Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight Compression Lock Folding Knife Black FRN (3" Satin)
About Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight Compression Lock Folding Knife Black FRN (3" Satin)
The Spyderco Para 3 made a name for itself as one of the best EDC Knives out there, and the Para 3 Lightweight made it even better! It is a joy to operate, and thanks to the bi-directional texturing of its FRN handle, it is lighter and grippier than ever. Instead of the classic spoon clip, Spyderco employed a wire clip that is gentler on your pocket, carries much deeper, and further reduces the weight. Youll be hard-pressed to find a better ultra-light folder anywhere, so slip this guy into your pocket and learn what it means to EDC with ease!If you like this MODel, we guarantee you'll enjoy our otherSpyderco Para 3 folding knife variations. We offer a range of different handles, blade finishes, and blade steels.
Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight Compression Lock Folding Knife Black FRN (3" Satin) For Sale
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Spyderco Para 3 Variations
Knife Critic Score
Not Rated
$165.00
$115.50
$115.50
Specifications |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Spyderco | ||
| Category | Folding Knives | ||
| Overall Length | 7.27" | ||
| Blade Length | 3.00" | ||
| Blade Thickness | 0.14" | ||
| Blade Material | CTS BD1N | ||
| Blade Style | Clip Point | ||
| Blade width | 1.38" | ||
| Blade Grind | Flat | ||
| Finish | Satin | ||
| Edge Type | Plain | ||
| Handle Length | 4.27" | ||
| Handle Thickness | 0.46" | ||
| Handle Material | FRN | ||
| Handle Width | 1.10" | ||
| Color | Black | ||
| Frame/Liner | Stainless Steel | ||
| Weight | 2.40 oz. | ||
| User | Right Hand, Left Hand | ||
| Pocket Clip | Tip-Up | ||
| Knife Type | Manual | ||
| Opener | Thumb Hole | ||
| Lock Type | Compression Lock | ||
| Model | Para 3, Paramilitary 3, Para3, PM3 | ||
| Model Number | C223PBK | ||
| Country of Origin | USA | ||
| Best Use | Everyday Carry | ||
| Product Type | Knife | ||
Daily Deals
Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight Compression Lock Folding Knife Black FRN (3" Satin) Questions and Answers
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Ratings and Reviews
Not for lefties
1st let me say that this is a well-built knife. Its lite weight is fairly easy to carry. It is NOT designed for lefties. The compression lock is almost dangerous to use properly because you have only your thumb and index finger holding the knife. The action is quite stiff when new, but it doesn't take too long to smooth out. Get a lefty model if you like this type of compression… read more lock knife if you're a lefty.
Great Balance
Incredible balance between weight, strength, lockup, and price. Top 5 EDC of all time.
Sam
I absolutely love this knife. It can prepare food as well as work hard.
Insanely ergonomic as well.
My only con. I wish you could upgrade more than just the pocket clip.
Great EDC
Bought this a few months ago. Quickly replaced my griptilian as my go to carry. First of many spydercos
Very very good quality!
This is my 3rd spyderco knife. I love it!! It’s been in my pocket everyday since it came in that mailbox! Very fast shipping (always fast shipping. Thanks BHQ) very well made high quality knife. This is my first time with the lightweight scales/FRN.. I always thought it looked cheap. But after pretty much flicking, fidgeting, and holding it on the first day, I really started to… read more love the lightweight scales. Sharp out the box like all spydercos. I like the wire clip as well. The only thing is that I wish they sold different lightweight scales for this knife. It would be nice to buy some different color scales for this knife without having to buy a whole other knife. With that said. I love this knife! If you are looking at this and having a hard time pulling the trigger on getting this knife. Id say just get it. And if you don’t like it you can always send it back. But give it a day or two to grow on you!!
Father's Day Gift
One of my son's gifted me this knife, engraved with my name, for Father's Day. A fantastic knife and gift.
Good knife, scales feel a little too cheap
I ended up returning this and ordering a full-weight para instead, as the scales felt a little too flimsy to me, but no complaints otherwise.
Very Good Quality
First, BladeHQ got my order out quickly and it was packed excellent.This is the first Spyderco purchase for me. Long time Benchmade owner and buyer(Since 2004). I can tell any of you sitting on the fence about a Spyderco- BUY IT. The quality of this knife is awesome. The blade is razor sharp out of the box. The fit and finish is amazing. You are getting a lot of knife at this price… read more from a company that obviously takes pride in their product. Do not be afraid to buy this knife. I also own a Bugout and can tell you this Para 3 LWT is leaps and bounds above it. The blade on this knife is what shocked me. A lot of attention went into that blade. Buy one, you won't be sorry! And to put the icing on the cake buy it from BladeHQ.
Carried for almost a year
I carried this knife for about a year and it was a fantastic knife.
It kept its edge relatively well, disappeared in my pocket, which unfortunately was its downfall since I did lose it.
Needed some tweaking out of the box, but nothing to bad. The only real gripe I had with this was the wire pocket clip which although did not bend out of shape was a little flimsy.
I hated it...
I was so disappointed when I first handled this knife! It felt like a toy compared to my PM2; too small, too light, too plasticky, didn't swivel as smoothly...but at least it looked great. I decided to give it a go anyway and boy am I glad I did! Everything that I once hated about it, I now love. It completely disappears in my pocket, I can't even feel it. The blade is sharp and… read more just the right size for every EDC task I've needed it for, the scales are deceptively super tough and feel good in the hand. The swivel broke in nicely and actually flicks more readily and smoothly than my PM2. Alas my poor, trusty PM2 has become one of the center console knives in my truck.
Just okay
Pros: The knife came sharp and is lightweight as the name suggests. It sits well in the pocket and works well in a light EDC roll
Cons: I have larger hands and the ergonomics of this knife just don't work well for me. This is also my first spyderco knife and I have to say i'm not a huge fan of the blade shape of this knife either. The hole in the back of the blade hurts the ergonomics…
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of the knife for me and creates a hotspot just behind it and at the base of the knife.
This knife is a good knife for someone who has smaller hands, or just wants a smaller knife that's unobtrusive for light EDC type tasks.
Comparison
This knife fits perfect as an alternative carry to the para2. To me there is no advantage in the para3 over the para2, but the para3 lightweight is just perfect.
Lightweight yet sturdy
Bought this knife after seeing all the hype videos for the Para 2. Wanting something a little bit smaller I chose this and am loving it.
The Para 3 is the perfect size for an EDC and is so light you don’t even notice you are carrying it. Despite the light weight the knife is super sturdy, and came out of the box exceptionally sharp. The one-handed opening and closing is…
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a nice feature too. Highly recommend.
Para 3 LW
I have been carrying the Para 3 LW in my EDC rotation for a few weeks now and this knife is a beast. It disappears in my pocket to the point I forget it's even in there from gym shorts to hiking pants you dont even notice it. The deep carry wire clip I had my doubts about but no issues and it hasn't moved at all. The BD1N steel is amazingly sharp and easily handles paracord cardboard… read more boxes and food prep. I also made some feather sticks for the bonfire and the blade is still hair shaving sharp. Shipping was fast and what else can I say except 5/5.
Para 3 is Good
After a few years with a Para 2 I needed something lightweight for shorts and a T-shirt. Initially I wasn't too impressed after the G2 scales on the Para 2 but it has grown on me little by little each day to the point I'm swapping out my $300 cf ZT for it. The action is smoothing out now so it's almost as good as my Para2. Almost, ;)
20 Year Anniversary Present
20 years of marriage deserves something special. I got this for my wife, also got it engraved. Blade HQ did a fabulous job on the engraving. It was smooth action out of the box, smoother than my Yojimbo 2 out of the box. I am glad I have it engraved as I am so tempted to just pocket this for myself. Spyderco is so awesome and fun functional knives. This is a total lightweight winner… read more that is going to be appreciated and used for years to come.
Para 3 frn scales
Just the right sized edc knife for me. I liked how the frn handles are not too aggressive to the touch but still grippy enough for an easy slip proof grip. Rounded edges on handles makes them comfortable for long hard use. Blade came sharp enough to shave hair on my arm.
Business up front. Party in the rear.
Great knife, but it just seems a little imbalanced to me. The blade is relatively thick and heavy, which I like, but it feels odd with such a ultralight, and slightly slippery, handle. That said, the quality is top knotch. I love the Spydie hole and the compression lock.
Great choice
Just received my new Para 3 and I love it. This is my first real knife - I chose this one on the recommendation of a very knowledgeable family member, and it fits exactly what I was looking for. Big enough and textured enough that I can get a good grip, but thin enough that it conceals well in dress pants pockets. The blade opens easily and the compression lock is simple to operate.… read more And at under $100, it was an easy decision. Very happy with it!
Not for me
This is my first Spyderco knife and probably my last. I own several quality knives such as, ZT, Benchmade, Kershaw, and more, so I thought after reading so much about Spyderco that I needed one for my collection. After just recently receiving my Para 3 lightweight I was very satisfied with the fit, finish, and materials used! Knife is a GREAT pocket folding knife! But I must need… read more to stay with a flipper, auto, or spring assisted knife. I could not open this knife one handed with any comfort no matter how long I tried...and the knife was to tight to do the finger flicking I have seen done. Maybe I could adjust the screws and make the blade more loose, but if that was necessary it should of came that way. Maybe I just need more practice or maybe I just need to stay with a good flipper.
Fantastic kinfe
Sits in your pocket so light you forget it's there, but it's plenty sharp to handle any cutting task....
First Spyderco
Received this knife a few weeks ago and love it. Came sharp out of the box and with only a few adjustments on the pivot screw it flies open and drops shut. The wire clip, overall weight, and compression lock are also great features. A great introduction to Spyderco knives for less than $100!
First but Not Last
This was my first Spyderco. I just couldn't get my head around the odd design with the big hole in the blade. But I wanted to at least try one. I'm glad I did. This Spyderco is as light as a feather, with the injection molded nylon-backed handle and it's as sharp as any knife. It is easy to grip and hard to slip out of your hands. And the wire clip is the best I have experienced,… read more because it goes on easy and won't damage my pants pocket like most others will eventually. Great knife!
Maybe best deal of 2020 period,
Para 3 imho is the best deal currently available anywhere. Best combination of usability and edc friendly. Easily hides in the pocket. Great action and ergonomic.
Handles like a dream
This is my first Para 3, as I’ve previously owned Enduras and Delicas, and it’s my first compression lock. I love the fact that the lockup is solid, yet the blade swings free when the lock is engaged. All that in a knife that I forget is in my pocket. Speaking of pockets, I’m a new convert to the wire clip. Love it. The BD-1N steel sharpened very well, and we’ll see how… read more it holds an edge, but thus far it is still sharp after numerous cuts on wire insulation and cardboard. All in all, I’m thrilled to carry this knife daily and I’ll likely buy another when new editions are released.
Great Knike
Fine blade, light weight, great ergonomics, and good clip. Can’t ask for much more.
Perfection
i really like the style of pocket clip, the style of the lock as well. very smooth knife. now we just need more color options for these.
Good knife!
If you are looking for a budget friendly knife to EDC then this is it. Comparing it to the bugout, the FRN handles don't feel as nice as the Grivory on the bugout but the price makes up for it! Love the compression lock but makes it hard to carry southpaw which I knew that. All in all its a nice budget friendly knife with an amazing brand behind it!
Great Lightweight EDC Knife
I usually tend to like slightly larger EDC knives. I never had any interest in any of the standard Para 3 knives, but when I saw the Para 3 Lightweight I thought it looked cool and bought one. I was shocked how much I loved it. It quickly became one of my favorite EDC knives and it has a regular rotation in my pocket. It opens smoothly, and although it is very lightweight, it still… read more feels good and substantial in your hand. It is often compared to the BM Bugout and I have one, but prefer this over the Bugout (which is also a good knife). The PM3's handle just feels more solid in your hand. If you are thinking about getting one, pick it up. It's an awesome little knife for under $100.
Awesome.
This is probably one of my favorite knives right now. I wish I had gone with the black bladed one but that's just me (I love tactical knives). Mine came with a little blade play and I've tried to tighten it up but haven't gotten it yet. other than that I love it. Very lightweight although I don't have a regular Para 3 to compare. P.S also the blade centering on mine is a little… read more off but no big deal.
Just, yes.
It is my favorite EDC. It is incredibly comfortable, looks fantastic and cuts like a champion. It nearly disappears in your pocket! i have honestly forgot about it a couple times and nearly washed it. Lesson learned. Also, the compression lock it just wonderful. It definitely has the fidget factor! If you're on the ropes, get off them and buy the knife already
Wins the lightweight Title belt!
Great innovation on this knife. Kinda feels like where the Para 3 was always meant to be. I own the original Para 3 as well ( and a paramilitary 2). I find the grip is better and the clip is better (deep pocket) than the original para 3. I do think there is some strength lost in not having the steel liners, but I didn't buy this as a "heavy duty" knife. I think for the type of knife… read more it is, it's just perfect. I haven't had time to see how well the blade steel holds up, but seems promising. I am a big fan of spyderco's compression lock and was happy to see them integrate it into their lightweight series. Thank you!
1st time buyer and user for EDC
right off the bat love it.
i really didnt know what to expect as i've never owned a real folding pocket knife beyond a leatherman wave. I needed something that was light, durable, ergonomic, & made in the USA (just a performance). after much research (thanks for all the info from BladeHQ & GideonTactical) i went with the Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight.
As soon as i held…
read more
this in my hand i knew i made the right decision.All the corners felts smooth but held a great grip in my hand. Pocket clip is amazing! And performing a Spidy Flick sounds so nice.
Overall i think this knife is great for anyone looking for something that is easily tucked away and can perform many daily around the home/office tasks.
Blade sharpness is pretty dang hot. This knife is slaying any amazon boxes that look at me the wrong way.
My Primary Purpose: Around the Office & house tasks
Good:
Price
Handling
Material (USA!)
Meh:
Wish the bi-direction texture grip was flipped or even vertical based
The Spidy-hole is a bit sharp around the edges.
Regrets?... should have picked up the blacked out version too
Para 3 lightweight
best buy under 100
Nice carry
Really enjoy carrying this light knife. It has taken the place of my Para 2. Now if I can only figure out how to skydive flick it!
First Spyderco Wow
This was my first Spyderco knife and it won't be my last. I got the hang of "the hole" pretty quick and it beats flippers and studs by a lot. The knife opens smoothly and is comfortable in my hand even holding it closely. I've used it for box cutting, big surprise, with no perceptible edge dulling. It's now my carry knife.
Thanks Spyderco
The best got better!
If you have a Para 3 already, you'll love this knife! When i first got it, i was a little concerned that it was too lightweight and that the FRN handles needed to be chamfered a bit more, but after use it has proved to not be a problem at all. Ergos are even better than the normal Para 3 and despite its size, it vanishes in the pocket. I love it!
Great EDC knife
I've been carrying a Kershaw Clash for the last couple of years. This is my first Spyderco, and, other than learning how to deploy it quickly, and it being a little tight, being new, it is a really nice knife. I really like how lightweight it is and yet it is sturdy and seems to hold an edge well. My new EDC knife. Thanks!
Stunning! A masterpiece!
Larger than I thought it was going to be! I paid close attention to the specs but it still seems larger than it should! No complaints but i was curious what the thirteen extra dollars over the Delica were getting me. I am not disappointed! Not knocking the almighty Delica, but I'm obsessing over every detail right now and cannot find anything negative to say about this knife! The… read more lock is my first like this so still getting used to it, but it seems solid and out of the way. The blade is beautiful and opening is smooth but not loose at all. The clip looked a bit dodgy at first but seems to be tighter than i thought it would and I think the rounded wire may be easier on pants than some other clip designs. I strayed from Spyderco a bit recently just because there are so many choices for us spoiled knife guys these days but this has me refocused! Great job Spyderco and great job BladeHQ! I'm digging that glow in the dark Delica you just added to the site!
Perfect edc
This has very quickly become my favorite edc knive, getting more pocket time than many others in my collection. the size and weight are perfect for carrying around 24/7 and the pocket clip is one of the best on the market. action is phenominal i dont know how sypderco made a one washer knive this smooth and flip this well. mine is complety free swinging when the lock is depressed… read more and there is zero blade play. my only complaint if it could be called one is that sypercos injection molding on the handles is so sharp and detailed and well done that the edges on the inside were a bit sharp but some 2000 grip sandpaper cleaned is right up and made it much for comfortable. This might just be my favorite knife.
Good knife
I bought this to see how I felt about the para 3 in general and the price point wasn't bad. I gave it to my mom because of its lightweight handles. She carries a lot of knives and multitools on her belt, so I thought one with a bigger blade that wouldn't weigh her down would be a good addition. I'll end up buying a heaver one at a later date. I liked this knife, but she'd get more… read more use out of the lightweight aspect.
Great Knife & Good Price
This Para 3 Lightweight has exceeded my expatiations, after a short breaking in period. I was unsure of this steel as I had never heard of it and researching the steel resulted in mixed reviews but I have been impressed with it so far and after 2 weeks of moderate use, it is still razor sharp. The compression lock definitely has a lighter, if not "cheaper", feel compared to my other… read more Para 3 & Para 2 knives and took a while for me to get used to it's different feel but it does do it's job and locks solid every time. It's a great lightweight & dependable option for those times when you're not wanting (or able) to carry a little heavier Para 3 (or 2) and I'm glad I have it for those times but I prefer the slightly heavier weight and feel of my G-10 handle Para 3 for my EDC Knife.
Outstanding Small Knife
I've only had the Para 3LW for a couple of weeks but have a few observations: A few people (I was one of them) seem to have confused the new CTS-BD1N steel with the older CTS-BD1. Not to worry--Blade HQ's Knife Steel Guide says that they're completely different, BD1N is the budget BD1's "bigger, badder brother" and would likely rate as a high end or premium steel. There are a couple…
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of cutting and edge retention tests on YouTube that bear this out--BD1N appears to rank between VG10 and S30V, very good for an unpowdered steel. I've been using it daily, mostly for cutting cardboard and food prep--I did one five-minute touch-up with Sharpmaker fine stones and it remains shaving-sharp.
When I received mine the action was pretty tight--I loosened the pivot screws an eighth of a turn on each side, worked it for 20 minutes and now it's fine, easy to open and close one-handed. The blade swings free when I depress the compression lock, yet there's no side-to-side play at all. The grind and centering were spot on. I have large hands but the handle fits them fairly well, considering. The FRN has a good, grippy texture. I like the jimping on the thumb rise and finger choil. I like the compression lock. I really like the wire deep-carry clip, it's effective and nearly invisible. I like it better than the Delica or the standard Para 3 (especially for the price). It's indeed lightweight and I forget I'm carrying it, yet it serves well enough for 90 percent of my knife chores--it's small but it gets the job done. Overall the knife has a feel of precision and quality. At $91 the price is fair.
The Para 3 LW has been billed as a major competitor for the Benchmade Bugout...I don't own a Bugout but I've handled and used one briefly and it felt a little tacky in comparison--I definitely prefer the Para 3 (especially considering the $45 price difference). I like the compression lock just as well as an axis lock, and I've grown fond of a Spydie's wide, flat blade. The Bugout is a tiny bit lighter and a fraction of an inch longer, not enough to make any noticeable difference. The steel quality is about equal. For ease of opening and fun fidgeting the Spydie hole beats thumb studs hands down.
This isn't my only knife, but for those times when a smaller, lighter, unnoticed knife is all I want (when I'm wearing a suit or light shorts for instance) the Para 3 LW is a great choice.
Updated 9-4-20
All of the above still holds true. One comment...nearly everyone's top 10 or top 5 knives YouTube includes the Spyderco Delica (not the Para 3LW) and I don't get why when for $14 more you can get the Para 3LW...similar size, weight and shape with two major differences: BD1N steel scores about twice as high in edge retention tests as VG1 and also the Delica is a lockback, making it nearly impossible to Spydie flick...I don't own a Delica and see no reason to, with the Para 3LW in my collection.
Never had a Spyderco
This is my first Spyderco. Blade is awesome, super sharp and lock is fantastic, wire clip feels a bit janky, but we will see, overall wow light and sharp, wow
My first Spyderco
Absolutely wonderful EDC, its replaced my Benchmade for the time being until I need a skinnier carry for suits and the like. Love the weight and ergonomics.
Beautiful/Discreet Knife
Came out of the box shave ready(Literally) Great EDC, Glad I invested in it.
Lightweight edc
Nice size. Love the frn handles, very grippy. No liners and wire pocket clip make this very light. The only con is the steel. I have a few bd1 blades and they are just a bit better than vg10, but not much. Sharpens and hones easily, just wont hold an edge like something better such as s30v. It's a good steel for the price. In order to get premium steel ,it would probably cost alot… read more more.
Best EDC I own
This knife has everything I look for in a great EDC knife. It has a great sized and shaped blade in a really decent steel. It has easy one hand opening and one hand drop close. Light weight at 2.4 oz. The deep carry wire clip is my favorite as well. The FRN handles offer plenty of grip. The jimping and finger choil are just-right too. What do I not like? I would of liked the option… read more of other colors but I'm sure that's coming for this future classic.
Great Light Weight EDC
Perfect knife for my daily needs. Edge was even and sharp. Quality build. Action was very smooth out of the box, more so now since a little break in. Great ergos. Highly recommend.
Awesome locking mechanism
The FRN handles make this a great lightweight EDC. My favorite feature is the locking mechanism. The compression lock makes one handed opening and closing truly effortless. The only issue is that it is really right handed only. I used to keep my phone in my right (dominant) pocket and keys and knife in my left. I had to switch pockets because opening the blade with my left hand… read more was awkward at best.
So far so good!
I'm very fond of this knife. Super lightweight of course and feels good in the hand. Plenty sharp out of the box. Good action overall.
Can't wait till they release more colors!
Lightweight and handles well
This knife was sharp right out of their box and had great opening and closing without adjustment. The FRN is grippy and the knife fits well, even in my big hand. The engineering of everything is amazing for the price. A real winner. Big improvement with a clip for deep carry. Very lightweight.
Great knife
Wish this was available 9 months ago when i purchased my Bugout. Small complaints about the Bugout with the axis lock breaking and waiting 3 weeks for a turnaround but in all fairness i did use it allot. This knife performs better in the food category for me and it is used for apples and that it does well. Not too much else to say besides the ergos on most any Spyderco are impressively… read more well thought out and that the compression lock is a great lock mechanism at this price point. I am also enjoying the wire clip allot to I am always a but fan of the style.
My New Favorite Knife!!
Love this knife! I have the original Para 3 and I love it too, but this knife is so light and it feels like it can take a beating! Length of the blade is perfect and it feels really good in hand. The blade steel is good and this knife is very sharp out of the box. I have given it to others to use and they always ask about it and I send them to BHQ and tell them to buy it! It is… read more a great all around user EDC knife. Spyderco has a real winner here.
Functionally perfect
Great size, lightweight, has a compression lock, great blade shape, carries well, great ergos. Its a small PM2 that is lighter than the para 3 G10 version, if you dont mind the FRN handles, this is a fantastic option.
Awesome EDC Knife
I have a couple of EDC knives and got this one because I didn't have a spyderco knife and liked the idea of the compression lock. I like to have a knife that is lightweight so i had been wanting the Para 3. When this one came out, I knew this is the one I needed to get. I also have a benchmade bugout and i feel like this knife is on par with it. The blade is smaller but it looks… read more a bit more tactical. I work in an office so I don't want to pull out a scary looking knife. This knife is ok in that aspect. I would say that this knife came razor sharp out of the box. I has become my daily EDC mainly because its light and the wire clip is so nice and easy to slip on and off of my pocket. The knife broke in very nicely after a couple days of use. Highly recommend this knife as an EDC!
Not perfect but good
Mine came significantly off on blade centering, that's why I didn't give it five stars. It also has a slight bit of blade play. Very light and holds edge very well. If your skeptical about the cts bd1n dont be. I had a native 5 lightweight in s35vn and I can't tell the two apart as far as ease of sharpening and edge retention. I would say over all it's a solid tool, I just think… read more fit and finish could be a little better.
Fantastic EDC blade!
I'll save you some time. If you're a Spyderco fan, or you've ever thought about trying a Spyderco, buy this knife!
I love Spydie's but I never liked the Original Para 3. The LW model is superior. It's lighter, just as functional, and the repositioning of the lanyard hole allows for a deep carry wire clip. It's what the Para 3 should have been from the start.
In my…
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mind it's main competition comes from the excellent Benchmade Bugout. (My favorite EDC knife). I took them both on a camping trip this weekend and they performed equally well. Both feathered wood with ease, both are great slicers, both are lightweight, and both are small in the pocket. I would give the edge in ergos to the Para 3 LW, but I feel the Bugout's pocket clip kept it better secured in the pocket of my shorts. The Bugout is lighter, but I didn't notice the weight of either one of them while hiking.
The blade in my example was very slightly off center, which looks to be caused by the bronze bushing being slightly thicker than the plastic on the other side of the blade. (The Para 3 only uses one bushing). Not a big deal to me.
This is an excellent knife. Try it, you won't be dissapointed.
Great Knife!
Love this knife for edc. Light, sharp and great one hand open and close action. Wouldn’t recommend it for hard duty, but for my type of edc, opening packages, cooking and other light cutting uses it is perfect.
Quintessential EDC
The Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight ticks every box for the ideal EDC pocketknife. I can even overlook the lack of bottle opener (joking)!
Seriously though, the blade length is short enough to keep the life-fearing masses from running in terror, but long enough to get all the jobs done. The blade stock gives you some durability, but the FFG keeps it nice and slicey. The compression…
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lock and drop-close action on the pivot is so smooth, that you will just want to hold the lock and swing the blade back and forth for hours (maybe that's just me). The handle has some pants-smacking good ergos (I'm not even sure what that means, but it's good), and feels well polished despite how crazy-light the FRN makes this knife.
Of negatives on this knife, I count 2, but I'm not sure they are all that negative. The first is that the pocket clip will only allow for tip-up carry. I'm one of those weirdos that likes the tip-down back right pocket carry my knives (mostly due to all the other EDC I keep in my front pockets). So, I'm trying to get along with a front pocket carry, because back pocket, tip-up means you have to flip the pocket knife around like a bali before you can even try to flick it open. The second negative, is that my poor Delica 4 sits all alone on my dresser reminiscing about the good ol' days of riding high in the back of my dungarees.
tldr: Get one! Only your Delica 4 will regret it!
Has the BM Bugout on its sights!
Here are my observations vs the Bugout (I own two 535's).
Pros:
-Hair shaving sharp out of box
-Ergonomics is near perfection as far as FRN goes
-Wire clip wins every time
-Compression lock pin doesn't come up to your index finger when disengaging
-Lightweight af (still not under 2 oz though)
Cons:
-Unproven new CTS-BD1N steel compared to CPM-S30V…
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but looks very promising
-Compared to the Bugout, it is thicker and wider in the pocket
-Also heavier by about .50 oz. Not a big deal
-Order back-log. Ordered this on Feb 5, 2019 got it on May 17, 2019
So far, really good!
This knife came razor sharp and drop-shutty out of the box. I know it sounds cliche but the P3L really disappears in my pocket. I've been carrying this knife exclusively since I got it a week ago and I love it!