First experience with Spyderco knives - sharing my experience

[renosto]

I am a new user who recently bought my first Spyderco knife. I came to the forum to share my first experience with you. I chose the Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight for a simple reason: it is designed to be lightweight and practical, and I heard that it has a very good reputation.
The moment I received the knife, I was shocked by its workmanship. The CTS-BD1N steel used in the blade is really sharp. I tried cutting paper after unboxing and it was very smooth. In addition, the FRN material of the handle feels light and very comfortable to hold, suitable for long-term use.
As an everyday carry tool (EDC), this knife is very competent. I mainly use it to cut packaging, shave wood chips, and occasionally prepare some food when camping. Every time I use it, I can feel Spyderco's attention to detail, such as the geometric design of the blade and the security of the press-in lock.
The only thing that makes me a little hesitant is that I am still getting used to the way the Spyder Hole is opened. However, after practicing a few more times, I found that this design is actually very intuitive and efficient, and it is stress-free to operate with one hand.
After using it for a while, I also found some minor problems. For example, although the FRN material handle is light, it may slip slightly in cold weather. If there are other material options, such as G-10, it may be more suitable for some special scenarios. In addition, I would like to ask all senior users, how to maintain CTS-BD1N steel to keep it sharp for a longer time?
Overall, the Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight gave me a very good first impression of the Spyderco brand. Its lightness, sharpness and functionality made me fall in love with this brand. I also plan to buy another one in the future to experience Spyderco's product line more deeply, such as trying the Manix 2 or Endura series.
Finally, I would like to ask everyone: If you want to recommend a second Spyderco knife, which one would you recommend?

[sal]

Hi Renosto,

Welcome to our forum and thanx much for your kinds words. We hope you enjoy your time here. There are some very wise folks that hang here. We're sure they can help you.

sal

[Vamais]

As a primary, I'd recommend a Lil' Temperance 3 LW. Super great ergonomics for most things, and beefy enough for harder cutting.

As a secondary, I'd recommend a Lil' Native or a Manbug, depending on how you want to carry it.

[Manixguy@1994]

Welcome to the Forum . Nothing wrong trying a Manix of your choice , I have a couple .MG2

[Albertaboyscott]

I'd suggest an frn stretch xl serrated. Been carrying one for 6 months and am very impressed. Serrated knives hold an edge for a long time and are easier to sharpen too.

[Wartstein]

I am a new user who recently bought my first Spyderco knife. I came to the forum to share my first experience with you. I chose the Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight for a simple reason: it is designed to be lightweight and practical, and I heard that it has a very good reputation.
The moment I received the knife, I was shocked by its workmanship. The CTS-BD1N steel used in the blade is really sharp. I tried cutting paper after unboxing and it was very smooth. In addition, the FRN material of the handle feels light and very comfortable to hold, suitable for long-term use.
As an everyday carry tool (EDC), this knife is very competent. I mainly use it to cut packaging, shave wood chips, and occasionally prepare some food when camping. Every time I use it, I can feel Spyderco's attention to detail, such as the geometric design of the blade and the security of the press-in lock.
The only thing that makes me a little hesitant is that I am still getting used to the way the Spyder Hole is opened. However, after practicing a few more times, I found that this design is actually very intuitive and efficient, and it is stress-free to operate with one hand.
After using it for a while, I also found some minor problems. For example, although the FRN material handle is light, it may slip slightly in cold weather. If there are other material options, such as G-10, it may be more suitable for some special scenarios. In addition, I would like to ask all senior users, how to maintain CTS-BD1N steel to keep it sharp for a longer time?
Overall, the Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight gave me a very good first impression of the Spyderco brand. Its lightness, sharpness and functionality made me fall in love with this brand. I also plan to buy another one in the future to experience Spyderco's product line more deeply, such as trying the Manix 2 or Endura series.
Finally, I would like to ask everyone: If you want to recommend a second Spyderco knife, which one would you recommend?

Welcome to the forum!

- One remark: I don´t think you´ll find G10 to be grippier (in "cold weather", or when wet...) than textured FRN.
For me it is clearly the opposite.

- Concerning recommendations: Be prepared to get a ton of different ones, mostly based on personal preferences folks here have developed for their own good reasons, so no "wrong or right" here...

Here are mine:

- Get a Spyderco sharpmaker as "next Spyderco"

+ It will make it very easy to keep especially the BD1N sharp (a steel that is a breeze to sharpen imo)
+ It will help you with other knives (not only Spydercos), scissors and so on too
+ It makes sharpening serrated Spydercos extremely quick and easy

- Try a serrated ("SE") Spyderco

+ To me a good SE Spydie works better in most folder tasks than a plain edge
+ At least with a sharpmaker SE is a bit quicker and easier to sharpen than PE
+ SE stays sharp a lot longer than PE and will still "cut" even when technically dull

- Recommended models

+ Affordable option with really great serrations:
Endela SE in VG10 (https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C243BK/1782)
Compared to your Para 3 it gives you a larger, full four finger handle; a longer blade with thinner stock (so slicier geometry); a backlock to try out (imo better in operation, ergos, safety in pocket than a comp.lock)

+ Superlight but still sturdy and completely rustproof options:
Salt 2 SE in LC200 N ; Pacific Salt 2 SE in LC200n
Your Para 3 LW certainly feels light, but is not a really light knife with its 2.4 oz (not a bad thing, don´t get me wrong)
The similarily sized Salt 2 (https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C88FGR2/2083) weighs just 1.9 oz, gives you more grip area on the actual handle and a much thinner, slicier blade.
The Pacific Salt 2 (https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C91FGR2/1904) comes in at only 2.6 oz and gives you a much longer blade. Imo more versatile and especially better for the food prep you say you do occasionally.

+ Manix 2:
Great option indeed! (Just no SE version available).
I prefer its lock (CBBL) over the comp.lock, it has a tall, rather thin blade with still robust tip, and great ergos that offer two full four finger grips.
I´d definitely go with the lightweight (but if you want to try something even more different to your Para 3 LW: Get one of the linered G10 versions)

Edited for spelling

[Wartstein]

I'd suggest an frn stretch xl serrated. Been carrying one for 6 months and am very impressed. Serrated knives hold an edge for a long time and are easier to sharpen too.

Agreed on all points!!

And the Stretch XL LW serrated (in VG10, perfect steel for SE!) is an amazing performer indeed.
Just the tip is very fine (which can be both a pro or con).

[Pokey]

Welcome to the Forum renasto! This is the place for information and knowledge on Spyderco products.

I'll start off by saying I've had excellent results sharpening knives using none other than the Spyderco Sharpmaker. I got my first one 30 years ago. I keep my knives sharp and the knives of my friends and co-workers by using it.

I think the Para 3 LW will feel a little bit slippery in the hand because of the smooth rounded edges on the handle. A G-10 version might be more grippy because of the texture of the fiberglas and the sharper edges of the handle. I've found that I can get a better grip on the handle when opening the knife if my fingers tips are partially resting on the clip. It gives me a little more grip to keep the handle from slipping. As I've gotten older I've found that my hands are very dry now. I'll use a hand lotion several times a day to keep my hands moisturized. It really helps with the slippery feeling when I grip anything.

If you can find a brick and mortar store that stocks Spyderco, knives try handling other models to find what you like. If you live near Golden, Colorado there's always the Spyderco Factory Outlet. They'll have pretty much every model in the catalog.