competition for the Para 3?

[Edward_Scissorhands]

Just wondering what other Spyderco knives are similar to the Para 3, but maybe a little lighter. I like a blade around 3", and really prefer the compression locks over the others.

[JaseRicco]

If you are partial to compression locks, which I completely understand, I am as well, I don't believe you will find a better knife for the size, materials, build quality and price outside of the Para 3.

Regarding weight, staying at a 3" blade, you will be hard pressed to come in under the 2.4oz that the Para 3 weighs, without going smaller.

If you are a little flexible on blade size and lock type, there are certainly a few others worth mentioning.

[araneae]

If you are partial to compression locks, which I completely understand, I am as well, I don't believe you will find a better knife for the size, materials, build quality and price outside of the Para 3.

Regarding weight, staying at a 3" blade, you will be hard pressed to come in under the 2.4oz that the Para 3 weighs, without going smaller.

If you are a little flexible on blade size and lock type, there are certainly a few others worth mentioning.

This is pretty much on point. Maybe see the Sage Lightweight?

[TkoK83Spy]

Para 3 LW, Sage LW...but if you want to think outside the box of compression locks, the UKPK is a can't miss.

[soulspy]

Lil Native, maybe?

[JaseRicco]

If you are partial to compression locks, which I completely understand, I am as well, I don't believe you will find a better knife for the size, materials, build quality and price outside of the Para 3.

Regarding weight, staying at a 3" blade, you will be hard pressed to come in under the 2.4oz that the Para 3 weighs, without going smaller.

If you are a little flexible on blade size and lock type, there are certainly a few others worth mentioning.

Edit: I failed to ask the OP whether or not he was inquiring about competition for the original Para 3, or the new Para 3 LWT.

If OP is talking about competition to the original Para 3 w/ G-10 scales, then the Para 3 LWT would certainly be the most obvious choice and my statement remains the same..."If you are partial to compression locks, which I completely understand, I am as well, I don't believe you will find a better knife for the size, materials, build quality and price outside of the Para 3 (LWT)."

Because the Para 3 w/ G-10 scales comes in at 3.5oz, there would be a few knives that come in @ a lighter weight worth mentioning, again, if you are flexible on blade size and lock type. I'll let others chime in on this.

[Wartstein]

Just wondering what other Spyderco knives are similar to the Para 3, but maybe a little lighter. I like a blade around 3", and really prefer the compression locks over the others.

Does not get much lighter than, well,the lightweight version of the Para 3...

But amongst small comp. lock knives just imho the new Sage 5 LW is a better knife then the Para 3 LW, other than being just a tad heavier (but for that you get full liners).

If you'd like to give my favorite locktype a try: Both Delica and Chaparral FRN are great choices.

[Skidoosh]

Caly 3

[JaseRicco]

Does not get much lighter than, well,the lightweight version of the Para 3...

lol, truth

But amongst small comp. lock knives just imho the new Sage 5 LW is a better knife then the Para 3 LW, other than being just a tad heavier (but for that you get full liners).

Certainly a nice knife...S30V, full liners and coming in at just 2.7oz, not bad. My rules of EDC are; no larger than a 3" blade, lightweight, decent steel, doesn't have to be excellent, just hold a decent edge and easy to touch up, and must be $100 or less. Otherwise, I'd be taking a look at these among others.

If you'd like to give my favorite locktype a try: Both Delica and Chaparral FRN are great choices.

I'm guessing your favorite lock type is a back lock? Love the Delica 4's and all the color options they come in.

[Wartstein]

Does not get much lighter than, well,the lightweight version of the Para 3...

lol, truth

But amongst small comp. lock knives just imho the new Sage 5 LW is a better knife then the Para 3 LW, other than being just a tad heavier (but for that you get full liners).

Certainly a nice knife...S30V, full liners and coming in at just 2.7oz, not bad. My rules of EDC are; no larger than a 3" blade, lightweight, decent steel, doesn't have to be excellent, just hold a decent edge and easy to touch up, and must be $100 or less. Otherwise, I'd be taking a look at these among others.

If you'd like to give my favorite locktype a try: Both Delica and Chaparral FRN are great choices.

I'm guessing your favorite lock type is a back lock? Love the Delica 4's and all the color options they come in.

Funny, you quoted MY (Wartsteins) post, but actually it looks like you quoted "Edward scissorhand"

Anyway, yes, I personally prefer a good midbacklock over a complock by far.

But even if you don't consider locks, the Delica is just great for me. Despite having liners still lighter than the linerless Para 3 LW, perfect 2.5 mm bladestock (compared to 3.6 (!) on the Para 3), and a comfortable, roomy four finger grip on the actual handle plus a Ricasso to choke up on.

[JaseRicco]

Funny, you quoted MY (Wartsteins) post, but actually it looks like you quoted "Edward scissorhand"

Anyway, yes, I personally prefer a good midbacklock over a complock by far.

But even if you don't consider locks, the Delica is just great for me. Despite having liners still lighter than the linerless Para 3 LW, perfect 2.5 mm bladestock (compared to 3.6 (!) on the Para 3), and a comfortable, roomy four finger grip on the actual handle plus a Ricasso to choke up on.

Lol, I fixed it.

Ya, that Delica 4 is most likely considered to be a perfect EDC. I've owned a few in past and was thinking of picking up a few now, but I'm torn between the Declia 4 with chokable Ricasso and the Dragonfly with an actual finger choil :confused:

I like the size of the Delica better, but after owning the Para 3 LWT, have become accustomed to the finger choil...not sure.

[Wartstein]

Funny, you quoted MY (Wartsteins) post, but actually it looks like you quoted "Edward scissorhand"

Anyway, yes, I personally prefer a good midbacklock over a complock by far.

But even if you don't consider locks, the Delica is just great for me. Despite having liners still lighter than the linerless Para 3 LW, perfect 2.5 mm bladestock (compared to 3.6 (!) on the Para 3), and a comfortable, roomy four finger grip on the actual handle plus a Ricasso to choke up on.

Lol, I fixed it.

Ya, that Delica 4 is most likely considered to be a perfect EDC. I've owned a few in past and was thinking of picking up a few now, but I'm torn between the Declia 4 with chokable Ricasso and the Dragonfly with an actual finger choil :confused:

I like the size of the Delica better, but after owning the Para 3 LWT, have become accustomed to the finger choil...not sure.

The answer is without ANY doubt: Chap FRN!!! :D

Closed not much larger than a D Fly, but a LOT more actual edge (same as a Native!), best executed backlock I personally am aware of, thin,superslicey, thin bladestock (but still strong enough), the great Taichung FRN texturing, very slim in the pocket but also very ergonomic in hand... Go for it!! If I could only have TWO knives, my Nr 1 would always be something larger like an Endura, but my Nr 2 would ALWAYS be the Chap FRN

See also link below (current thread about the Chap)
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=85697

[JaseRicco]

Funny, you quoted MY (Wartsteins) post, but actually it looks like you quoted "Edward scissorhand"

Anyway, yes, I personally prefer a good midbacklock over a complock by far.

But even if you don't consider locks, the Delica is just great for me. Despite having liners still lighter than the linerless Para 3 LW, perfect 2.5 mm bladestock (compared to 3.6 (!) on the Para 3), and a comfortable, roomy four finger grip on the actual handle plus a Ricasso to choke up on.

Lol, I fixed it.

Ya, that Delica 4 is most likely considered to be a perfect EDC. I've owned a few in past and was thinking of picking up a few now, but I'm torn between the Declia 4 with chokable Ricasso and the Dragonfly with an actual finger choil :confused:

I like the size of the Delica better, but after owning the Para 3 LWT, have become accustomed to the finger choil...not sure.

The answer is without ANY doubt: Chap FRN!!! :D

Closed not much larger than a D Fly, but a LOT more actual edge (same as a Native!), best executed backlock I personally am aware of, thin,superslicey, thin bladestock (but still strong enough), the great Taichung FRN texturing, very slim in the pocket but also very ergonomic in hand... Go for it!! If I could only have TWO knives, my Nr 1 would always be something larger like an Endura, but my Nr 2 would ALWAYS be the Chap FRN

See also link below (current thread about the Chap)
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=85697

I will certainly take a look at the Chap. Just a quick look shows it to be about the same size as the Para 3 LWT, just a bit lighter, decent steel, finger choil and comes in Gray Scales, which is good, because I'm looking for something other than black, since the Para 3 LWT is black.

Thanks for the suggestion bub!!

[Wartstein]

I will certainly take a look at the Chap. Just a quick look shows it to be about the same size as the Para 3 LWT, just a bit lighter, decent steel, finger choil and comes in Gray Scales, which is good, because I'm looking for something other than black, since the Para 3 LWT is black.

Thanks for the suggestion bub!!

The Chap actually is A LOT smaller and slimmer than a Para 3 or a Delica when closed!

The Para 3 has about 20% more closed length than the Chap, but the DFly only about 5 % less!

Cutting edge wise though the Chap is a lot closer to the Para 3 than to the DFly!

And, as said: It's amazingly thin, but still very solid feeling (perfect Taiichung fit and finish). You really have to hold one to get what I mean.

One of the best designed folders ever imho

[JaseRicco]

I will certainly take a look at the Chap. Just a quick look shows it to be about the same size as the Para 3 LWT, just a bit lighter, decent steel, finger choil and comes in Gray Scales, which is good, because I'm looking for something other than black, since the Para 3 LWT is black.

Thanks for the suggestion bub!!

The Chap actually is A LOT smaller and slimmer than a Para 3 or a Delica when closed!

The Para 3 has about 20% more closed length than the Chap, but the DFly only about 5 % less!

Cutting edge wise though the Chap is a lot closer to the Para 3 than to the DFly!

And, as said: It's amazingly thin, but still very solid feeling (perfect Taiichung fit and finish). You really have to hold one to get what I mean.

One of the best designed folders ever imho

Ok, thank you for all the info. I will certainly do a bit of research before I pull the trigger on some Delica's/Dragonflies.

Much appreciated!!

[Wartstein]

I will certainly take a look at the Chap. Just a quick look shows it to be about the same size as the Para 3 LWT, just a bit lighter, decent steel, finger choil and comes in Gray Scales, which is good, because I'm looking for something other than black, since the Para 3 LWT is black.

Thanks for the suggestion bub!!

The Chap actually is A LOT smaller and slimmer than a Para 3 or a Delica when closed!

The Para 3 has about 20% more closed length than the Chap, but the DFly only about 5 % less!

Cutting edge wise though the Chap is a lot closer to the Para 3 than to the DFly!

And, as said: It's amazingly thin, but still very solid feeling (perfect Taiichung fit and finish). You really have to hold one to get what I mean.

One of the best designed folders ever imho

Ok, thank you for all the info. I will certainly do a bit of research before I pull the trigger on some Delica's/Dragonflies.

Much appreciated!!

You're very welcome!
Took two quick comparison pics for you (Chap vs Delica, see below)

[Edward_Scissorhands]

If you are partial to compression locks, which I completely understand, I am as well, I don't believe you will find a better knife for the size, materials, build quality and price outside of the Para 3.

Regarding weight, staying at a 3" blade, you will be hard pressed to come in under the 2.4oz that the Para 3 weighs, without going smaller.

If you are a little flexible on blade size and lock type, there are certainly a few others worth mentioning.

Edit: I failed to ask the OP whether or not he was inquiring about competition for the original Para 3, or the new Para 3 LWT.

If OP is talking about competition to the original Para 3 w/ G-10 scales, then the Para 3 LWT would certainly be the most obvious choice and my statement remains the same..."If you are partial to compression locks, which I completely understand, I am as well, I don't believe you will find a better knife for the size, materials, build quality and price outside of the Para 3 (LWT)."

Because the Para 3 w/ G-10 scales comes in at 3.5oz, there would be a few knives that come in @ a lighter weight worth mentioning, again, if you are flexible on blade size and lock type. I'll let others chime in on this.

Thanks. Yeah, I meant the Para 3 LW. Sage 5 LW seems pretty close, but it's slightly heavier. I wouldn't mind losing a little blade length.

[Ric]

Para 3 lightweight
Lil Native (a small tank)

If I remember correct, Sal said that a Lil Native lightweight is in the works.

I suggest also the Dragonfly.

[VooDooChild]

I think one of the best edc knives is any version of the native 5. It also is very close to the size of the para 3. I could be bias since I prefer backlocks. You do get alot of options with it.

[koenigsegg]

Sage 5 LW, the PM3 blade is too thick! Blade is too much of a compromise to look like the PM2. Get the sage, it was built to be 3"