Its Good but How Good? Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight

[@Colbbee]

I have 4 Para 3 Exclusives or Sprints...I Picked up my first Para 3 LW (Rex 45) today, and I've got to say, that I love it way more than I expected to...handles feel ridged, centering is great, free-drop smoothness and no blade play... Until they drop a Para 3 Salt in LC200N this will be my only P3 LW.

[@joe_a_photo]

The Manix 2 is amazing. I have the S110 version. It feels like a beast. Super ergonomic and I love how lightweight it is. I’m a volunteer firefighter and I carry the Manix 2 with me during shifts all the time.

[@j-mansamerc7928]

Pm3 and manix 2 are my two edcs, both lightweight. Love love them

[@artvandalay6161]

Aaron, gotta tell you man - I need to ditch watching your videos.... I’m now buying too many knives. Thanks a lot brother!! Ya might like to know I just received the M2 LW in translucent blue this AM from Blade HQ. Is was advertised as having BD1 steel....and when I opened the box, wow; it has CTS-BD1N!!!! For same price! I’d say that speaks volumes about Spyderco and BHQ. Keep up the great work👍

[@mr.breeze9473]

Para3lw is starting to grow with me. Very light weight, action is very good, blade works for me, but what else do you use this knife for but opening boxes and cutting the cheese. People put too much into blade steels.

[@trumanneer4176]

Use mine for about anything cutting small roots. Slicing the rubber coat off wires. Hat the pocket clip wish it had screws. It got snaged on a fence and came off. I just keep it in my back pocket. Supee comfy in hand and easy to sharpen

[@KernowEDC]

@@trumanneer4176 You might be able to find one on Etsy.

[@F80mthree]

Just got one as my second spyderco knife. Absolutely love it so far. Was a benchmade guy but been carrying an endura 4 (glid edition) for the last 6 months and loved it so much that I had to try out the para 3 finally. Glad I did and spyderco has officially stolen me from the overpriced benchmade side. If you’re on the fence about making the purchase, trust me, you won’t regret it.

[@knifevideochannel4657]

Nice job on the video as always! I carried my P3LW for 30 days and ran it through a plethora of Cutting. Wood, Double walled cardboard, Industrial Zip ties , Etc and it performed flawlessly. The FRN didn’t connect with me and I found the outside of the scales slick. Gifted the knife away , But I agree with your overall conclusion as a better knife then the Delica.

[@failure2flinch876]

I wanted to wait for a sprint run in better steel for the para 3 lightweight And bingo out Came the para 3 In my favorite steel M390 Now I have the perfect knife for me

[@ronbisti4352]

I’ve been hearing a lot of talk about the fact that they only used 1 washer. I love the critics. Spyderco has been making knives for 40 years now.

[@austinhanson5981]

Last year i was in the market for a new knife decided i was gonna go ahead and get a good one seen your 3 reasons the manix 2 lightweight is the best video. You convinced me to get one and i havent been disappointed

[@KernowEDC]

My apologies, I called you Gideon yesterday, didn’t realise your first name is Aaron. Anyway, thanks again for this. Thinking of pulling the trigger on a lightweight Para 3. The fact it’s so light and has a deep pocket clip is a big seller for me. As someone who lives in the UK, this is an illegal carry that I could get away with when camping. The fact they do have a full black version with a deep pocket carry however gives me peace of mind knowing its super discreet. I’m also left handed so the fact it’s ambidextrous is another box ticked. Thanks again for a nice in-depth review! Keep the great content coming Aaron!

[@317jmdam]

The Manix 2 LW handle always looked super blocky to me. I like the size of the Para 3 handle. I don't like having a ton of space for my hand to float around. I grab the Para 3 and my hand just knows where to sit. I'll have to try a Manix 2 LW.

[@SolaScriptura49]

Great video. Having smaller hands, I would prefer the Para 3 LW. I also like the deeper pocket clip for more concealment.

[@TheWatcher60401]

Para 3 lightweight, spydiechef, pm2, manix 2, smock, manix 2 lightweight, native 5 lightweight. para 3 g10, delica. I own these spyderco knives and this is the order of them from favorite to least.

[@Laglagpaddy]

What made you put the lightweight way above the g10? Im curious as im currently deciding between the salt and crucarta version rn.

[@TheWatcher60401]

@Laglagpaddy oh, my opinion has changed. The para 2 all day, I gave my dad the paramilitary 2 salt because he turned the s45vn into a rust bucket. I rock the crucarta. Ummmm I would take the salt over the crucarta for edc.

[@Laglagpaddy]

@TheWatcher60401 Thanks for the input..im currently leaning toward the salt over the crucarta for the para 3 now. i have yet to handle a pm2 but maybe after i try out a para 3.

[@TheWatcher60401]

@@Laglagpaddy or do you mean para 3 specifically?!?! I take the para 3 lightweight over g10 because it is WAY more comfortable in the hand and the pocket clip on the g10 is one big hot spot, this is not the case with the wire clip of the lightweight. Magnatcut > cruwear, for edc I think.

[@Laglagpaddy]

@TheWatcher60401 yes i was talking about the para 3 specifically but you also got me curious about the PM2. My only spyderco is a native 5 salt which i really love but i would want to try the compression lock

[@dyodes3143]

Thanks for the video. I bought my Tenacious last September 1st, love this knife but now I have 2 more to buy. Very informative on knives in video. Thank you for taking the time to give us some feed back on these knives..

[@Greg_M308]

Love the lightweight. Highly preferred. Like the Manix over the Para 3. I like the Delica more than the Manix.

[@toddjones5480]

great vid, per usual. p3 lightweight could not be more perfect for what i look for. though its an unpopular opinion, ive always felt that the manix 2 is just a bit too big. edc carry/use got me some glances as if i had just pulled out a giant sword. even though it was lightweight, i always 'noticed' it in my pocket. p3 solved all this for me and im so psyched on it. delica 4 has a nice looking girlfriend now.

[@charlesdudek7713]

I have the translucent blue Manix 2 with BD1N steel. Absolutely love it. For a smaller blade I went with the Sage5 which I also really like. It's like a mini Manix.

[@markgoldstein6265]

I like lined g10 spyders . the frn feels not as substantial to me . as i do plumbing work and abuse my knives i usually go for the heavier lined option. Now that being said. I do have 2 frn Spyderco that are for when i wear light shorts and dont want the extra weight then.

[@steely_mike]

I can't see any knife surpassing my manix 2 lw.it is my all time favorite! Great vid as usual. Thanks Aaron

[@phobiappg8429]

Very well done! Thank you! I have had the Spyderco Caly 3.5 for 9 years now. I think I may have lost it during my last RV camping trip. The Para 3 Black edition is on the way. Excited for the new enhancements. Hopefully the Caly shows up. Still love that knife.

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

I am a Manix2 guy. Got both the S110V and the Maxamet versions early in my knife collecting. And while I have handled a friends Para3 LW, I don't have one of my own. What I have very recently learned, however, is that I love my new Manix2 Cru-Wear. Not a light weight relatively speaking. But he Manix melts into my hand, I don't even notice the extra oz. Hell, you could double the weight and the Manix is so well balanced for me that I probably wouldn't notice. Can live with FRN, but prefer G10.

[@lr2119]

Why wouldn't they put a deep clip on the manix2? It's almost like the manufacturers don't want to make the perfect knife so you keep buying more. Super annoying to me.

[@coultin]

I understand the point, and your review is great. Having that been said, I don’t think that the FRN scales on their knives could be any uglier. Just my taste though.

[@troyounce3295]

Certainly does less damage to my pockets than the rough g10 they use in my experience

[@The_OG_MP]

If they doe the para 2 in the lightweight format, I'll be curious how that goes up against the manix 2.

[@edwardlilley1705]

Their battle would be legendary.

[@rickbrio9485]

Thank you for the video! I would agree! The axis like lock for manix is amazing!

[@potion95]

With the manix 2 lw and para 3 lw being the exact same price, which one would you pick? I like to fidget with my knives and love fun locking mechanisms.

[@gideonstactical]

The manix all day

[@booishoois309]

I am thinking carefully about this knife, and I'm very happy Spyderco made it. It's almost a Delica 5 with the finger choil everyone wanted. I also like the lower price, and pocket clip. Good review.

[@chrislowery1980]

The compression lock still pretty accessible for south paws? Just ordered mine. Hoping so

[@snowboarding1984]

Summer time carry is always lighter weight than winter or fall carry. Light weight shorts and what not..... so for me great little summer time carry para 3!!!

[@MrRogerio31]

For me is the best ever knife,for ALL!!!use every day and never have a problem.

[@sprungjitsu8465]

Honestly i look at this knife and i notice right away, that the lanyard hole is on top, where your hand is. So if you put a lanyard in it it will most likely disturb the great grip this knife is is meant to offer. Same as on most bark river knives. I dont understand why they put it there and not to the bottom where it doesnt get in the way. I havent bought one and tried yet. But if i buy one its about 130 euros. And if this is an issue, then it wont be worth the money in my opinion

[@buckwylde9567]

I have the Raven and Polestar in BD1. Very happy with them and glad to purchase the USA made Para 3LW.

[@30SECONDSOUT]

Only thing I have against Spyderco is the fact they do not replace blades. I sent one of my mini grips in and they sent it back with the new blade, and while they had it apart they did a thorough cleaning and replaced the copper washers. Thing looked and felt brand new when I got it back.

[@6pistons]

The Delica 4 is my favorite EDC blade. I am considering the Para 3 lightweight for the size and hopefully better edge retention, and of course the compression lock.

[@Mike-mi3yw]

Fortunately you can get the Delica in k390 these days which is an excellent user

[@ronbisti4352]

Dude I held that gray Manix in my local knife shop today and it feels absolutely phenomenal but it’s just too big for my EDC. I couldn’t get the lock to disengage one handed; did yours take a while to break in?

[@michaelandrew8493]

I like the frn and light weight look better but I want the better steel so I'll get the regular para 3 I guess

[@sensi9895]

Great Reviews overall. I would suggest instead of facing the camera , doing a table top so we can look at the knifes close up and in comparison while you explain everything. i appreciate the discuss but the close ups help as well.

[@sensi9895]

Just to add i went to the store based on your reviews to test them both. I was leaning toward the Manix and i dont want to be on the para bandwagon. When i got there though the Para just fit better in my hands like you said. Happy with the buy. Thanks

[@northsidetrev5035]

Love all my spydercos. I got a pm2, delica in 20cv, endela in 20cv, 2 enduras one vg10 one in zdp, a manix 2 lw and 2 para 3s lw spy27 and g10 but lately I've been finding myself carring my vg10 endura just due to the ease of sharpening . I wish I could still get spydercos at the prices you're listing I just looked up a manix 2 lw in 110 and it's up to 190 lol.

[@acid6urns]

some of spydercos stuff isn’t too crazy. usually some vendor exclusives are a good price. i just ordered a 20cv para 3 with neon green g10 from knife joy for $160

[@northsidetrev5035]

@@acid6urns Nice, I saw that one as well but didnt care for the lime green personally. I got the Delica and Endura exclusives in 20cv from them just a week or so ago and a glow in the dark Delica and Endura from knivesshipfree a little after. I just received my Endura 4 wharncliffe in k390 in the mail today for father's day. Might have to take a little break from buying anymore for a couple months lol.

[@acid6urns]

@@northsidetrev5035 yeh i’ve been on a buying spree too. i’ve bought a KC exclusive pm2 in cruwear, a grey endura, a hogue deka, a manix 2 g10 s30v and am waiting on the 20cv para 3 to come now Lol

[@robertb.3651]

Endura is awesome !!!!

[@chrisxx012]

I see them now coming out with the para 2 lightweight and possibly the military and lightweight. What's your thought on that?

[@Messerjocke90]

Para 3 lw is cheaper in Europe than the Delica 4 flat grind. So getting the para 3 lw was a no Brainer for me. So assuming that this blade is gonna be as successful as I'm hoping, there's HOPEFULLY a lefthanded version coming soon.

[@Biblicalgiants]

I love the FRN handles on this knife. Good upload!

[@crazyone5409]

I bought the Manix 2 LW and I had to return it because the locking mechanism was killing my finger to close it. The thing was so stiff. I even loosened the pivot screw and that didn't do a damn thing. I loved the knife and I love Spyderco but that locking mechanism was horrible. Maybe I got the one Manix 2 that was just bad. Anyone have any ideas for me so when I buy another Manix 2 LW, I will know how to loosen the locking mechanism? I did buy the Para 3 LW after that and I absolutely love that knife.

[@alwong604]

I have Para 3 LW and it rules! No better knife for the money!

[@rickyl9540]

Hi, I just bought this today. The blade is quite sluggish. Any tips to loosen it up or just take it back? Would it help to loosen the main screw? I see it needs an unusual screw driver that I don't have.

[@gchan8855]

This is one of many videos that convinced to actually get a Manix 2 instead of Para 3. You're 100% right about both them being good knives, tho.

[@MrTuffCookies]

I bought a P3LW when they first launched. Didn't really connect with me so I sold it in favor of the G10 version. Been using a Cutlery Shoppe XHP model for awhile now as my work knife. Worked wonderfully. Well, I dropped that one and messed up the tip recently. So I ordered the P3LW as a again as a stand-in while I'm waiting to have an opportunity to fix my XHP blade and... In hindsight, I'm not sure why I ever got rid of the LW. I do agree that I sort of wish they'd have given more blade and shifted the finger choil in the handle forward, while getting rid of the half & half forward finger choil. It's a 3" blade, sure, but you only get about 2.5" of actual cutting edge, and man, if they gave me a full 3" in this package (insert inappropriate joke here) I'd just be SO stoked. But for simple EDC, really, it's going to usually be enough blade. I had a G10 Manix and that was definitely more knife than I'd carry, but I'll have to try out the lightweight version to see if the weight reduction can offset the size for me.

[@hdedges]

Great review as always. I have owned hundreds of knives, but never a manix, and I've always loved it. Gotta get one. Para 3 lightweight is so damn good though, I agree. Purchased one for my father in law. Will be his first "non budget" knife.

[@readyme]

Good review. I’d like to see a comparison to the BM Bugout.

[@gregkis]

There's like 2 million vids of that

[@markjg2275]

I would never buy a Benchmade due to their liberal anti gun policies .

[@gregkis]

@@markjg2275 same. I hate benchmade. I've never bought one and never will

[@gregkis]

@Ghost lmao

[@johnyb9884]

Mark JG I don’t know much about knives but if what you say is true, that is a factor to me. Very conservative here

[@victormelendez1074]

I just bought one. How do you get the blade to flip?? Mine doesn't flip at all.

[@rakewawrz5200]

The best EDC are the lightweight versions. The native 5 is my favorite but I'm thinking about getting the para 3 or mini grip.

[@tangoyankee7521]

Native 5 the best. FRN

[@sharpie249]

I'm late to the party but I just ordered my first Spyderco. I ordered the manix in bd1n.

[@cassshields5106]

Awesome review. So another note how do you compare this to the bug out?

[@marknuzum270]

Does the Manix 2 lightweight have steel liners? I prefer G10 over FRN, but don't mind FRN. Love my Delica and EndurA

[@happiknife7716]

Great video. Love my para 3 s30V g10. That manix 2 is niccccceee too.

[@Fangsinurface]

The manix 2 is an amazing knife. Ive put mine through hell and back and shes still strong as hell!!

[@firestarter8202]

Para 3 is a tad below 3” making it legal in more states.

[@kamyarilkhanipour9807]

Awesome review, love Spyderco knives. Just purchased P3 LW from your link, thanks!

[@reaction9449]

If you don’t like the manix 2 LW’s wire clip as much as the para3’s can you swap the clips? So you get that little more deep carry’ness to it? Or does it not fit, looks like you could swap them out just fine, ever thought of buying a para3 clip to put on the manix?

[@treyh007]

Luvin my P3.... the action is my favorite part of this lil gem!

[@justinwood3054]

I have both. Just buy both, can't go wrong with either.

[@tonyhoodlass1846]

Just got my Para 3 lightweight Brilliant

[@THUF007]

My new favorite mid size Spyderco, Manix 2 being my favorite large (What I call Large) Spydi! Good review as usual. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@andrewmilbrandt406]

The drawback comes with a lack of customization. Would love to see some scales/frame come for these.

[@brianf9619]

I'll take the ZDP-189 Delica 4 for about $100.00 . My XL hands fit on the Delica's handle and it has 2 full liners , not 1 liner on 1 side and steel going into frn on the other side , we'll have to see how that works out for the Para 3 LW long term.

[@LegBuilder]

What is your opinion between the manix 2 maxamet and the para2 maxamet. I only want one of the two and have a hard time deciding. My only problem with the manix is a pinned handle and has there been any failures in the spring of a manix

[@electricfatman]

Went with both! But got the g10 blue with s110v steel. Manix and Sage might be next in the list. Great comparison, you hit all the points.

[@curtisfox4917]

I have the Para 3 sprint run, with S35vn ..great review..maybe a lightweight 3 will be next.

[@SeacryBlastsAloT]

How does ost stack up in terms of handle material against the g10 version? Is the p3l as flumsy as the benchmade bugout?

[@thomasdolby3371]

Looks as tho you could fit the wire clip from the para 3 on to the manix 2 to get a deeper carry

[@sethadams4856]

Thanks for the great review. I think I’ll pick up both a Manix2 and a PM3. I don’t have any Spyderco knives and would like to check them out. Thanks again. 👍

[@TheBeater2382]

Kind of not a fan of FRN. The para 3 ihas been an awesome knife and never ever let me down. I usually like a knife over 7.5 in but Para 3 hits different in my hand. Don't know if I want that much real estate in my pocket with the manix 2. The para 3 magnacut is dropping soon and I think I'm going to grab it and replace my para 3 g10 S30V . Really enjoy your videos you bring a different element to knife reviews and don't ramble on and on and on about a knife that you haven't used

[@TheBeater2382]

Under 7.5

[@ronaldroberts1992]

Thanx Mr gideon for cool video...I just got the chaparral and thinking para 3 might be next.

[@JohnRuby-cs3rx]

Awesome review as always Aaron, great way to start the day.

[@TwistedHunt]

I love my manix 2 but i hardly carry it anymore because it is so gunked up after years of carry. Any tips on how to clean it up?

[@anthonyhernandez2835]

Can’t find this on Amazon or my local shop. Was wondering what or which website would be best to order from?

[@buck19x87]

I just snagged a para 3 LW in M390 annnnnd I like it just as much as my Manix 2 LW in S90V...... I will say though that the para 3 has edged out the manix 2 in office environment EDC type category. If I'm going hiking or camping the manix 2 will most likely come along but for every day use (cutting tape and opening boxes) I'm leaning towards the Para 3 LW.

[@Mike-ot5hc]

You should test if you can fit the Para 3 clip on the Manix 2. Maybe you can get a deep-carry Manix?

[@ninemimesleft]

You can call Spyderco and they will sell you a Foundry clip, which is deep carry and fits the Manix 2 LW.

[@DRNKonTIDE]

I get liking light weight. I've got several frn handle knives, and I know they're tough and reliable, it's just a little daunting when I can feel the handle bending under the pressure of my hand. I prefer the full weight version...

[@isildurelendurion1822]

Good review Aaron but how do you think the Para 3 light compares to the Benchmade Bugout?

[@Eldofarmboy]

Para 3 destroys the Bugout all day

[@andyhooutdoors]

Woodland Tactical care to explain how? Been wanting to get a bug out but still sitting on it.

[@Eldofarmboy]

The compression lock is much stronger than the axis lock. I've batoned, spine whacked, and just generally pounded on the Paramilitary 2 for a year and a half with no issues. My Bugout's axis lock survived my abuse video but it failed recently when I was showing it to a friend. Spyderco's FRN is also higher quality than Benchmade's is, their edge retention is better than Benchmade in my experience, and Spyderco's deployment is a lot smoother. Plus Spyderco has far better customer service. Honestly I'd buy the Taiwan made KA-BAR Dozier before I'd buy another Bugout

[@andyhooutdoors]

Woodland Tactical Thanks for taking the time to reply. Truly appreciate it. I have owned many Spyderco, mainly PM2 and a few Para 3, and own only one Benchmade which is the Griptillian in CPM-20CV. Not quite sure why I did not warm up to the Griptillian so was looking at another model from Benchmade. The Bugout caught my eyes so was thinking of getting one. Your opinion meant a lot in my decision making. Guess I will not get the Bugout. Thanks!

[@werners5191]

I am interested in the Delica and Para 3 because their blades are under 3 inches and are legal to carry in my state. Comparing them to the Manix seems u

[@werners5191]

Unnecessary and not really fair.

[@Chingus696]

I just can’t get down with the light weight plastic handles! I’ve tried them on the manix, i have a couple delicas, but some thing about those handles feel cheap to me. I really hate that Spyderco is doing this to most their models!

[@nmende00]

On paper, the para 3 looks like an evolution of the para2 but it did 5 revolutionary things: used a great steel (better than vg10), made in usa, compression lock, lightweight design at a competitive price. to me spyderco knives are not ergonomic without the 50/50 choil. I own a ukpenknife which is basicly a neutered version of the para3 LW (no lock and thinner blade). For the price, I Iove the uk penkife more as an edc bc of the leaf blade shape and bc its not pretending to be a tactical knife. If spyderco is going to have para in the name it needs a longer blade length.

[@jkstdstang]

I love the lightweight models I have the para 3 I have the Manix 2S110 V I've had a native 5 lw before also and they are great lightweight edc options. Great vid

[@whatfreedom7]

But is the blade centered? The para 3 LWs are notorious for off center blades. Just a important thing know that before buying one.

[@danc2651]

Real users don't care .

[@lindgrenfamily]

Would a mid-sized hand fit in the reviewd Para 3 handle, if so I think it will reolace my Manix 2 Thanks for sharing your opinion

[@OGjayraimie]

I wear a medium size glove and can say yes, even before using the finger Choil. The para3 LW is awesome. Had it for about 2 months now and love it.

[@barkingspider2007]

Great video... Cool that you mentioned Cedric and Ada. Thanks again for the video 😎👍

[@theknifewhisperer5667]

You gotta check out the Spyderco Shaman! Its is a badass! Worker blade! Better ergos then the manix too! Check the reveiws

[@jmuk3571]

I prefer the G10 version better but it’s still a great knife

[@christwombley1491]

As always, great review. Hard to go wrong! What about the Polestar in BD1?

[@jeffhollar1830]

The Para 3 all day vs Manix IMO I have had both sold the Manix but great video thanks

[@artvandalay6161]

Another great review Aaron, thanks for your opinion - which is often more useful than other people’s facts! Based on reviews I ordered the PM3 LW from BHQ. I personally like the G10 on some knives, but for this one I believe the FRN is more comfortable. With G10 I sometimes want to round out some of the edges for comfort. So I have a Para 3 in burple S110V; when you get bitten to buy another one just let me know - lol!

[@irvinangon8944]

I regret selling my light weight. Tho if I buy another one, I'd grab a g10 model. With the light weight I couldn't get the perfect tight without blade play.

[@MrTuffCookies]

Manix is too big for me, personally, so that's out right off the bat. I guess I'd have to say Para3LW, because if you're going to get a Delica, just save a few extra bucks and get a Bugout. If you need the ergos, though, the Bugout just doesn't quite have it like the P3LW does. I want to say I like the Delica because it has full liners, but that's a knife that really doesn't need them. I think the P3LW should have had 1 full liner on 1 side, to make it a sturdier knife to justify the beefier handle.

[@heres_j0hnnyjs75]

I love both, but first I started with the manix 2 lw bd1n steel then had to get the para 3 lw

[@markjg2275]

Have you tried the Para 3 Cobalt blue lightweight with Spy27 steel ?.

[@saxcobra895]

I love the idea of the lightweight knives, but I just don't like those wire clips. That's why I'm getting another Native lightweight

[@kevinAuman1]

I am curious if you could swap out a blade from say a cruwear or maxamet para3 into the lightweight para3 for better blade and still lighter weight???

[@robertlefeaux]

It would be close. The blade on the lightweight is 0.03 inches smaller than the regular pm3. That doesn't sound like much, but it could make all the difference when trying to fit perfectly sized parts from the two knives together.

[@cbwelch4]

I snapped up a Para 3 LW run in M4 for $122. I thought it is a good knife for a great price. We shall see soon.

[@joshuajacob6402]

Aaron, I haven't been rocking my Para2 or Manix2 in awhile. I can tell you I've been rocking the Ferrum Forge Stinger and I love that knife for and EDC. I hope you'll give that a shot and make a video on it.