my Para 3 at work due to its size. Also, as far as ease of operation of the lock, for me the Para 3 feels the most natural. I would probably take the Para 3 on road trips.

Jim
 
MyLegsAreOk said:
What alloy is that one? s30v? I'm usually a Spyderco fan but when you bring up Benchmade the Bugout whips everything sub 3'' on the market easily. The para 3 can't hold a candle to it. In fact I mistakenly ordered a Para 3 but after 2 hours decided to send it back because with a PM2 already I in no way saw the use for it, the Bugout however is the best knife SINCE the PM2.
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To each their own as they say. I thought I wanted a Bugout until I handled one at the NRA convention. I just wasn't thrilled by how cheesy the handle felt. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it's a great knife but I'd take the solid feel of the Para 3 over it any day. Heck I'd even take a Delica over it. I'm sure I'll end up with a Bugout at some point but I'm not in as much of a hurry to buy one as I once was.
 
Sharp Guy said:
To each their own as they say. I thought I wanted a Bugout until I handled one at the NRA convention. I just wasn't thrilled by how cheesy the handle felt. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it's a great knife but I'd take the solid feel of the Para 3 over it any day. Heck I'd even take a Delica over it. I'm sure I'll end up with a Bugout at some point but I'm not in as much of a hurry to buy one as I once was.
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I think that's part of the benefit of the Bugout. The zytel handle is ultra light weight, more so than FRN, and get take a hit and not crack or rip yet even as thin as it is doesn't warp. I wouldn't use that tiny thing for hammering anything like a bushcraft would, same goes for any other sub 3'' so I'm not worried about it being super sturdy. But whatevs this is a Para 3 thread, it's just it's hard not to bring up the Bugout being what it is.
 
4F05E3C7-E49C-4969-AF4D-1E3BFA23EEF3.jpeg The Para 3 is one of my all time favorites. Spyderco quality control and fit and finish are second to none. Spyderco has the balls to use steels most manufacturers and custom knife makers are afraid to touch. I have the standard s30v, maxamet, s90v cf, & m390. Have pre ordered the orange handled rex 45 soon to be out and will most likely get an M4 DLC and cru wear to round out the collection. Having these as the measuring stick to compare all 3” knives to has had me catch and release quite a few expensive production and mid-tech knives at a loss.
 
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IMG_0006.JPG I just got my first Para 3, the Rex 45 sprint run.
When they first came out I had no interest at all, I thought it was goofy looking.

Now that I have had this for a week my tune has changed a bit.
It really is super comfortable in hand and as always build quality is top notch.

I may try a deep carry clip but the factory one seems fine so far.
 
I just received a Para 3 / Maxamet yesterday from a fellow forum member. I thought I would feel that it was undersized vs. the PM2 but I have to say I am very happy to have been wrong. It's a great knife and will definitely be seeing its share of pocket time.
 
Maybe I will never have a chance to connect to para 3. Finally decided to give it a try through a Rex 45 version, only to find out that there was no way for me to get one fron any dealer.
 
Have the M4 BHQ version. No question it's a great knife. For EDC I'll reach for for the Sage more often. It pockets better, is lighter, and has a better finger choil and a better clip. I prefer a 50/50 choil and deep carry. Easily remedied with a new clip.

The big advantage of the Para 3 for me is the steels. If I need a beefier EDC I'm probably going to the Manix, PM2, of Shaman before the Para 3. Great knife, but not without some compromises.

If Spyderco ever did different steels on the Sage I'd probably own 20 of them.
 
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Para3 maybe comfortable and a good knife but it's not the best design. In my mind it's just a compromised PM2. Blade is too tall for it's length and they tried too hard to make it have a similar blade look to the PM2 so there is too much up sweep. Lanyard tube is retarded because it's too big and takes priority over the clip meaning that it sticks out your pocket almost 1/4th of it's length. Maybe comfy and work well but the design is not my favorite.
 
Best is different for all of us. Every time I use the Sage 1 I appreciate how good it is. Most here would likely not put it at the top of their list of best Spydercos. Same for Chaparral for me. I doubt it's in the top 2 for most people.
 
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