Para 3; the best spyderco edc I've ever had.

[Fred Sanford]

I know this is a 2 year old thread almost but I'm glad it was bumped because I never saw it. What a great writeup DeadboxHero . I agree 100%

Here is a pic because threads are better with pics.

 

[colin.p]

Yes, I don't recall ever seeing this thread either. I bought both my PM2 and Para 3 at the same time back in December 2017. Even though I'm not a huge Spyderco lover, my Para 3 is starting to look like I use it, but my PM2 still looks new. Both are great knives, they would just be better with thumb studs and a slimmer blade.

 

[DocT]

For edc I think the new LWq is worth looking at.

 

[soc_monki]

Yes, I don't recall ever seeing this thread either. I bought both my PM2 and Para 3 at the same time back in December 2017. Even though I'm not a huge Spyderco lover, my Para 3 is starting to look like I use it, but my PM2 still looks new. Both are great knives, they would just be better with thumb studs and a slimmer blade.

If you want a slimmer blade, but like the size of the para 3, look at the sage 5. I prefer the para 3, so much so that I have only carried my sage 2 times, and I think I've only opened an envelope with it once. Think I'm going to get rid of it since I have a para 3 and a para 3 lightweight, and a pm2 on its way. Don't want the sage to just sit unused, someone should get some joy out of it!

 

[David Richardson]

Agree on checking out the Sage 5. For me the Para 3 compares much more closely to the Sage 5 than the Delica. Blade shape, handle shape/size, lock, choil... all closer to the Sage than the Delica. Sage 1 as well, but I get it's less popular than the 5.

 

[anthony cheeseboro]

It is wild how many times Spyderco has reinvented the 3” EDC, but the Para3 did put a new spin on the little big knife, and the Para3 Lightweight put a new spin in the Para3.

 

[Cscotttsss]

I know this is a 2 year old thread almost but I'm glad it was bumped because I never saw it. What a great writeup DeadboxHero . I agree 100%

Here is a pic because threads are better with pics.

I've never seen this thread either, but have to agree. After getting my first Para 3 I don't even really want to buy any more PM2's.
The Para 3 is amazing, especially after swapping out the factory clip, which is actually 100% necessary IMO.

Now the game has been completely changed by the LW. I actually prefer it over the G10 variants and am super excited to see what sprints/exclusives/standard production models we see in the near future. I'm guessing we start seeing them about 6 months from now...... Oh and here are a few pics of my favorite Para 3's I own, because every thread is better with pics.

Untitled by Caleb Bender, on Flickr

Untitled by Caleb Bender, on Flickr

 

[TheFactor]

Para 3 FTW

 

[JLeBlanc]

I have a question about the engravings/markings on the DLC blades: are they just unfinished satin, or is it a white colored coating? Never could tell, and I don't own any DLC blades.

 

[TheFactor]

I have a question about the engravings/markings on the DLC blades: are they just unfinished satin, or is it a white colored coating? Never could tell, and I don't own any DLC blades.

I really don’t know but I’d bet it’s unfinished satin just etched in threw the DLC. Either way it’s very durable and haven’t seen one were it’s worn out . But it doesn’t mean they don’t exist lol .
All my knives I have or had get light use so the DLC never is a issue nor the etching .

 

[Climb14er]

Everyone is entitled to opinions and what works for one, might not work for another.

My PM2 S30V is one of my three EDC's, been this way for a long time. When I want to go smaller and lighter, I choose without any hesitation the Sage 2 Ti. Both are GREAT blades but the Sage 2 Ti liner lock is perhaps the finest smaller blade knife I've ever had.

YMMV. Enjoy what you carry.

 

[MMGRenovations]

I tried it and I didn’t like it. Without choking up on the choil it feels like the handle is too small. When I do use the choil, I find the hump on the blade feels awkward.