Para 3 FRN observation and question

[bsman]

Long-time lurker, first time poster: I've been EDCing a Para 3 FRN since the end of April, when they became available and I ordered one. I have found it to be an excellent everyday knife, and I love the wire clip that allows me to carry it much more discretely than my Paramilitary 2 - which isn't really compatible with business attire. I have also been pleasantly surprised by the BD1N steel - it came with - and takes - a wicked edge. It may not stay sharp for as long as, say an Elmax blade, but it zips through cardboard boxes with ease, and is very simple and quick to resharpen (I use a Workshop guided system).

However, I do have to note one thing: I am not loving that tip-up is the only option. Twice now, I have stuck a hand into my pocket, only to get stabbed in the finger, because the blade has opened slightly. I tightened up the two screws on each side of the pivot point, but I have to say I'm a bit leery now of the knife. Just wondering if anybody else has had this issue, and if it would make sense to put a bit of locktite on each of the pivot screws, of if that would mess up the mechanism?

[foofie]

Welcome to the forum.

I've been carrying my para3 LW for a couple weeks now (since I got it), and have not had any issues with a weak detent or the blade opening. I have carried other para3s for at least a year, and never had issue with those either (all tip up).

One common suggestion I have seen is to make sure the blade and especially the detent is clean. Tightening the pivot is fine - the locktite should only be necessary if you notice it loosening? I do use locktite on my pivots anyway. The pivots come from the factory with some locktite, so adding a bit will not mess up the mechanism.

There are a couple threads on ways to increase your detent if it is still a concern?

[Tims]

Long-time lurker, first time poster: I've been EDCing a Para 3 FRN since the end of April, when they became available and I ordered one. I have found it to be an excellent everyday knife, and I love the wire clip that allows me to carry it much more discretely than my Paramilitary 2 - which isn't really compatible with business attire. I have also been pleasantly surprised by the BD1N steel - it came with - and takes - a wicked edge. It may not stay sharp for as long as, say an Elmax blade, but it zips through cardboard boxes with ease, and is very simple and quick to resharpen (I use a Workshop guided system).

However, I do have to note one thing: I am not loving that tip-up is the only option. Twice now, I have stuck a hand into my pocket, only to get stabbed in the finger, because the blade has opened slightly. I tightened up the two screws on each side of the pivot point, but I have to say I'm a bit leery now of the knife. Just wondering if anybody else has had this issue, and if it would make sense to put a bit of locktite on each of the pivot screws, of if that would mess up the mechanism?

G’day Bsman. When your para 3 is clipped to your pocket, is the spine of the blade resting against the edge of your pocket? If not, try swapping the clip to the other side of the knife so when you clip it to your pocket the blade is held closed by your pocket.

[Marulaghost]

Long-time lurker, first time poster: I've been EDCing a Para 3 FRN since the end of April, when they became available and I ordered one. I have found it to be an excellent everyday knife, and I love the wire clip that allows me to carry it much more discretely than my Paramilitary 2 - which isn't really compatible with business attire. I have also been pleasantly surprised by the BD1N steel - it came with - and takes - a wicked edge. It may not stay sharp for as long as, say an Elmax blade, but it zips through cardboard boxes with ease, and is very simple and quick to resharpen (I use a Workshop guided system).

However, I do have to note one thing: I am not loving that tip-up is the only option. Twice now, I have stuck a hand into my pocket, only to get stabbed in the finger, because the blade has opened slightly. I tightened up the two screws on each side of the pivot point, but I have to say I'm a bit leery now of the knife. Just wondering if anybody else has had this issue, and if it would make sense to put a bit of locktite on each of the pivot screws, of if that would mess up the mechanism?

G’day Bsman. When your para 3 is clipped to your pocket, is the spine of the blade resting against the edge of your pocket? If not, try swapping the clip to the other side of the knife so when you clip it to your pocket the blade is held closed by your pocket.

This right here.
I had that issue when i switched my clip around on my comp lock lil native.
Changed it back and never stabbed my hand again

[araneae]

The knife shouldn't be opening in your pocket. If this is happening consistently, send it in.

[Doc Dan]

I’m nit going to say anything :p

[Woodpuppy]

I’ve been carrying my new to me cruwear military in my back pocket, spine to the edge of the pocket. Several times now I’ve tried to pull the knife and the jimped thumb ramp binds the pocket and my fingers slip off the knife. I actually have to pull the knife out of the corner a bit to extract it. I really wish I could carry it tip up, but there is no steel to thread screws into on the hind end of the knife.

I’ve never had any issue with a para3 opening in the pocket, but I don’t have the LW model.

[sal]

Hi Bsman,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

[vivi]

I’ve been carrying my new to me cruwear military in my back pocket, spine to the edge of the pocket. Several times now I’ve tried to pull the knife and the jimped thumb ramp binds the pocket and my fingers slip off the knife. I actually have to pull the knife out of the corner a bit to extract it. I really wish I could carry it tip up, but there is no steel to thread screws into on the hind end of the knife.

I’ve never had any issue with a para3 opening in the pocket, but I don’t have the LW model.

If you rotate the Millie towards your butt before drawing it, the jimping won't catch as often. Used to run into the same issue when I carried Millies and that was my fix.

[Woodpuppy]

Yep. A “j” stroke draw :p

[steelcity16]

Mine also opened slightly in my pocket a few times. I sold it and disclosed the fact that it did this to the buyer. I'll buy the first sprint/exclusive that comes out and see if this was a lemon of a knife or if it is a problem with the model in general. I definitely wasn't comfortable carrying the one I had. I thought about sending it in to warranty to look at, but I figured there are supposedly 20+ exclusives coming out in the Para 3 LW so I can try again soon.

[Pelagic]

I have only owned para 2's but i always carried them tip down. Better ergos and no opening in the pocket. Most people in the knife world seem to be tip up only. To me it totally depends on the model. Ergos are important.

[pantagana23]

I’m nit going to say anything :p

We know what you're thinking :D

But you know, you can't have ALL the knives in backlock.

[Wartstein]

Yep. A “j” stroke draw :p

Canoe-guy? :rolleyes:

[Woodpuppy]

Yep. A “j” stroke draw :p

Canoe-guy? :rolleyes:

Certainly!

[carrot]

Has anybody developed vertical blade play on theirs?

[Username827]

Never had a problem with mine in terms of blade play or the blade opening in my pocket. I have been really impressed with the model so far. Whatever the handles are made out is holding up surprisingly well. Have a great day!