Spyderco Para 3 in S45VN or Maxamet?

MisterMoon03 · Jul 11, 2023

I am going to buy a Spyderco Para 3 soon. I have found one in S45VN for $155, and one in Maxamet for $177. Both from reputable dealers. I really like the hardness and cutting edge on the Maxamet, but I've read that it's a little brittle, and with me living in the subtropical South, a bit susceptible to rust. I plan to EDC this knife, and I like the EDC properties of S45VN, however, I do recognize that a Max Para 3 for $177 is an unbelievable price. Any info that might help me decide? Thanks.

c7m2p3 · Jul 11, 2023

I think you actually outlined it rather well in your post. What it comes down to is which of those factors is more important to you.

If you are in a hot, humid, wet environment (subtropical south) and if you cant stand the idea of either a) having rust or spots on a blade or b) needing daily or at least weekly oiling and maintenance on that blade I would go with the S45VN option.

If oiling and maintenance doesn't bother you and what you are trying to avoid is sharpening your knife a bunch, than I would go with the Maxamet.

If I were you, I would probably buck the trend and just do the S45VN. I am a real stickler for edges so a "working edge" that lasts a long time is just not that attractive for me. Even Maxamet if pushed through some rough cardboard, cutting food on a hard plate, or used to cut some dirt covered roots in a garden is going to lose the crazy "stick to your nail, shave your arm hair, scare your mother" sharpness in a week or so.

For me, I know I am going to be touching it up and stropping to keep things keen at the apex anyways so why not make that process easier and not have to worry about rust in the meantime. Also important to remember, S45VN is no slouch in edge stability and retention. If it were even 7-8 years ago S45VN would look like it was crafted by the norse gods.

We really are spoiled.

MisterMoon03 · Jul 11, 2023

c7m2p3 said:
I think you actually outlined it rather well in your post. What it comes down to is which of those factors is more important to you.

If you are in a hot, humid, wet environment (subtropical south) and if you cant stand the idea of either a) having rust or spots on a blade or b) needing daily or at least weekly oiling and maintenance on that blade I would go with the S45VN option.

If oiling and maintenance doesn't bother you and what you are trying to avoid is sharpening your knife a bunch, than I would go with the Maxamet.

If I were you, I would probably buck the trend and just do the S45VN. I am a real stickler for edges so a "working edge" that lasts a long time is just not that attractive for me. Even Maxamet if pushed through some rough cardboard, cutting food on a hard plate, or used to cut some dirt covered roots in a garden is going to lose the crazy "stick to your nail, shave your arm hair, scare your mother" sharpness in a week or so.

For me, I know I am going to be touching it up and stropping to keep things keen at the apex anyways so why not make that process easier and not have to worry about rust in the meantime. Also important to remember, S45VN is no slouch in edge stability and retention. If it were even 7-8 years ago S45VN would look like it was crafted by the norse gods.

We really are spoiled.

Thank you. Most likely will go with the S45VN.

minimag03 · Jul 11, 2023

First of all, you should be able to find an S45VN Para 3 for less if you buy in the next 24 hours. Spyderco is having one of their special sales right now. There are some VERY good deals to be had, so don't miss it.

Something else to consider too: what types of abrasives do you use to sharpen your knives? Maxamet is going to require diamond or CBN abrasives of sort. S45VN will be easier to maintain over all.

Another good option for you would be the Paramilitary 2 dealer exclusive that's out right now. It has teal scales and an S90V blade. It's not a Para 3. But it can be had for like $135 shipped right now. That's a crazy good deal for a very good blade steel.

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Distributor Exclusive Teal G10 S90V

NOW SHIPPING! Overall Length 8.24" (209mm) Blade Length 3.42" (87mm) Steel CPM S90V Closed Length 4.82 " (122mm) Edge Length 3.04" (77mm) Weight 3.9oz (111g) Blade Thickness 0.145" (3.7mm) Handle G-10 Clip Position Ambi Tip Carry Position 4-position Lock Type Compression Grind Full-Flat...

indianaknives.com

ktataragasi · Jul 11, 2023

I love my Maxamet Para 3. I don't find it brittle but I also don't pry with it. Plus you get that awesome patina.

Also just got Cruwear which is a pretty tough steel.

ms3902 · Jul 11, 2023

minimag03 said:
First of all, you should be able to find an S45VN Para 3 for less if you buy in the next 24 hours. Spyderco is having one of their special sales right now. There are some VERY good deals to be had, so don't miss it.

Something else to consider too: what types of abrasives do you use to sharpen your knives? Maxamet is going to require diamond or CBN abrasives of sort. S45VN will be easier to maintain over all.

Another good option for you would be the Paramilitary 2 dealer exclusive that's out right now. It has teal scales and an S90V blade. It's not a Para 3. But it can be had for like $135 shipped right now. That's a crazy good deal for a very good blade steel.

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Distributor Exclusive Teal G10 S90V

NOW SHIPPING! Overall Length 8.24" (209mm) Blade Length 3.42" (87mm) Steel CPM S90V Closed Length 4.82 " (122mm) Edge Length 3.04" (77mm) Weight 3.9oz (111g) Blade Thickness 0.145" (3.7mm) Handle G-10 Clip Position Ambi Tip Carry Position 4-position Lock Type Compression Grind Full-Flat...

indianaknives.com

I second this opinion, I just order a Para 3 S45VN, camo g10 for $122.50 shipped. That's a good deal, even though I'm not crazy about the camo g10 it's easy enough to change.

ShitsInaBush · Jul 11, 2023

That PM3 must be at sale price, normally a PM2 in Maxamet is around $268. So that $177 sounds like a really good deal for a Maxamet blade. I haven't tried this steel but that certainly would factor into my decision.

MisterMoon03 · Jul 11, 2023

minimag03 said:
First of all, you should be able to find an S45VN Para 3 for less if you buy in the next 24 hours. Spyderco is having one of their special sales right now. There are some VERY good deals to be had, so don't miss it.

Something else to consider too: what types of abrasives do you use to sharpen your knives? Maxamet is going to require diamond or CBN abrasives of sort. S45VN will be easier to maintain over all.

Another good option for you would be the Paramilitary 2 dealer exclusive that's out right now. It has teal scales and an S90V blade. It's not a Para 3. But it can be had for like $135 shipped right now. That's a crazy good deal for a very good blade steel.

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Distributor Exclusive Teal G10 S90V

NOW SHIPPING! Overall Length 8.24" (209mm) Blade Length 3.42" (87mm) Steel CPM S90V Closed Length 4.82 " (122mm) Edge Length 3.04" (77mm) Weight 3.9oz (111g) Blade Thickness 0.145" (3.7mm) Handle G-10 Clip Position Ambi Tip Carry Position 4-position Lock Type Compression Grind Full-Flat...

indianaknives.com

Thanks, I would probably buy that, but I already have the Cutlery Shoppe exclusive PM2 with a Wharncliffe blade. I want the para 3 because of the size difference. Thats a very tempting deal though.

el gigantor · Jul 11, 2023

I vote S45VN!

minimag03 · Jul 11, 2023

I've been looking around and havent found a Para 3 on sale yet.

Have you considered a Sage 5? They only come in S30V, but are practically the same size as the Para 3. However, they're arguably a superior to the Para 3. They have thinner blade stock and the best action you will find in a compression lock (uses a pivot bushing). Both the standard and LW versions are on sale right now. I'd personally go with the lightweight version since the only difference between the two is the scales.

minimag03 · Jul 11, 2023

ms3902 said:
I second this opinion, I just order a Para 3 S45VN, camo g10 for $122.50 shipped. That's a good deal, even though I'm not crazy about the camo g10 it's easy enough to change.

Post where ever you found that one. Doubt OP realizes he only has a few hours to get in on one of the sales.

pholder · Jul 11, 2023

minimag03 said:
I've been looking around and havent found a Para 3 on sale yet.

Have you considered a Sage 5? They only come in S30V, but are practically the same size as the Para 3. However, they're arguably a superior to the Para 3. They have thinner blade stock and the best action you will find in a compression lock (uses a pivot bushing). Both the standard and LW versions are on sale right now. I'd personally go with the lightweight version since the only difference between the two is the scales.

Superior is subjective my good man

Modernflame · Jul 11, 2023

Another vote for s45vn. Balanced steels make better knives for most people. Given your environment, another factor to consider is rust on the steel liners in the handle. You can get the black out version of the knife in s45, which has a coating on all the hardware.

ms3902 · Jul 11, 2023

minimag03 said:
Post where ever you found that one. Doubt OP realizes he only has a few hours to get in on one of the sales.

I ordered it from KSF, but when I just checked it looks like they are out of stock now. Looks like the only one they have left in stock is the DLC/camo variant and that one is $148. Seems like everyone is taking advantage of the Spyderco sales that are going.

MisterMoon03 · Jul 11, 2023

How long is the Spyderco sale lasting? Is it different for each website or is it a manufacturer sale?

ms3902 · Jul 11, 2023

MisterMoon03 said:
How long is the Spyderco sale lasting? Is it different for each website or is it a manufacturer sale?

I'm pretty sure that the sale is over tomorrow, and from what I have seen it is different for each website. I tried like crazy to grab one of the $140 Smocks that one website had, but when I couldn't get one of those because it sold out before I could get checked out I started looking to see if I could find another, that's when I found the Para 3 for $122. Not sure why each website had different prices on everything, definitely made things interesting.

dan35 · Jul 11, 2023

Grab the Maxamet. We are lucky these exist. 5X more difficult to process. Spyderco should be thanked for making these available. Thanks to Cliff Stamp for pushing them to try Maxamet.

MisterMoon03 · Jul 11, 2023

What about a para 3 in 20CV? Does anybody know how that compares to S45VN?

ShitsInaBush · Jul 11, 2023

The 20cv should hold an edge longer but S45vn is tougher.

Chuck_Nunface · Jul 11, 2023

MisterMoon03 said:
I am going to buy a Spyderco Para 3 soon. I have found one in S45VN for $155, and one in Maxamet for $177. Both from reputable dealers. I really like the hardness and cutting edge on the Maxamet, but I've read that it's a little brittle, and with me living in the subtropical South, a bit susceptible to rust. I plan to EDC this knife, and I like the EDC properties of S45VN, however, I do recognize that a Max Para 3 for $177 is an unbelievable price. Any info that might help me decide? Thanks.

Where's the maxamet for 177?