Reviews and Ratings for Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3) - C223GP
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)rated 4.812 stars out of 5 (48 reviews)
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Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3 inch S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)

 

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Customer Reviews

Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Michael S
 Boynton Beach, Fl
Mar 08, 2017
Pros: Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Lock Type

Great knife

Another great EDC knife..will be using this one a lot!
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Viny
 New York
Aug 11, 2025
Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip, Sheath, Weight
Cons: None

KNIFE REVIEW

BEST KNIFE I EVER OWNED
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
E. Harrison
 Long Island
Mar 28, 2017
Pros: Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

smaller para, same big cutting ability.

i recently got a PM2 but it was just a little bit bigger (and more intimidating) than i prefer for EDC. decided to give its little brother a shot, and i must say i'm impressed. the smaller handle is noticeable, but not too small for my hands (medium glove size). i find i prefer to choke up on the choil for the best grip. holding it behind the choil does provide a solid grip, but my fingers get a bit cramped. overall quality is on par with the PM2, its fit and finish are flawless. its all the best parts of the PM2 at a more EDC friendly size.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Peter
 Virginia
Apr 03, 2018
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

Fantastic knife

This knife is currently one of my favorites. The G10 scales feel great and house full liners, and the ergonomics are near perfect. The compression lock is one of the things that makes this knife great and its incredibly smooth action makes it a pleasure to deploy and close. The lanyard hole is quite large, and this along with the pocket clip make this knife sit higher in the pocket than is probably necessary. I do not see this as a negative though, as it makes getting a good grip on it while taking it out of the pocket a bit easier. The steel on this knife is great and came razor sharp. If you love the PM2 but aren't in love with the size of it, this knife is the answer.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Johnny S.
 Canada
Feb 20, 2017
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Handle Material, Pocket Clip

Everything Great About the PM2, But Smaller

Received this knife after pre-ordering halfway through 2016. The action is silky smooth out of the box with a great edge. Fit and finish rivals that of my Spyderco Chaparral from the Tai Chung factory, except the blade itself has additional smoothing so that there are no rough edges. I mostly carry this in my jeans around the office and it's a great tool. I quite liked the PM2 before this, but found the size of the blade to be an issue especially around others in the office setting who would be spooked by such a large blade. This knife, however, is a lot less intimidating due to its smaller size. The ergonomics are great, allowing for plenty of control while using it. I'm not as big of a fan of the (shallow) pocket clip, but I swapped on a titanium deep-carry clip and now the knife sits nicely in the pocket. Would also like to see sprint runs with special handle materials (like CF) offered but the G10 is just fine as is.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Cedric
 France
Feb 15, 2017
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Pocket Clip

Spyderco Para 3

It's a perfect urban EDC. This knife is perfect for my use. The quality is excellent as all mySpyderco. Easy to flip and use. A compact PM2 but not a tiny knive. Feel great in the hand, I love it. Very sharp out of the box. Feel solid and comfortable. The pocket clip is not deep carry... It is the only little bad thing...
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Rikkirich
 Windsor, Ct
Mar 14, 2022
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

GREAT Knife...

I love the Spyderco Para 3 (Paramilitary) knife. I've had it for a week so far. I feel like a little kid can't stop playing with it. Everything about this knife is perfect for me. I highly recommend this knife. If you want an EDC knife this one is for you.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Don
 Texas
Mar 27, 2017
Pros: Weight, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

Spyderco rockz

This is my second along with the para military 2 digi camo. Excellent quality , sharp, its a spyderco.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Chuk
 O
Apr 08, 2017
Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality
Cons: None

it's great! but 1 small thing.

Im comparing to Paramilitary 2, since its the 3" version of that. Spyderco did a great job in making everyone's favorite PM2 to fit the legal carry size of 3" for many cities. The handle is significantly smaller yet as comfortable. The choking feels a lot more natural than PM2 as well. The only downside is deployment. when deployed using spyder hole, PM2 being bigger having longer blade geometry opens smoother. But Para 3 seems to lack the "swing" power due to its shorter blade (there's more weight around the handle than the tip). I rely a bit more on my wrist to open because of this. But it's a downsized version of PM2, and the design is kept within integrity. Ergonomics of handle and blade is amazing. I carry it almost every day because of its size, ease of use and it feels really good owning one!
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Steven F
 Rochester, Ny
Feb 12, 2017
Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Pocket Clip

A cut above

Boy, did Spyderco hit the sweet spot on this one! The finish and ergonomics are the best I have ever seen from Spyderco. They have seriously upped their game. Fit and finish are better than my other folders from the same folks. The other ones I own are very good---but this is something elevated to a new standard. In terms of materials and size, the closest Spyderco folder I have to this one is the Native 5, with the same size blade (3") and the same handle material (G10). This Para 3 is immediately more friendly to the hand, and weighs considerably less. This is one of a very few knives I own that I will pocket/clip carry in jeans and in a suit or dress pants. It's amazingly light for a knife with G10 sides and steel liners. The liners are thin, but the knife has plenty of rigidity. Basically, this is a Paramilitary 2, downsized and with ergonomic tweaks (e.g., The G10 is rounded off, not left with very square edges, as on the Paramilitary 2). Yes, I know that Spyderco insists that this is a new model unto itself, and not really the 'Paramilitary 3'. Yadda, Yadda. Frankly, it's a downsized Paramilitary 2, with much better ergonomics. And I mean MUCH better ergonomics. I wear XL or XXL gloves, and this is still comfortable in my hand. Very smooth action, solid lock-up with the compression lock, and easy to close. The blade arrived arm-hair-shaving sharp .and bring made of Crucible's terrific S30V, will hold that edge quite well. This is one of very few folders that I didn't up the sharp level as soon as I received it. Nice. And the flat grind makes it a great slicer. With only moderate pressure, it will push-cut through a corncob. This is one of the best EDC folders I've ever touched. A perfect balance between size and function. It's big and solid enough for tactical use in a pinch, and it's also small enough to fit, completely concealed, into the watch pocket in my jeans. My only complaints? The oversize and massively shiny Spyderco hourglass clip ("look, everyone, I have a knife"), and the high carry that results from placing the clip below the lanyard hole. There are other clips available if you want a deep carry (more like the Native 5 clip, incorporating a hole :/ the clip to accommodate the lanyard hole). As for me, I think I'm ok with the carry fit now--but not the massively shiny clip. I called Spyderco, and they're sending me a black clip (the color that really should be on there in the first place). I called to buy one, and they said "no, no, we'll send it for free." Really impressive customer service. GREAT folder. Buy one.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Carlo
 Los Angeles, Ca
Nov 26, 2017
Pros: Weight, Pocket Clip, Blade Material
Cons: None

Great knife

Love it. Still sharp after 6 months of use.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Cg
 Madison, WI
May 29, 2017
Pros: Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Pocket Clip

hands down, a great knife

Great size, S30V gets super sharp & holds an edge, and just feels solid no matter what you are cutting. Hard to think of much more you would want in an EDC. Way to go, Spyderco.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Dom
 France
Mar 06, 2017
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

A candidate for the best Spyderco award...

I already have the PM 2 and find it's a real Spyderco success. I was very excited about the Para 3 and I am not deceived at all. The Para 3 is the combination of all the PM 2 qualities with a better size. Being smaller it is easier to carry and gets a better ratio between blade size and handle size. Like the PM 2 it provides an excellent blade with a high quality S30V steel, very sharp, and the compression lock (one of the best locking systems for me) is efficient and an addictive pleasure to play with. Since I've received it I use my Para 3 as my usual EDC, efficient for eating, opening boxes, plastic packaging, cutting ropes, cutting small wood sticks etc. It's perfect in my hand (medium size), light in my pocket, fast to open and close. My only critic is for the pocket clip since I prefer one providing deep carrying, but it does not affect the qualities of this knife that should be one of the best Spyderco success. A very good quality knife, a pleasure to get and use.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
James W. A
 New Mexico
Sep 19, 2019
Pros: Ease of Opening, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Pocket Clip

Awesome knife

I don't think it's the prettiest knife I have seen but once you hold it in your hand it is absolutely the most perfect feeling knife I have ever held. Fit and finish is top notch and the action is perfect. I did put a deep Cary clip from Lynch on it. I own about seventy pocket knives and this is one of my favorites. I would recommend it to anyone. Thank you Spyderco
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Loren E. W
 Monticello, IN
Feb 06, 2017
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Overall Quality
Cons: None

Great Knife for General Use

Bought as Christmas gifts for relatives that arrived late, but were much appreciated when received. They knew the knives were coming and were looking forward to receiving them and were very happy with the knives when they arrived. Very nice and very practical.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Richard W
 Indianapolis, Indiana
Aug 31, 2021
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Pocket Clip

Excellent option for a 3 inch folding knife. Lives up to expectations.

Ergonomics of the knife are good. The compression lock with the smooth surface of the stainless steel CPM S45VN allows you to open and close the knife with the locking tab and keep your fingers out of the blade path. Blade is reasonably shape for a stainless steel. Handle size is good for a 3 inch knife. The only negative is the pocket clip that keeps part of the knife scales exposed. Give us a deep carry pocket clip Spyderco.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Jeremy P
 Tennessee
Feb 15, 2017
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

Excellent

Straight out of the box smooth light very user-friendly I was very impressed with this product would recommend it to anybody
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Cj D
 Pennsylvania
Oct 14, 2023
Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip, Weight
Cons: None

Para 3 - Awesome Awesome!

This was my first Spyderco knife. I am writing this review after 2 years of using it as a EDC. I used to be into the larger size EDC knives, so I wasnt sure how I wouldnlike this. I got it as a birthday present and I absolutely love how compact and light, but super durable and functional it is. I work in a factory, and use this alot on opening boxes, or cutting various things. As well as the typical everyday home and outdoor use. What I really like is the durability of the S45VN, I usually sharpen once a month or so. I like to keep my knives razor sharp. I use one of those pocket sized diamond stones, with a fine side and coarse side. A few strikes on the coarse side, and a quick strop on leather and this thing is back to splitting hairs. The other great benefit to this knife is the corrosion resistance. I have cut everything from acidic items, caustic items, etc etc. I quick clean up and the knife looks good as new. Its pretty hard, so no knicks or scratches. After 2 years, the mechanism still opens like butter. Every so often it will get full of lint and what not, but a few puffs of air and a couple flicks open and closed and its back to being quick and buttery. I will run this knife into the ground, and then once I do I will purchase another. Highly recommend.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Mike C
 Victoria , Bc
Jan 12, 2017
Pros: Ease of Opening, Overall Quality
Cons: Pocket Clip

Amazing

Wow, the PM2 was just a little big for so this knife is perfect. I've had sharper blades from spyderco but never better action. Perfect.! Falls effortlessly from box with no blade play and is dead center. This knife is excellent in every way but the pocket clip. There is just no doubt about it, I will be getting a deep carry clip.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Peter C
 MA
Jul 22, 2026
Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip, Weight
Cons: None

Great knife, its a Spyderco

Really love the size of this Para 3 and it came fine-tuned from the factory, great flickability.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Matt G
 Paducah, Ky
Feb 03, 2017
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Pocket Clip

Sized right

Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
D W L
 Kerrville, Texas
Apr 24, 2017
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Pocket Clip

Perfect !!!

I have many High End knives, that I use for EDC BUT the Para 3, is an extension of my hand. No other knife I own has ever felt or used like the Para 3. The size, fit, finish and blade steel are perfect together. I was a little apprehensive about the Para Military knives. I'm an older man 64, and have always carried and use traditional knives. The reveiws made me just have to own one. I am very glad I did. I have put away all of my other EDC's. All I now carry and use is the Para 3. Buy one you will do the same...
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Tony T.
San Diego, CA
Feb 10, 2017
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

My favorite EDC knife!!!

This folder has been the most anticipated knife in all of Spyderco History. It has been in my pocket ever since I got it a few weeks ago. It is everything that a PM2 is but in a Delica size. Love this knife. Every Spydie nut should get this knife.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Ladyknife12
 Long Beach
May 22, 2017
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Pocket Clip

My Boyfriend's Knife

Got this knife for my knife connoisseur boyfriend. He had the Delica 4 and was looking for something more robust, with a thicker blade and more weight. Its a hit, especially for those who want something between a Delica 4 and a Paramilitary 2. Holds an edge well, opens an closes easy with one hand, good grip even with larger hands. Only con is that it doesnt come with a deep carry pocket clip.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Alfred
 Germany
Feb 21, 2017
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Handle Material

Good choice

Great EDC, easy to use and with great ergonomic!
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Carlo
 Los Angeles, Ca
Oct 17, 2017
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

perfectly balanced

Great knife. I use it every few days. Blade is still razor sharp after 6 months. Perfect balance between light weight and yet feels substantial in the hand. Perfect for larger hands. I can't wait to order my next knife from Knifecenter.com. Very happy!
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Eraser
 Northeastern US
May 29, 2017
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Pocket Clip

Para 3...really super knife and great value

If you like blades no longer than 3", and I do, you're going to love this knife. This is a lot of knife in a compact size. Its been a daily carry knife since the day it arrived for me. We have a lot of cutting edge on the blade thanks to that gently curved belly. And the blade is fairly stout being 1/8" thick at its widest point above the spyder hole and then tapers gradually to the point. Perfect for handling some tough cutting chores with ease. The CMP S30V steel takes a nice edge and keeps it for a while. The G-10 handle completes the package. Keeps the knife very light, looks good, and the shape fills your hand without being overly large as well as being easy in the hand, meaning it feels comfortable holding it in several different positions. There's a choil forward the handle for holding during up close and delicate cutting. The blade on my example is perfectly centered and it deploys extremely smooth, quick and easy. My only negative, I wish the pocket clip was a deep carry design. A full 1" sticks out of your pocket. Myself, I'll just pick up an aftermarket clip. In all, a beautifully designed knife coming out of Golden, Co. U.S.A.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Kerry
 Chicago
Feb 25, 2017
Pros: Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality
Cons: Pocket Clip
I like the knife but it needed an aftermarket pocket clip
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Phillip
 NC
Dec 28, 2017
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

Para 3

Has nice balance American steel S30v easy to sharpen and holds edge
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Paul S
 Parker, Co
Feb 13, 2017
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Overall Quality
Cons: None

My Best Spyderco Ever!

Super smooth action, can open & close the knife just using gravity; hold the blade down press the compression lock it opens, hold the blade up press the lock & it closes. Everything about the knife is PERFECTION! Excepting the blade, it was not very sharp. The edge came off the S30V after breaking down two cardboard boxes. I got an edge back on. Not sure weather its an S30V problem or a factory sharpening problem. I hope the S30V will hold my edge. Don't let the blade scare you off. In my opinion this is most likely the FINEST folding knife on the plant, for the money. Did I mention that super sweet action? Great Ergonomics? I like the Non-deep cary clip very much. Its retention is excellent, you can get it in & out of any weight pant and that high carry clip is easy to grab & extract from your pocket. Buy one of more, you'll love it. Spyderco please give us steel up grades in some sprint runs.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Anonymous
 USA
Jul 13, 2018
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

Perfect size EDC

Spyderco did a fantastic job, as always. The jimping is perfect, G10 is full of grip and control, blade centering is on point, sharpness is what you'd expect: wicked, the locking mechanism is easy to manipulate, and the action is buttery smooth for a production knife.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Ray H
 Hayward Ca
Mar 06, 2017
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Overall Quality
Cons: None

Spyderco

This is the best knife I've ever bought. Believe me, I've had em' all.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
James A.
 Farmington New Mexico
Dec 31, 2020
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Pocket Clip

Best knife in hand

This has got to be one of the best knifes I have ever had in my hand. I have never thought that Spyderco knifes were not one of the best looking knife and thought I would never own one. Then I bought my first Spyderco a Native 5 and I liked it than I bought a Para 3 and oh man that knife was perfect in every way. The feel when you flick it open and shut is absolutely awesome and it came sharp and the fit and finish is fantastic. It feels like they made it just for my big meaty hands. I have four different Para 3 and will definitely own more. Thank you Spyderco James A.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Matthew
 Bartlett, Il
Aug 19, 2022
Pros: Handle Material, Blade Material
Cons: None

One of my Favorites

Just an awesome knife. Quality is great, feels great in the hand, perfect size, and great steel. The lock is just awesome, closes one handed with ease.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Rob
 New Jersey
May 16, 2021
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

I thought being left handed would be a problem.

I use this knife for cutting boxes, to cutting wood, and plastic all sorts of every day stuff, I've grown to love this knife. I thought being left handed would be a problem,.I was wrong. Absolutely love the oversized thumb hole, its great. Cuts everything. When your hands are tired this is the knife.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Nick
 Chicago
Jan 26, 2017
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Pocket Clip

Success

Paramilitary 2 younger brother. Great purchase on the handle, extremely sharp balanced blade, lightweight EDC. Compression lock has smooth action and tight lockup. Highly recommend for first time knife buyers or long time collectors. Agree that pocket clip should have been modified but not a deal breaker by any means (replacing with deep pocket clip comparable to SOG).
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
James
 Brentwood , Ca
Dec 20, 2021
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Pocket Clip

You haven't bought it yet?

This is my 3rd PM 3. I have the SV110 and the Maxamet versions as well. I love this form factor. It is perfect for a true EDC knife. The ergo's are spot on. I strop the blad if I used it a lot that day and it goes right back to hair cutting sharp. Great feel. I am a huge fan of the PM 3 family including the light weight versions. The action was perfect out of the box. Knife was razor sharp. No need to touch up the blade right away. My only wish is Spyderco would put a deep carry clip on it. I guess that is what Lynch is for. Just get the knife. You will love it.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Howard
 Pittsburgh, Pa
Jan 20, 2025
Pros: Lock Type, Overall Quality
Cons: None

Outstanding

S45 with G10. Love this thing and everything about it. I have nothing bad to say about it.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
David
 Pennsylvania
Feb 13, 2017
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

Para 3

Simply put this blade is the perfect edc in my opinion. Spyderco hit a home run on these. Quality is exceptional. I really love being able to put my favorite lanyard on it and it's one handed operation being able to open and close it safely and easily. So smooth and they used quality materials. Thank you knifecenter for doing a pre order in these so that I could have one asap!
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Bruce
 Atlanta
Feb 22, 2017
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

Para 3 Spyderco

I removed the pocket clip and just put it in my pocket, it is overbuilt for it size and should last a couple of lifetimes. I really love it.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 5 stars out of 5
Houston C
 New Mexico
Jul 04, 2017
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

Great Knife

It is a great pocketknife that I use to do edc tasks such as food prep, opening boxes and whittling. I also love the compression lock. My new favorite one.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 4 stars out of 5
Leaky Sfinkter
 Manns Choice, Pa
Mar 20, 2021
Pros: Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Weight, Pocket Clip

Spyderco Para 3......great edc option.

In my opinion the Spyderco Para3 is one of the best edc knives for the money. I already own the Para3 LW, but it isn't near the quality of the original. I give the Para3 a 4 outta 5 only because it should have a deep carry clip from factory. Great knife
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 4 stars out of 5
The Max
 Dallas
Mar 09, 2017
Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Pocket Clip

Great Knife But Not a Paramilitary 2

Pros: Out of the box insanely sharp! Weight, blade size, blade steel (S30V), G10 handle, blade shape, handling, compression lock, good looking all are great (rating 5 out of 5). Cons: Not a concealed knife (high carry, shiny clip), why not S110V? (PM2 now have S110V), handle slightly small (nit picking here), A little wide in the pocket (harder to reach deep into pocket.. but PM2 same), Some critics question the stop pin. All in all, a great knife. Not a PM2 but a lot of similarities. Recommend: Yes
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 4 stars out of 5
Don
 Texas
Mar 11, 2017
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Sheath, Handle Feel

First spyderco

I like the para 3 overall. But at this price point G10 handle should be standard. The grip is ok but feels cheap. Flimsy is the word I was looking for. The blade quality is excellent very sharp out of the box. I will definately be ordering anothet spyderco from knife center.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 4 stars out of 5
Carla
Feb 18, 2017
Pros: Weight, Blade Material, Overall Quality
Cons: None
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 4 stars out of 5
Mike
 Chicago
Apr 02, 2017
Pros: Ease of Opening, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Pocket Clip

Great Knife, bad clip/clip location.

This knife was exactly what I was looking for. My only complaint is the clip attachment location and clip type/lanyard hole location. This knife sticks way out of the pocket out of the box. Got a nice aftermarket titanium clip on amazon that took a few weeks (partially covers lanyard hole) and cost $30 but it finally makes this knife near perfect.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 4 stars out of 5
Davep.
 California
May 04, 2017
Pros: Ease of Opening, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Lock Ease of Use

Almost as good as the Para 2. It's a keeper!

This has become my new EDC knife. I was carrying the Paramilitary 2, which I really like, but I felt it was a bit too large. This one is better, as it is smaller, but it's still about as large as I would recommend for an EDC. Design is good, blade steel is the same as the Para 2, and it feels good in my hand. It's a very solid knife like the Para 2 is, if you're familiar with that model.. One thing that is different is that it doesn't close as easily with one hand like my Para 2 does. When you release the blade you have to move the blade past a slight friction detent spot which I find requires my other hand to do. My Para 2 doesn't have that friction detent setup, so it closes a little easier with one hand. It's not a big deal, just different. I like the knife really well, and I'm glad I bought it.
Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
rated 2 stars out of 5
Jd
 63542
Feb 18, 2017
Pros: Overall Quality
Cons: Handle Feel

sage 5 alternative

basically a over hyped sage 5 alternative garbo
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