Thinking about a para3 in 52100

[Capt J-rod]

Well my first spydie was a para 2 in s110V blurple... It is a great knife and rotates through pretty regularly. I also carry a bench made 940, and I have 2 mini grips with nearly a million miles on them. One is D2 the other is just the standard issue metal... The Para 3 was a strong contender when I got the Para2. I don't live in the city, or do anything stupid to have a blade length issue, so the Para 2 seemed like a great choice for the first spyderco. S110V was just to try something different. Knife center has the 52100 Para3 and I am drawn to it. Do I need it? Not really. I have hesitations due to corrosion/rust, but the D2 hasn't given me any issues. I realize that I came to a bar to have someone tell me not to drink, but what is the general consensus? The only issue I have with the Para 2 is the height of the knife when clipped on my pocket is too wide for my S&W snubbie. Will the Para 3 be the same issue?

[SF Native]

The 52100 also is available on the pm2 if that is more to your liking. The advantage of the para 3 is that it’s easier in the pocket. It’s just not as long. If you don’t have an issue with the pm2, them maybe stick to one of those. I find the pm2 has more options for your hands and it’s a better work knife. The para 3 is a better edc.
The 52100 is nice. You can get a really fine edge on it pretty easily. But it will rust. Are you in a humid area? These come in a lot of steels. You have a lot of options. The 52100 models come with the carbon handle which drives the price up a bit too. It’s nice though and I like these.

[Accutronman]

I have both. Go with the PM2 and replace the clip with a MXG deep carry clip. 52100 is a great steel

[TkoK83Spy]

Manix 2 KnifeWorks Exclusive is still available in DLC 52100...helps with corrosion/rust being DLC, not too mention...one of the best looking production knives available! Absolutely love mine, and the ease of sharpening the steel.

Maybe not the best for the height in your pocket issue, but that's what other pockets are for

[eRoc]

Out of all my para 3's, the 52100 is my favorite, but it's my least carried(that title goes to my s90v). My M4's haven't shown any rust in carrying but the 52100 is just so smooth I can't bring myself to risk it. Plan on getting a second one to carry so I don't harms my precious.

PM2 and Para 3 are the same width, so it still may be an issue for you. But if you want to try something that's the same but different, go for it. It's different enough that I only have 1 PM2 and a drawer full of Para 3's.

[SF Native]

Manix 2 KnifeWorks Exclusive is still available in DLC 52100...helps with corrosion/rust being DLC, not too mention...one of the best looking production knives available! Absolutely love mine, and the ease of sharpening the steel.

Maybe not the best for the height in your pocket issue, but that's what other pockets are for

Shoot, didn’t think of that. That’s a good call. Love mine.

[wrdwrght]

Been carrying my 52100 PM2 for the past week or so, as I do periodically.

The steel, which has fantastic sharpening response and fracture resistance, continues to make this PM2 the most intriguing of my much-liked bunch, which includes S30V, M390, 204P, S110V, and M4.

The Para3 is only beginning to call my name.

[steelcity16]

I'm REALLY hoping Knifeworks does a Para 3 LW in Gray FRN with DLC 52100

[JonLeBlanc]

The 52100 Para3 is AWESOME, but then so is the PM2 version. The PM2 is a bit harder to find these days as it it sold out of most retailers. They are, along with the Military variant, my favorite knives by far. Corrosion is no issue for me, and I live in a virtually tropical environment. Mind you, I'm not saying they won't rust, I'm saying it's no issue for me lol. Ultra ultra fine fit and finish. Get one (or four); they're doubleplusgood.

[Capt J-rod]

Thanks for all the input. I predict that my pocket will be a $170 lighter... But then again that makes room for the knife. I know I'm on the spyderco forum, but the benchmade 940 carries a lot smaller and easier than the PM2. However it sometimes comes up short on the work side if you are doing a lot of cutting. I kinda want to take the para3 for a spin. I have carried 2 different mini-grips for years and they are similar in size. Sadly for them I feel like you get more knife for less money with spyderco. This last round of price increases from benchmade has kinda hit a tipping point and made me start looking elsewhere. That's how a PM2 landed on the dresser.

[Woodpuppy]

52100 is one of the most reactive steels Spyderco offers. You will need to pay a little more attention to it in terms of keeping corrosion at bay. If you like patinas (my phone keeps trying to autoincorrect that to Latinas) this one will give great results. If you like to preserve the bright and shiny factory look, this one will take work.

I LOVE the para3, and am quite fond of the PM2 also. They’ll take up the same room side to side, but the p3 is shorter. I work in an office environment most of the time, and they actually specify “common pocket knives” are allowed. I don’t plan to test it but I bet the PM2 would get me in trouble. I would argue about what is “common” these days; a 3-4” folder with a clip is pretty ubiquitous. But I would lose and have to look for a new job... so para3 and now Urban for me.

As far as competing for pocket space with a S&W, move the knife to your back pocket. Everything else goes in the weak side pockets, including keys.

Good luck and enjoy whatever you get!

[Capt J-rod]

Well, it happened. I'll update when it arrives. I looked at a para 3 in s30v and the size and feel was significant enough to try it out. As far as switching pockets, I'm pretty set in my ways. I use the knife all the time, and pray to god I never need the S&W. If it came down to it I'm sure it will come out if necessary. I live in a more rural area and the heroin epidemic has really transformed our area. People on that stuff are a train wreck and really don't care what they do as long as they get their next hit. Back to the knife... I was gonna grab the s30v but where's the fun in that? I think the best part of spyderco is trying things that aren't offered elsewhere. Thanks to everyone for the inputs.

[Extra330SC]

Well my first spydie was a para 2 in s110V blurple... It is a great knife and rotates through pretty regularly. I also carry a bench made 940, and I have 2 mini grips with nearly a million miles on them. One is D2 the other is just the standard issue metal... The Para 3 was a strong contender when I got the Para2. I don't live in the city, or do anything stupid to have a blade length issue, so the Para 2 seemed like a great choice for the first spyderco. S110V was just to try something different. Knife center has the 52100 Para3 and I am drawn to it. Do I need it? Not really. I have hesitations due to corrosion/rust, but the D2 hasn't given me any issues. I realize that I came to a bar to have someone tell me not to drink, but what is the general consensus? The only issue I have with the Para 2 is the height of the knife when clipped on my pocket is too wide for my S&W snubbie. Will the Para 3 be the same issue?

I have most of the Para 3 sprints/exclusives! The Carbon fiber 52100 and S90V are at the top of the list for me. I live in a dry climate and I let the blade (52100) form a natural patina around the spydie hole from my hand oils. I didn’t care for it and buffed the blade to polish and use EDCI regularly on it with great success. ...awesome knife with a great steel!

James

[BornIn1500]

I have hesitations due to corrosion/rust, but the D2 hasn't given me any issues.

D2 is still semi-stainless. 52100 has very low corrosion resistance. You will essentially need a "patina" or baby it and keep it oiled all the time. They really aren't comparable in that way.

[Tucson Tom]

If you don't have blade length issues, I would stick with the PM2 -- someone else suggested to try a deep carry clip, but I have never done that myself. I think that would mostly affect whether other people could see the knife, not how it would sit in relation to other objects.

52100 has become a special favorite of mine, but I live in a dry climate. 52100 is great and is really easy to put a nice edge on.

I am going to suggest something odd, since you are talking about getting other things out and into the same pocket -- take a look at the Shaman. Its smooth contours make it sort of disappear in my pocket and my hand just slips right past it. It is uncanny for what would seem like a bulky knife.

[TkoK83Spy]

I still think this is the best possible deal for this steel. DLC coated, black liners, gray G10...$148. $30-$40 cheaper than a PM2 or Para 3, with DLC to help against corrosion unlike the other 2 options. It's really a no brainer.

[Capt J-rod]

I ended up ordering one up in 52100. I live in northern Ohio, so I will either patina it or just keep it oiled. I have renaissance wax that I use on some high end shotguns rather than oil... I may use that. I kinda wish they didn't put a lanyard hole in the Para3. I'm sure that is sacrilege around these parts, but I have yet to put a lanyard on a pocket knife. It would allow them to move the pocket clip and shorten the handle. I really can't complain too loud. I'm just happy to have a handmade USA product for the prices offered. As I stated elsewhere, I was a bench made fan, but their last round of price increases made me look for greener pastures. I feel that my PM2 is built better than my benchmades and you get more knife with better steel and egos for less money. Hopefully Sal keeps the pricing reasonable. I don't mind more money for unique metals. I have built a few hunting knives by buying blanks and putting the handles on. For years I could buy a Helle blade for $20 and finish the knife. Sadly those days are gone too. The blanks have doubled and then some. Everything goes up other than the wage and interest earned at the bank LOL. Thanks again for the thoughts and inputs. This will now be the second spyderco in the collection.

[JonLeBlanc]

I still think this is the best possible deal for this steel. DLC coated, black liners, gray G10...$148. $30-$40 cheaper than a PM2 or Para 3, with DLC to help against corrosion unlike the other 2 options. It's really a no brainer.


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I agree about the clear value of that one. I reckon if KW commissioned other models in that pattern (i.e. Military, PM2, Para3, or even Native) they could open up 52100's exposure to a lot of people who otherwise might not be inclined to try it, especially with respect to the protection the DLC offers against corrosion. I've resisted this one only because I'm not a huge fan of the Manix (cool knife, just not for me), but I have to say it's a really sweet color combo! :cool: As I recall you got that one not too long ago as a gift from your wife? I take it you're still liking it!

[TkoK83Spy]

I bet if this Manix sold out quicker, we would have seen other models with this combo. They should have went with one of the others first, to get the steel out there with the more popular models.

Yep, my wife got it for my birthday. I have 16 Spyderco knives. So it's tough to carry them all. But this one makes it in my pocket once a week. Especially days I know I will have a lot to do at work.

[Capt J-rod]

First impressions.... I opened a box today!!! As always the fit, finish, centering, and function are flawless. The para 3 might be the goldilocks of the group. I am not a lanyard guy, especially on a pocket folder, so that doesn't really interest me. I'm not a "bigger knife" guy. The para 3 made it into the watch pocket with the clip and doesn't interfere with the S&W snubbie. Don't get me wrong, the p2 melts into my hand when open, but they definitely hit a sweet spot on the para3. It still fits the hand well and the shorter blade still is very capable. I won't be selling the p2, but I think the para3 will get a little more pocket time. In the winter when I have a sweatshirt, the S&W switches over to a glock and moves out on the belt in a holster, so the P2 will definitely get some attention. I still love my bench made 940, but the blade of the spydercos is much more functional. Thanks again for all the help guys. The knife porn of the manix and others is not helping my addiction. I swear you guys would take a 12 pack of beer to an AA meeting!