The fact that you just recommended that we watch another reviewer who disagreed with you about this knife is exactly why I love and appreciate your channel.
I mean, if it wasn’t too expensive, and it definitely was NOT made on earth... I’d think an alien blade was pretty special. No guarantees on quality control though, haha!
I have an S110V and an S30V regular Para 3 and a LW in CPM-SPY27. You're right Nick. The Lightweight is my favorite. It used to be inconsistent when it comes to fidgeting but I've finally broken it in and it's a drop-shut knife. I love the color of the FRN of the SPY27 version. Speaking of the scales, the one in the Para 3 LW is smoother than the Manix 2 LW or the Seki City Japan knives. I go for bigger blades and my Shaman is my favorite but my Para 3 LW is a close second.
My chef knife is bd1-n, and it's an amazing steel. Sharpen the blade, keep it honed on a steel (ya'll need to understand honing, btw. Don't do a Gordon Ramsey honing. Just two or three swipes to align the burr) and I only have to sharpen three times a year. I use it every day for 4-5 straight hours of cutting in a commercial kitchen. Can't wait to get this steel in a pocket knife!
@@jesser8369 he said they try to keep everything alike, but that the blades wouldn't necessarily interchange. So, in no uncertain terms, he was saying theoretically they can be swapped, but they can't guarantee they will work 100%. As long as the tolerances are nearly identical (and Spyderco works hard on making sure they keep tight tolerances) it will be no big deal. It's just something to cover themselves in case someone does a swap and it doesn't work. But we all know it will almost certainly work.
Michael Campbell it’s completely possible. There’s only a .001 difference in blade thickness. The handles are very close to the same size per spyderco’s site
I've just gotten in to exploring EDC knives and you and your excellent reviews are an absolute GEM ! Keep being so natural, authentic and down right entertaining. Thank you Nick.
I just got mine last night. I didn't know what I was bidding on, and neither did the seller. I reached out to them for more info on the knife and they said it was part of an estate sale and they didn't believe it had ever been carried or sharpened. It has some scratches on the FRN, but other than that was in good shape. I won the auction for $30+shipping. I was pleased as punch when it came in and I saw it was a Para 3. I hadn't heard of the Para 3 Lightweight, so now I'm doing my research at the most opportune time, after you've already paid for it! Really liking it so far. I just wanted a SpyderCo to help me learn to spidey flick, but I ended up teaching myself on my Bugout before this came in.
That’s what I kept thinking before I watched this video! Love the profile of the Native, that continuous curve from blade tip to handle base. However, Shabazz makes some good points, as usual. Both have relatively thick blade stocks, same blade length, similar sized black FRN... but the Para3 LW is easier to fidget with (bigger spydie hole), has a deeper carry pocket clip (for now), and, for now, it exists and I believe it’s back in stock. The Para 3 LW being available now doesn’t just mean you don’t have to wait to get it, but also it’s a known product with all the ergonomic improvements over the original, rather than a wishlist product. What if a Native with a compression lock will have the same blade edge interacting with the lock cutout area “feature” as the ‘lil Native? I’m not saying it will, or that that is particularly a problem for everyone, but we already know the P3LW is good to go. I preordered one, and I asked BladeHQ if they accepted returns if I changed my mind. They were awesome, basically I had nothing to worry about as long as I didn’t cut with it or disassemble it so it would still be in a “new” open box condition. I don’t know how Golden does it, but the nylon has a finer finish to the handle than my Dragonfly 2 and Ladybug, the action is very smooth, and the fidget factor is strong. Other than a smaller lanyard hole, I’m not sure what a sage 5 LW will do different, and functionally the P3LW is just really good and hard to complain about unless just aesthetically you hate it. Not going to try to talk you out of pining for a Native Compression lock, but the P3LW is a keeper.
Absolutely, as Nick says the Para 3 is not space efficient in the pocket. The Native 5 more so, not as wide. The Sage 5 LW might scratch that itch, we'll see.
David Martin Portmann it’s a dye called rite dye . If you look through Reddit or the spyderco forum there are tons of walkthroughs on how to do it. It will work best on jade scales but it will work well on yellow too
I love my Para 3 lightweight. I have a Para 3 in black with brown G10 scales. Love the knife, but the clip and FRN handles on the lightweight are kinder to the pocket of my jeans. Easy to get in and out without destroying my jeans.
Some of us don't have any problem with the standard clip. Not everything has to be deep carry, and a lot of times I prefer a non-deep carry. More to grab on to to get the knife out of pocket, and I am anti-lanyard so that wouldn't work for me. Not that I mind deep carry, but I think the Para 3 G10 is fine as it is. No hot spots for me either. Everyone is different however! The standard Para 3 is actually one of my all-time favorites and I carry it a lot.
Great review. Not just because it said what I wanted to hear (which it did, full disclosure)--but because Nick makes his points with such simplicity and honesty. They're supported so well and with such apparent ease that it appears the review writes itself. In other words, he makes it look easy: Like every observation is plain to the naked eye and the rationale for any opinions follow so naturally from his observations that one might not even realize they're being persuaded. It's elegant.
I have been looking for advice regarding a knife replacement. This review along with several others published by members of the knife community proved very helpful. I finally decided to purchase the Para 3 LW, I am very satisfied with the purchase. The blade is razor sharp, the blade centered, the opening/closing as smooth as butter, the wire clip enables full concealment.
Another great one. The Para 3 and PM2 have the same blade thickness. Yet, they still slice better than almost anything in the industry. The Para 3 replaced both my Delica and PM2 as the lightweight, pocket knife for camping since I don't use a pocket knife for batoning. :)
Nick, I just got the Para 3 Lightweight with the blue FRN scales and CPM SPY27 blade. Your review on the basic model was a big part of my decision-making process, and I’m very happy with the knife. Thanks for always putting out useful, honest, entertaining, and just all-around great reviews!
Hi Nick I have a question for you : If you want to choose between Spyderco Para3 Lightweight & Spyderco Delica4 witch one do you choose? or you guys I will appreciate your opinion.
I hear complaints about this knife feeling cheap, centering problems etc and never noticed that they had any impact on using this knife for what it was meant to do. I have 2 and think they’re outstanding and BD1N exceeded my expectations.
Great great review. While I liked my G10 Para 3... I love my LW model. The wire clip coupled with the rounded FRN scales feels great. Bring on the sprint runs! I definitely want a light grey FRN sprint with M4 or cruwear blade steel. Can you imagine how good of a slicer a “skinny” Para 3 LW would be? Give it the same blade stock thickness and BTE geometry as the Chaparral... oh hell yeah.
I bought a Para 3 and a Sage V. The Sage V ended up being carried because it had a better clip. Now that I have a lightweight Para 3 the Sage V is going back to have the screws replaced so I can clean it. What happens when the lightweight Sage 5 is released?
Great video, thanks. I just bought my second one of the Spyderco Para 3 light weight with the Spy27 steel. It is the most Spyderco a knife 🔪 can get, I believe. It is my favorite knife for EDC out of the 100's of knives I have.
Because you are a teacher( changing tablet to teacher is the edit. The Swype keyboard on my Android is almost as bad as the voice to text software.) in LA, it's an easy for me to see that it's a Grail Knife for you. The 911 might be Grail Gun for you. I certainly do not invite your job. Thank you for doing what you do.
Thanks for that info. I'm watching this as I decide if I want this knife as a lefty. I got a Rat 1 and hate how cramped it is to open. I do have fat thumbs though.
@@robertalantickle160Yes, I know. But I realized after buying the right-hand model I'd prefer something just a bit smaller with smoother scales. Those G10 scales are a little too grippy for me; kind of rough on my pants pocket, lol.
While I prefer the deeper and more gripper scales of my Native 5. The radius edges on the pm3 LW makes up for this change is scale pattern. And the deep carry wire clip wins hands down. It's great EDC knife!
Mine has a little side-to-side play out of the box, but has perfect to the eye centering. I'm very satisfied with the knife for the reasons you stated. As for efficiency for space, for me it is very space efficient and compared to some other Spyderco models is when folded, there is no gap between the blades spine at the base and the scales. This gap leaves the base of the spine exposed and catches on things. I find this knife to be an excellent EDC. It is a full-sized performing ultra-lightweight locking folder that is snag-free with a great action and lock. Mine is also DLC coated for better corrosion resistance. 2023 MSRP is now $200 USD in black, and can be found for $140 USD online.
Just bought one of these today. Feels just like smaller version of the manix lw with a little more solidity which is something I've always wanted as that's my favorite Spyderco knife and the price is right (looking at you Benchmade). Home run
Just picked up a bd1n manix 2 lw that is really blowing me away (it's been a couple years since I picked up a new spyderco after 17-18 years of carrying essentially only spyderco folders). Now I'm looking back and trying to pick put which new spydies to add to the already large family. Currently torn between a sage 5 lw vs a pm3 lw.... I know I will be happy with either so it's getting down to the nitpicks to decide between the two.
I hope that we get multiple color options like the Endura/Delica lines. Question: I love 99% of my para 2... it is sometimes just a bit to large for my tasks at hand. So, if I were to get the p3 lightweight, will I miss having the liners under the scales?... does this feel like a Delica with the profile of a para3?
Great review! Looking forward to see how this compares to the sage 5 lw. I prefer the sage design but I'm not that confident in taichung compression locks. Quick question, did you disassemble the native 5 to dye it?
I just picked this knife up about a week ago. I carry a SAK, farmer, I'd use the scissors everyday and at harvest time I use the saw to cut stems but this time I've been using the para 3 LW and its slicing through stems as thick as your ring finger without any difficulty. I haven't sharpened it since I got it so it's holding its edge very well, You couldn't shave with it but it's going to go through this next stem as quickly and cleanly as it cut the first one. I don't really like the plastic scales but I did like "Lightweight" but I am over the lightweight and have ordered the titanium scales from HH. Brings the price of this knife up to £180 UK, well over $200. Looking at a couple of reviews of those scales and I like the end results and it looks closer to the knife I am looking for. I am still carrying the farmer, hard not too, its the scissors, scissors would look crap on a spyderco.
@@4l1b3k Alox Farmer, X. Ive a few SAK's, I do like the scissors, they are on a few different models. I think there's scissors on the cybertool that I keep in the car. And of all the tools on all the SAK's I have the Scissors get the most use.
I love mine! One of Spyderco's most exciting EDC-sized options ever. This is really, truly, the "Delica killer" that everybody thought the Boker Patriot was going to be. Now, if they'd just make one with a translucent blue handle like the Manix 2 Lightweight has...
@@jeremysuggs8345 Sage 5LW is even nicer than the Para 3LW, totally worth the extra money😁. Also loving my Benchmade Mini Presidio II though, not the prettiest knife ever but the action on it is just insane😋
@@esoteric5277 i definitely want a sage 5 lw. Kinda like a native with a comp lock! I need to check out the Presidio's. The omega spring on the bugout has really upset me tho,broke twice now,but I've never had problems with my Griptilians so?
@@jeremysuggs8345 The Sage is actually a little bit larger than the Native. The action is supersmooth right out of the box, the FRN actually looks nice on this one and the deepcarry clip makes it easier to get your hand in the pocket. It's a wonderful knife😁 I still love my Native though ... one fine day I hope to be getting me one with fluted CF scales and S90V blade🤗 IDK about the Bugout ... With my 940, Mini Presidio II and Mini Freek I can open and close the knife with just a slight twist of the wrist when I hold back the axis-lock. I haven't managed to do that with a Bugout😫. Just wondering, because I hear a lot of good about Benchmade's warranty: How was their customer service for you?
I've seen people in Instagram that have swapped blades for all black. Looks awesome. I love this knife. I've tried to carry others since I got it but I end up saying screw it and grab this one.
Based on your past reviews, I'm guessing that inside you still prefer the Delica to the Para 3 Lightweight. The reasons, which you have stated over and over again in past videos, are simple: the Delica has thinner blade stock and a narrower blade (from the top of the thumb hole to the edge), than the Para 3 Lightweight. The distinction here is between the gentleman's folder - of which the Delica and the Chaparral are classic examples - and more heavy use knives like the Para 2 and the Sage. I think the Para 3 Lightweight is more likely to appeal to users of the latter type of knife, assuming they are willing to accept a less sturdy handle.
Seems like they really wanted to take on the success of the bugout to me. I got a bugout in March and it's absolutely amazing, can't even notice it in my pocket and I assume this will be the same.
Both knives are comparable, with two differences... 1) color, Bugout blue & green...Para3 lightweight, black 2) Bugout "squishy handle slabs...Para3 better handle ergonomics & not "squishy"
Your reviews, if not the best, certainly are up with the best. Completely reliable and thorough information and honest opinions. I largely agree on Para 3 vs Para 3 lightweight, but not completely. My differences are ones of opinion. No matter the advantages of the FRN scales, I prefer G-10 in hand. In fact, I recently picked up Para 3 in Cru-Wear with micarta scales, and I prefer the feel of the micarta on the Para 3 to G-10. But the pocket clip was horrible.
I really enjoy your knife reviews Nick. Keep them coming! I am seriously considering purchasing the Spiderco Para 3 lightweight, especially after viewing you're review.
Question! How strong is the pocket clip on this? im considering this knife but not sure about the strength of that clip, maybe it breaking off or falling off from my back pocket with getting in and out of the car and moving around with daily movement
Got this knife a few days ago. So far, I prefer the full-fat G10 version; it feels significantly more solid during use. Similarly, the Delica feels more solid, as well. I feel like I have more control with a Delica, whether it is so or not. IMO, this knife would have benefitted from skeletonized liners as on a Delica. Sure, it would have weighed a bit more, but IMO it would have made for a better tool. This being said, I would like to see LWT's improvements incorporated into the G10 version. Namely, the size and position of the lanyard hole and the pocket clip.
Q: Do you think I could squeeze in a bronze washer on the other side of the blade? If I could, would the action improve versus running directly against the FRN?
Great review, much appreciated. I just ordered a few for Christmas gifts. Might get a Delica 4 or Dragonfly for my kitchen drawer; female with small hands.
Thanks again to the generous viewers who donated $271 to local domestic violence shelters to unlock the video two days early. :D
Could you imagine a delica lightweight it would feel like a cloud in your damn pocket
Thank you for highlighting and supporting domestic violence shelters! 💜
--Your friendly DV advocate and knife enthusiast
Thomas Sager
The delica is already lightweight
The fact that you just recommended that we watch another reviewer who disagreed with you about this knife is exactly why I love and appreciate your channel.
Thanks for the kind words. Tony is a reviewer I respect and trust, even when he’s absolutely dead freakin’ wrong, as in this case. 🤣
Honestly, I won't even consider buying a knife that was not made on Earth
I mean, if it wasn’t too expensive, and it definitely was NOT made on earth... I’d think an alien blade was pretty special. No guarantees on quality control though, haha!
@@evshrug just check the return policy.
The Zogians are a pain to deal with.
Jus sayin'
Thomas h • No doubt the return shipping fees would be astronomical, as well.
I just heard my wife sigh in exasperation.
The Spyderco factory on Blorknok 6 has terrible chamfering issues, but they have some neat sprint runs with very exotic steels.
I have an S110V and an S30V regular Para 3 and a LW in CPM-SPY27. You're right Nick. The Lightweight is my favorite. It used to be inconsistent when it comes to fidgeting but I've finally broken it in and it's a drop-shut knife. I love the color of the FRN of the SPY27 version. Speaking of the scales, the one in the Para 3 LW is smoother than the Manix 2 LW or the Seki City Japan knives. I go for bigger blades and my Shaman is my favorite but my Para 3 LW is a close second.
My chef knife is bd1-n, and it's an amazing steel. Sharpen the blade, keep it honed on a steel (ya'll need to understand honing, btw. Don't do a Gordon Ramsey honing. Just two or three swipes to align the burr) and I only have to sharpen three times a year. I use it every day for 4-5 straight hours of cutting in a commercial kitchen. Can't wait to get this steel in a pocket knife!
I got the Nexus Chef Knife on Amazon and love it. BD1N is a fantastic kitchen steel.
I love mine as well!
Yaxall makes kitchen knives in BD1N steel with Micarta handles. I have two of them in my kitchen knife block. My favorites.
@@robertalantickle160 Yes, sir! Mine is a Yaxell Dragon Fire. Best handle and steel in the business. Not too expensive, either!
Thanks for sharing the user testimonials, everyone!
My new favorite EDC. Literally haven't carried anything else since this showed up at me door. Can't agree more Nick.
"Spydercoiest Spyderco ever."
Good to know, and I'll sure be watching for future variants to possibly become my second Spyderco.
Thanks Nick.
I swapped my DLC S30v Para blade, with my Para lightweight blade, and both have perfect drop free action with zero blade play ..!!
Thats encouraging, I almost thought I heard Eric say the internals were different, and wouldn't allow swaps. This is awesome!
@@jesser8369 he said they try to keep everything alike, but that the blades wouldn't necessarily interchange. So, in no uncertain terms, he was saying theoretically they can be swapped, but they can't guarantee they will work 100%. As long as the tolerances are nearly identical (and Spyderco works hard on making sure they keep tight tolerances) it will be no big deal. It's just something to cover themselves in case someone does a swap and it doesn't work. But we all know it will almost certainly work.
No you didn't!
@@michaelcampbell9541 I say a prove it. Post a video or it didn't happen.
Michael Campbell it’s completely possible. There’s only a .001 difference in blade thickness. The handles are very close to the same size per spyderco’s site
I've just gotten in to exploring EDC knives and you and your excellent reviews are an absolute GEM ! Keep being so natural, authentic and down right entertaining. Thank you Nick.
Did a blade swap of a coated CTS-XHP and now have a beautiful "blacked out" P3LW. Smooth as butter with solid lock up. Absolutely no problems.
I recently got one of these and LOVE it. It’s in my pocket all the time now. Thanks for the great review.
I just got mine last night. I didn't know what I was bidding on, and neither did the seller. I reached out to them for more info on the knife and they said it was part of an estate sale and they didn't believe it had ever been carried or sharpened. It has some scratches on the FRN, but other than that was in good shape. I won the auction for $30+shipping. I was pleased as punch when it came in and I saw it was a Para 3. I hadn't heard of the Para 3 Lightweight, so now I'm doing my research at the most opportune time, after you've already paid for it!
Really liking it so far. I just wanted a SpyderCo to help me learn to spidey flick, but I ended up teaching myself on my Bugout before this came in.
It would be helpful if Spyderco could make enough for retailers to keep them in stock.
Spyderco too hot.
Gotta keep up that good old manufactured scarcity and secondary market gouging.
I finally ordered mine today now they are back in stock. Now to wait that evil 4 days for it to arrive.
@@pitiedvod Time to stalk the mail box :-). If you hit refresh on the tracking enough, it comes quicker.
This knife is exactly what I was looking for in a spyderco that none of the others were able to fill completely! Thanks for the review Nick!
Hey Nick, this isn't the ........ wait. This is it. The para 3 lightwiegt. Thank you. This was worth the wait.
The things I would do for a Native 5 with a compression lock.. 🙄
Well, there's a LW Sage 5 coming.
And the worst thing... the lil native has a compression lock...
Seconded
That’s what I kept thinking before I watched this video! Love the profile of the Native, that continuous curve from blade tip to handle base.
However, Shabazz makes some good points, as usual. Both have relatively thick blade stocks, same blade length, similar sized black FRN... but the Para3 LW is easier to fidget with (bigger spydie hole), has a deeper carry pocket clip (for now), and, for now, it exists and I believe it’s back in stock. The Para 3 LW being available now doesn’t just mean you don’t have to wait to get it, but also it’s a known product with all the ergonomic improvements over the original, rather than a wishlist product. What if a Native with a compression lock will have the same blade edge interacting with the lock cutout area “feature” as the ‘lil Native? I’m not saying it will, or that that is particularly a problem for everyone, but we already know the P3LW is good to go.
I preordered one, and I asked BladeHQ if they accepted returns if I changed my mind. They were awesome, basically I had nothing to worry about as long as I didn’t cut with it or disassemble it so it would still be in a “new” open box condition. I don’t know how Golden does it, but the nylon has a finer finish to the handle than my Dragonfly 2 and Ladybug, the action is very smooth, and the fidget factor is strong. Other than a smaller lanyard hole, I’m not sure what a sage 5 LW will do different, and functionally the P3LW is just really good and hard to complain about unless just aesthetically you hate it.
Not going to try to talk you out of pining for a Native Compression lock, but the P3LW is a keeper.
Absolutely, as Nick says the Para 3 is not space efficient in the pocket. The Native 5 more so, not as wide. The Sage 5 LW might scratch that itch, we'll see.
Middle finger flipping is my specialty.
Picked this up today as my first real EDC thanks to your review Nick it's a great knife and I gotta say your reviews are a beautiful thing!
I REALLY wanna see a yellow para 3 lightweight with lc200n steel.
Hell Yeah! LC200N all the things! I would buy 2 actually.
David Martin Portmann yellow is nice cuz it’s easy to dye any color and or keep it yellow for hi-viz
I own a Salt with the yellow frn scales but that would be cool!!
David Martin Portmann it’s a dye called rite dye . If you look through Reddit or the spyderco forum there are tons of walkthroughs on how to do it. It will work best on jade scales but it will work well on yellow too
- Trmxzer0 - I would never buy another edc knife again if the dropped p3 lw salt
The folks at spyderco clearly listen to, consider, and make changes based on what customers want. They love what they do, and it shows.
I love my Para 3 lightweight. I have a Para 3 in black with brown G10 scales. Love the knife, but the clip and FRN handles on the lightweight are kinder to the pocket of my jeans. Easy to get in and out without destroying my jeans.
Fixed two issues on the original, shallow carry, and hotspot, so this has to be a gem
Some of us don't have any problem with the standard clip. Not everything has to be deep carry, and a lot of times I prefer a non-deep carry. More to grab on to to get the knife out of pocket, and I am anti-lanyard so that wouldn't work for me. Not that I mind deep carry, but I think the Para 3 G10 is fine as it is. No hot spots for me either. Everyone is different however! The standard Para 3 is actually one of my all-time favorites and I carry it a lot.
I LOVE the FRN /Wire clip combo - My favorite!
Great review. Not just because it said what I wanted to hear (which it did, full disclosure)--but because Nick makes his points with such simplicity and honesty. They're supported so well and with such apparent ease that it appears the review writes itself. In other words, he makes it look easy: Like every observation is plain to the naked eye and the rationale for any opinions follow so naturally from his observations that one might not even realize they're being persuaded. It's elegant.
I have been looking for advice regarding a knife replacement. This review along with several others published by members of the knife community proved very helpful. I finally decided to purchase the Para 3 LW, I am very satisfied with the purchase. The blade is razor sharp, the blade centered, the opening/closing as smooth as butter, the wire clip enables full concealment.
Literally all the complaints I had with the delica were solved with this knife. Since I got it I haven’t carried anything else. Great Video Nick
Another great one. The Para 3 and PM2 have the same blade thickness. Yet, they still slice better than almost anything in the industry. The Para 3 replaced both my Delica and PM2 as the lightweight, pocket knife for camping since I don't use a pocket knife for batoning. :)
Nick, I just got the Para 3 Lightweight with the blue FRN scales and CPM SPY27 blade. Your review on the basic model was a big part of my decision-making process, and I’m very happy with the knife. Thanks for always putting out useful, honest, entertaining, and just all-around great reviews!
With the Spy27 steel, your Para 3 Light Weight is truly the most Spyderco of the Spyderco knives. 🔪 good choice.
Thanks
Love mine. Totally agree with you. Cuts like a Frisbee through the morning fog 😏
"Golden Colorado" knife. Means more than one employee definitely smokes the wacky tobacky.
Hey! I resemble that remark!
My favorite tobacky
who calls it wacky tobacky? People who have either never smoked pot or boomers
Sticky icky
Grass
Hi Nick
I have a question for you :
If you want to choose between Spyderco Para3 Lightweight & Spyderco Delica4 witch one do you choose?
or you guys I will appreciate your opinion.
Another great review! I still got my Delica Clipit from around 92’. I’ll have this knife by Monday, 9-19-22.
I hear complaints about this knife feeling cheap, centering problems etc and never noticed that they had any impact on using this knife for what it was meant to do. I have 2 and think they’re outstanding and BD1N exceeded my expectations.
I think they should make ZDP 189 standard on the delica with all the color options to keep it competitive with this and the chapparal
Spydercoest spyderco ever. I like it. I own this knife and really like it. Plus another great review by Nick Shabazz.
Nick this is probably going to go down as one of your most iconic reviews. Perfect.
Great great review. While I liked my G10 Para 3... I love my LW model. The wire clip coupled with the rounded FRN scales feels great.
Bring on the sprint runs! I definitely want a light grey FRN sprint with M4 or cruwear blade steel.
Can you imagine how good of a slicer a “skinny” Para 3 LW would be? Give it the same blade stock thickness and BTE geometry as the Chaparral... oh hell yeah.
I bought a Para 3 and a Sage V. The Sage V ended up being carried because it had a better clip. Now that I have a lightweight Para 3 the Sage V is going back to have the screws replaced so I can clean it. What happens when the lightweight Sage 5 is released?
Great video, thanks.
I just bought my second one of the Spyderco Para 3 light weight with the Spy27 steel.
It is the most Spyderco a knife 🔪 can get, I believe.
It is my favorite knife for EDC out of the 100's of knives I have.
This has been my favorite EDC. It disappears in my pocket, cuts very well, and deploys easily.
As a teacher in LA with not much extra $, that is my grail knife.
Because you are a teacher( changing tablet to teacher is the edit. The Swype keyboard on my Android is almost as bad as the voice to text software.) in LA, it's an easy for me to see that it's a Grail Knife for you. The 911 might be Grail Gun for you. I certainly do not invite your job. Thank you for doing what you do.
I've got SPY27 version and swapping blades with regular Para 3 works beautifly.
I am really interested in the Para 3 Lightweight but is CTS-BD1N steel worth the $98 price point?
Greetings. I'm saving for my 1st spyderco. What model do you recommend me. Manix2 Lightweight or Para3 Lightweight?
I love the compression lock as a leftie. I definitely prefer it over a frame lock
Thanks for that info. I'm watching this as I decide if I want this knife as a lefty. I got a Rat 1 and hate how cramped it is to open. I do have fat thumbs though.
@@iansamuelson3666 interesting. as a lefty with big hands i absolutely love my Rat
how do these type of locks perform when swimming or in sand ?
I would so buy this if it came in a lefty model, but I cannot master the right-handed compression lock with my left hand. I've tried with a Para 2.
The PM2 comes in left handed compression lock models.
@@robertalantickle160Yes, I know. But I realized after buying the right-hand model I'd prefer something just a bit smaller with smoother scales. Those G10 scales are a little too grippy for me; kind of rough on my pants pocket, lol.
What do you think of the new Para3 Lightweight in SPY27? Is it worth the extra $42? Still a Gem at that price point?
I will purchase as soon as it's available in Blurple! (hint-hint, Spyderco)
While I prefer the deeper and more gripper scales of my Native 5. The radius edges on the pm3 LW makes up for this change is scale pattern. And the deep carry wire clip wins hands down. It's great EDC knife!
I finally ordered one! Hopefully its worth it!
Update: Love this thing! It's worth more than it's weight in gold!
that would be $3500 in gold. wouldn't say it's worth that.
Do the plastic scales feel as cheap as the ones on the benchmade bugout?
Four years later and sadly still no LC200N version (that I’m aware of). But I am interested to try out a compression lock.
Mine has a little side-to-side play out of the box, but has perfect to the eye centering. I'm very satisfied with the knife for the reasons you stated. As for efficiency for space, for me it is very space efficient and compared to some other Spyderco models is when folded, there is no gap between the blades spine at the base and the scales. This gap leaves the base of the spine exposed and catches on things. I find this knife to be an excellent EDC. It is a full-sized performing ultra-lightweight locking folder that is snag-free with a great action and lock. Mine is also DLC coated for better corrosion resistance. 2023 MSRP is now $200 USD in black, and can be found for $140 USD online.
Just bought one of these today. Feels just like smaller version of the manix lw with a little more solidity which is something I've always wanted as that's my favorite Spyderco knife and the price is right (looking at you Benchmade). Home run
I just got a teal handle S90v sprint run. I see there's also a blue handle in CPM SPY27. Its almost like you knew what you were talking about.
I don’t always share your taste but when I want a complete review I always type in nick shabazz
Just picked up a bd1n manix 2 lw that is really blowing me away (it's been a couple years since I picked up a new spyderco after 17-18 years of carrying essentially only spyderco folders). Now I'm looking back and trying to pick put which new spydies to add to the already large family. Currently torn between a sage 5 lw vs a pm3 lw.... I know I will be happy with either so it's getting down to the nitpicks to decide between the two.
Yes! I actually shouted when I saw the disassembly come up.
Does it cut? We didnt actually hear you discuss and of the actual knife capabilities
I hope that we get multiple color options like the Endura/Delica lines.
Question: I love 99% of my para 2... it is sometimes just a bit to large for my tasks at hand. So, if I were to get the p3 lightweight, will I miss having the liners under the scales?... does this feel like a Delica with the profile of a para3?
Just got mine, like the para3 orig but this one is nicer to carry.
Very pleased with it despite only having a liner on one side. Love the wire clip.
Thoughts on the stop pin going into plastic instead of a liner?
Thanks for your awesome reviews. Would you recommend the Para 3 LW over the FRN chaparral as a primary edc knife, or stick to the Chaparral?
Great review! Looking forward to see how this compares to the sage 5 lw. I prefer the sage design but I'm not that confident in taichung compression locks. Quick question, did you disassemble the native 5 to dye it?
I did!
I just picked this knife up about a week ago. I carry a SAK, farmer, I'd use the scissors everyday and at harvest time I use the saw to cut stems but this time I've been using the para 3 LW and its slicing through stems as thick as your ring finger without any difficulty. I haven't sharpened it since I got it so it's holding its edge very well, You couldn't shave with it but it's going to go through this next stem as quickly and cleanly as it cut the first one.
I don't really like the plastic scales but I did like "Lightweight" but I am over the lightweight and have ordered the titanium scales from HH. Brings the price of this knife up to £180 UK, well over $200. Looking at a couple of reviews of those scales and I like the end results and it looks closer to the knife I am looking for.
I am still carrying the farmer, hard not too, its the scissors, scissors would look crap on a spyderco.
i think you got "Farmer X" since you have scissors and a saw
@@4l1b3k Alox Farmer, X. Ive a few SAK's, I do like the scissors, they are on a few different models. I think there's scissors on the cybertool that I keep in the car. And of all the tools on all the SAK's I have the Scissors get the most use.
Just bought one of these yesterday at the Golden factory USA Earth.
I love mine! One of Spyderco's most exciting EDC-sized options ever. This is really, truly, the "Delica killer" that everybody thought the Boker Patriot was going to be. Now, if they'd just make one with a translucent blue handle like the Manix 2 Lightweight has...
Dang ... and I was just getting around to the idea of maybe buying a Bugout ... guess you gave me a reason to bail out😂🤣😭
@EDC Lyfe 😎👍
This blows the bugout away imo! No omega springs to break here. Flick obsessively all you want,no worries!!
@@jeremysuggs8345 Sage 5LW is even nicer than the Para 3LW, totally worth the extra money😁. Also loving my Benchmade Mini Presidio II though, not the prettiest knife ever but the action on it is just insane😋
@@esoteric5277 i definitely want a sage 5 lw. Kinda like a native with a comp lock! I need to check out the Presidio's. The omega spring on the bugout has really upset me tho,broke twice now,but I've never had problems with my Griptilians so?
@@jeremysuggs8345 The Sage is actually a little bit larger than the Native. The action is supersmooth right out of the box, the FRN actually looks nice on this one and the deepcarry clip makes it easier to get your hand in the pocket. It's a wonderful knife😁 I still love my Native though ... one fine day I hope to be getting me one with fluted CF scales and S90V blade🤗
IDK about the Bugout ... With my 940, Mini Presidio II and Mini Freek I can open and close the knife with just a slight twist of the wrist when I hold back the axis-lock. I haven't managed to do that with a Bugout😫.
Just wondering, because I hear a lot of good about Benchmade's warranty: How was their customer service for you?
I've seen people in Instagram that have swapped blades for all black. Looks awesome. I love this knife. I've tried to carry others since I got it but I end up saying screw it and grab this one.
My girlfriend gave me this knife as a birthday present and I am incredibly happy with her knife taste
She bought me the same knife, i agree she has great taste.
W M damn
@@imcrummy6114 lol
If y'all break up I'd like to get her number.
Nick, where did you get that knife mat?
Based on your past reviews, I'm guessing that inside you still prefer the Delica to the Para 3 Lightweight. The reasons, which you have stated over and over again in past videos, are simple: the Delica has thinner blade stock and a narrower blade (from the top of the thumb hole to the edge), than the Para 3 Lightweight. The distinction here is between the gentleman's folder - of which the Delica and the Chaparral are classic examples - and more heavy use knives like the Para 2 and the Sage. I think the Para 3 Lightweight is more likely to appeal to users of the latter type of knife, assuming they are willing to accept a less sturdy handle.
"you put it in your hand and try not figiting with it" - 👍 damn right Nick 👍
hi, what the sharpening angle of the spyderco para 3 light with the steel cts bd1n please
I want one in M390 or 20CV. If I go with another steel LC200N and S35VN
Seems like they really wanted to take on the success of the bugout to me. I got a bugout in March and it's absolutely amazing, can't even notice it in my pocket and I assume this will be the same.
Thomas Salter Love my bugout as well. Watching this doesn’t make me want to move on from it either.
Both knives are comparable, with two differences...
1) color, Bugout blue & green...Para3 lightweight, black
2) Bugout "squishy handle slabs...Para3 better handle ergonomics & not "squishy"
Just purchased a Spyderco Dragonfly Wharncliffe, and Spyderco para 3 lightweight. Very excited, first Spyderco knives ever owned. 👌🏻
Your reviews, if not the best, certainly are up with the best. Completely reliable and thorough information and honest opinions.
I largely agree on Para 3 vs Para 3 lightweight, but not completely. My differences are ones of opinion. No matter the advantages of the FRN scales, I prefer G-10 in hand. In fact, I recently picked up Para 3 in Cru-Wear with micarta scales, and I prefer the feel of the micarta on the Para 3 to G-10.
But the pocket clip was horrible.
I'm waiting on Sprint Runs/Exclusives in this and the Endela before I get them as I do with most models that I think it will happen with these days👍
What do you like more, this or pm2 camo ?
Hey Nick, I might be late but congratulations on 100,000 followers that's Awesome: ))great job.
Waiting anxiously for mine to arrive...especially now. Thanks for the review Nick
I really enjoy your knife reviews Nick. Keep them coming! I am seriously considering purchasing the Spiderco Para 3 lightweight, especially after viewing you're review.
Lightweight vs the Sage 5. Thoughts?
Great review. What did you think of the BD1N?
Still own mine,still use it along with my We banter on a daily basis. Still tied for my favorite user knife under $150
Yes-yes-yes!!!!
Salt!!!!
YYYYEEEESSSSS!!!!
LC200N!!!!!!!!!!
Love my native 5 salt and a love the compression lock on the para3!!!!!
Already have a g10 para 3 so I am waiting on Spyderco to do a para military 2 lightweight.
Yay!!! Finally!!! I’ve been waiting for this for almost 2 months!!
This is 100% my next knife thanks Nick
If they made that in "Ben Blue" I'd buy it in a second. I'd also love it in that translucent blurple color or whatever that they've done in the past.
Yeah, if the scales weren’t black, I’d love a set of scales I could try to dye.
Question!
How strong is the pocket clip on this?
im considering this knife but not sure about the strength of that clip, maybe it breaking off or falling off from my back pocket with getting in and out of the car and moving around with daily movement
Got this knife a few days ago. So far, I prefer the full-fat G10 version; it feels significantly more solid during use. Similarly, the Delica feels more solid, as well. I feel like I have more control with a Delica, whether it is so or not. IMO, this knife would have benefitted from skeletonized liners as on a Delica. Sure, it would have weighed a bit more, but IMO it would have made for a better tool.
This being said, I would like to see LWT's improvements incorporated into the G10 version. Namely, the size and position of the lanyard hole and the pocket clip.
Would absolutely love a LC200N version of this knife.
I kinda want to try to get my cruwear blade in this handle.
Whoa, didn’t realize how close it was to the delica. I really liked how the para 3 fit my hand tho
Q: Do you think I could squeeze in a bronze washer on the other side of the blade? If I could, would the action improve versus running directly against the FRN?
Great review, much appreciated. I just ordered a few for Christmas gifts.
Might get a Delica 4 or Dragonfly for my kitchen drawer; female with small hands.