MAXAMET as a BD present. Which to pick up, P3 or PM2?

[MrMatnenko]

dear spydiy lovers! need your seasoned advice on which model to pick up as a birthday present for my dad. Currently available on DLT Training P3 and PM2. price so close. 213 Vs 227 $. But which model to choose?
there are PM2 s90v, PM2 + P3 s45w sprint run, P3 all black, and P3 Spy27..
So the question is, which to choose to this set?
My thoughts, PM2, is a classic, more stone washed blade to admire, perfect grip.
P3 is more like, fansy, pocket friendly tool... Suppose, P3 will be more frequently used... But, still, PM2 has more blade)
Will Appreciate your thoughts, and suggestions!

[JRinFL]

What size knife is your father more comfortable with? That will likely be the deciding factor. Either will make an excellent gift!

[jdw]

I have owned both of the Paras and I would highly recommend the Maxamet Sage 1 over either of the other two. It’s very pocket friendly and the ergos are far superior IMO.

[DFD04]

I have both and I find the PM2 in my pocket more than the PM3. However...I have large hands and think the PM2 is already a small knife. I think it depends where your dad is coming from in his knife carry and the size he’s used to.

[VooDooChild]

Was your dad raised on backlocks? He might prefer the native 5 maxamet.

[standy99]

Was your dad raised on backlocks? He might prefer the native 5 maxamet.

+2

What I have and am using more than the two you suggested.

[The Meat man]

I have owned both of the Paras and I would highly recommend the Maxamet Sage 1 over either of the other two. It’s very pocket friendly and the ergos are far superior IMO.

Although I have never handled a Sage, it does sound like the best option of the three.

[Wartstein]

Another vote for the Sage, should you want to go with something in the Para 3 size category.

That being said: The Para 3 obviously is a perfect choice for many. One thing to consider though: If your Dad has larger hands and does NOT like using the choil, the grip behind the Para 3 choil could get a bit short (in that regard the Sage has a better design imho).

As much as I love the Sage design, I personally would still go for the PM2 over it, just because I think longer blades are more versatile and better for a general EDC knife (this of course depends on the tasks one usually does. Might be that your Dad is perfectly fine with a shorter blade)

[kennethsime]

PM2, all the way. The Para 3 is a great knife, but that extra half inch of blade makes a big difference - he may not ever need a different knife.

The Para 3 is a bit shorter, but realistically they take up about the same space in the pocket due to their shared thickness.

[MrMatnenko]

PM2, all the way.

As much as I love the Sage design, I personally would still go for the PM2

I'm about to stay close to PM2, though...
Let it be, like, iconic, all time valued design.

[DFD04]

Make sure you give him an intro to Maxamet, too. I’ve found it to be a great steel, but you gotta know how to drive it, so to speak.

[kobold]

I like the Sage the most because of the best blade geometry, Taichung fit and finish, the liner lock, and because the Sage fits my hands the best.
But I like my PM2 and Para 3 in Maxamet also. I am getting them all new wooden scales next week from CuScaDi. Fingers crossed.

[Buddafucco]

I would pick the PM2.
The PM2 is a good medium size, not too big, not too small. The Para 3 can come later once you get him hooked on Spyderco. If you haven't already. :spyder:

[Grizzly]

What kind of pants does he wear? With many jeans, the pockets are sometimes tight and both knives may prove an annoyance to him as they make it difficult to get your hand in and out. When I lost my PM2 I replaced it with a much thinner K390 Endela. But still, I miss that knife.

I haven't handled a PM3 yet but so far I'm not drawn to them so of the two I'd go for the PM2.

[MrMatnenko]

What kind of pants does he wear?

thank you for this point of view! I suppose, PM2 in MAXAMET will be the cabinet queen. so, will go for PM2

[Wartstein]

What kind of pants does he wear?

thank you for this point of view! I suppose, PM2 in MAXAMET will be the cabinet queen. so, will go for PM2

I am sure you mean "go for Para 3", right?

But be aware: What Grizzly meant is not really the LENGTH of the PM2/Para 3m but the "THICKNESS", ("bulk") - cause this it what matters in tight pockets.
Now the Para 3 is though shorter, still as thick as the PM2... so if "tight jeans pockets" really are a concern, the mentioned Endela (for me personally the "better PM2" anyway), or a Delica, RockJumper... would be the better choices, cause they are noticeable thinner/slimmer than PM2 or Para 3.
All have a backlock though instead of the comp.lock. I personally would prefer this anyway, but many really love the comp.lock, so this is something to consider!

[Grizzly]

Thanks for explaining that Wartstein. As much as I enjoyed my PM2 there were times when it was hard to get your hands in some pockets due to the knife's thickness, bulk and grippyness of the g10 of the PM2. The PM3 would be the same only shorter. With larger pockets this is not so much of an issue. But, I wouldn't be surprised if that is how I actually lost my PM2. With a crowded pocket like that along with bad ears that may not hear something when it hits the ground, you may push the knife clipped to the pocket out of your pocket when retrieving keys or something else.

[MrMatnenko]

What kind of pants does he wear?

thank you for this point of view! I suppose, PM2 in MAXAMET will be the cabinet queen. so, will go for PM2

I am sure

Appreciate your notes! I'm about to make a final decision, to choose a PM2. Even if it is placed as cabinet queen, it will be more classic iconic Spyderco tool. And yes, com.lock is preferred over back lock or BB.

[Wartstein]

What kind of pants does he wear?

Appreciate your notes! I'm about to make a final decision, to choose a PM2. Even if it is placed as cabinet queen, it will be more classic iconic Spyderco tool. And yes, com.lock is preferred over back lock or BB.

If you´re set on a comp.lock, the PM2 is always a great and as you say iconic and proven design and choice! :)

Concerning pocket space it will only in length take up a bit more than the Para 3 (both are a bit more on the bulky side, especially when it comes to how well one can slide a hand beside the knife in the pocket), but it is still not a really long closed package (like for example the Millie would be).

For a slimmer comp. lock option in Para 3 size I´d also consider the Sage 5 LW and the Watu - but both don´t come in Maxamet of course.

But I don´t want to distract you any further, I´d say go get the PM2, one really can´t go wrong with this model! :)

[MrMatnenko]

What kind of pants does he wear? With many jeans, the pockets are sometimes tight and both knives may prove an annoyance to him as they make it difficult to get your hand in and out. When I lost my PM2 I replaced it with a much thinner K390 Endela. But still, I miss that knife.

I haven't handled a PM3 yet but so far I'm not drawn to them so of the two I'd go for the PM2.

to all knife lovers, who took part in this conversation, bunch of thanks! P3 appeared to be winner! and all happy with it!!!