The Lil' Temperance 3 Lightweight: A comprehensive review

[twinboysdad]

Back lock Lil Temp would be best Lil Temp. Not a comp lock fan, mostly for the free swinging blade fall. I like a back lock with a “half stop” upon closing.

[sal]

The maker said it was a very difficult model to make, and for him to say that, I'm guessing it's true. They've been making our knives since 1980. I worked with the Grand Father and the Father and Eric works with the son. I think we're fortunate to be able to bring the model to you. Sorry it's not perfect.

A lock-back version will be challenging, but I'll consider it for the larger version. It would have to be a "Handle Forward" design. We'll draw up 3.5" and a 4.0" versions.

sal

[vivi]

Regular Temp? XL Temp? My attention has been got.

[Manixguy@1994]

Oooooh Boy ! I’m in for that Temp XL ? Bring it on please ! MG2

[olywa]

It's got my interest if it's a backlock.

[p_atrick]

I got mine in on Saturday afternoon. I love the way it fits my hand. Yes, it is a bit on the thicker side, but I appreciate it when gripping the knife. The handle is big enough for a number of different grips, and I can always keep all four of my fingers comfortably on the knife. I don't have big mitts like some here, but this one of the reasons the Dragonfly never really resonated with me. I am coming around to the idea that the handle doesn't get enough credit when describing the quality of a knife.

The blade might look small in relation to the handle, but it has plenty of cutting edge, especially if you live in a place with restrictions. The handle-forward design makes a big difference. Despite the 4mm stock, it slices well. I broke down some cardboard and was surprised how well it performed. It might be "beefy" but it is still designed for cutting.

I hesitate to talk about the action. It has been less than 48 hours. It still needs to break in. But, as shown previously in this thread, it does not have the PM2-style pivot. Unsurprisingly, it doesn't have the PM2 action. If that is good or bad, that's up to the user. That said, most other compression lock folders have a freer action than this one. This will still probably be the case once my knife is broken in. I can see how this is an issue. It does seem a bit weird at first. I hope the action improves a bit.

As a desk jockey, a reasonably sized, well-designed cutting tool that fits the hand is greatly appreciated. The Lil' Temperance 3 LW does what I want/need with a supremely comfortable handle. I know there is some controversy surrounding this model. I can't explain away the issues raised by others. As someone who says action/fidget factor isn't important (I like my back locks), I sheepishly have to admit that I would like it even more if it had the PM2 action. Despite that, I'm glad I got this model.

[Buddafucco]

Spyderco.com:
Both Edge types... https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/detail ... eight/2340

New Graham Knives:
PlainEdge... https://newgraham.com/lil-temperance-vg ... -sc69pbk3/

SpyderEdge... https://newgraham.com/lil-temperance-vg ... -sc69sbk3/

KnifeCenter:
PlainEdge... https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SP69PB ... rn-handles

SpyderEdge... https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SP69SB ... rn-handles

Indiana Knives:
PlainEdge... https://indianaknives.com/products/spyd ... plain-edge

KnifeWorks:
PlainEdge... https://knifeworks.com/shop-all-brands/ ... ort=newest

SpyderEdge... https://knifeworks.com/spyderco-lil-tem ... 0-c69sbk3/

The Knife Joker:
PlainEdge... https://www.theknifejoker.com/product/s ... -92-vg-10/

SpyderEdge... https://www.theknifejoker.com/product/s ... pyderedge/

National Knives:
PlainEdge... https://www.nationalknives.com/spyderco ... ade-black/

SpyderEdge... https://www.nationalknives.com/spyderco ... ade-black/

Northwest Knives:
SpyderEdge... https://northwestknives.com/collections ... g-10-steel

Red Hill Cutlery:
SpyderEdge (Priced Higher)... https://redhillcutlery.com/product/spyd ... -serrated/

[Jim Malone]

European shops:
https://nice-to-carry.de/Messer-Typen-- ... nce-3.html 238€

https://acma.de/neuheiten-2022/spyderco ... ight?c=212

264,7€ that's 274 USD.

[apollo]

European shops:
https://nice-to-carry.de/Messer-Typen-- ... nce-3.html 238€

https://acma.de/neuheiten-2022/spyderco ... ight?c=212

264,7€ that's 274 USD.

So probably at the best possible moment on some kind of sale it will be around 200-225 euro.
Well at least its not 300 euro this time.

[CDEP]

The maker said it was a very difficult model to make, and for him to say that, I'm guessing it's true. They've been making our knives since 1980. I worked with the Grand Father and the Father and Eric works with the son. I think we're fortunate to be able to bring the model to you. Sorry it's not perfect.

A lock-back version will be challenging, but I'll consider it for the larger version. It would have to be a "Handle Forward" design. We'll draw up 3.5" and a 4.0" versions.

sal

Having disassembled mine I can say that yes, I imagine it was a difficult build. In hand it is perfect for what I was looking for, and I don't really need or want drop shut action on this knife. As it breaks in more I'm certain that a bit of a wrist flick will secure the blade.

At home I usually carry the PM2 and the Shaman, but in LA I have to go sub-3" for away carry - so now it is the Native 5 paired with the LTLW3. I can't imagine a better sub-3" beast. Weight is perfect, and the ergos for my average hand are, of course, Spydie-perfect as well. It's also slicier than I expected it to be. I may have to grab a SE version as well.

Thanks again, Sal, for all the work you did to bring this knife to us.

[derangedhermit]

To me the profile of this knife and the Leaf Jumper are very similar.

I agree. I think it was no mistake the Reveal has them side-by-side. I hope Sal will share what was on his mind with these releases.

I really like the LT3LW design (although would prefer a back lock), but the side-by-side showing begs the question of the difference in price between the two models: 92 USD vs 176 USD. FRN, VG-10, liners, made in Japan. Is a compression lock worth $84 over a back lock?

Although I'm curious, I really don't care why it costs almost twice as much. At that price for FRN and VG-10, I'm out.

[Guts]

Having disassembled mine I can say that yes, I imagine it was a difficult build. In hand it is perfect for what I was looking for, and I don't really need or want drop shut action on this knife. As it breaks in more I'm certain that a bit of a wrist flick will secure the blade.

At home I usually carry the PM2 and the Shaman, but in LA I have to go sub-3" for away carry - so now it is the Native 5 paired with the LTLW3. I can't imagine a better sub-3" beast. Weight is perfect, and the ergos for my average hand are, of course, Spydie-perfect as well. It's also slicier than I expected it to be. I may have to grab a SE version as well.

Thanks again, Sal, for all the work you did to bring this knife to us.

Yeah I love how "big" of a small knife the LT3 is at only 2.92". I'm still debating grabbing the new Lightweight version since I'm perfectly happy with my G10 example. The lightweight doesn't save a ton of weight, but I do like how long the texture lasts on FRN vs G10 though. Wonder if the scales are compatible now that I think about it . I'd still love one just for comparison's sake, but admittedly can't justify the price right now just to satisfy my curiosity. I'd definitely like to see more models without the 50/50 choil like on the LT3 though.

[p_atrick]

If you get the opportunity, I say go for it. I love the contouring of the FRN scales. G10 looks nicer, but it is not as comfortable. I can’t get over how good this knife feels in hand. My other Spydies aren’t bad, there’re just not as good as this model.

[CDEP]

Having disassembled mine I can say that yes, I imagine it was a difficult build. In hand it is perfect for what I was looking for, and I don't really need or want drop shut action on this knife. As it breaks in more I'm certain that a bit of a wrist flick will secure the blade.

At home I usually carry the PM2 and the Shaman, but in LA I have to go sub-3" for away carry - so now it is the Native 5 paired with the LTLW3. I can't imagine a better sub-3" beast. Weight is perfect, and the ergos for my average hand are, of course, Spydie-perfect as well. It's also slicier than I expected it to be. I may have to grab a SE version as well.

Thanks again, Sal, for all the work you did to bring this knife to us.

Yeah I love how "big" of a small knife the LT3 is at only 2.92". I'm still debating grabbing the new Lightweight version since I'm perfectly happy with my G10 example. The lightweight doesn't save a ton of weight, but I do like how long the texture lasts on FRN vs G10 though. Wonder if the scales are compatible now that I think about it . I'd still love one just for comparison's sake, but admittedly can't justify the price right now just to satisfy my curiosity. I'd definitely like to see more models without the 50/50 choil like on the LT3 though.

I waited for the LW more for the VG-10 than the weight savings. This is an away carry for me, and I find VG-10 is a steel I can tough up easily with a pocket sharpener if need be. With S30V I'd be waiting to get home and put it on a guided sharpener. The only other Spydie I have that feels as secure in hand for hard use is the Yojimbo 2, and I think the FRN texture is a big part of that. I used it on a job site today and it was perfect.

[zuludelta]

Glad to see people sharing their feedback regarding the LT3LW now that it's made its way to retail. For those who have had a less-than-satisfying experience with the action, I apologize if my review did not clearly relay that the LT3LW does not use the newer bushing pivot mechanism seen in the current PM2 & Para 3 models. I personally am not a stickler for drop-shut action (I just want a reliable & consistent action), but I understand that this is a desired quality in a folder for many other people out there.

I've been using the serrated LT3LW (thank you Gail, for ensuring that it made it past customs) as a work knife for the better part of a week, and everything I wrote about the plain edge version also applies to the SE version, except that I vastly prefer VG-10 in a serrated format for a work knife, as I cut a fair amount of cordage & pallet straps at my job. A well-ground serrated edge such as the one found in my sample of the LT3LW vastly simplifies that specific task without compromising any other work cutting that I do.

[cabfrank]

I really, really like it, even though it is a little heavier. I also found out from my Delica Wharncliffe that I really, really like shallow serrated VG-10. While not for everybody, I think this is a great knife.

[twinboysdad]

The maker said it was a very difficult model to make, and for him to say that, I'm guessing it's true. They've been making our knives since 1980. I worked with the Grand Father and the Father and Eric works with the son. I think we're fortunate to be able to bring the model to you. Sorry it's not perfect.

A lock-back version will be challenging, but I'll consider it for the larger version. It would have to be a "Handle Forward" design. We'll draw up 3.5" and a 4.0" versions.

sal

When is the Rhino trailing point coming?? Played with a sample at local shop and it looks good. Green FRN still calls me as an aside to the original

[brancron]

I had pretty much no interest in this model until I handled one in person a few days ago. (It was at the Knife Joker's shop in Bishop, California—a great shop and great owner.) I was instantly smitten with it. It almost immediately become one of my top five favorite Spydercos. There's just something special about it that's difficult to put into words. Yes, the price is high, but there is simply no other knife like it.

[Bolster]

What does "handle forward design" mean?

[p_atrick]

What does "handle forward design" mean?

No choil and the edge goes back as far as it can towards the handle.