A month with the Para 3 lightweight!!

[Extra330SC]

I wasn't excited for the FRN P3 initially , As many G10 and CF versions fulfill my EDC needs . The classy Carbon fiber S90V and 52100 are my chosen P3 knives to use day to day. My preference for the "solid " feel of peel-ply textured scales over nested liners, Dominates throughout the Spyderco linup. When the choice of FRN /FRCP or G10 presents itself on any particular day...the latter wins 3 times to 1!

Upon receiving the knife, I decided to spend a month using it as the primary blade (usually carry 3) for all cutting chores I may encounter each day.  Instances where I'd normally use bigger , Smaller,  Or tougher would default to the new P3LW.  How would this $91 Golden made blade work in place of its beefier siblings?

After taking the knife apart to inspect the inner workings,  I unleashed the little blade on a plethora of materials and tasks, Encountered in/around the average American home. Double walled cardboard,  Food prep (epicurean cutting board ) , Various pieces of wood, Numerous Zip ties, Wire stripping,  Cloth cutting, Leather trimming,  Fuel injection hose,  Plastic wrap, Shaving super glue, Weeds,  And other non metallic media was cut/sliced by the little terror! The knife was dropped on asphalt,  Concrete, Wood laminate, Dirt, And carpet. ..yeah I'm a menace. 

The knife surprised me in how well it performed! The blade was initially off center OOTB, But moved to the middle mid month after hard cutting into wood!   I still don't care for the "feel" of the plastic handle,  But I can't deny how well it works and the strength it provides. The stop pin recessed in FRN on one side ...no problem!  The compression lock mechanism embedded into the nylon. ..Rock solid! Action with one washer and a FRN boss...Great! Strength and edge retention of BD1N for me personally. ..No issues.  The steel retains a good edge, Touches up easily with Ceramic rods/leather strop, And seems to be decently stainless.

My only real complaint is how slippery the knife is on it's side in hand. The texture is great when the knife is in cutting position. ...but I had it slip a few times on the smooth edges closing the blade and opening during orientation!  This issue may be for me personally,  And in no way dings the knife on a whole.

I enjoyed my time with the Para 3 lightweight and think it's a top pick in the made in USA under $100 dollar range. I won't be keeping it though (gifting it away) and look forward to getting the carbon / G10 knives back in use. 


James

[abbazaba]

Thanks for your thoughts! I hear ya on the Golden peel ply CF :)

[Wartstein]

While I am not too interested in the Para 3 (too small resp. my "small knife need" is already satisfied with a Delica, BM Minigrip and above all Chap lw), I really like that kind of posts, containing usefull information about a model/steel in real use! Thanks!

[bgcameron]

I quite like mine, despite the slippery feel of the handle. It gets extra slippery with dry hands.

[bearrowland]

Great report! I'm continuously amazed at just how tough our Spydercos are.

[Extra330SC]

Thanks for your thoughts! I hear ya on the Golden peel ply CF :)

Perfect balance between looks and the proper texture IMO.

While I am not too interested in the Para 3 (too small resp. my "small knife need" is already satisfied with a Delica, BM Minigrip and above all Chap lw), I really like that kind of posts, containing usefull information about a model/steel in real use! Thanks!

I have the entire line of Chaparral blades....Haven’t picked up the lightweight! Was thinking about getting one , Removing the clip, And carrying in jacket /sweat pockets!

I quite like mine, despite the slippery feel of the handle. It gets extra slippery with dry hands.

Wasn't expecting how slippery the handle would be , Especially where the contoured plastic provides the most comfort! Like you mentioned. ...not that big of a deal.

Great report! I'm continuously amazed at just how tough our Spydercos are.

Forgot to mention, I let my son borrow the knife during the month , For a few days at work. He loved it ....but he's very hard on a knife. He prefers Spydercos FRN/FRCP because of how much abuse they take on the job.


James

[DSH007]

Nice write-up James!

My P3 LW has been finding its way into my pocket a lot lately too, especially as the weather warms up and I switch over to shorts for the summer.. the reduced weight is appreciated and this knife carries very nicely with the low-profile wire clip. Great knife!

[carrot]

I've been carrying my P3LW ever since it arrived in the mail. I keep meaning to smooth out the edges of the FRN but otherwise this is one of the most satisfying knives I have ever bought. I love the light weight, the way it carries with the wire clip, and it is a cutting champ though the blade length is relatively short.

I got it with serrated BD1-N and it just zips through double-walled cardboard. Great geometry and handling.