Can custom para 3 scales be used with para 3 lightweight?

[gimmix]

I recently bought a para 3 lightweight. I am thinking of getting Flytanium scales that are made for the para 3 (not lightweight). Are the scales and dimensions of the two knives the same? Would the scales be compatible?

[Ez556]

No, in short the construction is completely different. The biggest difference being that the Para 3 LW is linerless, so if you replace the plastic scales that house the integral lock bar, there is no locking mechanism. The G10 Para 3 has steel liners that nest inside the scales normally, which is what makes replacing the scales possible. The lock is in the liner which isn't replaced when you put on aftermarket scales. Apart from the blade (which generally can be swapped between G10 and LW models) the lightweight and standard versions of the Para 3 don't share any components. Welcome to the forum by the way!

[ferider]

No. For one, (1) the screw heads are different (flat vs. 100 degree), (2) the normal Para 3 has an additional liner, and - (3) much like in the Manix 2 LW, from the pictures (don't own a Para 3), I assume that the LW Para 3 Pivot srews are T8, not T10 like in the normal Para 3 - meaning the Pivot is different too. And finally, (4) there is the wire clip in the LW (with screw and nut), that is completely missing in the normal Para 3.

You might be able to swap blades though. Not sure.

[Ric]

At the standard Para 3 you have metal liners where on top sits the exchangeable scales.

At the lightweight the scale is the handle.
Nothing exchangeable there.

[Ric]

Picture of PM2 which is similar to Para 3 Standard

[jpm2]

At the standard Para 3 you have metal liners where on top sits the exchangeable scales.

At the lightweight the scale is the handle.
Nothing exchangeable there.

Not even the blades?

[Elshauno]

Doesn't seem like it would be very difficult for someone with the skills to make linerless g10 scales for the LW.

[Ez556]

At the standard Para 3 you have metal liners where on top sits the exchangeable scales.

At the lightweight the scale is the handle.
Nothing exchangeable there.

Not even the blades?

Blades are most likely interchangeable. I say that because people have successfully swapped the blades and everything was peachy, but due to not being able to guarantee fit and correct tolerances Spyderco hasn’t said they are.

[bobio]

I contacted Flytanium about this a while back and they seem to be working on it...

"Yes we have plans! We’re still in the design phase so I don’t have any ETA."

[Nickabrack]

Hi.
i made some scales for PM3 Lightweight if you want.
you can find me on instagram or Etsy. (Nickabrack)

[Gtscotty]

Hi.
i made some scales for PM3 Lightweight if you want.
you can find me on instagram or Etsy. (Nickabrack)

I looked on your Etsy (beautiful work btw) but didn't see any scales that were denoted as being for the Lightweight version. How can you tell which ones will work? Are any extra hardware or pieces required to make them work?

[Eratus]

I looked on your Etsy (beautiful work btw) but didn't see any scales that were denoted as being for the Lightweight version. How can you tell which ones will work? Are any extra hardware or pieces required to make them work?

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDmJMqRj9C2 ... f45brvtqir

Found a transparent one on Instagram.