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What everyone says about this knife is true — it’s a fantastic EDC. It’s lightweight, the wire clip is fantastic, the action right out of the box was excellent and it has the ergonomics you know and love. This is a joy to EDC especially in the summer here in Texas. I usually carry a PM2 or Manix, but needed something slightly smaller, lighter and with just a little bit more corrosion resistance from perspiration. Did I mention that it’s really hot here this summer? Anyhow, this checked all the right boxes. I went with the SE model since I’ve been cutting a lot of cardboard and plastic packaging lately and find that the SE really makes short work of that material. I did fine tune the edge on my Sharp Maker just a little when I received it, but I do that with most knives.
Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight Folding Knife 2.92" CTS-BD1N Satin Serrated Blade, Black FRN Handles (Paramilitary 3)
Jim
Maryland
Aug 23, 2019
Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Pocket Clip, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None
A great knife
I bought the Para 3 Lightweight expecting it to be my perfect EDC knife. It turns out not to be MY perfect EDC knife (see below), but I have no problems recommending it to someone else. Taken on its own terms, the Para 3 Lightweight is an excellent EDC knife. Its light weight and deep-carry wire clip make it practically disappear in your pocket. It was clearly designed to be held with the index finger in the choil and the thumb on the ramp, but it does not insist on just that one grip the way a Spyderco Dragonfly does. I have seen no flaws in the fit and finish. The action is breaking in very nicely. While it has only seen light use so far, the edge remains shaving sharp. It also has a feature that I think is under-rated: it can be opened both quickly and slowly. A knife that is opened slowly is less scary to strangers than one that opens in an eyeblink with a loud "snick". This gets back to my earlier point of why the Para 3 Lightweight isn't the Perfect EDC knife for ME. I live in an urban/suburban area where some people are have a relatively low tolerance for knives. A Swiss army knife is no problem. Even though it is legal, a large flipper would draw a lot of unwanted attention. Scaring strangers accomplishes nothing worthwhile and might convince them to lobby for stricter knife laws. Therefore, my biggest problem in selecting an EDC knife is getting the balance right between a knife that is as capable as possible and one that doesn't scare strangers. I simply misjudged how the Para 3 Lightweight looks in person. It pushes the line a little harder than I would have liked. In hindsight, I would have been better served by ordering the Spyderco Chaparral Lightweight. It has most of the same features but it is a little smaller and has a less aggressive blade shape.
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Close-up of hand holding knife, opening or unsheathing knife, and then closing or sheathing knife.
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