Spyderco Para 3 in CRU-WEAR

This is a review of the Spyderco Para 3 in Cru-Wear. There's discussion on the design of the knife with the steel used. The video also documents use and sharpening the knife.

[@davidrother6092]

I don't care what anyone says, you are the best knife reviewer out there. Keep up the good work, long live Spyderco!

[@michaelchristy4982]

AndroidDave 1776 thank you brother.

[@georgespicer907]

I got one I love it. Was waiting for the right steel for a para 3 and this is it. Cruwear holds a fine edge for so long and then the working edge dulls quickly. For a small EDC knife I prefer a long lasting razors edge and then I sharpen anyway. It's such a great, comfortable in hand, all around knife.

[@brandonbarr6906]

Glad to see a newer knife channel out there again!

[@vetgunto1816]

Really enjoy your reviews. Keep them coming sir. I just purchased this same knife in part due to your review. 🧔🏻👍🏻

[@jeffreyweber8006]

I love Cruwear too. Didn't get one of these but I have the Cruwear PM2 and C.F. Manix. I'll give a shout out to Brian at Rivers Edge. Great guy. He reserved a HAP40 Caly for me. I ordered and got it in two days! Highly recommended dealer!

[@thormx22]

What an awesome review. To say the least. Thank you for the time you’ve spent making this video. Coming from an aerospace metallurgical tech, your knowledge is beyond respected. You definitely sold me on this specific model. Thank you!

[@michaelchristy4982]

Golffoxtrotyankee it’s a great model. Glad you liked the review.

[@dubglock2312]

I always look forward to your videos

[@aray9628]

Does anybody else get the vibe that this guy might b the real BATMAN?

[@camilobowie3991]

I dont mean to be so off topic but does anybody know of a trick to log back into an instagram account? I stupidly lost my password. I love any help you can give me.

[@conradmaddox6275]

@Camilo Bowie instablaster :)

[@Biblicalgiants]

I love the light grey scales. I never used Cru-wear but I'm sure it's superb steel. Good video!

[@mikelikesknives428]

I just found a PM2 with Cruwear. It's a great knife and this steel has been fantastic. I have only stropped it with 1 micron diamond spray and the edge has stayed shaving sharp. Thanks for explaining Cruwear. It's a very good EDC steel.

[@joshperdue4157]

Informative as always. Strong work buddy. I've employed a few of your sharpening methods and have obtained better edges. Thanks!!!

[@michaelchristy4982]

Josh Perdue thank you. And I'm glad that my material has been helpful.

[@49giants3]

I couldn’t get either gray cruwear, pm2, or para3. But luckily knife center came out with a slick g10 version. Cruwear is pretty nice. Even though I could never get near your legendary sharpening, I like it. Thanks for sharing

[@JusttheEdge]

Carpenter also makes it called PD#1(punching die #1). It was originally made in ingot form by Vasco Metals called Vascowear. The powder metalugry process improves performance by reducing carbide size so vascowear isn't as good for knives.

[@jeffreyweber8006]

And I agree...Spyderco is doing a great job on their edge geometry here lately. We've talked before about the Urban K390 and my HAP40 Caly was no different. Super thin and consistent

[@michaelchristy4982]

Jeffrey Weber that's good to hear. That's how it should be.

[@lamprozar1]

Great job Michael enjoyed i the video ive never tried a cru ware knife or a para 3 but after watching this i think ill give it a go thank you

[@michaelchristy4982]

James Case you should. I'm really happy with this one.

[@blueline5614]

I love mine. I had to find one on eBay, but I got it for a decent price. The edge bevel is really nice and even. I tempted to pull the trigger on another as well!

[@Jim00000]

Hello, I really appreciate your insight and passion for your work. It seems like you are very knowledgeable about sharpening. I was wondering if you can make a video about your sharpening setup and how you decide what to use on different types of steels. I think making a guide like this would be invaluable to the knife world as no one really touches on this topic. I really appreciate freehand sharpening rather than a guided system and you're one of the few that seems to know what they're talking about.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Watch the video I did on the Spyderco Slyzs Bowie. I think the detail you're looking for is there.

[@Unjustified_Bot]

Just found this video. I like the review so I subbed. 👍

[@markpaystrup5800]

you are truly a nerd my friend. The knife world needs more like you

[@MikeUman]

I have about half a dozen folders that I thought were so nice that I bought'em twice. Hell, at one time, I had four Benchmade AFCK's, and, five Spyderco Natives. It may seem kind of stupid, but, when you love and carry your favorite knives, the idea of losing it to accident, breakage, theft, or, some other form of misfortune is a real bummer. Additionally, if it happens after the knife has gone out of production, well, that just compounds the angst of losing an irreplaceable favorite. So, if you have the means, just buy that second one. You never know. It could end up being a very smart move to get that spare. Love your videos, man!

[@michaelchristy4982]

Mike Uman I understand the logic, but I stopped buying doubles years ago. There’s always another knife coming out that be the next one you’ll love.

[@MikeUman]

Ain't that the truth!

[@marcmartens4831]

Thank you again for sharing your knowledge, I want a para 3 now, with something different from S30V, not necessarily CRU-WEAR.. But maybe, you really have a way of putting things so they can be understood and taken in rather then just in an ear out the other so 👍s up. I was getting lock stick on my para3 S110V. Being new to the scene so to speak I just put a little mineral oil in there and it hasn't come back. Which has suprised me as the oil can't be the reason why I haven't recoiled it.

[@marekmasar5216]

You did the worst you could do putting an oil on lockstick.. Use little grafite sharpie.. Oil creates locksticks..

[@jamesmiller360]

Very informative, enjoyed the video.

[@michaelchristy4982]

James Miller thank you.

[@TTT-du6oj]

My first experience with Cruwear was a purple DLT para 3 which was sharp out of the box,i refined the edge on the sharpmaker brown and fine rods (15dps) at which point it was hair whittling/splitting sharp,i continued refinement on the ultra fine rods and after that i could cut free hanging hair tip to root and root to tip,as Michael says it is a sharpeners steel😁👍

[@johobo2038]

To bad you can't buy them anywhere now. It's a shame too. I'm kind of new to the knife game and I never hear about spring runs until they're gone. Like I'm not one of the cool kids or something. Lol!! Great video as always man. Really enjoy your stuff.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Joshua Burkhead they're harder to find, but still out there. You'll pay more, but you can find them.

[@Sweetknives]

Just seeing this now, great stuff man

[@SufferSilent]

Love your videos. Almost therapeutic for me. I just bought a Cru Para2 and I’m terrified of using it. I haven’t taken it out of the box yet. I want to have a sharpening plan before I use it. I have OCD and I need the blade to stay scary sharp. Do you recommend any specific diamond stones or micron routine? Thanks!!!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Awesome video! I really wanted to get this sprint run, but money it tight now. Have you ever found that you introduce a little side to side play after digging into the wood like that? My mini griptillian has never been the same since I carved part of a spoon.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Justin Mann I just checked this knife and there's no side to side play on it. On other models, I haven't noticed it, but I may not have been looking for it.

[@1st508thAirborne]

Great video 👍🙂

[@littlewoody5539]

Good video sweet blade .

[@michaelchristy4982]

little woody thank you.

[@deeclinton1532]

As usual another good vid. keep em coming..thks. question which do prefer between cruware and s110v? I preordered the para3 in maxamet and I want to purchase another can't decide between cruware and s110v. I put my knife through heavy use..

[@michaelchristy4982]

Dee Clinton CruWear and S110V are very different. If it's just a lot of heavy use, S110V. If it's hard use or abusive at all, CruWear.

[@EDCwithAaron]

Stoppp I don't have the extra funds but you're making me really want one...

[@Epesnell]

Awesome steel knowledge! What is the toughest steel Spyderco offers?

[@getoleper928]

Great as usual! Want to know that do you have the problem of diamonds wear off on the spyderco tri-angle sharpmaker 204D diamond rods or on the DMT diafolds? And, do you think sand paper can take off the metal on S110V as quickly and as effectively as the diamonds plates do? Thank you!

[@michaelchristy4982]

Geto Leper diamond does wear off, which is why you should use light pressure with diamond all diamond stones. Plus, using more pressure doesn't make them cut any faster. Just let the stone do the work. I've never used sandpaper, so I can't say for sure, but I doubt it would work very well on S110V.

[@lindboknifeandtool]

I always thought of using a dremel with a fine diamond but and grinding in a flat channel so I could rotate it with a flat head screwdriver

[@The335plyr]

I think I've watched all your videos by now. Big fan of your content. I'm interested in Cruwear quite a bit. Cruwear and Maxamet really interest me. I know the steels are very different. But I'm curious what tasks you would opt for Cruwear over Maxamet or vice versa? And the strengths and weaknesses of each if you had enough experience with Maxamet to even say. Thanks sir!

[@michaelchristy4982]

Chris Wright I've done quite a bit with both steels. There's a lot that doesn't make it to a video, including some tests. Maxamet is ideal for soft abrasive material like cardboard and packaging. CruWear is a high toughness steel. I've found with CruWear, for EDC, using a highly polished edge, it holds up very well. I'd be more task specific with Maxamet, mainly soft abrasive material, where as CruWear is open to anything.

[@The335plyr]

That is interesting. I'm having a hard time getting my hands on any Cruwear models. I seem to keep missing out on the sprints. I'm really eager to try it. Based off your response I think I'll look to try Cruwear before Maxamet. Thank you for replying.

[@shrigg]

Nice review. Think you could get the S110V version of the Para 3 as sharp?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Darren Shroeger thanks and yes.

[@StoneHands25]

just wanted to know your opinion on cruwear vs hap40 as far as edge retention and wear resistance? thanks love your videos!

[@michaelchristy4982]

Dean Grondin that’s a tough question. CruWear seems to give different performance depending on edge finish (although I haven’t tested that), so comparing the two has a lot of variables. With CruWear having a non-polished edge, HAP40 would have better edge retention, but CruWear would have higher toughness.

[@KENAHIGHLANDER]

Nice review.

[@michaelchristy4982]

KENAHIGHLANDER thank you.

[@KENAHIGHLANDER]

Will Spyderco run this knife again? I found one for $179 seems a little steep. Do you sharpen for your followers?

[@333turdferguson]

I am still not thrilled about the Para 3 design. I find Cru-Wear interesting, but when given a choice I have stuck with 3V. 3V seems more compelling in a fixed blade, especially with the newer heat treat protocol used by some makers. Enjoyed the video as always.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Marl 71 I haven't heard about the new HT protocol for 3V. Any details on it? Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@333turdferguson]

Nathan Carothers of Carothers Performance Knives on bladeforums has what he calls the delta protocol for 3V. I guess it's not that new anymore, maybe 1.5 years old. He also has optimized heat treats protocols for D2 and 4V, among other steels.

[@melusinecentun5847]

Hello! So after working with all these steels, what is your favorite so far? Take care, Irène.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Melusine Centun it would depend on the knife.

[@peterd5857]

Dear Michael, what oils or any other liquids do you recommend for knife cleaning (after disassemble)? thanks

[@michaelchristy4982]

Peter Dmitrenko I usually use Froglube and Nano Oil.

[@mauricedelorenzo5213]

Is it tougher than 52100 in the pm2?

[@StoneHands25]

Would you patina cruwear?

[@kjam87gxp]

Is the pm2 cruwear a good knife

[@bpfohio]

Do you feel that cruwear performs better with a polished edge or a coarser finish?

[@michaelchristy4982]

I like CruWear better with a polished edge.

[@blueline5614]

Oh, in regards to sharpening cpm cru-wear, do you suggest dmt diamond stones or King Japanese water stones? I have both and am able to get hair whittling edges with each method. Do you think one would be more suited for this steel?

[@michaelchristy4982]

blueline561 you could try King stones, but I'm not sure how they'll do. I think a harder water stone, like Shapton would do fine, but I'm not sure about King. DMT will do fine, but get a finishing stone to make the edge finer.

[@blueline5614]

Michael Christy Thanks! I'll try my dmt's and finish on the Spyderco ultra fine. Also, I have dmt diamond paste for stropping.

[@SpareSpacesuit]

How long would the para 3 last before its too thick behind the edge? looks like 10-12 sharpenings? then is it useless?

[@tomerbenavi9184]

hi Michael when sharpening cpm m4 in order to get maximum edge retention should I mirror polish the edge with the spyderco uf ceramic or not to??

[@michaelchristy4982]

Tomer Ben Avi refine, not polish.

[@krispybeats6615]

They should make more of them.

[@marksteddom6941]

What's your thoughts on the Para 3 in S110v?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Mark Steddom I'm sure the people who pick one up will like it. It isn't on my list of knives to pick up. I just got the UKPK in S110V, and I really like that.

[@frankwoods135]

What blade shape do you prefer in a general use knife

[@michaelchristy4982]

Casey Bryan I'm not sure that I have a particular blade shape that I like over others. There are some blade shapes that I don't prefer for general use, but even then I try to find the best way to use them. I find myself making good use of different blade shapes... drop points with belly, clip points, wharncliffe, sheepsfoot, even tanto's.

[@koercvf]

Another great video mate big fan of the channel! Do you have any recommendations for books or videos to get a better understanding about sharpening techniques for a beginner?

[@michaelchristy4982]

The best thing to do is start sharpening. Forums are a good place to get information. There are sharpening groups on FB that are good also.

[@koercvf]

Michael Christy thanks for the tips mate I've been spending a bit of time sharpening this week and its definitely paying of. Your level of skill and knowledge is an inspiration!

[@michaelchristy4982]

Vincent Carmichael thank you. I'm glad the channel is helpful.

[@tomerbenavi9184]

hi, Michael just for general knowledge how do you clean your spyderco ceramics??

[@michaelchristy4982]

I use a couple drops of honing oil and a paper towel.

[@tomerbenavi9184]

ho thankes

[@formationit5039]

I have this knife and the orange cts-hxp. I just purchased the purple para3 from DLT Trading, which is also Cru-Wear.

[@Mikeymoz1]

Do you want to sell them mate? 😅

[@formationit5039]

@@Mikeymoz1 I am going to sell the DLT one, if you are interested. It is unused, NIB.

[@Mikeymoz1]

@@formationit5039 ahhh gutted man I’m after satin blades for a project 😢

[@BCMZ]

What do you carry most: para 2 or para 3?

[@zripster]

Para 3 in s110v or Cruwear, which is better?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Zane Ripley I’ll take CruWear, but I’d like the get the S110V version at some point also.

[@marekmasar5216]

I just picked this up today.. It's amazing knife but I'm not sure about the performance!? Happy New Year 2020Michael..

[@wrjames38]

Pick it up used? Been looking for one too.

[@marekmasar5216]

@@wrjames38 not used!! New.. 1 guy in the country where I live belong to Spyderco collector club so he got all special and sprint runs and luckily people here doesn't have much money so I am fortunate to have special stuff.. just today I got manix m390 and shaman m4... Good luck looking but I doubt that anyone will sell this Cruwear version.. It's special indeed

[@wrjames38]

@@marekmasar5216 Thanks for the reply! There's a few places that have them NIB (like BBS) for $279-$299 so I'm still in luck. I have every Exclusive /sprint of the Para 3 and Shaman except the Grey P3 Cruwear, But I'll get it eventually. Enjoy your knife.

[@eldridgeyoung2763]

Mike I don't think your getting lock stick Spyderco has put in a little notch in the lock cutout so the compression lock does not bounce back out on spine wacks

[@michaelchristy4982]

Eldridge Young the lock stick I mentioned comes and goes. Either way, it's not a big issue.

[@kevinAuman1]

Hey brother, I am on the hunt for eirher the st nick 4V para 3 or a cruwear para 3 which do you think would be better as a daily carried "look how sharp my knife is" blade steel lol I love me a sticky edge that is easily attained on a sharpmaker or lansky diamond set but I need to learn more about the different stropping compounds and materials to take them even further....

[@michaelchristy4982]

kevin auman either steel sharpens easily. CruWear does really well with a polished edge, and strops back very easily.

[@kevinAuman1]

@@michaelchristy4982 thanks brother, I do like the red scales/coated-blade combo of the st nick version but I'm finding out they're fairly sought after because bidding is getting into $200 range while the cruwear is not as high or even near it for a used knife smfh so it is looking like cruwear is going to be the choice but I'm sure that I'll end up grabbing the other one too at some point lol the knife addiction is real!!!

[@kevinAuman1]

@@michaelchristy4982 well shytt man, blade HQ was running killer deals for bl fri and cyber mon so I ended up grabbing a 52100 para 3 carbon fiber and also a camo s30v one came with a lum spydie and a delica all four knives with t shirts, 2 knife rolls and 2 decks of cards for $400 shipped!!! Prolly get here at some time as my cruwear para 3 lol

[@michaelchristy4982]

kevin auman that’s a great deal.

[@kevinAuman1]

@@michaelchristy4982 indeed. The lum is a hap40 sprint also!

[@The335plyr]

This video has me wondering, is there anything comparable to Cruwear in a production Spyderco? In terms of toughness and how it takes an edge?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Chris Wright 3V, so the Spyderco Tuff, although that's out of production.

[@The335plyr]

Michael Christy I'm just going to bite the bullet and pay a little extra over the retail price. I haven't wanted a knife this bad since ... a long time haha the steel, scales, design. I gotta try it.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Chris Wright I like the model enough that I would pay more for it then I did.

[@The335plyr]

I bought one this morning lol. I paid $40 over the $126 they went for initially with free shipping. That was the lowest I could find. Better than some retailers now charging msrp $209 bucks I guess. Anyway- really looking forward to your next video and I can't watch any other knife videos now thanks to you haha. Take care and have a great weekend.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Chris Wright I'm glad you picked one up. It may ruin other knives for you... it's that good.

[@GODWITHUS0712]

What's tougher cruewere or 4v

[@michaelchristy4982]

Manuel Silva 3V

[@PockeTanK]

Would you prefer maxamet?

[@michaelchristy4982]

PockeTanK it depends on the task.

[@everydaypatriot1083]

BTW, what does Spyderco have against sharpening notches?

[@michaelchristy4982]

EverydayPatriot Lol, I couldn't say. I hadn't even noticed until you pointed it out.

[@bigpoppa578]

EverydayPatriot add one yourself!

[@budoka92]

if i remember correctly gayle bradley air had one :D

[@BCMZ]

budoka92 no it hadn't

[@budoka92]

gayle bradley AIR had one, it's that little silver twill knife

[@Ryndel]

Is 52100 tougher than cruwear?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Ryndel it would depend on HT.

[@Ryndel]

@@michaelchristy4982 thanks man!!

[@neroknives1828]

Is that true that 3v is tougher then A2?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Vinny Nero yes.

[@neroknives1828]

Michael Christy now that’s really interesting. I really wouldn’t of thought that.

[@tomerbenavi9184]

what stroping componds do you use and recomend for m4??

[@michaelchristy4982]

Tomer Ben Avi diamond. Temo does ok and it's low priced. Wicked Edge is good. Hand American is good. Ken Schwartz products are good.

[@tomerbenavi9184]

ok thanks

[@tomerbenavi9184]

what is a good compound to use as a betwin stage from the spyderco uf ceramic and dmt's 0.5 dimond spray?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Tomer Ben Avi a good 1 micron diamond compound, if you're decent at burr reduction. If you're not, you may need a 3.5 and a 1.

[@tomerbenavi9184]

Michael Christy thanks alot

[@kevinAuman1]

My cruwear para3's scales are black and smooth almost look like carbon fiber I have not seen or held one in the grey scales like you have here... I own the maxamet para3 in grey and I have to tell ya, I prefer the smoother scales and I may switch the maxamet ones out for the carbon fiber scales off of my 52100 verson.... No pocket snags and it is not slick enough to where it is going to slide out of your hand or anything lol

[@kevinAuman1]

I just read that the smooth scaled version is a limited run of 600 total and a knife center exclusive! That's awesome I scored it cheap off Ebay and it was still unused....

[@michaelchristy4982]

kevin auman yeah, the smooth CF was a completely different run. If you love the knife, it’s great that you got it.

[@kevinAuman1]

@@michaelchristy4982 indeed I do, I love how easily the edge strips right back to ridiculous sharpness with a little green bark river compound and then 1mic diamond spray on smooth leather

[@scotw67]

I have an extra Para 3 Cruwear that’s BNIB. What would you say is the trade and sale value of this knife?

[@michaelchristy4982]

scotw67 I’m not sure. You could check on the groups.

[@SuperSteelSteve]

scotw67 Lol still got that para 3 cru wear?

[@ciderandthorazine]

ooh. if i could finish an edge to that degree, i'd probably be reluctant to cut anything with it.

[@michaelchristy4982]

ciderandthorazine but you’d be able to sharpen it again whenever you want.

[@ciderandthorazine]

Michael Christy fer sure, mr. christy - if/when i git gud. at the mo, i can get edges to catch eyebrow hair, lol. but i have learned useful principles from your "freehand sharpening - bevel alignment" video. onward and upward.

[@mscustomknives]

So the para 3 has the exact same spine thickness as the PM2

[@michaelchristy4982]

Micah Sonntag actually that’s incorrect. 3.7mm for the Para 3. 3.5mm for the PM2.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Micah Sonntag the measurements I gave are from Spyderco’s specs.

[@mscustomknives]

@@michaelchristy4982 certain measurements can vary on the specs they provide. For example the maxamet model PM2 is supposed to have a slightly longer blade than the standard models but it measures the same.

[@StoneHands25]

I regret canceling my pre order for this knife :(

[@michaelchristy4982]

Dean Grondin there might still be a few around. You'll probably pay a little more for them, but I think they're still available.

[@chrisxx012]

Cruwear or s90v?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Chris Mccarthy depends on the model.

[@chrisxx012]

Michael Christy para 3 carbon fiber.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Chris Mccarthy I love them both, but I love the S90V/CF more.

[@davideverson92]

Chris Mccarthy S90V

[@arophilly]

Your fucking amazing

[@Chingus696]

CPM equals Crucible Powdered Metallurgy. All Crue-wear is powdered and not billet…

[@SuperPussyFinger]

I have no idea what this guy just said.

[@michaelchristy4982]

SuperPussyFinger I had to go back and watch my own video to see what might have been confusing. What did you have trouble with?

[@SuperPussyFinger]

Michael Christy - Ha. Mea culpa; the problem isn’t you. You’re just so knowledgeable and punctilious with regard to to metallurgy, it’s all over my head. I’m a total neophyte to the knife world. I don’t even know what CRU-WEAR is.

[@michaelchristy4982]

SuperPussyFinger no worries. If you’re a novice but want to learn, there’s a ton of information for you to take in.

[@joeyzubillaga2382]

Hey do you have an Instagram account?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Joey Zubillaga I do, but right now I'm not posting. It's michaelchristy13. I may get active on it in the near future.

[@arophilly]

I don't care what anyone says, you are the best knife reviewer out there. Keep up the good work, long live Spyderco!