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The Para 3 is my favorite Spyderco for EDC. This version is my 2nd Para 3; the other being the original black FRN (which they don't make anymore, sadly). And it's probably the sharpest knife out of the box I've ever owned. This Maxamet steel is amazing. Be sure to rub some rust inhibitor on it periodically because it has low corrosion resistance as others have pointed out. Observations -This G10 with Maxamet steel is probably the heaviest of the Para 3 family. -Personal preference but I detest the clip; I am looking for an aftermarket deep carry. -Pivot is tight but a very slight loosen to the pivot screw will deliver perfect action -Knife is solid and ready for action and is probably the toughest of the Para 3 family. -This version gives the PM2 a run for its money. Spyderco is my favorite knife company and they hit a home run with this version.
Spyderco C223GPDGY Para 3 Folding Knife 3" Maxamet Stonewashed Plain Blade, Dark Gray G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
Troutbum
Stockton, ca
Oct 25, 2020
Pros: Ease of Opening, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Handle Feel, Handle Material, Pocket Clip
Maxamet is not a stainless steel
I have several names and maximum is by far my favourite. Personally I don't mind performing a little maintenence on knives and remembering not to leave them wet. However I did happen to do this once with one of my maxamet para 3's and corrosion has set in. Having Japanese blue steel #1 kitchen knives, I'm usually pretty good at performing the required maintenance to keep them from rusting, which is well worth the trouble for a knife that you can just set on top of a tomato and watch it cut right through without applying pressure. It is impossible to achieve this from a stainless steel. That being said, this steel is simply amazing, but take care of it. Pit marks will set in and only get bigger if you leave this knife around moisture. Lastly, a scale swap was crucial for me and couldn't be happier with micarta.
Spyderco C223GPDGY Para 3 Folding Knife 3" Maxamet Stonewashed Plain Blade, Dark Gray G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
I own a Para 3 in S110V steel and the Maxamet steel version. They are both outstanding knives. What I like: they are easy to open with one hand; the perfect size (not too big and not too small); the craftsmanship is outstanding; they are easy and comfortable to carry; they are tough; and they get and stay really sharp. What I don’t like: the design of the clip which carries too high in the pocket. However, aftermarket titanium clips can be purchased for a little over $20 and they are perfect. With such a clip, these knives are all I could ask for. The Maxamet steel version is just unbelievable in the way it holds an edge. I’ve owned it for 5 months now and have never had to sharpen it. It seems like it is just as sharp as when I first opened the box. The Maxamet version is worth the extra money to buy. In fact, I just bought a second one in case they stop making them. Simply fantastic!
Spyderco C223GPDGY Para 3 Folding Knife 3" Maxamet Stonewashed Plain Blade, Dark Gray G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
I love this knife. It came from the factory very sharp and centered. The action was a little stiff but my flicking addiction took care of that. Spydie flick friendly. I mainly use this to open boxes and cut down boxes. I just strop at the end of the day and it stays razor sharp. I wipe down the bade once or twice a week with good old Hopes #9 because it is not a stainless steel. I did go with a 3d party pocket clip.
Spyderco C223GPDGY Para 3 Folding Knife 3" Maxamet Stonewashed Plain Blade, Dark Gray G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
I purchased mine during its initial 1st run and glad they released a second run for those who missed out. I have to agree with vitaly everything the previous reviewer said in his excellent review. This is By Far the best version of the Para3 you can get. The performance of Maxamet steel is beyond description and has to be experienced by every knife enthusiast. If your on the fence, I'd recommend not to hesitate, before they're gone. Spyderco goes far and beyond every higher end production companies in every aspect. Cheers!
Spyderco C223GPDGY Para 3 Folding Knife 3" Maxamet Stonewashed Plain Blade, Dark Gray G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
I've owned a Para 3 in S 45VN for a few years and love it. I was excited to try the Maxamet version for the edge retention. Wow, what a great extra advantage that is! The only downside is the blade gets tarnished easily. As a lefty, this is perfect edc folder.
Spyderco C223GPDGY Para 3 Folding Knife 3" Maxamet Stonewashed Plain Blade, Dark Gray G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
It has been half a year of patience before my pre order turns into a mail call. Howard Korn from the Knifecenter.com was kind enough to send it to me as soon as he has received it. It was a quick 6 days of travelling from Fredericksburgh, Virginia to Paris. The name of this Para3 should be”Desire” but it will be “Mouser” in honor of its color: grey. Also in honor of its almost magical alloy used: Maxamet. The wear resistance of Micro-Melt Maxamet alloy is better than that of conventional powder metal high speed steel grades and is equivalent to AISI A11 cold work powder metal tool steel. A11 is CPM 10V. Better? How much better ? According to Cliff Stamps: “Maxamet is an extreme alloy, for comparison, it is to 10V what S90V is to 420J2. Maxamet is used when HSS like M4 fail because they are too soft or wear too fast – just consider that for a matter of perspective.” So far Mouser is shaving my arm’s hairs which are flying of its blade. Its factory edge is really thin. With that amount of tungsten it should not be sensitive to its final tooling in the Golden plant. I’m not planning to work on it yet and keep it that way for its first run. I have also noticed the chamfered work they have made on the spine and the spyderhole and the jimpings behind the hump. Also the blade has been gently beadblasted which gives it a very industrial look. The grind is perfectly symetrical as always on my Colorado’s made. The thick grey G10 slab also concours to give that toolish look, again the attention to detail are stellar. There is nothing to change when you open your black and red box.
Spyderco C223GPDGY Para 3 Folding Knife 3" Maxamet Stonewashed Plain Blade, Dark Gray G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
My first Para 3, but probably won't be my last. The problem is I don't know if future Para 3's will meet my same expectations. Sharpness jut about par with some of my stone sharpened Japanese kitchen knives.The action is super snappy right out of the box. You can spidey flick with ease - whereas on other Spyderco models I've found they typically need some adjustment before you get the right amount of resistance for your liking. Not this one. If you're debating whether or not to buy, don't hesitate. You can't beat the smiles per dollar ratio for this guy!
Spyderco C223GPDGY Para 3 Folding Knife 3" Maxamet Stonewashed Plain Blade, Dark Gray G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
I've got 5 or 6 para 3's and a couple of them came tight or not centered. This one is perfect and this is what you expect from Spyderco. The gray G10 looks great, the action flicks and closes effortlessly. Maybe I should have bought 2.
Spyderco C223GPDGY Para 3 Folding Knife 3" Maxamet Stonewashed Plain Blade, Dark Gray G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)
I've owned this knife for a while now. I broke the tip of it off - my fault, but a little disappointing, hence the 4 star not 5. I sent it to Spyderco for a regrind. They did a superb job and it was back in my daily rotation in about 2 weeks.
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Close-up of hand holding knife, opening or unsheathing knife, and then closing or sheathing knife.
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