Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight “Hype Vs Reality”
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 พ.ย. 2019
- This is a hype vs reality full review of the Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight with Bd1N steel. This is a comprehensive review with size specs, comparisons, and footage of me using the knife. I will put a link here to Rivers Edge Cutlery, where I picked this guy up:
riversedgecutlery.com/
I've carrying the para3 lw for almost two years solid, in fact I still carry it everyday and I love it. I have blades we love ultra para3 and a old para3 with the digi camo g10. The action on my 3lw is far better than the others , it's stupid smooth on 1 washer. I never oil it , I wash it with dawn and dry it with paper towels and it's never rusted or stuck on me. The only problem is it's just slightly and I mean slightly off center after hard use for 2 yrs. Just my experience, I'd definitely buy again.
Really glad I caught this review. I’m also a Bugout fan.
I have both Para3 lightweight and reg and small Bugout prefer Para3
Different strokes man... I always will believe that preference rules:)
Great video man. Honest review and couldn’t agree more. Thanks for being truthful. Wish I watched this before I bought mine though lol.
Thanks a lot... it’s the only way I know how to be. Hopefully I can help you avoid it next time😉 lol
Thanks for good honest review.
Of coarse... and thank you for watching:)
Great video...Very informative I was looking at this one or the Bugout U made my decision a lot easier THANKS BROTHER! 👍👊
Thanks David!! Glad I could help with your decision👊 I don’t think there’s many people out there that would recommend the para 3 Lw over the Bugout, except of coarse, all the Spyderco fanboys.
Lol...l hear ya I should be receiving the 535 in a couple days... Thanks again 👍👊
I like your point of view about the knife . Now I know I will go for the G10 version . I hate blade play and can see how it will develop because of 1 less washer .
Awesome video Kenny! And yep I have been waiting on this one from you because I’ve been seriously thinking about getting the Blk Blade version that’s coming out. And I still might for $100 it’s not a bad knife at all. You make extremely good points though as always thanks for sharing awesome job. 👊🤙👍
Thanks Adam, and yeah, I definitely think you’d be better off grabbing the Bugout, and I hope you did. I hope they redo the para 3 Lw, or just can it and make the original better.
InThePocket
Hey man if u know anyone interested I have a BHQ Exclusive Para3 M4 Blk Blade never carried or used with Lynch Clip for $200 if so just let me know and I’ll be happy to send email with pictures 👍 thanks
A Ray I could do a story on Instagram and see if anyone is interested. What’s your email?
InThePocket
adamray7308@gmail.com
Thanks Kenny I really appreciate it.
InThePocket
I have it posted on IG but it doesn’t get seen much. I sent u the post on IG of it up for sale. Thanks again brother 🙏
I got a question on this knife. I just bought it and used it a couple of times. The line that goes down attached to the spydy hole sliced my thumb. I've never had a Spyderco from Golden so sharp around the gimping and on that line. Is yours the same? I even tried filling it down but still sharp.
Hmmm... that’s interesting. I haven’t had one that was sharp really, at least not that sharp lol I would maybe file it a little more, and round it over. That’s weird though
Cheers Mate!
I agree with Rivers edge cuttery , great people and customer service , thanks for your feedback on the Para 3
Yeah man... great shop👍 Of coarse bro👊
Thanks for your review...watching this from the south of Germany. I hope your hand will get well soon...
Thank you, and my hand is all better:) Cheers buddy🍻 from Southern California🤙
The Para 3 LW is a good EDC overall. I prefer the CPM-S30V steel over the BD1N.
I’m glad you said it. Totally agree.
Wish they made a lefty like at least one version of the para 3 please
If it helps I'm a lefty and I dont have a problem using the standard lock. Just takes a little practice and fidgeting.
just when i told myself i would get the LW. now I'm reconsidering.
Finally someone who knows what they're talking about....Right on! BTW, Spyderco Sage 5 LW is the way to go....full liners, no centering issues, better steel, same wire clip, same compression lock with better action, 40$ cheaper than the regular sage 5 with no steel downgrade, and imo a better looking knife. Don't fall into the bs hype!
Damn dude... I’m going to have to grab one now! Thanks for letting me know about that👍👊
I agree that sage 5 is a great knife, it just sucks that para 3 have almost the same built but uses bd1n steel, I would have bought sage 5 lw ages ago if it wasn't the leave shape blade. I like the way para 3 and pm 2 looks with that triangular shape blade and thick blade stock. But the sage 5 lw is definitely super underrated.
@@inthepocket7405 The FRN version actually has a slightly shorter blade. Check in Knifecetner. 2.95" vs 3" blade on the G10
@@JMRabil675with the sage 5? Nah I own both, they are the same.
Where did you get that para 3 with the red handle?
That was a sprint run from St. Nick’s retail shop.
I'll take no liner on one side over an omega spring, and prefer the compression lock. Own a bugout, carry a pm3lw. Would prefer a second liner, but I've had no issues. Haven't seen or heard of one failing. Why don't you do a video that stress tests the pm3lw and the bugout? I'd be interested in seeing what breaks first and where.
Different strokes... there are inherent ergonomic issues with the comprehension lock, otherwise I have no issue with them. I also have no issue with omega springs. I’d love to stress test both knives... are you supplying them?
Is the handle machined (milled)? I think it might be injection molded…
What part of California has a 3 inch limit?
These is no stated length limit for folders in California, concealed or not, unless there is a specific ordinance for an area.
Mine came perfect love it
Right on👌
Happy with mine, USA Made compression lock Great value got top end Spydercos good edc
I have a para 3 lW. It’s a great knife and I love it.
What is IW? I own 17 Para 3s and 7 PM2s, and I don’t think I know what that is, do I?
@@yankee2yankee216 lightweight
@@NewBlackYork Correct. The “L” in my “LW” apparently came through lower case.
That said, I like it for different reasons. My favorites are the G-10 models, the scales of which I replace with aftermarket scales. I also swap in other hardware, including clips, back spacers and other hardware. Those are my “customs.” I like the LW because it gives me almost everything I get with my G-10 versions, but in a package that is even more pocket-friendly and easy to carry. It is often the one I actually carry!
I just got this. The action seems very tight and sluggish compared to everyone that is reviewed. I'm a newbie to Spyderco. Does it take a lot of practice to flip it open or is my one just too sluggish? Is there anything you can do besides oil to loosen it up? Perhaps loosen the main screw? I see it needs an unusual screw driver to undo it. HELP please
Well, there is always going to be a variance on the example you get, and some are more smooth than others. It absolutely takes practice and muscle memory still. I can flip just about any knife at this point, no matter how stiff.
@@inthepocket7405 Thanks for your reply.I been practicing.I got it now.A quick flick rather than a fast push is the key I think.Does this mean I am now part of the knife community? I've been looking for the clubhouse but can't find it?🤠
I bought my first spyderco para 3 the other week. It’s in maxamet and grey g10. I couldn’t get behind the plastic scales, but I gotta say that edge retention on the maxamet is worth the extra few dollars in my opinion. Sharpmaker coming in a week so I’m curious to see how well it will sharpen up with my novice sharpening skill.
The problem with maxamet is it will rust. So if you work outside in the rain and snow or hot sun, it's gonna be covered in sweat, rain, and grit causing it to corrode. Or if you live in a humid environment. Since the para 3 is supposed to be a worker, for working people, I don't think maxamet is the best choice, unless of course you work inside or live in a non humid environment, then it doesn't apply. Even then the "patina" it gets (rust) just looks bad to me. Of course appearance is subjective, though.
Kenny I’m with you 💯 it’s a good knife but very underwhelming!! I have the para3lw and honestly wish I would’ve grabbed the bugout only because I think it’s just a better knife!!! Really good video!!! Thanks for sharing brother!!!👊👊👊
Exactly bro... I wander if any of the other new lw’s are any better, but I doubt it. Yeah, the Bugout wins this battle every time for me. Thanks a lot buddy👊👊
I’ve owned two Bugouts, but to me they seemed like really cheap and flimsy blades for the cost.
I like the comparison between the Para 3 and the Bugout. Bugouts were among the first knives I bought, and they are very good knives, but since then, I have shifted my allegiance to Spyderco, the Para 3 model in particular (I have 13 different versions). The Para 3 fits my hand perfectly, and I like the weight. It is also much shapelier than the Bugout! It took me a while, but now I prefer the Spydie-hole to most other deployment methods. I LOVE the huge aftermarket for customization parts. Most of my Para 3s have aftermarket scales, most in brass, Cu or Ti, and many of those have aftermarket clips and backspacers. I have become adept at taking them apart and putting them back together! I love my Para 3s (and I like my PM2s)! They are, for me, among the best EDC pocket knives.
Which aftermarket clips would you recommend for para3? Im planning to buy and costumize it and wonder which companies do cool scales. I know about flytanium scales and Lynch clips.
@@wenix4934 I have not chosen a brand for deep-carry clips. MOST of them are unbranded, and I find that the cheapest ones (as little as $10) are not much worse quality than the more costly ones (as much as $45; I’ve never had one fail to work as intended). For my Para 3s, I always get the offset type, to (better) avoid the lanyard tube, whereas for Paramilitary 2s, the straight type works just fine.
At first I didn't feel the "no washer" would be an issue as FRN isn't going to wear, however after seeing how unstable the blade is I think it needs a washer and partial liner. When hard push cutting blade stability is necessary for control. Excellent review!
Kenny my bug out and reports of many others, has a very narrow pivot screw tension to center and prevent blade play, so point to spyderco. Running BDN1 below 60 though point to Benchmade and their S30V, the whole reason for BDN1 is to get higher hardness in a fairly easy to sharpen steel. The LW gets in my pocket more than the BO. I now have several LW including the M390, perfect centering eludes the model, but then I bought from the exchange more than direct from dealers. BO wins on color choice though.
I disagree. You can adjust and tune the action , and its the safest knife ive ever had
Great opinion bro👍 this is mine
Hey bro I dont wana spend alot of money on M a spyderco I do have a tenacious which was my first knife I wanna get the spyderco para 3 lightweight do u think it's a good everyday carry knife I also have a benchmade griptilian which I love but i really like spyderco
Hey man if it's any consolation I have a 551 S30V grip and a BD1N para 3 lw and I can tell you that in hand the para 3 feels sturdy enough to take on the same jobs I use the grip for. It carries better in the pocket and I low-key prefer it over my normal G10 Para 3.
@@lolman1256 yes bro I have the all black para 3 lightweight its awesome man among other awesome brands like giantmouse that's my top favorite
I don’t have the issues with centring you seem to have. Very little play too, fluid opening. I’m sorry yours is playing up. Maybe disassemble yours and clean it up, then reassemble it? I did that to help make sharpening the blade easier in a clamp and its action and play are maybe even better afterwards than when it came out of the box.
Where did you buy your green cutting board?.
I think I got it on Amazon or eBay. Just search grid or graph cutting mat.
@@inthepocket7405 Thank you.
Pro tip: Put a small washer under the screw that holds the clip on. Without one, it's kinda weak. That's my only complaint.
probably didnt use the ball bearing because then it would be too similar to the other lightweight knife that Does have the ball bearing, just a thought, nice review thank you
I chose the bugout over the pm3 ,bit still might get the pm3
Thanks for this. I'll definitely not be getting the lightweight. This is the most honest review of the para 3 lightweight
Which knife would be better for self defense? Para 3 has better grip but the Bugout deploys faster...
Para 3 100000000% for SD ;)
Wrong weapon of choice !!!
Mace, if you don’t want to go to jail for assault with a deadly weapon.
Maybe I missed this detail in the review, but what sharpening system do you use?
I use a kme... not sure I mentioned it in this one.
@@inthepocket7405 Cool, thanks for the info man! I agree with you on the Para 3 lw, every one I have seen is off center, and compared to the Bugout it is a big miss.
i just got one, and i hate it lol...i also attribute that to having a manix with awt scales to compare it to though(which is amazeballs)...i been pondering on getting awts for the lw bc they were game changing on the manix...
I think its a preference thing but my para 3 lightweight is my go to edc to really use.which surprised me.i was iffy of the plastic handles with no real liners. the reasons are it's size , weight,wire clip and ease of disassembly to clean .ive used it for everything from cutting bait fish to sandpaper once haha .it works for me.my preferable edc would be the 940 but after 4 months and the omega springs broke that's out.i do have a manix 2 lightweight on the way so we will see about that
Yeah man... preference is king. You should also check out the native 5 Lw. The salt one with Lc200n is excellent, and you wouldn’t have to worry about anything really👍
Although I love the Para 3, the Lightweight isn't for me. I'm disappointed to say at least.
Both my P3's LW (regular and the DLT exclusive) have blade play, very bad centering, terrible action and because it weighs almost nothing the balance is way of.
I do like the deep carry wire clip and the rounded corners which improves the ergo's.
I like the CTS BD1N they use. It's very easy to sharpen, also nice for a change, and will hold a decent edge.
Just my experiences and opinion.
I agree with you 💯👍 as my video displays
is bd1n better than vg10?
Yes.
Ouch ill stay to my ganzo f759m; much prefer the back lock and 440c.
Yup I figured you were going to say that why didn’t the place that clip where it’s at to begin with I passing on it maybe another time. Oh man blade play dang it’s terrible there going to have to come out quick with that continued quality control like next week. Dude I have several bugout that Zach Stuff got me into. And they should’ve use placement of lanyard hole where the lightweight is they got so much shit cuz everyone had to get a crazy deep carry
Yeah, I hope they do their constant quality improvement on this knife ASAP. I hope they take some of the best aspects of the lw, and implement them on the regular. It would make it that much better.
InThePocket it would be perfect then I hope it works out for you and yea CQC is good but you have to buy the knife all over again. now my thing is if you have a version where your knife isn’t working to well then the do a CQC and fixes it shouldn’t they send the person I’m not saying all cuz not all older versions are bad I’m saying just the problems ones. Should be able to get the upgrade it’s the same damn knife but it’s now what you should’ve gotten in the first place instead of had to buying the great new one and your stuck with the problem knife unless you wanna pay for the knife all over again so you have 2 one shitty one and the great CQC. Here’s my thought and it’s good business with keeping faith in a company by doing the right thing for there customers who probably bought more the one knife from the company and probably referred people to the company as well. I think it would be good business if they “said hey your having a problem then go ahead and send us the problem knife and we will send you the new CQC knife no charge since you already bought knife once”. It’s not FARE to the people that buy a let’s say a kapara cuz this is the latest issue situation knife I watched. I’ve seen so many so far. bad first batch but not all were bad that’s why I’m not saying call a complete recall on all first batch kapara’s there not cheap man and it doesn’t drop and it’s not a case of it not being broken in yet he had it for several months or something like that still never got to drop shut on a compression lock and now that CQC fixed it you have to spend all that money so you can get a drop shut compression lock knife which go hand In hand. Point being customer service and the company should send everyone with legitimate issue on all first batches or really any batch these knives very expensive knife now I’m also saying there should be limits I think you get one upgrade because if they do CQC on kapara 4 times (hopefully not lol...) and you want the latest CQC version then hell no your trying to cheat the company. I say again you get one CQC upgrade and you must let them know what the issue is so they can document it in there system or some along those lines so you don’t have everyone with a kapara saying ohh mines all messed up too it should be for actual legitimate issues only and away to some how keep track that you used your onetime upgrade. Sorry for long comment but I think it shitty people have to pay for another knife when they already did it’s just they got a bad one there should be no bad high end type knives especially from spyderco.now doesn’t that make total sense everyone’s happy and spyderco doesn’t loose a customer they just may gain cuz of the fix. Anyway peace brother sorry I’m a commenter lol..sorry again so long.
Lol you make some really good points👍 it would probably be very costly and labor intensive to do that, but it would definitely be going above and beyond. I think a more vigorous quality control would spearhead issues however, and they would avoid the issues before they happen.
I really wnated to love my para3 lw but the combination of not being able to keep the blade centered and that leading to bad blade retention (not edge retention) lead me to sell it.
Kind of surprised that it has only 1 bronze washer . I took another bronze washer out of a PM2 and put it on the other side and , and it worked . Not sure how much better the knife is with or without it , but I figured that the blade pivoting against the FRN would wear it out eventually . Knife went back together fine and with just a little sanding of the washers ( 1200 grit wet/dry ) the knife is very smooth and the blade is centered .
One thing to be careful of with this knife - after carrying it to work for a couple of days , I looked at the pocket clip , and noticed it was flexing and no longer laying flat on the scale . I tried putting a washer with the screw ( just wide enough to cover the clip that sits in to the grooves in the scale ) and it made a big difference in stability , and now the clip stays "planted " in the scale . Shouldn't have to do this - if Spyderco used a screw with a larger head , that would probably have been sufficient .
Interesting.... That’s smart man.Yeah, I can’t believe they made it like that. I hope they decide to change that with their CQI.
Yeah the moment you said it only has one washer I was done. Thank you from saving me from a bad purchase. I don't know who the hell Spyderco thinks they are but apparently they think they can charge $115 for a plastic knife with one washer and basically American VG 10 kiss my ass LOL. Thank you for the review
The bugout is about 40 bucks more isn't it?
Don’t know which version you’re looking at, but no.
@@inthepocket7405 the one I just got from Blade HQ was 144 plus tax.
@@inthepocket7405 It's about 20 more depending on which you get.
maybe the action just depends knife to knife because mine is really smooth
It always depends on the example, like everything.
Yeah mines smooth too
Bugout meilleur lame, meilleur longueur, meilleur poids, meilleur verrouillage... Par contre spyderlock plus rigolo 👍
Thx for this video ✌🏿️
Not surprised. After seeing the construction, it was a no go as I tend to be a bit rough with my knives as well.
What happened to my notifications I’m at least 4 in the pocket reviews behind
I don’t know man... I’m sneaking by:)
I don’t agree with this review! Para 3 is an awesome knife and in my opinion better than bugout!
Everyone has their opinion... this is just mine, and most people seem to agree with me. I’m not comparing the regular para 3... just the Lw.
No....fuck that!
Para 3 LW wins all the time every time! Every time!
I own bugout, para 3 lw and para 3. Bugout is the most comfortable EDC for a city boy - not super sturdy, but very stealthy and does the job. Para 3 feels sturdy, very well built, good all-rounder. Para 3 LW falls in the middle and often suffers from not-so-great centering, needs loctite everytime you take it apart also. Its a great knife, but tbh the worst of the three
The Bugout is boring, but otherwise a good knife. I have a couple I haven’t seen for a while. I also have 17 different P3s/PM2s, most with aftermarket (metal) scales and other parts, which IMHO, make great knives even better!
My one and only Para 3 lightweight (I have many modified G-10 knives) has SEVERE lock-stick, which seems to be due to a rough surface on the tang, where it interfaces with the lockbar. I am in the process of returning it, to a seller I will name only if they give me a hard time!
The dark red and black spyderco is so mint
Tighten the pivot some it will re-center the blade. And no more blade
Play
Then it would not flick like he is flicking it. It’s a single bushing
5th pocket option??!?
I carry these in my fifth pocket on my jeans, and some of my shorts too. It just depends on the depth of the pocket.
Беру)) спасибо!
you did your own anodizing?
I like most things about my Para3 LW but I definitely carry the Bugout way more and I'm getting a second Bugout for Christmas. The Bugout is Definitely better.
I have a second one coming too👊 it was hard to pass up on that 99$ blackout Bugout, that’s for sure hahaha
@@inthepocket7405 yes it was! I'll be getting some scales and hardware soon hopefully. I like making them mine!
Nice! I have some jade g10 coming for mine too, as you know I do too:)
I don't understand guys that complain about the action on their knives, just slightly loosen some hardware and you're good to go..
Does anyone ever use their knives for anything other than cutting cardboard?
Cut the buttons off a rattlesnake with mine last week lol
I cut a lot of other stuff, but cardboard is one of the better ways to get a true perspective when comparing
@@inthepocket7405 I meant it more as a complaint about modern life, not a diss on your review :)
Nexus runs their kitchen knives in BD1N at 63 Rockwizzle.
Now that’s a solid Rockwizzle for this steel👌
I have 3 para 3s no play
Im not buying the wear issue, dogsled runners are made from simmilar material and do not wear despite hunders of miles over snow, ice, hidden logs and yes even pavement.
I can't believe flicking the blade open and cutting would affect the tolerances.
As well conveyer belts ride on this material nonstop with no wear.
Maybe clean and lube it.
Mine has no play, and im keeping it, sorry were not on point, this my finding.
im keeping it, just saying.
great review, I feel your honesty and not getting caught in positive hype is refreshing. I dont think you were being overly critical and your criticisms seem based in reality and experience rather than speculation. Its a great knife and I dont think you dont like the knife. Sounds like you really like it. But it does not meet your standards of a double walled knife. Thanks for sharing!
I think it’s almost perfect except blade centering. But everyone has there own agenda. Lol.
So blade play is not an issue for you, I’m guessing.
Mine has not so great centering. Will it develop blade play?
This guy sits around watches a of nuttin fancy videos and literally tries to mimic him
🤣🤣🤣 I have literally never watched nuthin’ fancy👍
I seriously don’t understand the lack of liners and the missing washer for the price its still a 200 $ knife for canada i think its stupid and unacceptable to basically sabotage the knife for 1 oz fuck me
The LW model is quite popular. It has the same blades as the G-10 version (different steels), in a slimmer, lighter package. I just got one, and it seems to work pretty well (I do seem to be getting a bit more lock-stick than usual). I like it, but not better them my G-10 models, most of which have been customized with aftermarket parts, including scales, clips, backspacers and hardware (the LW model has far fewer customization options). My collection contains 2 models, 17 Para 3s and 7 Paramilitary 2s, and they are all distinctly different! I truly LOVE my Para 3s and PM2s!
Yeah... I was underwhelmed by this knife to say the least. The knife was well done and excellent in most ways.... but yeah just underwhelming.