Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife

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The original design intent of the Spyderco Paramilitary was to deliver the same reliability and cutting performance of the Military in a compact, easy-to-carry package. The Spyderco Para 3 continues that tradition with a smaller footprint and Spyderco’s patented Compression Lock—a high-strength mechanism built into the spine of the handle. With our custom parts and accessories, you can personalize your Para 3 to fit your style.

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Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3), C…Retail price: $263.00, our price: $197.25
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Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight Folding Knife 2.92" CTS-BD1N Satin Plain Blade, Black FRN Handles (…Retail price: $186.00, our price: $139.50
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Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S110V Satin Plain Blade, Blurple G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3),…Retail price: $329.00, our price: $246.75
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Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight Folding Knife 2.92" CPM-SPY27 Satin Plain Blade, Cobalt Blue FRN Ha…Retail price: $196.00, our price: $147.00
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Spyderco C223GPDGY Para 3 Folding Knife 3" Maxamet Stonewashed Plain Blade, Dark Gray G10 Handl…Retail price: $367.00, our price: $275.25
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Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Combo Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3), C…Retail price: $263.00, our price: $197.25
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Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Black Plain Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3), C…Retail price: $283.00, our price: $212.25
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Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Plain Blade, Digital Camo G10 Handles (Paramilitar…Retail price: $263.00, our price: $197.25
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Spyderco Para 3 Compression Lock Folding Knife 2.95" CPM-CruWear Satin Plain Blade, Brown Canva…Retail price: $289.00, our price: $216.75
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Spyderco Para 3 Salt Compression Lock Folding Knife 2.92" CPM-MagnaCut Black Plain Blade, Black…Retail price: $288.00, our price: $216.00
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Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Black Plain Blade, Digital Camo G10 Handles (Paramilitar…Retail price: $283.00, our price: $212.25
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Spyderco Para 3 Compression Lock Folding Knife 2.95" CPM-SPY27 Satin Plain Blade, Cobalt Blue G…Retail price: $263.00, our price: $197.25
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Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight Folding Knife 2.92" CTS-BD1N Satin Serrated Blade, Black FRN Handle…Retail price: $186.00, our price: $139.50
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Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife 3" S45VN Satin Serrated Blade, Black G10 Handles (Paramilitary 3)…Retail price: $263.00, our price: $197.25
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Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight Compression Lock Folding Knife 2.92" CTS-BD1N Black Plain Blade, Pi…Retail price: $216.00, our price: $162.00
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Spyderco C223SBBK Para 3 Lightweight Folding Knife 2.92" CTS-BD1N Black Serrated Blade, Black F…Retail price: $206.00, our price: $154.50
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Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight Compression Lock Folding Knife 2.92" CTS-BD1N Satin Plain Blade, Pi…Retail price: $196.00, our price: $147.00
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Spyderco Para 3 Salt Lightweight Compression Lock Folding Knife 2.92" CPM-MagnaCut Satin Plain …Retail price: $206.00, our price: $154.50
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Spyderco C223PBBK Para 3 Lightweight Folding Knife 2.92" CTS-BD1N Black Plain Blade, Black FRN …Retail price: $206.00, our price: $154.50
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Spyderco Para 3 Salt Lightweight Compression Lock Folding Knife 2.92" CPM-MagnaCut Satin Serrat…Retail price: $206.00, our price: $154.50
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Spyderco Para 3 Salt Compression Lock Folding Knife 2.92" CPM-MagnaCut Satin Plain Blade, Yello…Retail price: $278.00, our price: $208.50
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Understanding the Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife

The Spyderco Para 3 scales down the high-performance features of the Paramilitary 2 into a more compact, pocket-friendly format. This American-made series is defined by its versatile 3-inch blade and the exceptionally strong, spine-mounted Compression Lock.

What makes the Compression Lock on the Para 3 unique?
The Compression Lock provides high-strength security by using a leaf-like tab that engages the tang of the blade at multiple points. This mechanism is located on the spine of the handle, allowing you to close the knife one-handed without placing your fingers in the path of the edge. It is significantly stronger than a standard liner lock and allows for smooth, fast opening and closing.
How does the Para 3 Lightweight compare to the G10 version?
The Para 3 Lightweight uses fiberglass-reinforced nylon (FRN) handles and CTS-BD1N steel to offer a more economical and lighter-weight alternative to the standard G10 models. It also replaces the standard 4-position clip with a deep-carry wire pocket clip that is reversible for tip-up carry. While the materials change, it retains the same reliable Compression Lock and overall ergonomics of the original design.
Why is the Para 3 considered such a popular EDC knife?
The Spyderco Para 3 is popular because it offers a full four-finger grip on the handle despite having a compact 3-inch blade. This balance provides the control needed for heavy cutting tasks while remaining small enough for comfortable daily carry in a pocket. The broad blade profile and full flat grind also ensure excellent cutting geometry for a wide variety of common tasks.
What blade steels are available in the Para 3 series?
This series offers a wide range of steels including S45VN, S110V, Maxamet, and corrosion-resistant MagnaCut. Some variants even feature specialty carbon steels like 52100 or Spyderco's proprietary SPY27. This variety allows users to choose between maximum edge retention, ease of sharpening, or extreme rust resistance depending on their specific needs.
Does the Para 3 support different carry positions?
Standard G10 models of the Spyderco Para 3 feature a 4-position pocket clip that can be configured for tip-up or tip-down carry on either the left or right side. Lightweight models use a reversible wire clip designed for left or right side tip-up carry. These options make the series highly adaptable for both right and left-handed users.