Spyderco Head to Head: Para 3 Lightweight vs Delica 4

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Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight: amzn.to/3YEiicl
Spyderco Delica 4: amzn.to/3xwn7IM

[@timc8913]

I've been a Benchmade guy for some time but have recently gotten interested in adding a Spyderco to my collection. Just the review I was looking for. Well done. Thks.

[@beri232]

I started as a Spyderco guy and recently bought 3 Mini Griptilians and a Crooked River. I am 100% still a Spyderco guy. Lol

[@indodeal]

Nice review! You did a very good job of comparing how they are similar but quite different. I lost my Delica on the construction site so I just ordered this Para 3 Lightweight to take its place. Should have it in 2 more days!

[@RybosWorkbench]

That’s great - I think you’ll really like that P3LW, i think it holds up to harder use a bit better than the Delica too. Let me know what you think

[@salmanalk]

Subscribed today, great content and presentation. Keep up the good work!

[@justmichyd248]

Very informative and to the point. Exactly the video I was looking for thank you.

[@georgemorley1029]

Have both, like both, but keep returning to the delica.

[@kaomatic]

same out of my 15 knives i always end up grabbing the delica i tend to forget it’s even on me it’s so light weight

[@wyattsmith5355]

The delica has full steel liners

[@wyattbreymeyer4033]

at2.5 ounces!!!!

[@Dudeee_]

Enough said, I pick the Delica!

[@nickallen8333]

@@Dudeee_you should check out the sage 5

[@mitondo6123]

Para2 LW only has one side with a washer. I've seen videos with it having centering problems right out of the box. Delica also has steel liners on both sides.

[@maranick]

Exactly. I have both knives and the P3 feels cheap and the blade will not center. Delica is my pick.

[@mitondo6123]

@@maranick Some say the Delica is getting "old." But there's a perfectly good reason why it lasted this long. Cheers!

[@jeffhollar1830]

Have both and always go back to Delica

[@georgemorley1029]

Same.

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

Para has better steel than Delica. The Para lightweight is a very good in between the Delica and the normal Para imo

[@tomt5745]

A thin blade is bliss:)

[@tomt5745]

@@georgemorley1029 A Delica sleeps in my pocket and does not annoy me. Slim.

[@beri232]

@@tomt5745gotta agree with you. The best edc is the one you forget is in your pocket. I have 3 Delica 4’s and although I would like a Para 3…. I just don’t see the need to buy one. I am that happy with the Delica’s

[@webg6512]

cool video, but the prices have changed a lot in the last 4 years. the Delica 4 is $70-80 and the para 3 lightweight is $120-140 at this time in 2023.

[@oleg-bombimbom]

Super review! Thanx.

[@sprungjitsu8465]

Honestly i look at the para3 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

[@booishoois309]

Delica is the best

[@EricWebSurfer]

If you get a chance, could you measure how far back from the cutting edge your hand is in a normal grip without using the finger choil on the Para 3? My opinion could change, maybe..., but I don't want a finger choil and would rather the cutting edge closer to handle itself.

[@kpfagerberg]

The choil feels pretty similar in size to the space between the guard and edge on the delica. I’ve never noticed any difference

[@void1984]

Delia is famous for it's thin blade. PM3 is the opposite. I like both wire clip, and Delica's spoon cliip. Additionally PM3 has little ergonomy in my hand - unlike Native 5. I'm not sure DB1 is an upgrade to VG10. Delica comes also with a Wharncliffe blade, that's an advantage.

[@b-rj1171]

The Delica is still better. More solid. More useful blade because of shape and thickness. Smaller in the pocket. Own them both, love the Delica much more.

[@fpvbeast9338]

Delica is weaker. And the Steel is much much better for para3

[@b-rj1171]

@@fpvbeast9338 Yeah, depends on what you want to use the knife for. Daily tasks Delica is more than enough.. and better in all other ways.

[@fpvbeast9338]

@@b-rj1171 I would still go with Para 3, the steel does not dull as easily as VG10. Once you start going to better steels you start to realise that VG10 is a bit meh. I also have knives in CPM S35VN and that is also a big step up from CTS BD1N

[@b-rj1171]

@@fpvbeast9338 Got them as well bro.. and the steel is better than VG10. But to me VG10 is for my daily use more than enough.. 🙂

[@mbotefuh]

Well done!

[@redbertiethechampion1863]

Delica all the way

[@parallaxfree109]

I prefer delica proven through time back lock is stronger blade tip stronger, has liners and still lighter. More color options yes not a great price but has and probably will out live par3 hype. Imho those who talk about fidget factor dont really use there knives they just play with knives. In the end there both spyderco and again imho are the best knives and knife company hands down.

[@dataclast]

Surprisingly the 3 lightweight is just slightly lighter than the delica. You can barley notice it in hand tho and I still prefer the delica.

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

I don't even care if there are other knives that are better than it, from Spyderco themselves or another maker, but the Delica is my favorite ever knife and my EDC. Delica was my first folding knife and I've tried many others and I enjoy them, but the Delica is just perfect for me, the weight, dimensions everything !

[@baseballhunter42]

BladeHQ tested the compression lock, holds over 400lbs of pressure. Not having 2 liners in the para 3 lightweight isn't going to compromise normal use. Doubt the blade tip is stronger on the delica, it's a thinner blade and vg10 is more chip prone. Both weigh 2.4oz. Compression lock allows easy one hand closing, if you actually use the knife for a variety of tasks that's a nice difference. It's not that easy to close a spine lock one handed, whereas with a compression, axis or liner lock it is. I want to be able to pull out and use my knife then close it and put it back in my pocket in a simple one handed motion because plenty of times I'll have something in my other hand. Personally I like the look of the profile of the delica more but the convenience of a compression lock and better blade steel make the para 3 a no brainer for me.

[@thelastsamari7923]

Injust got my first delica 4 waiting for it in the mail 😊

[@dreamdisturber]

I left my Delica 4 in a hotel and it’s gone forever so I guess I have to go with the PM3 lightweight instead of a replacement Delica 4 right? Question is, would you go with the original Paramilitary 3 or the lightweight as a replaced for my lost Delica 4 edc. Man, I wish it came in orange.

[@vybtom1]

Go for the Lightweight Para

[@dreamdisturber]

Tom1911 OK. Thanks! I still haven’t made that purchase yet so I will look again at the Para 3 Lightweights !

[@vybtom1]

@@dreamdisturber No problem. Para 3 LW is great! It's also my EDC. P.S. They recently came out with a new sprint run with REX 45 steel (I think) and orange scales. You might like it😉

[@finneassblakley1927]

I enjoy the way you do reviews, subscribing today

[@wyattbreymeyer4033]

in my experience vg-10 is pretty freaking soft, i had to sharpen my endura a crap ton with not a lot of use

[@grizzlycountry1030]

There are a ton of steel options for the delica for a reason.

[@richardvirchow3390]

I love my Para 3 lightweight but hate the wire clip that won’t stay attached to the knife because they use a fastener with too narrow a head. I wouldn’t expect Spyderco to change because I’m sure the wire clip is cheaper for them to use and increases their profit margin.

[@deanalbertson7203]

Good review. I have a Delica and a PM2. Which one do I carry and use every day? The Delica.

[@wyattbreymeyer4033]

i find the pm2 wayy too chunky, the delica just carries better

[@tomt5745]

Of course. Delica is the dayly beast

[@AGC828]

Good video idea. Worth making. I didn't even know here was a Para 3 Lightweight. :) For not that much more money the Para 3 Lightweight IS worth it as you said. As an "EDC folder'. Thought slgihtly "larger" than the Delica we won't notice this in our pocket (vs carrying a full-size folder). An EDC folder is there on the rrare chance we might need it for the odd sudden everyday task. Might not use it or need it for 3 weeks but we'll carry it everytime we step out the door. So "size/weight matters". Anything larger should be left at home. Even begs the questin do we need them even at home...just short of being an expensive fidget toy :) As there are better tools for every at home task...

[@a97b18b]

I would love to get a delicate, just not a fan of the lock back. I prefer to be able to open and close one handed easily

[@finneassblakley1927]

You can but close it with one hand but its not as fun or fidgety as the para 3😢

[@JD-oe5uc]

It is quite easy to close a Delica one handed. Psh the lock with your tumbs, move the blade with your index finger and with your middel finger you can prevent the blade hits your other fingers

[@faethe000]

@@JD-oe5uc It doesn't compare to knives actually designed to be closed with one hand.

[@beri232]

Why? Are you missing your other hand?

[@pueblo1960]

Should have my PM3 LW in a couple of days. Can’t wait more now! Thanks for the information. Good video enjoyed it.

[@hotheadedjoelhaha]

Got mine just a few months ago, absolutely love it.

[@nickallen8333]

I like the delica better

[@felixf5211]

Same

[@Harry-dr1em]

I prefer the Para 3 Lightweight a little more cause of the compassion lock. Both are quality nice knives

[@Volkmannx]

Thanks!

[@johnm7882]

Completely agree.

[@mario-esfihamcq4621]

nice video!

[@Milkman4279]

Nick Shabazz considers the FRN Para 3, pretty much, a Delica 5.

[@faethe000]

There should be a delica 5.

[@tomt5745]

Amen to that. The thinner blade in the Delica does it for me. :) Not meant for bushcraft: if so, go Mora.

[@dennisg.7777]

You're right, you're getting a lot more from the Para 3, also a lot more plastic. The Delica 4 has stainless steel liners under the frn handles, the Para 3 only have one little liner on one side!

[@hotheadedjoelhaha]

Some refer to it as plastic and I guess it is. BUT that does not mean it's weak or chinsy. With both hands I can not squeeze the two sides near each other. I am amazed at how strong this knife is.

[@dennisg.7777]

@@hotheadedjoelhaha What I meant is that plastic or frn is softer and there is only one little liner and one washer on one the side. I think there will be more abrasion between the blade and the plastic side when there is dirt between it. 🤷‍♂️

[@hotheadedjoelhaha]

@@dennisg.7777 I agree Dennis, thanks!

[@ERRORFACE1]

Have both but always pick the delica

[@ink281]

They are both great knives, I prefer the Delica, full steel liners, two brass washers available in a multitude of high-end steals. Just my preference, the Para 3 lightweight is terrific as well.

[@ImAspectPvP]

Great video man, subscribed. Just one recommendation, instead of taking time to measure the knifes on camera just put up a screen shot of the specs, or read them off. Will give your more time to talk about the knives. Size comparisons are always good though

[@stoneblue1795]

I like the way Advanced Knife bro covers that. Priceless.

[@ImAspectPvP]

@@RybosWorkbench Makes sense, congratulations on the twins :)

[@rickyl9540]

In New Zealand the Para 3 light weight is $250.00 and the Delica is $189.00. Very disturbing. I blame Jacinda!

[@narkfly]

Delica 6 should come in S30V with a forward choil for around the same price point. Native 6 LW should get the same scale treatment as Para 3 LW with better radius-ing for more rounded corners. Everybody wins.

[@lawrenceragnarok1186]

Are you skipping the delica 5

[@narkfly]

@@lawrenceragnarok1186 Oops, I was thinking about the Native 5... the Delica 5, not 6. 😳

[@andyhayward1261]

Delica still lives!!! -2023

[@SpareSpacesuit]

This video shows how subjective knife ownership is, I think the delica wins all those categories. Interesting to see a different opinion.

[@stoneblue1795]

I always thought the Ganzo F759 was the Delica killer. It has a forward choil and costs about $14 in 2019. I do like that Para3. But I think I will lean towards a BM Bugout for a little more coin first perhaps. Enjoying your channel here, thanks.

[@remb9614]

I had to buy both

[@mini14head]

Sage 5 will retire them both. Enjoyed the video.

[@maranick]

It definitely should. I have all 3 and the Sage 5 is near perfect

[@Thraxounet]

For only twice the price not sure

[@lvbuckeye]

If the Dragonfly was the size of the Delica, both the Delica and Para 3 would be discontinued.

[@maranick]

Lol I have these 3 knives and yeah I want a Delica size Dragonfly!

[@yurivv69]

@@maranick Same here.

[@danc2651]

Me i want a dragonfly size delica

[@robertobautista560]

Where can I find the para 3 for 91 bucks?

[@zoroaster3053]

Para 3 lightweight Amazon 98$

[@EricWebSurfer]

I'm not saying I like the Delica more, but here are some possible Delica 4 PROs and CONs which are admittedly sort of nitpicky: PROs maybe: -Blade is more slicey, which is most likely what most people need in a pocket knife. -It appears a little smaller, so it can be less intimidating, especially in a bright color, to the (wimpy) uninitiated folk -If you don't like finger choils, I think your grip will be a little closer to the cutting edge w/ less 'dead space'?? -Tip of blade: Could be a Pro or Con but less acute tip so a bit stronger CONs maybe: -Doesn't come with a deep carry clip. After buying one aftermarket, its closer in price to the Para 3 LW and thus less compelling -I feel totally safe with back locks, but the fact remains your finger will usually be in the path of the closing blade -Tip of blade: less acute so maybe worse for finer precision cutting

[@diezelvh4133]

3yrs later and delica 4 in Japanese m390 is killing it! Best steel ever besides properly treated magnacut.

[@Milkman4279]

If a Delica and a Tenacious had a baby, it would be a Para 3.

[@aidenpark5939]

i chose Delica 4 cause of the color choices lol

[@aidenpark5939]

but probably gonna get para3 soon too

[@dataclast]

Which color u end up getting?

[@aidenpark5939]

@@dataclast I got the blue one

[@CaptainHookhatesBooks]

I bought the delica

[@zzzebulon]

Excellent comparison, good work bro! I'm definitely purchasing the PM3 (Well.. I also need a delica... Holly crap, knives are drug...). Cheers from France.

[@landonblazer3417]

I bought a delica because of all the good reviews I've seen and it is an icon, but I'd rather have bought a different knife. They are too similar and the para 3 is just much better. However, I got me delica before the para 3 lw came out so I wasn't able to make that decision. In my opinion the delica is overrated

[@zzzebulon]

@@landonblazer3417 I guess I'm following exactly the same path you did, lol.... (the delica is already in my pocket, and it's a gem, period. But the pm3 is gonna be mine very soon, and i'm assuming it will be better than the delica on each and every point.)

[@landonblazer3417]

@@zzzebulon Definitely a gem. I'm a bit too harsh on it probably because I see other knives with better materials at the same price, but the design is almost unbeatable.

[@landonblazer3417]

@@zzzebulon para 3 lw is definitely better in a lot of ways imo but I really wish it had liners like the delica does where they are Mills to keep it lightweight but still provide structural integrity. I also wish the para 3 lw had 2 washers rather than 1

[@charlesdudek7713]

@@landonblazer3417 Sounds like you are wishing for a Sage5 lw. It has the best of both the Delica and the Para3 qualities.

[@armandobustamante3533]

Delica is better 3 sucks but 1 and 2 The bests

[@travisswan1958]

I’m left handed anyone left handed use a compression lock

[@justinwickman3402]

I heard it's better for lefties

[@travisswan1958]

Justin Wickman thank you

[@jaywalker2012]

I have a left handed paramilitary 2 and love it I’ve used a regular pm2 and it works left handed but doesn’t feel as good as the one made for lefties.

[@Renaldo135]

Ganzo Firebird 759 are the real Delica killers....say what you want but they really are hard to beat for the price...

[@adamjohnson7385]

Those are hard to beat for the money. Excellent for work or kayaking where losing or messing it up is easy to do. I have a couple that I bought just to modify with a grinder to make a completely unique knife. I think Spyderco needs to copy the handle on the ganzo and upgrade the steel on the delica and it would be a hit as long as they didn't make it over $100

[@trageopar]

I bought the Ganzo just to see what it was about. Still ended up getting the delica anyway. Like the delica much more.

[@deltafunction0]

"How can you vote against the compression lock on a Spyderco" wondered no left-handed person ever. A lefty will find the compression lock more challenging to use one-handed than the back lock. Pick up your PM2 or Para3 and fidget it open and closed with your left hand. It's pretty friggin hard to use.

[@canadian8764]

I almost died

[@user-sc6uw4cw9w]

Delica just got old)

[@Richard-1776]

I could’t buy a black Spyderco....I know black knives matter, but they’re boring looking. It has to look cool...That’s important; you may as well derive pleasure from something so damned expensive.. That green is cool. I’d even shell out the crazy cash for that purple blue Paramilitary they have/had? I think that’s what it’s called.