New to forum

[kennethsime]

Welcome!

I’d go PM2 if you want a full-size knife, Para 3 Lightweight if you want something smaller.

Either way, can’t go wrong.

[Wartstein]

Welcome!

Out of the two I'd certainly take the PM2 for a do it all EDC folder.
I think the longer cutting edge makes it more versatile, and for my hand it offers two good grip options, while the Para 3 has just one (too short grip area behind the choil).

If you never need a longer edge though and prefer light weight: The Para 3 LW is a solid choice too of course (the PM2 does not come in a lightweight version yet).
With the Para 3 LW I'd definitely take the serrated version (the BD1N steel should be very good for SE) and I'd invest the money you safe compared to a PM2 in a Sharpmaker or another good sharpening tool.

Personally in that small size range I am with Doc though and take a Delica over a Para 3 any day of the week.

[Evil D]

I am new to the Spyderco forum and I want to know what would be the most spyderco knife for a first time owner ? I am sort of partial to a spyderco para 2 or 3 , what are the main difference in these two models

That's a really broad question that doesn't have very many wrong answers, it just depends on what you like and want and how you use your knife, also what your sharpening skills and options are. Are you new to pocket knives in general or just to Spyderco?

[Albertaboyscott]

Welcome! Hard to say which one you'd like better but my preference is the para 2 by a wide margin. I have a para 3 but just never warmed up to it. I prefer a larger blade. Just my two cents. Good luck choosing!

[RadioactiveSpyder]

Welcome! My two cents is that if you have small hands, a Para 3 may suit you better, otherwise it’s the PM2 all the way! These knives sell quickly on the secondary market too, so even if you pick one that doesn’t sing to you, you can unload it fairly easily. Cheers, Radioactive

[elena86]

First of all, it’s Para3 and PM2. I would go with the PM2. They say it’s probably the best modern edc folder out there for a reason. Great ergos in multiple grips, awesome utilitarian blade, one exceptional performer. Go for it and don’t look back.

[kobold]

I own all and love them all, but I prefer backlocks to compression locks and I prefer a humpless blade, so the Native is #1 in my book.

No love for the Shaman?

I think for hard use, fixed blades are the best and I think the Shaman is a bit bulky and heavy for a pocket knife. I usually EDC 3" Ti framelock folders and keep a fixed blade in my backpack. Lastly, I stopped buying compression lock knives, but I might buy a ball bearing lock, liner lock or backlock Shaman.

But what I REALLY want is not a Shaman, but a mid-sized Native. The Native is my favorite Spyderco and the Native Chief is also in my top five. There is a gap to be filled between the two sizes.

[mongo1958]

I own all and love them all, but I prefer backlocks to compression locks and I prefer a humpless blade, so the Native is #1 in my book.

No love for the Shaman?

I think for hard use, fixed blades are the best and I think the Shaman is a bit bulky and heavy for a pocket knife. I usually EDC 3" Ti framelock folders and keep a fixed blade in my backpack. Lastly, I stopped buying compression lock knives, but I might buy a ball bearing lock, liner lock or backlock Shaman.

But what I REALLY want is not a Shaman, but a mid-sized Native. The Native is my favorite Spyderco and the Native Chief is also in my top five. There is a gap to be filled between the two sizes.

I have a native 5 and I see your point. Maybe one day.

[Self Taught]

Try holding some in person if you can. I wanted a PM2 when I was looking for my first spyderco and ended up with a manix 2 cause it fit better in my hand

[Emitch]

I'm sure we have all been through this. My own experience is that I need to use a knife quite a few times over an extended period before I know what I need or want. That has, unfortunately, made me a knife collector. I think Spyderco are my final destination but which Spyderco is a project in itself. I must say that the other knives in my collection have made me much better informed. I'm currently playing with a Native 5 combo, para 2, Delica 4 serrated, Tenacious and Pattadese.