Para 3 vs Bugout

The Bugout continues to amaze me.

Incredibly light, deep carry, very good ergos, Axis lock (matter of preference on my part), very good steel...

I grab a different knife every now and then for the day, but they don't carry as thin and light as the Bugout.

Damn thing carries like it's made of smoke.
 
I vote Bugout, but definitely agree on replacing the scales.

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I have a Bugout...don't have the PM3, but I have a ton of other Spyderco folders so I'm pretty familiar with the general fit/finish/feel of their products.

IMO, the PM3 will LOOK like the more expensive knife. The dugout, despite being better than fantastic all around, does not look or feel like an expensive (relatively speaking) knife.

If carry weight is an issue, i'd definitely get the Bugout...as others have said, you can't even tell you're carrying it. Otherwise I'd probably get the PM3 as IMO it looks like a better quality knife.

They're both excellent EDC knives so either way you're making a top choice.
 
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The amount of edge you get in a Para 3 for what you haul around in your pocket is kinda dumb. The pocket width problem is real. I'm not always a blade to handle ratio stickler (I love the SNG design), but for some reason it bothers me here because I think it's aiming at being a small knife. But they kinda made it a small workhorse. I never saw the PM2 as a beefy knife even though it's up for the task in most cases. I just said it in another thread, but I'd love a mini-grip sized PM2 with Delica stock thickness, but I have a feeling the compression lock needing a beefy liner is the reason the Para 3 is as thick as it is. I'd still love to see a Delica/Mini Grip sized prototype with as close to an exact PM2 profile as you could get.

In short, I'd choose the Bugout in this scenario. It really executes what it's trying to be, and I think that's the Para 3's biggest problem. It reminds me more of a chodey Vox design than a mini-PM2.
 
The OP wants to mod his knife so I guess my point is kinda moot. But it always makes me smirk a little when I see people say what a perfect knife the Bugout is, and yet the first thing they did was run out and spend another $75 on scales and who knows on the pocket clip. When in reality if they spent the $200+us on a knife in a single go they could get a much higher model in any brand including Benchmade and still keep their warranty.
 
Before getting my hand on the Bugout I was not interested in this knife because all the buzz about the flexibility of the scales and the cost to replace them

But actually they are all good for this design

IMO the Bugout is about lightweight and being slim in the pocket
If changing the scales is detrimental for any of these qualities I don’t really see the point of it

For sure I will look (hopefully) better and may improve the feel in hand but from a functional/practical point view this will not improve the knife in anyway

This being said an OD micarta would be great on the ranger green Bugout.... stop tempting me ;)
 
Therom said:
Before getting my hand on the Bugout I was not interested in this knife because all the buzz about the flexibility of the scales and the cost to replace them

But actually they are all good for this design

IMO the Bugout is about lightweight and being slim in the pocket
If changing the scales is detrimental for any of these qualities I don’t really see the point of it

For sure I will look (hopefully) better and may improve the feel in hand but from a functional/practical point view this will not improve the knife in anyway

This being said an OD micarta would be great on the ranger green Bugout.... stop tempting me ;)
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Check this out, https://www.gpknives.com/benchmade-535-bugout-stonewash-s30v-grooved-micarta-putman-scales.html
 
Get a grey FFG Delica and RIT dye it. The Delica is better than both. It’s grippier, amazing blade shape, and amazing edge geometry. I like S30V but VG10 is still a good steel that’s easy to get razor sharp.
 
Murdamook said:
Get a grey FFG Delica and RIT dye it. The Delica is better than both. It’s grippier, amazing blade shape, and amazing edge geometry. I like S30V but VG10 is still a good steel that’s easy to get razor sharp.
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Hi mate, I see online they have the exact red I’m after as a full knife, can’t find one in the UK, or the scales, looks like it’s a factory knife? Basically i’m ex parachute regiment and the maroon colour is close to heart.
 
Para3 is a compromised PM2 IMHO that doesn't fit my hand well. The LW Para3 is fantastic though and I'm really hoping for a PM2 LW SOON :)

Bugout is one of my favorite and most carried knives since it's release. Upgraded scales really sealed the deal for me. Rogue CF scales and Rockscale Ti scales is how I've been enjoying mine.

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Doesn't the para 3 only come in s30v right now also? Spyderco will probably do some sprint runs in the future i assume.
abbazaba said:
^^^but still S30v :(
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I had a pm2 that was great. But after 2 bad experiences with spyderco customer service i sold all of mine and wont buy another. Which is a shame because i like many of their designs. I know other people have great luck with them but that is my experience.
 
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