Recommendation? Which Para 3?

K

Kostik

Joined
Feb 9, 2016
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Looking for a Para 3 for EDC, whenever the Para-2 feels too big. The Blurple S110V runs $189 versus $147 for the Digi-Camo S30V. There's also a nice dark red M390 on the bay for $230+shipping.

My Para-2 is a plain ol' Digi-Camo S30V, and I have no complaints. Are the other ones worth the extra cost?
 
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I bought the Maxamet P3, but would be happy with the blurple too. I like the aesthetic of DLC blade with a digicamo handle, I have one in PM2.

But to answer your q: no. I think S30V is perfectly fine on this knife. A Para 3 is a small EDC knife, not meant to be a hard user. And for that, S30V is plenty enough. To me, S110V on a Military makes more sense, giving enough "space" for the steel to shine. But good steel is always nice to have, no matter the format.
 
Kostik said:
Looking for a Para 3 for EDC, when the Para-2 feel too big. The Blurple S110V runs $189 versus $147 for the Digi-Camo S30V. There's also a nice dark red M390 on the bay for $230 + shipping. My Para-2 is a plain ol' Digi-Camo S30V, and I have no complaints. Are the other ones worth the extra cost?
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230$ is Way too much, for the m390..(sold for around 145$)
Maxamet is Awesome!
I can't PM you, but I have 1 too many Para 3. A user Maxamet, I'd pass along,, as matter of fact.
 
if you can get the cruwear para 3 kc released last month for a reasonable price, i really recommend it. was not at all sure i'd like the smooth g10, but to the contrary i've ended up liking this better than any other p3 i've encountered. finishing is outstanding overall, hair whittling factory grind, and the g10 feels downright sensual without losing any appreciable grip so far. sold out slowly and there was comparatively very little hype around this one, imo ppl slept on it vs other exclusives and sprint runs. may make it easier to find one at or near cost if you end up interested.
 
I agree with most of the above. The Maxamet is great. I have a LW with a maxamet blade swapped in, and that platform is great. I have the K390, the SPY27 and the S110V as well. Of the choices you listed, I would probably get the blurple. I know S30V is perfectly fine for my purposes, but my irrational personal preference is quality of steel over looks.

I did see the S90V LW in stock (don't know anything about the vendor), but don't want to run afoul of rules posting links.
 
I haven't heard that yet. I'll have to check mine.

My Para 3 Lightweight is definitely not centered, but there is plenty of space between the blade and scale. No rubbing at all.
 
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Kostik said:
90% of the reviews I have read or seen reported off-center blades. I wouldn't mind a LW but I am steering clear for now.
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Yes, and the "drop shut/no play" tuning on it is almost impossible as there is only one washer/liner(mini).
 
I like the Blurple S110V Para-3 a lot. It's been sitting in my Cart at one of the major vendors. However it's a little pricey at $190. I don't know what's happened to Spyderco prices. I bought my Para-2 only a couple of years ago for $60-70 from Amazon: a simple Digi-Camo S30V, but a hell of a good EDC. I'd just like an alternative that's a little smaller and lighter. And now I have to pay triple?
 
If you actually bought a S30V PM2 from Amazon for $60-70 only a couple years ago, my first suspicion would be that you overpaid for a counterfeit from a third party seller. PM2 initial MSRP in 2011 was $169.95, which would give it a MAP equivalent price of $119. Even with an OpFocus discount, it would've cost you $85 back then. 2019 MAP for satin digicam was about $140.
 
Nope, it’s definitely original. I might be mis-remembering how much I paid and/or when I bought it. I’ll see if I can locate the order on Amazon - or check the date on the box.

Edit: Amazon tells me I bought it in December 2012 for $114.85. My mistake … honestly I didn’t think I paid that much. I bought a Ka-Bar MK1 USN at the same time, and I probably paid $60-something for that.
 
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