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I tried putting a lunch clip on my spyderco para3 and the screw doesn't tighten just spins. Now I have messed up my scales. I'm thinking I'm sending it back.
Thank you for the video!! Do you know which screws have the LW? I need to replace mine and I was wondering if they are standard and I can buy them somewhere? Thank you!!
Hey! Can fyou tell me if the handle of lightweight is like sleezy? Meaning in compearence with delica or endura the plastic is like a dry in a hand, but in endura4 and delica 3 it is more like a runner feeling, that is why it is betrter felt in hand. Tnx!
The Para 3 lw feels cheaper than every Benchmade I have, however I don't have a bugout which I think is supposed to complete with this knife. I never got a bugout, because of the flex it doesn't feel solid. For this money I want a solid knife.
@@209chevymon The ones's I have handled felt chunky in hand and most are set up without a deep pocket clip. The Para 3 LW has a contoured handle and I love the wired deep pocket clip.
What about the slipperiness of the FRN and the speed and sureness deploying from the pocket? I got the LW and it’s slippery like a bar of soap compared to a delica. Is the g10 less slippery?
Good video! Just ordered my first Spyderco.....Para 3! Perhaps my last, the price kind of hurt. Anyway, definitely ordered mxg gear deep carry clip. Looking forward to it!!!
Just bought my first PM2 last week camo g10 satin blade. Think I need a PM3 now!! Cant't believe out of my 40-50 EDC type folders I have accumulated I never got the PM's before last week. I'll be getting a PM3 G10. Great presentation as always .
I just got my first Para 3 G10 in S45VN and I love it. Ordered a deep carry pocket clip for it. 26 bucks not bad. I’ve had A PM 2 for a few years now. Have had a lot of different spydies.
I have two para 3 lightweights. One in BD1N and one in M390. I have zero blade play. They both drop shut just like my G10 models do. The only gripe I have is that because lightweights only have one washer they are all uncentered. I did fully disassemble and properly clean them and lube them with nano oil. Zero blade play.
They aren't all off center. You're just as likely go get a slightly off center blade in the G10 variant. "That guy" also has an upload about how to center the blade of any knife. Maybe you'll find that useful? 😏
I have both. I have no issues on blade play and no fall shut problems with the LW. Centering though on LW is a problem but only slightly offset and not causing problems.
I love my Cruware Para 3 with gray G10 scales, it is a great knife. I also really like my Para 3 in 52100 steel and carbon fiber scales. I have had two Para 3 LW's and got rid of them both. I did not like the feel at all. They could not compare. As long as you accept that you'll need an after market clip, the Para 3 is an excellent knife. Close to the perfect EDC.
It is better than just normal BD1, but it's still a budget steel. They upgraded their old BD1 knives to BD1N without a price increase (ukpk, cat). Given that it's frn + budget steel, it seems like you're paying a premium for that compression lock.
DontBotherNone Yeah that’s not accurate it’s a new technique that hasn’t been completely tested out. Early tests though are putting it on par with s30v and s35v
The screw that holds the compression lock liner has to be adjusted as well. I think the unlined FRN is sensitive to the torque on both screws (lock and pivot) - at least, when I adjusted both (left neither over-tightened), I got the blade centered without play and drops shut on my LW. Maybe I just got a ringer.....it is M390 so maybe the factory treated it extra-special. And thank you for thinking critically and discussing the trade-offs of weight and strength and what the design goals are. Nice comparo.
Agreed that's why I purchased mine in G10 as a matter of fact thanks to you and another knife I have that's also in G10 I was able to decide should have it in 2 to 3 days can't wait thanks for the review it helped
Got a P3 LW for like 7-8 months, and I also got side blade play. Even after a disasembly cleaning etc (if I tighten it more, then blade wont drop freely) and I own couple spydies so yeah.... The action is nowher as smooth as a PM2 I owned. So I think i'm gonna try a standard G10. The size is pretty perfect. Like probably many customers, just wish Spyderco will include wire clips on all their let's say "small knives". Also hoping for some LC200N P3 and PM2 would be a dream that come true haha.
I have a small collection of Para 3s, all which started out as G-10 knives, most of which I have switched out the G-10 for copper, brass or titanium scales, sometimes backs pacers and deep-carry clips. I have kept some of the prettier original G-10 scales on their knives, and have kept all the original scales with their original blades/frames, so that a future owner can convert them back if desired.
I had that, then I followed a tip I found - clean it out and reassemble/lightly lube it, tighten up fully on both sides, then a quarter turn off on each side to the same amount. To my surprise, it flips smoothly, and has no play.
Yeah I don't understand how g10 makes it $45 more. Must be shaping and fitting the g10 vs the molds for the plastic because g10 is not that much more expensive material wise.
@@bxllyjxck4339 because it also has an extra washer and full liners on both sides, I think FRN is actually supposedly more difficult to manufacture. not to mention it has s45v steel…though I’ve heard the bd1n still performs pretty well
I love my all black frn para 3 with the cts bd1n steel, its my edc. I have a blurple pm2 that I like too but don't carry or use it. I just ordered the maxamet para 3, I hope I like the g10. I like how the frn is easy to pull out of my pocket, where the g10 i really have to try to pull it out with my pm2. We'll see though..
I must have got a perfect one, or just tuned it up just right. Mine is centered, drops shut and has no play in any direction. I do agree that FRN has a cheaper feel then what I expected.
My Para 3 LW’s wire clip keeps coming off. Look at the head of the fastener. Couldn’t Spyderco find a fastener with a wider head that actually fully covered the width of the wire clip..??
I’m a G10 fan and agree. My only issue with this knife is how the blade tapers from the pivot to point. The reason I saw that is I’m an old school lansky sharpener guy I’ve had one for 30 years and it’s not designed for a taper. Might sound petty but I like my blades razor sharp and the Lansky delivers...maybe I need to broaden my horizons.
I’d like a spyderco in a different blade style in about. 3.25 inch blade with a compression lock or the ball bearing lock. I just don’t see anything I like. They seem to have one issue or another that I don’t like that’s preventing me from getting one.
I have a unused zt 0562 cf I would like to trade for something like that Gray para 3 or a m390 Version I like that blue m390 one Bento Box has is that a Legit place It says it's still in stock
I had a Manix 2 lightweight with BD1N and I thought it held an edge good enough and it seemed to sharpen back easier than S30V. Overall I was pretty satisfied with the steel.
honestly i like the frn scales on the spyderco because of the design and it does look grippy but I like the heft that g10 gets you. if it had s45vn steel and frn scales for $30 less then i would get it.
I’m glad you talked about the fidget factor difference here... I thought I was the only one who noticed. Definately prefer the g10 fidget feeling more. The feeling when it locks up is so much better.
My father used to say that when USC played Notre Dame in college football that he was rooting for a tornado. He didn't care for either team ;-) He just passed away, so I'll give him some grace.
I like the G10 better too... Going to get the LW to try out SPY27. Shabazz did a video on swapping the handle of the LW with a G10 version.. I can swap out the handle if the LW is not to my liking. (first world problems..) Thanks for the video.
I just ordered 2 new hardware kits, because tha lanyard tube could not be removed without damaging it (I have the tool, but if the tube resists, it just slips into the tube, flaring it out and locking it even harder in place; the tool works when the tube is not particularly tight, but when it is, you will need a new tube)!
My issue with the spyderco G10 is it grips so hard with it's pocket clip. it's going to ruin my pant pocket rasping so hard against it from taking in and out.
I just bought my first Para 3 yesterday, have carried a Para 2, primarily, as my EDC for months now. I had a chance at getting the Digi Camo G10 in S30V but my dealer had a black handled G10 in S45VN he was willing to sell me for the same price (something larger retailers would not do). I went with the steel upgrade over the scales as nominal an upgrade as it might be. Besides, I can change the scales, can change the blade steel. Not ready to call this my favorite Spyderco yet or even that’s superior to my Para 2. Your 100% right about the clip, it’s awful. Other then some minor things to get used to, I can see myself carrying this in my rotation. Great review, thanks
My P3LW is super slick with no blade play in any direction. Just unlocking it, the blade closes completely on it’s own and from the factory. I have other model LW’s that are stiff as you described. Based on my limited experience with Spyderco LW’s I just got lucky.
My lightweight was super smooth with no blade play from the factory too, didn’t need any break-in period like on my lefty pm2. Was pretty much perfect out of the box - except for centering, but that seems to be part and parcel for the single washer setup on the lightweight. All in all I’ve had an excellent experience
I had 1 time BD1 with corrosion spots under the patina.... never again! And I have rather a edge that hold up a week than a edge that is easy to sharpen but I don’t have my pro sharp gear at me all the time and if I field sharpen I have to bring the edge back to mirror shine at home anyway.
It would be cool to test some knives for strength, using some kind of machine to break them, in some useful, informative way (i.e. related to usage), while measuring how much force it took to break them. It would also be interesting to see what breaks first.
FRN for work all the time >>> those ramps give you way more traction when your hands are wet . i wash them in the sink when i get home and they are like new . they dry off pretty quickly as well. G10 only on Sundays when you wanna look good for church
I have both, and find I carry the LW a lot more often. Mine drops shut just as well as any of my other compression lock Spydercos. Fidgets just fine. The BD1N holds an edge pretty well, but it’s no super steel. It takes a nice hair popping edge pretty fast though, so I don’t mind. It’s kinda like the Bugout to me. Not a hard use knife at all, but a great all around edc. And yeah, FRN feels and looks cheap, but it works just fine.
Went with the original Para 3. I hate both style stock clips. The paper-clip-looking one on the lightweight looks cheap and tends to rip out. I'll be buying a deep carry clip anyway, so I might as well upgrade the grips and steel. I like the delica but it's my beater EDC. Wanted a better, more professional knife. Considered the Sage 5 but it has the paper-clip style clip and I don't like that blade shape.
Para 3 is riding more smooth because it has 2 bronze washers sandwiching the knife and para 3 LW has only 1, that’s why it’s impossible to make it flip smooth and have 0 blade play. Para 3 for me
I hate BOTH my para 3 LW's. I bought another one cause I thought I got a bad deal on the action on the first one. Love my G10 one though! It's a winner 🏆
I figure if it’s 7 OZ or more, it’s heavy. Less that that, and it’s light! I agree that for most people, lighter is better, however, I cannot get upset about a few ounces. If I were going on a hike, where I would carry everything with me, long distances and elevation changes, I would definitely pick a light one. But around town, and around the house, where I do most of my carrying, I prefer a heavier knife. I have a bunch of Para 3s in fact, and they all have copper, brass and titanium handles. No lightweight (wimpy!) G-10 for me!
We may be watching because we need another knife like we need a hole in the head, but looking for any excuse to justify another knife. My philosophy, no such thing as too many/much: Knives Hats Fishing rods/reels Guns Ammunition Scotch Flashlights Garlic
The lightweight competition is silly. These knives are primarily plastic, they flex too much, and for the money you want a solid knife. Ill take an extra ounce of weight for metal liners. You hand it to someone and they think it's a 20$ knife
I just can't get past the fact that lots of LW users report off-center blades - I get it, it's only one bronze washer because of compression lock, but come on man at least get the FRN "washer" correct to make the blades center more! It's just sloppy in my opinion, considering it's a popular $100 knife, and Spyderco keeps inscreasing their prices every year. The BD1N steel is nice, and FRN has its pros, but overall, it is simply a cheaper version of the G10 Para 3. The hype is gonna fade in my opinion, I assume many people especially new comers bought the knife because it's a budget version of a classical design with compression lock, it's gonna be their cool fidget spinner. True users can't have Para 3 LW as the only knife, they either return it, or keep it as a side piece to their Para 3 G10s/Native 5s.
Not being able to centre the blade without play and good action really gets on my onion's especially on a £100 knife from an outfit like Spyderco who are arguably one of the best production knife makers,,✌️
Hardly... But seriously dude, you could just watch something else on my channel if you think this is redundant. At 14+ uploads per week, you're not limited here.
@@metal_complex Wow! Triggered by my comment. Take constructive feedback in stride and your channel will grow. This one. czcams.com/video/8P6NhsZkl_Y/video.html. I mean what else is there to say about the para three that you did not mention here in your 23 minute overview.
@@tyroneshoelaces9742 "triggered"? Really... come on. You're just trying to be a troll. Fortunately most of us are adults and are gonna be more amused by your childishness than upset by it.
@@tyroneshoelaces9742 C'mon dude. Move along. I only take the criticisms I want to take, and yours isn't constructive. I don't care about your ego either, so if you flare up, I'll just remove you. *ps* - I didn't get here by accident. Don't tell me how to run my channel.
@@metal_complex come on MC he has 1 subscriber, he knows what he's talking about. Lol 😂 on the flip side you've helped me pick another knife, Im going to go with the maxamet G10, I'd upgrade the scales and that's 60-80$ I might as well get a better steel, I'll get a new clip for it. No big deal
@@johnpaulpalmucci7456 I don't agree. I've tried to run right handed pm2 and p3 left handed and almost drop the knife. I get that people do it but it doesn't work for me. I'll stick with my left handed pm2 or 940-1 or UTX85 unless they mirror them eventually because I like to close reliably one handed.
Para 3s are definitely flawed, esp. regarding getting it’s action perfect AND free of blade play, at the same time! But that is not a deal breaker for me. For me the keys are perfect size and fit in my hand, that it feels very good in my hand, and that it has very good action. I can usually tune my knives so that everything is perfect, or almost perfect. In most ways, the Para 3 works for me.
Nothing against Pete. He's an awesome guy, and generally does great testing videos. However, Larrin Thomas is an actual metallurgist. This information trumps what you've got there. knifesteelnerds.com/2020/05/01/testing-the-edge-retention-of-48-knife-steels/
I mean... I guess "different" is a word you can use... but im gonna lean on "more accurate" as well. I'm glad Pete reports his findings alongside others. That way if LOTS of people find differing results, we'll know if there's an issue with Larrin's findings. But that hasn't been the case with BD1N / S30V
@@metal_complex CATRA goes to very dull edge, Pete to reliable slicing paper, others stop at hair shaving All have different stories I found BD1N keeping nice hair shaving and really easy to restore, better than s30v
I never understood this obsession with light weight knives. My two favourite knives in my EDC rotation is a Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter and a Spyderco Tenacious. I find it amusing how a lot of people rule these two out for EDC because of how heavy they are. I finally got a G10 Para 3 today. And to me, my new G10 Para 3 really is lighter, BUT only when I pick them up on one hand each. And honestly, the difference is negligible... only becomes a big deal when you give a damn about weighing scale numbers. I think people are overthinking the whole weight thing. If I don’t hold my knives back to back, I wouldn’t even think they weigh differently. I mean, if you could honestly feel a one ounce difference AND it really bothers you enough to ruin your day, you are probably a dainty princess that can also feel a pea underneath several layers of mattresses. Just saying.
I wish I could get my wife to buy me a Para 3 Maxamet, but she refuses to know the difference between knives… Nobody needs worry about me, however, I am not deprived!
I just picked up a sprint run Para 3 in the Forest Green Diamond Arc G10 with S45VN blade. I slept on the Para 3 due to having the PM2 but I’m glad I waited and got this one Question: would you put an aftermarket pocket clip on a sprint run? I almost feel like I’d be cheating on a lover doing so. 🤷🏻♂️
You critics here obviously don’t work your knives. If you only purchase them for collecting or playing, then get the fancy versions. These premium production knife companies are trying to meet a demand for us GIs & working folks who use them as intended.
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I tried putting a lunch clip on my spyderco para3 and the screw doesn't tighten just spins. Now I have messed up my scales. I'm thinking I'm sending it back.
How good is spyderco with warranty?
For my metric homies out there:
Para 3: 100 grams
Para 3 LW: 69 grams *(NICE)*
I'll take the 31 grams G10 And maxamet
@@GBall_VisionNot if you live near the sea.
Glad to see my P3LW really got some mileage on your channel
Thank you for the video!!
Do you know which screws have the LW? I need to replace mine and I was wondering if they are standard and I can buy them somewhere?
Thank you!!
Do you have any idea where I could get deep carry clips and custom metals scales for Spydercos and SAKs?
Where do I buy the replacement clip for the para 3?
what type of belt clip do you have on the G-10? It doesn't look like a Lynch clip....
great video, very in depth, thanks! i just picked up a para 3 today :)
Appreciate your honest feedback. That’s tough when we each have our own preferences or biases. Ya did good, bro.
Hey! Can fyou tell me if the handle of lightweight is like sleezy? Meaning in compearence with delica or endura the plastic is like a dry in a hand, but in endura4 and delica 3 it is more like a runner feeling, that is why it is betrter felt in hand. Tnx!
Aren’t the internals different too ?
The Spyderco Para 3 LW fixed everything I hate about Spyderco. As a loyal Benchmade guy, I finally bought one...
what didnt you like about spydercos?
@@209chevymon different user but I wish the g10 had the lanyard design of the lightweight. The proportions just seem better on the lightweight
The Para 3 lw feels cheaper than every Benchmade I have, however I don't have a bugout which I think is supposed to complete with this knife. I never got a bugout, because of the flex it doesn't feel solid. For this money I want a solid knife.
@@209chevymon The ones's I have handled felt chunky in hand and most are set up without a deep pocket clip. The Para 3 LW has a contoured handle and I love the wired deep pocket clip.
What about the slipperiness of the FRN and the speed and sureness deploying from the pocket? I got the LW and it’s slippery like a bar of soap compared to a delica. Is the g10 less slippery?
Good video! Just ordered my first Spyderco.....Para 3! Perhaps my last, the price kind of hurt. Anyway, definitely ordered mxg gear deep carry clip. Looking forward to it!!!
Nice comparison. I'd like to pickup that torx driver set but can't find it in your merch. 👍
Just bought my first PM2 last week camo g10 satin blade. Think I need a PM3 now!! Cant't believe out of my 40-50 EDC type folders I have accumulated I never got the PM's before last week. I'll be getting a PM3 G10. Great presentation as always .
I did the same thing, tons of Benchmade etc. I held my first spyderco para 3 and Love!
I just got my first Para 3 G10 in S45VN and I love it. Ordered a deep carry pocket clip for it. 26 bucks not bad. I’ve had A PM 2 for a few years now. Have had a lot of different spydies.
I have two para 3 lightweights. One in BD1N and one in M390. I have zero blade play. They both drop shut just like my G10 models do. The only gripe I have is that because lightweights only have one washer they are all uncentered. I did fully disassemble and properly clean them and lube them with nano oil. Zero blade play.
They aren't all off center. You're just as likely go get a slightly off center blade in the G10 variant. "That guy" also has an upload about how to center the blade of any knife. Maybe you'll find that useful? 😏
I have both. I have no issues on blade play and no fall shut problems with the LW. Centering though on LW is a problem but only slightly offset and not causing problems.
I love my Cruware Para 3 with gray G10 scales, it is a great knife. I also really like my Para 3 in 52100 steel and carbon fiber scales. I have had two Para 3 LW's and got rid of them both. I did not like the feel at all. They could not compare. As long as you accept that you'll need an after market clip, the Para 3 is an excellent knife. Close to the perfect EDC.
I love my para 3 lw!!
Im not 💯 on what you said but It’s CTS-BD1N not CTS-BD1 and even tho the numbers are similar I believe the BD1N is a lot better.
It is better than just normal BD1, but it's still a budget steel. They upgraded their old BD1 knives to BD1N without a price increase (ukpk, cat). Given that it's frn + budget steel, it seems like you're paying a premium for that compression lock.
DontBotherNone Yeah that’s not accurate it’s a new technique that hasn’t been completely tested out. Early tests though are putting it on par with s30v and s35v
i think the LW handle looks nicer than the G10 handle. More contoured and shaped.
Was that cut on your hand caused by holding a balisong by the wrong handle?
The screw that holds the compression lock liner has to be adjusted as well. I think the unlined FRN is sensitive to the torque on both screws (lock and pivot) - at least, when I adjusted both (left neither over-tightened), I got the blade centered without play and drops shut on my LW. Maybe I just got a ringer.....it is M390 so maybe the factory treated it extra-special.
And thank you for thinking critically and discussing the trade-offs of weight and strength and what the design goals are. Nice comparo.
So the lightweight version has no liners?
Thats a bit disappointing.
The FRN is very strong.
Agreed that's why I purchased mine in G10 as a matter of fact thanks to you and another knife I have that's also in G10 I was able to decide should have it in 2 to 3 days can't wait thanks for the review it helped
Got a P3 LW for like 7-8 months, and I also got side blade play. Even after a disasembly cleaning etc (if I tighten it more, then blade wont drop freely) and I own couple spydies so yeah.... The action is nowher as smooth as a PM2 I owned. So I think i'm gonna try a standard G10. The size is pretty perfect. Like probably many customers, just wish Spyderco will include wire clips on all their let's say "small knives". Also hoping for some LC200N P3 and PM2 would be a dream that come true haha.
I have a small collection of Para 3s, all which started out as G-10 knives, most of which I have switched out the G-10 for copper, brass or titanium scales, sometimes backs pacers and deep-carry clips. I have kept some of the prettier original G-10 scales on their knives, and have kept all the original scales with their original blades/frames, so that a future owner can convert them back if desired.
I had that, then I followed a tip I found - clean it out and reassemble/lightly lube it, tighten up fully on both sides, then a quarter turn off on each side to the same amount. To my surprise, it flips smoothly, and has no play.
I think the biggest difference for me between these two is one I can find for $115 while the other one is $160
Yeah I don't understand how g10 makes it $45 more. Must be shaping and fitting the g10 vs the molds for the plastic because g10 is not that much more expensive material wise.
$200+ here in California…
@@bxllyjxck4339 because it also has an extra washer and full liners on both sides, I think FRN is actually supposedly more difficult to manufacture. not to mention it has s45v steel…though I’ve heard the bd1n still performs pretty well
Good thorough video. Thanks for sharing !👍😊
I love my all black frn para 3 with the cts bd1n steel, its my edc. I have a blurple pm2 that I like too but don't carry or use it. I just ordered the maxamet para 3, I hope I like the g10. I like how the frn is easy to pull out of my pocket, where the g10 i really have to try to pull it out with my pm2. We'll see though..
I must have got a perfect one, or just tuned it up just right. Mine is centered, drops shut and has no play in any direction. I do agree that FRN has a cheaper feel then what I expected.
Just ordered the G10 ranger green K390 version from Bento Box Shop.
My Para 3 LW’s wire clip keeps coming off. Look at the head of the fastener. Couldn’t Spyderco find a fastener with a wider head that actually fully covered the width of the wire clip..??
I’m a G10 fan and agree. My only issue with this knife is how the blade tapers from the pivot to point. The reason I saw that is I’m an old school lansky sharpener guy I’ve had one for 30 years and it’s not designed for a taper. Might sound petty but I like my blades razor sharp and the Lansky delivers...maybe I need to broaden my horizons.
is the pocket clip on your para 3 (not lightweight) available on amazon?
I’d like a spyderco in a different blade style in about. 3.25 inch blade with a compression lock or the ball bearing lock. I just don’t see anything I like. They seem to have one issue or another that I don’t like that’s preventing me from getting one.
I have the light but would like the original also.
Just got my first Para3, and ordered the MXG Clip he uses. I really like this Knife. G10 with S45VN.
I have a unused zt 0562 cf I would like to trade for something like that Gray para 3 or a m390 Version I like that blue m390 one Bento Box has is that a Legit place It says it's still in stock
The black g10’s are out of stock everywhere. Where the heck am I supposed to get one
Amazon
Can I swap scales from a lightweight and a standard g10 model and viceversa?
I dont believe so. Linere are different.
Metal Complex oh, thank you :)
Huh, my LW drops shut free with no blade play at all.
Love em both. The BD1N seems to be much better than I expected.
BD1N is my favorite mid-range steel
I got a mantis lw in like 2013 and I love love love that steel
I had a Manix 2 lightweight with BD1N and I thought it held an edge good enough and it seemed to sharpen back easier than S30V. Overall I was pretty satisfied with the steel.
honestly i like the frn scales on the spyderco because of the design and it does look grippy but I like the heft that g10 gets you. if it had s45vn steel and frn scales for $30 less then i would get it.
I’m glad you talked about the fidget factor difference here... I thought I was the only one who noticed. Definately prefer the g10 fidget feeling more. The feeling when it locks up is so much better.
Oh, god. This is like watching the Rams play the Seahawks. Who do I root for? what is the lesser of 2 evils? I will generally go for G10 over FRN.
My father used to say that when USC played Notre Dame in college football that he was rooting for a tornado. He didn't care for either team ;-) He just passed away, so I'll give him some grace.
I like the G10 better too... Going to get the LW to try out SPY27. Shabazz did a video on swapping the handle of the LW with a G10 version.. I can swap out the handle if the LW is not to my liking. (first world problems..) Thanks for the video.
I just ordered 2 new hardware kits, because tha lanyard tube could not be removed without damaging it (I have the tool, but if the tube resists, it just slips into the tube, flaring it out and locking it even harder in place; the tool works when the tube is not particularly tight, but when it is, you will need a new tube)!
My issue with the spyderco G10 is it grips so hard with it's pocket clip. it's going to ruin my pant pocket rasping so hard against it from taking in and out.
I just bought my first Para 3 yesterday, have carried a Para 2, primarily, as my EDC for months now. I had a chance at getting the Digi Camo G10 in S30V but my dealer had a black handled G10 in S45VN he was willing to sell me for the same price (something larger retailers would not do). I went with the steel upgrade over the scales as nominal an upgrade as it might be. Besides, I can change the scales, can change the blade steel.
Not ready to call this my favorite Spyderco yet or even that’s superior to my Para 2. Your 100% right about the clip, it’s awful. Other then some minor things to get used to, I can see myself carrying this in my rotation.
Great review, thanks
My P3LW is super slick with no blade play in any direction. Just unlocking it, the blade closes completely on it’s own and from the factory. I have other model LW’s that are stiff as you described. Based on my limited experience with Spyderco LW’s I just got lucky.
My lightweight was super smooth with no blade play from the factory too, didn’t need any break-in period like on my lefty pm2. Was pretty much perfect out of the box - except for centering, but that seems to be part and parcel for the single washer setup on the lightweight. All in all I’ve had an excellent experience
The scales are interchangeable on these?
Are the blades interchangeable?
Yes
Don't worry Metal Complex, I ALSO bought the Lightweight and the Maxamet version. Some days I just don't want to feel it in my pocket.
I had 1 time BD1 with corrosion spots under the patina.... never again! And I have rather a edge that hold up a week than a edge that is easy to sharpen but I don’t have my pro sharp gear at me all the time and if I field sharpen I have to bring the edge back to mirror shine at home anyway.
Weird, both BD1 and BD1N should be pretty corrosion resistant
It would be cool to test some knives for strength, using some kind of machine to break them, in some useful, informative way (i.e. related to usage), while measuring how much force it took to break them. It would also be interesting to see what breaks first.
Just ordered a PM3 with G-10 and S45vn steel today because of this video. Pumped to get my first Spyderco!
FRN for work all the time >>> those ramps give you way more traction when your hands are wet . i wash them in the sink when i get home and they are like new . they dry off pretty quickly as well. G10 only on Sundays when you wanna look good for church
I have both and I prefer the Para 3 LW. Got the CPM Spy27 version, it’s a beast
I have both and the LW feels way better in hand for me. It doesn’t hurt that I also have the Rex 45 in the LW as well 😂
I have both, and find I carry the LW a lot more often. Mine drops shut just as well as any of my other compression lock Spydercos. Fidgets just fine. The BD1N holds an edge pretty well, but it’s no super steel. It takes a nice hair popping edge pretty fast though, so I don’t mind. It’s kinda like the Bugout to me. Not a hard use knife at all, but a great all around edc. And yeah, FRN feels and looks cheap, but it works just fine.
Went with the original Para 3. I hate both style stock clips. The paper-clip-looking one on the lightweight looks cheap and tends to rip out. I'll be buying a deep carry clip anyway, so I might as well upgrade the grips and steel. I like the delica but it's my beater EDC. Wanted a better, more professional knife. Considered the Sage 5 but it has the paper-clip style clip and I don't like that blade shape.
I finally disassembled my Manix 2, then put it back together, I wish I never started the process, worst experience ever lol.
Ya its not fun 😅
I feel your pain my brother
Excellent review
just bought this knife (the lw). No blade play, action better than the one you had, but still a bit stiff.
Also I love the wire clip on the frn para 3
I have both the FRN (SPY 27) & an S30V DLC G10 Para 3 & like them both, but I like the G10 version better!
Para 3 is riding more smooth because it has 2 bronze washers sandwiching the knife and para 3 LW has only 1, that’s why it’s impossible to make it flip smooth and have 0 blade play. Para 3 for me
Not a fan of the LW having only one washer, can definitely feel the smoothness of the g10 having two
Many a few of both. Have to say, the LW models carry better and feel better in the hand.
I do love wire clips!
I hate BOTH my para 3 LW's. I bought another one cause I thought I got a bad deal on the action on the first one. Love my G10 one though! It's a winner 🏆
Yea I’m so glad I got the g10 version.
I figure if it’s 7 OZ or more, it’s heavy. Less that that, and it’s light! I agree that for most people, lighter is better, however, I cannot get upset about a few ounces. If I were going on a hike, where I would carry everything with me, long distances and elevation changes, I would definitely pick a light one. But around town, and around the house, where I do most of my carrying, I prefer a heavier knife. I have a bunch of Para 3s in fact, and they all have copper, brass and titanium handles. No lightweight (wimpy!) G-10 for me!
Side play is major annoyance for me. So is off centre.
We may be watching because we need another knife like we need a hole in the head, but looking for any excuse to justify another knife. My philosophy,
no such thing as too many/much:
Knives
Hats
Fishing rods/reels
Guns
Ammunition
Scotch
Flashlights
Garlic
The lightweight competition is silly. These knives are primarily plastic, they flex too much, and for the money you want a solid knife. Ill take an extra ounce of weight for metal liners. You hand it to someone and they think it's a 20$ knife
looks like a delica with a compression lock.
…and a choil
I have nothing against the FRN version, except for one thing, most aftermarket scales are made for the G-10 version. They do not fit the FRN version.
I just can't get past the fact that lots of LW users report off-center blades - I get it, it's only one bronze washer because of compression lock, but come on man at least get the FRN "washer" correct to make the blades center more! It's just sloppy in my opinion, considering it's a popular $100 knife, and Spyderco keeps inscreasing their prices every year. The BD1N steel is nice, and FRN has its pros, but overall, it is simply a cheaper version of the G10 Para 3. The hype is gonna fade in my opinion, I assume many people especially new comers bought the knife because it's a budget version of a classical design with compression lock, it's gonna be their cool fidget spinner. True users can't have Para 3 LW as the only knife, they either return it, or keep it as a side piece to their Para 3 G10s/Native 5s.
Blame Nutnfancy for the 4 oz "cutoff" point for lightweight EDC.
Not being able to centre the blade without play and good action really gets on my onion's especially on a £100 knife from an outfit like Spyderco who are arguably one of the best production knife makers,,✌️
Thats kind of petty tho
Didn't you already go through all this in a previous video just showing the lightweight? Redundant?
Hardly... But seriously dude, you could just watch something else on my channel if you think this is redundant. At 14+ uploads per week, you're not limited here.
@@metal_complex Wow! Triggered by my comment. Take constructive feedback in stride and your channel will grow. This one. czcams.com/video/8P6NhsZkl_Y/video.html. I mean what else is there to say about the para three that you did not mention here in your 23 minute overview.
@@tyroneshoelaces9742 "triggered"? Really... come on. You're just trying to be a troll. Fortunately most of us are adults and are gonna be more amused by your childishness than upset by it.
@@tyroneshoelaces9742 C'mon dude. Move along. I only take the criticisms I want to take, and yours isn't constructive. I don't care about your ego either, so if you flare up, I'll just remove you.
*ps* - I didn't get here by accident. Don't tell me how to run my channel.
@@metal_complex come on MC he has 1 subscriber, he knows what he's talking about. Lol 😂 on the flip side you've helped me pick another knife, Im going to go with the maxamet G10, I'd upgrade the scales and that's 60-80$ I might as well get a better steel, I'll get a new clip for it. No big deal
An ounce more or less... I would go for the G10 version every day of the week...
I’ll definitely take the extra ounce. Have a regular para 3 and have handled my friends para 3 lightweight, not bad just not for me.
No lefty P3, only PM2 and Military is lefty, at least of models I like, and only in s30v. If they make lefty P3 and Shaman, I'd buy both.
Jesse Adams normal p3 is for left or right and same with the shaman look for a exclusive or sprint if u don’t want s30v
@@johnpaulpalmucci7456 I don't agree. I've tried to run right handed pm2 and p3 left handed and almost drop the knife. I get that people do it but it doesn't work for me. I'll stick with my left handed pm2 or 940-1 or UTX85 unless they mirror them eventually because I like to close reliably one handed.
Para 3s are definitely flawed, esp. regarding getting it’s action perfect AND free of blade play, at the same time! But that is not a deal breaker for me. For me the keys are perfect size and fit in my hand, that it feels very good in my hand, and that it has very good action. I can usually tune my knives so that everything is perfect, or almost perfect. In most ways, the Para 3 works for me.
Gotta go with the LW it's cheaper feels better in the hand lighter and the steel is pretty close in performance
Cedric ranks CTS-BD1N equal to s30v in his edge retention tests
AND CTS-BD1N has better toughness/easy to sharpen
Bye s30v
Nothing against Pete. He's an awesome guy, and generally does great testing videos.
However, Larrin Thomas is an actual metallurgist. This information trumps what you've got there.
knifesteelnerds.com/2020/05/01/testing-the-edge-retention-of-48-knife-steels/
@@metal_complex i know Thomas and he is doing great stuff too
His CATRA tests are différent things, a different pow
I mean... I guess "different" is a word you can use... but im gonna lean on "more accurate" as well. I'm glad Pete reports his findings alongside others. That way if LOTS of people find differing results, we'll know if there's an issue with Larrin's findings. But that hasn't been the case with BD1N / S30V
@@metal_complex CATRA goes to very dull edge, Pete to reliable slicing paper, others stop at hair shaving
All have different stories
I found BD1N keeping nice hair shaving and really easy to restore, better than s30v
They're all important for sure
I needs me a para 3 🤞🏻
Only problem I have with my pm3 lw spy27 is the blade centering. Other than that I love it
I've got a vid on how to fix that
I never understood this obsession with light weight knives. My two favourite knives in my EDC rotation is a Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter and a Spyderco Tenacious. I find it amusing how a lot of people rule these two out for EDC because of how heavy they are. I finally got a G10 Para 3 today. And to me, my new G10 Para 3 really is lighter, BUT only when I pick them up on one hand each. And honestly, the difference is negligible... only becomes a big deal when you give a damn about weighing scale numbers. I think people are overthinking the whole weight thing. If I don’t hold my knives back to back, I wouldn’t even think they weigh differently. I mean, if you could honestly feel a one ounce difference AND it really bothers you enough to ruin your day, you are probably a dainty princess that can also feel a pea underneath several layers of mattresses. Just saying.
If You break a Spyderco, no knife is safe with You.
Interesting...
I also dislike FRN. It's gotta be G10, micarta, or some kind of metal for me. FRN just feels cheap to me.
Agreed. G10 and maxamet is way more then enough not to get the LW
Ill say this, fidget factor onthe Para3 LW sucks,to much drag,clicky openig etc. buy the g 10...
My para Lw is perfect, best action ever. It’s my G-10 that I’m not happy with
I wish I could get my wife to buy me a Para 3 Maxamet, but she refuses to know the difference between knives… Nobody needs worry about me, however, I am not deprived!
G10 all the way...
No the frn is plastic. Yes its tough but it takes dings and scratches bad. G10 is way tougher.
I just picked up a sprint run Para 3 in the Forest Green Diamond Arc G10 with S45VN blade. I slept on the Para 3 due to having the PM2 but I’m glad I waited and got this one
Question: would you put an aftermarket pocket clip on a sprint run? I almost feel like I’d be cheating on a lover doing so. 🤷🏻♂️
You critics here obviously don’t work your knives. If you only purchase them for collecting or playing, then get the fancy versions. These premium production knife companies are trying to meet a demand for us GIs & working folks who use them as intended.
The reason the G-10 version of the para 3 is smoother is because it actually has washers and the lightweight doesn’t have washers