I thought I would give an update on what I found, what I liked and didn't like for a conclusion to this thread. Firstly, thank you everyone for the recommendations. I found a few really nice knives that I wouldn't have thought of had I not started it, especially the sage series which I hadn't even been aware of until this (I'm newer to knives over $100).
The picture below pretty much summarizes what I tried and kept. The only one I tried and didn't keep was a para3, because I knew I could get what I paid right back out of it if I didn't use it.So, some thoughts on each.
Para 3- just wasn't for me. The pocket clip carried way too high and the thumb ramp was almost uncomfortably aggressive for me. It had very good gimping for grip, which I just don't need for my uses and it would tear up my thumb a little since I get dry skin in the winter. I just didn't love it and I couldn't see it knocking the sage or mini-grip out of the pocket as they just seemed more refined but the para3 was much more tactical feeling that the sage or mini-grips.
Sage 2 - Great EDC knife and this moved up to the front pocket for the last month until getting the mini-grips (to give them a longer try for day to day). The blade is very useful and practical and it carried really well. The ease of access to the lock was really nice and it has great hand feel. I wouldn't use this version for hard use as I have been able to accidentally unlock the frame lock with my index finger while giving it a death grip while using the choil but I did "accidently" get a great deal on a sage 3 that I assumed wouldn't go so cheap on ebay. The sage is a bit tall when closed for back pocket carry but thickness is good.
mini-grip - love the smooth action of the lock. It it simply a pleasure to use the knife even if others are more practical or function. I also like the looks of it, especially the red one with AWT scales which fills out the hand better than the stock plastic ones. I carry this as my primary lately as I really like it and the sage 2 has been sitting home but eventually I'm think my blue mini-grip might make the back pocket and the sage 2 will make the front pocket.
*Native 5 LW s110v - is the current winner for the back pocket carry as I think it gives the biggest variety from carrying the other options. It just feels like a very solid knife that I can use harder and not worry about beating it up. It's not as tall as the sage so it carries better even though it sticks out more than the deep carry clips. The dark blue color with bronzed clip really make it suttle though so not bad looking at all. The far up front choil also adds a lot of leverage so I feel like I can really dig into something if I need too (shaping cardboard for example). I have this paired with the mini-grips currently.
I included the zancudo simply because it was close to a rat 2 that was suggested and it summarizes my 3" carry options. My rat 2 is clipped to my work jacket for the production floor so that's not in the pick but overall I'm pretty happy with my expanded selection of EDC knives thanks to the forum (I've been getting most of these used off the exchange). I'm still looking for a chaparral but I think I'm waiting until the FRN version comes out and now I'm not sure I want to try a delica with the native 5. Backlocks don't excite but they're very practical and I already have one so I think I'm good there.
