Para 3 for EDC

[Dkeller717]

Hello Everyone

Ive had my new Para 3 SE Cpm 45v knife for a couple weeks now and really like it. I was looking for an all around good working knife to open packages, tape cutting, letter opening, paracord, rope, plastic wrapping, and so forth.

I did reprofile the serrations to round out the points to eliminate drag, especially on cardboard. So far im pleased with all I've been using it on.

So I'm looking to see how many people carry the Para 3 for EDC and what they typically use it on. Do you use PE or SE? Id be interested to see which edge type is the most popular for edc tasks.

Thanks for reading and sharing.

[JD Spydo]

I'm in no way trying to derail this most interesting thread. But for me personally I would prefer the Para 2 over the Para 3. But that's just me and what suits me the best. However both knives are built with superb quality. But the Para 2 is much more suited to my everyday chores I encounter on a daily basis.

I'm still mind blow at how great of a design that the "tanto" version of the Para 2 has turned out to be. The Para 3 most definitely has it's place and if blade length is a problem where you live then by all means get a Para 3. You won't go wrong with any of the

Any of Spyderco's GOLDEN, COLORADO USA made knives are special and you can't go wrong with any of them IMO.

[cabfrank]

Para 3 is a great EDC, in either edge. My preference is the LW version, but both work.

[Mushroom]

Hi Dave! Welcome to the forums.

Glad to read that you enjoy your Para 3! I’m also a big fan of the model. I have a couple G10 variants and a couple Lightweight variants and enjoy both versions for EDC.

I personally prefer plain edge for my uses. The Para 3 Lightweight has become one of my most frequent knives to carry while backpacking.

[zuludelta]

I occasionally carry a plain edge Para 3 (blacked-out G10 version) in lieu of my Yojimbo 2, for when I need something a bit lighter & more discreet. Great model overall, and I wouldn't have any real issues if it were the only folder I were able to EDC.

I also have a serrated Para 3 (G10 version), but it is strictly a work knife for me.

Gun to my head, though, if I only had to have one Para 3, I'd probably pick the serrated S30V/S45VN model, since I already have a number of plain edge folders in the same steel.

[Paraguy]

I've really been enjoying my DLC Para 3 lw in CPM 4v from St. Nicks - Great knife!

[kennethsime]

I carry a Para 3 with some regularity, both LW and regular models. All 3 plain edge, but different steels, and the regulars are both scales swapped with Micarta.

I think the Para 3 excels at most edc tasks. Opening packages, cutting up cardboard, cutting rope, even does an ok job with an apple.

On most days, I prefer the extra blade length of a PM2, which doesn’t take up too much more pocket space. The extra length is only really a problem in skinny jeans or athletic pants with short pockets.

I think the Para 3 really shines in the LW model. It really does take up quite a bit less pocket space than a PM2, carries nice and deep, and offers most of the utility of a PM2.

[Coastal]

I don't own a PM3, so I can't speak from experience, but it sure looks like a good all-round EDC for most people. I got in the habit of carrying a Military back in the 90s when I needed the blade length and, ever since, I've preferred carrying large folders. Do I need to? Hardly ever, but I tend to carry a PM2 on the small end, and a Police on the large end. Being honest with myself, a PM3 or Delica is probably all I really need.

[Wandering_About]

I do carry a Para 3 regularly. Plain edge G10 handled versions for me. I prefer either Maxamet or S110V, but I am way down the supersteel rabbit hole. The G10 handle version benefits immensely from an aftermarket deep carry clip.

[Spicy Suplex]

Carry the lightweight regularly and I have no issues with cardboard, rope, plastics, tape - admittedly not hard use, but it sure is nice to pull through some cardboard. SPY27 PE, loves to get sharp, loves to strop back, great for a noob like me. Though I was just thinking to myself I'd have to jump on some SE SPY27 if and when.

Highly recommend the lightweight in any steel. It just carries so well.

Only criticism I could say about the Para 3, and this is extremely nitpicky, and not even a criticism - but I almost never use the bottom finger choil. I love the forward thumb grip, but I don't mind a little more of my hand hanging off the end of the knife to keep my index finger in place behind the pivot, either. This part has to vary wildly from person to person, though. I'm sure if my cutting tasks required it, I'd get a little more precise with it, but most commonly it goes unused for me. It's nice to have the option though.

[James Y]

I own 2 Para 3's. Both are G10 versions. Personally, I have no interest in the Para 3 LWT. The G10 version of this knife is my preference.

I especially like my S45/DLC version. Mine are both PE, and I don't use them for anything special, only typical pocketknife tasks. Opening packages, breaking down cardboard, etc., etc. I don't torture test my knives, or anything like that. The Para 3 gets carried on certain days, but I can't say it's my everyday carry.

Jim

[TkoK83Spy]

A few years back the G10 Para 3 was actually my favorite knife. I think I had 4 of them at most, at one time. For me, sadly I think i grew away from the model because of the non stop exclusives that came out a couple years ago. I got sick of seeing and hearing about it and eventually sold off all of them besides my first, which is the BHQ DLC/M4 exclusive.

I don't consider the Para 3 a favorite anymore, I tend to carry something a little bigger. Though I do find myself enjoying it whenever it's carried. I work in a warehouse cutting cardboard, ropes, strapping, banding, braided tape, shrink wrap. Nothing the Para 3 has ever had a problem with.

Back when I was doing a bunch of cut tests.

[kobold]

I use a Para3 Maxamet as one of my summer carry gents knives, for when I just wanna have something on me, but don't anticipate hard use. I dressed it up with wooden scales and it looks great, and the action is great too. Originally I used it quite a lot for a few months and it developed a nice patina. I also re-profiled the edge to micro-convex. Although I went with other knives soon after (Native, PM2 and so on), I am keeping it.

[ykspydiefan]

My #1 reason for buying a Para 3 was to get Spy27 steel asap. I have been questioning my knife likes/dislikes for the past couple years. Why do I prefer a longer blade? Why discount a finger choil when I had never really used a knife with one? What cutting tasks would a lighter smaller platform be better, or excel at performing? Can I get past the look of FRN and the weight bias in my brain?

I have big mitts and need to use the finger choil to get a 4 finger grip. I have really like the jimping and precision I can get using the choil and thumb ramp. I have cut a lot of leather like this. I have come to like the choil, but I do prefer the safer feeling of a guard.

The knife is small for me, but it excels at picnic style discretion, with the cutting power to produce hot dog sticks for the whole team, and then some. I can use it effectively with a 3 finger grip and it has never let me down. There are times I have traded up to a fixed blade to finish a task but that is no different than taking a 5 inch fixed blade to a picnic and trading down to a small folder once the error becomes apparent.

I am not quite resolved with the weight bias or look of FRN. I have nothing negative to say about it other than it is difficult for the average person to see the difference between cheep plastic and expensive plastic. It is a difference noticed in the hand and in use.

Over 1/2 my year is spent living below freezing so I shy away from metal knife scales. I have used the Para 3 and Pacific Salt for hours in -35c and left them outside during my warm ups. The FRN did not notice or care about the cold. I found, for me the Para 3 is too small for use with mittens, and the back lock on the Pacific Salt is much nicer to use in the cold.

But Hey!! It is spring time now! And, the Para 3 is perfect in short pockets, bike shorts and hiking pants.

I think the Para 3 is EDC able all year long. It just depends where you spend that year.

ps welcome to the forum

[Sharp Guy]

I carry a Para 3 often. Lately I've been carrying a LW version more than the G10s but I like both versions and have some of each.

I cut whatever I would normally cut with a pocket knife

[metaphoricalsimile]

I love my Para 3 LW. People told me I would love the Sage 5 more, so I bought one, but so far it maybe does a few things better but overall does not offer the effortless ease of use that the Para 3 LW does.

[Netherend]

I carried my para 3 g10 as my main edc for quite some time. It was a great knife for opening packages, cutting Velcro straps and other small household or office tasks. It is small enough that I do not feel worried about using it in public places and freaking anyone out(yeah I know, perceptions can be silly). I still carry the para 3 from time to time but I’ve shifted my edc to the native 5 , mainly because I prefer the handle. On the weekends I carry a pac salt or pm2(lately favoring the salt ).

[Tristan_david2001]

Everyone’s edc can look very different from eachother depending on what your everyday sorts of activities are with either your hobbies or job that require certain kinds of knives. the para 3 is my most carried and preferred pocket knife in that mid range all-arounder edc, out of the knives I own. If I’m going out, not going to do anything too crazy, and I just want a standard work knife that will handle any task I encounter for the day. I’m using my para3. If I’m going to be doing a lot of outdoorsy types of activities that require harder use cutting for extended periods of time, I will carry my ss stretch 2, as I actually prefer that over the pm2. I could be biased because I simply am more familiar with the stretch but I do think it’s a better looking handle design, and more ergonomic in the hand for me. As an extra side note on the stretch I do think this new xl model tops it, even while I’m not the sort of person that really requires the extra length, I do admire how Sal has altered the ratios of the stretch and packs more edge for what you get in handle length in comparison to the stretch 2. But back to the para 3. I don’t think you can go wrong, it all depends on your preferences, and Spyderco offers a great variety of options of edc folders in that size range. The sage, native, caly’s(sorta) and delica being some of there other most popular models in production. Really can’t go wrong with any, they’re just different. In my preference, a drop point leaf shape blade is my favorite blade on a spyderco, so I’d rather own a sage or Caly!

[Wartstein]

Glad for OP and all the others who enjoy the Para 3 !

For me it is a good knife, and I´d take it over most small folders of other brands (though I am actually not much into that small sized knives anyway) - but looking at it among its "competitors" in Spydercos lineup I am a bit ambivalent.

I gave a Para 3 LW SE a try some month ago for about five or six weeks - my thoughts (please keep in mind: This is looking at rather tiny details, and compared to my top favorite small folders!)

+ Choked up grip:
Enough space for four fingers when held that way, good ergos (except the comp.lock cutout which is generally prone to create a hotspot in prolongued use), handfilling handle (for a small knife)

- Grip behind the choil
Just not enough grip area there for four fingers - despite the FRN part of the handle would be long enough for that, but not with that "hook" at the handle end.
Not an issue at all for occasional cuts - but in prolongued use it is always nice to have two full grip options for changing grip from time to time

+ Angle of the tip,
If found the way the tip is angled when using the knife pretty nice and useful.

- Too thick blade combined with fine tip
I don´t think I have to elaborate on this once more: The Para 3 just can´t really compete with something like a Delica when it comes to slicing / performance, because the blade is very thick - regardless of tapering and blade height. 3.7 mm is fine on a Millie, but (for me!) not so much on a small knife.
I would rather see that fine tip combined with a thinner blade

- Comparably "heavy" and bulky
The G10 Para 3 is pretty heavy for its size, and so is the LW - for a LW!
For even a hair less weight than the Para 3 LW I can have a Delica with solid liners, and for clearly less a Salt 2.
Same goes for the footprint: Pretty substantial in pocket for the cutting edge one gets, and the wide handle end and deep carry clip of the LW make it feel even "bigger" in pocket.

+ Serrations
I liked the serration pattern on my Para 3 LW a lot - not as good as on my Endela SE, but not far behind (and that actually means something!)

[Spicy Suplex]

regardless of tapering and blade height. 3.7 mm is fine on a Millie, but (for me!) not so much on a small knife.
I would rather see that fine tip combined with a thinner blade

I tend to agree here as well, I just kinda put up with it. Makes me think a "Para 4" could be a lightweight-only model with a thinner blade stock. One can dream!