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Spyderco Para 3 Compression Lock Knife

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Spyderco Para 3 Compression Lock Knife

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Product Description

Spyderco’s line of Para Military knives has been hailed for its ergonomic shape and utility. However, due to their stature, they’ve also been deemed too large for some Read More

Customer Reviews

4.8

(33 reviews)

(28)

(4)

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Gunrock

Feb 7, 2019

Verified Buyer

Personally, I prefer the P3 over the PM2 for everyday usage. I've attached some photos to hopefully help some people out. Folded, the P3 (blue) is roughly 4.5 inches in length. The PM2 (black) is about 5 inches.

Stacked on top of each other, this is what the difference looks like:

I bring the PM2 with me when I go backpacking/hiking in the mountains; that's not going to change. I suppose the P3 is a little bit less "intimidating" for others in a public setting. And, quite frankly, the extra length on the PM2 doesn't make opening letters or boxes on a daily basis significantly easier than the P3. My personal option? Have one of each! :P

Cheers, Gunrock

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robar1

Jul 4, 2018

Verified Buyer

I am very taken with this knife as are a few million others. This is my third Para 3 ; the one I will actually carry. I think the PM2 is also close to perfect but I seem to pick the P3 to EDC most often. I did put an aftermarket titanium clip on it but that was because I stripped the factory screws trying to switch to a deeper carry position.so I said what the hay and replaced the clip too. The 30 v steel is being run down these days by steel snobs but it is fine with me. R

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ranger67

Jun 13, 2018

Verified Buyer

Spyderco makes a quality knife and this one is no exception. In regards to being an EDC, I prefer the Delica as the blade is thinner and slighly smaller. I also prefer the locking mechanism of the Delica as it provides tension on the blade during the opening an closing where the Para 3 only seems to grab the blade at both ends. The downside is that this leaves the blade with the ability to swing uncontrolled in that margin of time between fully open and fully closed. Minor complaint at best, but we are judging a quality knife. The G-10 handle is exceptionally nice and much better than the plastic on the standard Delica and the CPM-S30V is superior to the VG10 of the Delica. If Spyderco were to announce a Delica with G-10 handles and CPM-30V steel, I would be the first one online to purchase it.

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Evshrug

3775

Community

Mar 5, 2019

ranger67I like your thoughtful review and good points made, but I don’t understand the opening/closing dislike. In my mind, I just “use” the knife open or closed, so the easier (and more fun) it opens and closes with one hand, the better. I like my Dragonfly I have now, the back lock is adequate because it can close one-handed with some finger gymnastics (plus it’s thin), but I thought the quick “fall shut” nature of the Compression Lock (plus your fingers are safely out of the way vs a liner lock) was a major selling point? I’d also be excited about a super Delica with nicer handles (G10, or maybe Micarta?) and better steel, but I wouldn’t mind if they also got rid of the thumb ramp (like the Native 5).

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Mguidry5

Sep 14, 2018

Verified Buyer

I'm a big fan of quality folders, and this is one of my favorites. I carry it more than any of my other knives, and I have several (Benchmades, ZTs, other Spydercos, etc...). If you're looking for a smaller-bladed, tough, ergonomic and utilitarian folder, this would be my first recommendation.

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Evshrug

3775

Community

Mar 5, 2019

Mguidry5I waffle daily between this knife and a Benchmade Mini Grip (the sheepsfoot with thumb hole). They both are ostensibly good knives, I haven’t handled either. However, the Benchmade appears to have a smoother flickability fun factor and the handle scales are more rounded, while the P3 is thinner in the pocket and aesthetically more interesting. Both blades have a thicker, more “hard use” construction than I need. My current favorite EDC is my Spyderco Dragonfly, but I’d like a longer knife for cutting food sometimes. Dream knife: Spyderco Native Lightweight, with it’s aesthetically smooth top with no thumb ramp to break the line between blade and handle, the rounded edges of the FRN handles, ergonomics, the deep carry wire clip, but thin down the blade to almost Delica thinness, stretch the blade longer so the tip reaches right to the end of the handle, use a Benchmade axis lock, and make the handle scales a unique color like the British Racing Green they use with ZDP knives or “Ben Blue” from the BladeHQ videos. If they also made a version with ergonomic sculpted handles made from Micarta and a super steel, I’d buy that as a forever knife, but if they also offered a low-cost version in FRN and VG-10 or Sandvik steel I would happily buy both models soon as I was financially able!

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Raskahuna

May 16, 2020

Verified Buyer

Always wanted a USA Spyderco and glad I made the purchase. I love this knife! Perfect size for EDC, very sharp and fun to fiddle with.

Recommends this product? Yes

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tstalbau

Apr 23, 2020

Verified Buyer

best knife I've had

really like pretty much everything about this knife. I've carried it almost daily for a bit over a year and while I realize this is quite irresponsible, I haven't sharpened it and I've pretty much just beat on it. It's in amazing shape and the blurple scales have a nice look as they age. Also, the ergonomics are unbelievable.

Recommends this product? Yes

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GramboPuffer

Apr 25, 2019

Verified Buyer

Wasnt sold on spiderco so def didnt want to pay full price. After carrying for a few weeks it's an awesome knife! Hard sharp steel holds an edge quite well now I want a para 2 aswell!

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