Para 3 questions - Replacing scales on Para 3?

B

Ballistic4

Joined
May 18, 2020
Messages
31
So I kinda put the carriage in front of the horse and bought some titanium scales for a Spyderco Para 3 without owning one, without knowing much about the para models.
#1 Do all Para 3 scales fit all models of Para 3's? (Are the FRN, G10, Ti scales all interchangeable on the different models, and types of steel?)

#2 Looking for a quick run down on the cheaper steel model. CB1N or something?
Will I forever regret not getting the S30V model? Money's not the issue but I did have a Buck 110 Pro w/ S30V and could never resharpen the edge to hair-shaving sharp. Also didn't like the hollow grind on the Buck so the Para 3's full grind should be just what I want
I'm fine with whatever steel and this small knife is for real light duty EDC, not afraid to use and abuse but probably won't.
 
The FRN Lightweight models have completely different construction, so are not interchangeable with other models.
For G10 Para3 (non-LW), any decent aftermarket scales should work, and any OEM scales will work on any knife, regardless of blade steel.

The only time you would really expect to have and issue is if you try to swap blades, which doesn't always work out, since it's dependent on the lockbar-tang interface.
Blade swaps from LW models to G10 models have been done, as the blades are physically the same design, but again, the lockup might be a little off because it's based on the fit between the lockbar and the blade tang.
 
To just add a comment to what O OrangeBlueOrangeBlue said...the PM2 and Para 3 lanyard tubes can be a real bugger when you're trying to pull off the factory scales. It will probably defy you and insist on holding onto the original scale with a grip of death...but if you patiently work the scale back and forth it will eventually slip it's way off the lanyard tube. Be prepared to spend some time and a steady hand to get the scales off.

Regarding your blade steel question; I think S30V is standard for the G10 Para 3's and CTS-BD1N is standard on the lightweight models. If you're looking for a scale swap, you'll probably be limited to S30V and some sprint runs with S90V, Maxamet or some other high end steels. Personally, I've always like the Spyderco S30V. It's a great all around EDC steel and unless you need to cut a mile of hemp rope without sharpening, it'll serve you just as well as a more expensive exotic steel.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top