The Lil' Temperance 3 Lightweight: A comprehensive review

[Clay H]

Hard to pass up the VG-10 models for $108 at National Knives. I picked up one of each.

[sal]

I'm carrying a serrated one today, along with my Manbug.

sal

[Clay H]

Excellent choices, Sal! I imagine something out of a James Bond film - you walking into a vast underground room with one of every Spyderco knife ever made...

[sal]

Hi Clay,

That's a lotta knives. We're trying to set up display cases in the store to show the older models; Solo's, Q's, SpydeRenches, etc.

sal

[SpeedHoles]

Hi Clay,

That's a lotta knives. We're trying to set up display cases in the store to show the older models; Solo's, Q's, SpydeRenches, etc.

sal

This sounds really cool. Might warrant another trip for me back to Golden! Been many years...

[Nestor]

No need to convince me. I'm in.

[SaltyCaribbeanDfly]

I have the K390 PE version and it’s robust yet nimble and a surprisingly good slicer…really like how the handle feels because it kinda reminds me of the Caribbean which is great for the hammer grip and hard use.

[Jeb]

Really nice stuff right there... Great pix too, as usual lol.

[twinboysdad]

No need to convince me. I'm in.

Man the OG green handle is the best, and if not for the clip would likely be my favorite knife ever. I wish Spyderco would do a green handle again as an homage to the OG. I like the original blade shape better too.

[benben]

No need to convince me. I'm in.

Man the OG green handle is the best, and if not for the clip would likely be my favorite knife ever. I wish Spyderco would do a green handle again as an homage to the OG. I like the original blade shape better too.

A Green handle and serrated Cru-wear would definitely get my money!

[sal]

On that original green model, I made more than 20 wooden and plastic models to get the handle right. before cutting steel. It was designed for 2 Grips. Forward down (FGEO) Reverse Grip Edge out (RGEO). Then I discovered Pakal style and modified the handle to accept all 4 grips.

sal

[twinboysdad]

On that original green model, I made more than 20 wooden and plastic models to get the handle right. before cutting steel. It was designed for 2 Grips. Forward down (FGEO) Reverse Grip Edge out (RGEO). Then I discovered Pakal style and modified the handle to accept all 4 grips.

sal

How about a LT3 LW with green FRN sir? As a tribute to your original. The grip on the original exudes the level of work you describe

[sal]

Hi TBdad,

I wouldn't use the same handle pattern as the original. It is, in my opinion, now obsolete. I don't if the market is interested in the new FRN "3" with just a color green change?

sal

[twinboysdad]

Hi TBdad,

I wouldn't use the same handle pattern as the original. It is, in my opinion, now obsolete. I don't if the market is interested in the new FRN "3" with just a color green change?

sal

So how about a Rhino blade with green FRN then?

[Tristan_david2001]

For me it is not obsolete, the original lil temp is my favorite of the family, by far, and actually is my favorite “hard user” folder of all time. I can see the reasoning behind the some of the functional changes made to the model for the consecutive versions, but personally I love the original lil temp model just as is, specifically the leaf version btw. I owned a serrated lil temp 1 for a while but I sadly sold it off, but I had a great experience with it and need to get one back. I love the finger groove ergonomics on the original, some might say the handle swell style of ergonomics accommodates multiple grips more “comfortably”. But for me it’s not all about comfort, it’s mostly about control, and the finger groves on the og model really lock my fingers and hand in place when gripping the knife, especially in a normally saber grip or reverse grip edge out, the peaks on the curves really work to lock your fingers/hand/grip in place. I enjoy how the original model on the back of the handle it rides up a little higher with the thumb ramp making a very wide surface for your thumb to rest on, whereas the new models it stops much shorter. Pointier leaf is better, and personally I think the og lil temp just even looks cooler and more artistic to my eye, and I’ve always cared a lot about the artistic side of spydercos designs. the surface milling and dimples on the g10 was also a unique and functional touch, I also happen to love the pocket clip design, the holes on the clip also help in maneuvering the knife into different grips one handed. I’d be pretty happy if they brought the original back, but I’m doubtful it will happen. No worries, I’ll pick up one on the aftermarket again someday

[Clay H]

Received my plain edge today from National Knives. This one is even better than the SE model I got a week ago. Beautiful polish, fit and finish is really just about perfect. This knife and the Sage 5 Maxamet have made me fall in love with 3" blades again. Well done Sal!

[Vamais]

Hi TBdad,

I wouldn't use the same handle pattern as the original. It is, in my opinion, now obsolete. I don't if the market is interested in the new FRN "3" with just a color green change?

sal

That green would be nice with Cru-Wear. Although I suppose it would more likely be PD#1 since the LT3LW is made in Seki. But then, PD#1 already has its own color. Are there any other Cru-Wear like steels being used in Seki City?

[SpeedHoles]

Hi TBdad,

I wouldn't use the same handle pattern as the original. It is, in my opinion, now obsolete. I don't if the market is interested in the new FRN "3" with just a color green change?

sal

That green would be nice with Cru-Wear. Although I suppose it would more likely be PD#1 since the LT3LW is made in Seki. But then, PD#1 already has its own color. Are there any other Cru-Wear like steels being used in Seki City?

Yeah they've used Cruwear before in sprint run/exclusive. I believe an olive drab type green handle with Cruwear, and maybe a dark greyish blue Cruwear? Can't remember exactly off the top of my head at the moment.

[zuludelta]

I don't if the market is interested in the new FRN "3" with just a color green change?

sal

A new green handle & steel option would be awesome. Maybe a steel that's been paired previously with green scales like LC200N or S45VN?

[Kleon]

I agree. Green scales and a steel that the Japanese maker will work with and has a great corrosion resistance. LC200N certainly would seem to fill the bill and still allow good edge retention and toughness for those who use this one in an edc role as opposed to dedicated martial tool.