- Joined
- Mar 22, 2014
- Messages
- 5,355
Finally got a para 3.
I must say this is the "must have" EDC knife of our time.
When it first came out in December 2016,
I wasn't too crazy about it. The PM2 was already a short and kinda stubby blade.
I didn't see how making the blade shorter and stubbier was going to be an upgrade.
I Had no interest, until I had the para 3 in my hand, then I saw the genius of it.
(Alot of spydies are like that lol)
After getting it in my hand, I realized this is the paramilitary 2, but more refined for pure EDC.
In a nut shell, this knife is everything you love about the Pm2 and a Delica combined.
It's essentially a beefed up Delica but it's not as beefy as a Techno.
The para 3 is very robust, it's the same 4mm blade stock as the Pm2 but with a more rapid distal taper. I love the blade geometry. It's a perfect blend of precision and brute.
You have insane control of that laser like tip with the 3" blade.
Compared to a Paramilitary 2, it feels like the blade to handle ratio is betteras well. The biggest improvement is the chamfers on the scales at the edges.
it's well contoured and really feels great. The PM2 has a very "boxy" feel because of the sharp edges on the g10. It's funny because the full sized Millie doesn't have that issue either, it also has great contouring on the g10 edges.
Really this knife shines when being compared to a Delica, they are almost the exact same size, Expect the para 3 has more blade and handle height and is thicker and 1 ounce heavier.
The Para 3 has several advantages over a Delica as well, such better ergonomics for larger hands, crisper, smoother action (love the drop free bushing pivot)
While it will never be as light as a Delica or have the laser like precision of the thinner Delica blade. It definitely has it's advantages in the materials used, more Sharpening blade life thanks to the increased blade height compared to the Delica, it sports the 14mm spydie hole vs the 13mm on the Delica also with better finish (no sharp edges) and just better overall fit and finish.
I must say it's hard to choose one spyderco, but if I had to choose one that has all the flagship features that make a spyderco a spyderco and that can be carried for any wardrobe or occasion it would be the Para 3.
As far as things Id like to have seen for the Para 3 I must it carries very high. I'm definitely going to buy a MXG deep carry clip.
I would have really liked it if spyderco moved away from the S30v to either S35vn or even better, CPM 20cv which would have been perfect on this small blade.
I feel like times have changed since 2010 and it would have been great to usher in the new EDC champ with a new higher standard for the top EDC steel.
Ah but yes, S30v is fine, it would just be nice to get something different. Especially since alot of guys who bought the Para 3 already have a Pm2.
I remember when the Pm2 first came out and how exciting it was to get S30V for a $100 on a blade...if you could find a PM2 back then haha.
Wrapping this up, if you love Spyderco, you NEED a Para 3, it's beyond a want. Buy it.
This is one of the greatest Spydercos of our time. Great value, awesome steel options (can't wait till Maxemet) after market options such as micarta, g10, clips.
Get one.
I must say this is the "must have" EDC knife of our time.
When it first came out in December 2016,
I wasn't too crazy about it. The PM2 was already a short and kinda stubby blade.
I didn't see how making the blade shorter and stubbier was going to be an upgrade.
I Had no interest, until I had the para 3 in my hand, then I saw the genius of it.
(Alot of spydies are like that lol)
After getting it in my hand, I realized this is the paramilitary 2, but more refined for pure EDC.
In a nut shell, this knife is everything you love about the Pm2 and a Delica combined.
It's essentially a beefed up Delica but it's not as beefy as a Techno.
The para 3 is very robust, it's the same 4mm blade stock as the Pm2 but with a more rapid distal taper. I love the blade geometry. It's a perfect blend of precision and brute.
You have insane control of that laser like tip with the 3" blade.
Compared to a Paramilitary 2, it feels like the blade to handle ratio is betteras well. The biggest improvement is the chamfers on the scales at the edges.
it's well contoured and really feels great. The PM2 has a very "boxy" feel because of the sharp edges on the g10. It's funny because the full sized Millie doesn't have that issue either, it also has great contouring on the g10 edges.
Really this knife shines when being compared to a Delica, they are almost the exact same size, Expect the para 3 has more blade and handle height and is thicker and 1 ounce heavier.
The Para 3 has several advantages over a Delica as well, such better ergonomics for larger hands, crisper, smoother action (love the drop free bushing pivot)
While it will never be as light as a Delica or have the laser like precision of the thinner Delica blade. It definitely has it's advantages in the materials used, more Sharpening blade life thanks to the increased blade height compared to the Delica, it sports the 14mm spydie hole vs the 13mm on the Delica also with better finish (no sharp edges) and just better overall fit and finish.
I must say it's hard to choose one spyderco, but if I had to choose one that has all the flagship features that make a spyderco a spyderco and that can be carried for any wardrobe or occasion it would be the Para 3.
As far as things Id like to have seen for the Para 3 I must it carries very high. I'm definitely going to buy a MXG deep carry clip.
I would have really liked it if spyderco moved away from the S30v to either S35vn or even better, CPM 20cv which would have been perfect on this small blade.
I feel like times have changed since 2010 and it would have been great to usher in the new EDC champ with a new higher standard for the top EDC steel.
Ah but yes, S30v is fine, it would just be nice to get something different. Especially since alot of guys who bought the Para 3 already have a Pm2.
I remember when the Pm2 first came out and how exciting it was to get S30V for a $100 on a blade...if you could find a PM2 back then haha.
Wrapping this up, if you love Spyderco, you NEED a Para 3, it's beyond a want. Buy it.
This is one of the greatest Spydercos of our time. Great value, awesome steel options (can't wait till Maxemet) after market options such as micarta, g10, clips.
Get one.
