Spyderco Para 3: Just What We Expected... A Very Good Thing!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfareb and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
-- Jeremiah 29:11

[@jakefromstatefarm1405]

Thanks for mentioning the PM2 pivot adjustment Rob. Using your technique, I was able to tune my PM2 just right (and I've been trying for a while now). 👍👍👌🏼

[@sputumtube]

Just done exactly the same myself Jake. Not quite a free-dropper now but blade play is a thing of the past. Top tip for sure....:)

[@suttonmatthew]

About the lanyard hole. I tried the very excellent Lynch deep pocket, but returned to the stock clip. I’m not trying to conceal the knife, but appreciate the grab surface of the stock clip. The stock clip is great unless the carrier is trying to conceal.

[@meatblade3490]

Agree about the pocket clip! Finally bought a custom deep carry clip. This knife falls out of pocket with the standard clip more than you might think.

[@anthonymiller8979]

I actually like the stubby, heavy built look of this one.

[@oleboy7615]

I believe the PM2 is the best EDC/GP knife made. When one considers everything an EDC knife should be, to include fit/finish, utility, cost, capability, locking system, etc., there simply isn't a better GP knife made, IMO. I do like the P3. It serves a great niche segment, for the reasons Rob mentions. Thanks for another great review!

[@carmelotansengco4605]

The Shaman is my favorite Spyderco. That honor used to belong to the Para Military 2. Still really like that but if we're being honest, for most EDC tasks, a Para 3 would be more than enough. I just took my S30v Para 3 apart before I watched this video. Cleaned and lubed it and put it back together. I think I''ll do the same with my S110V later.

[@davidpyper82]

why didnt they put the hole through the top of clip . big hole can be used with carbiner

[@randyparker8009]

👍' up and enjoyed. Hope all have a blessed day.

[@Mario-td2kp]

Nice polished edge!

[@DL-zd3sg]

Best video I’ve seen on the Para 3. Being a south paw and not ever owning a compression lock knife, I wasn’t sure how well it might work for me. I know the Para 2 is available in a left hand version, but that knife is larger than what I would regularly carry. I never considered that the clip would assist a left hander in closing the knife. Also, very good explanation of the blade lock pin and how it affects the action of the blade. Having never owned a Spyderco, they all look a little odd to me, but I like the idea of the thumb/finger hole instead of a thumb stud and I think the wider flat grind on the blade could be beneficial in slicing and balancing in food preparation. My tastes in knives run to those that look to be overbuilt and the Para 3 has that look. I think I’ll order the Para 3, my first Spyderco. GREAT VIDEO!

[@40belowful]

I love the compression lock:) Good review Rob.:)

[@knifenut6772]

Looks like it will be a perfect EDC once you put a deep carry pocket clip on it. I will have mine in a week or so. Already have the deep carry pocket clip. Great review. Thank you.🇺🇸

[@CampfireTalk]

Agree with you on all the good about the Para3. For me, I'd remove the lanyard hole completely and move the clip to the end. Cleaner, more aesthetic and would carry better.

[@clapton924]

As long as the Native 5 exists, I have no need for the Para 3.

[@tomlindelow7984]

ApexKnives i didnt think id like the native so i never bought one. i ended up winning the spyderco's military knife lottery and received a native 5 oir. i really like it for edc.

[@michaelniel7523]

Ya that’s a sick knife too

[@desertrainfrog1691]

Different knives for different people.

[@jeffreyweber8006]

I'm planning on getting one when I see a sprint. Have to switch that clip to tip down, though!

[@brian4407]

Spyderco should have shipped all PM3 tip-down to begin with

[@jacobs.7205]

Thank you Rob for teaching me a new left hand close on the compression lock. For some reason I didn't think of doing it that way before.

[@menacewithaknife4045]

The best left handed close is with the left handed pm2

[@thechemtrailkid]

I wish they would have removed the lanyard hole completely, move the clip farther back, and make the rear standoff far enough away from the edge of the blade to allow for (from what I can tell) small percentage of users who want to still have it.

[@donnellis8865]

Very honest review Rob. I think the Sage 5 is better in the hand,rides lower in the pocket,has the same steel and lock so I won't be buying a Para 3 unless they change some things like the clip and lanyard tube.

[@sublyme2157]

I love how they corrected these issues in the Para 3 lightweight. Continuous quality improvement for the win!

[@desertrainfrog1691]

Para 3 only has one liner I believe though. Just seems less sturdy I:

[@hcavn]

The clip placement is a deal breaker for me. I have two PM2, and don't carry them. I was hoping for a shorter one to EDC.

[@franco402]

hcavn immediately replaced my clip with an aftermarket deep carry clip and it is perfect.

[@hcavn]

Andrew - can you post a link to the clip vendor please?

[@christamu2]

hcavn Casey Lynch and mxg gear deep carry clips are good options.

[@anesmono11]

The Casey Lynch clip would not give you room for a Para-cord lanyard in that tube...

[@chawenhalo0089]

Now that an interesting way to carry a Spyderco! Does he use a lanyard?

[@randallrogers6608]

It doesn't take patience to do something you want to do.

[@arophilly]

The video is supposed to be about the Para 3

[@morisboeuf]

The clip itself is probably functional but the looks are way outdated...they could have also upgraded that too it is way too long just my 2 cts.

[@paulb322]

The Para 3 actually is " taller " than the PM2 - like 1.3 mm or something close to that if I remember my micrometer reading . Not a noticeable thing , really , in the pocket - just less pleasant to the eye , in my opinion . I wish Spyderco made the Para 3 blade just a little lower profile , then it would have been perfect . Just my 2 cents ....

[@txthumper5853]

they could have used the lanyard tube and clip from the tenacious

[@whaBAMdude]

Rob, when are you going to weigh in on Spydercos updated warranty policy? Specifically the fact that they are switching to blue loctite and its now ok to disassemble the knife without voiding the warranty. Ive been waiting for your input! Love the videos.

[@MS_249]

Great review!

[@andrewt248]

Truthfully, they should have foregone the tube and put a floating pin in the end of the handle to wrap a lanyard around. Then they could put the clip wherever they want. PS: I do love my P3, either way.

[@Runes_and_Men]

How do I get my stuff sharpened? I have a couple blades that really need a touch-up...

[@shubbagin49]

Mmm? A less broad blade and a bit of finesse with the pocket clip would make it more attractive personally. Don't think I would use the clip, a small lanyard to fish it out my pocket, like my Skyline and my GEC Bullnose. I do love the compression lock but don't think I will be buying this one in its present form. Good review Rob.

[@thomaslanders1162]

Good review as always. I agree about the blade being too wide and that foolish donut hole size lanyard tube. Spyderco is pumping out new knives like crazy. New blade steels on knives, new locks, colors etc.. I still think they have the attitude that whatever they make or do it will sell..Nothing interests me..Even with all their damn quirks my last purchases have been BM 940, 940-2, 940-1... Thanks to your channel I'm looking at some traditional knives now...

[@kerryrwac]

The lanyard tubes where the pocket clip should be . They should of replaced the lanyard with a tapered shouldered standoff like Clyde Challenor uses or lanyard attachment . The Sage 5 has a better pocket clip .

[@rustyjocsen5260]

My pivot broke overnight after i screwd the screws a bit more because they werent on the same surface level as the g10 handles! I am completely dissapointed. Any ideas? The knife is useless , unless i buy a new pivot for 30 dollars

[@mrcaptain9333]

Have you ever thought of designing and crafting your own knife? You could call them the Apostle edge :)

[@johnbowen5336]

None of the PMs ever called to me the way the Manix 2 does. I think it has to do with thumb hole placement and height of thumb ramp and top of the blade. I suppose that's why I also prefer the Gayle Bradley Mk2 over the Mk1.

[@Watchandcutgearchannel]

Great review as always Rob! I'm waiting for some cooler version (upgraded Steel)before I pick one up... can't say enough about my para 2... thanks for sharing as always... p.s I still need to send my 2 knives over lol I know I said I'd send them a month or so ago ... I'll get em out to you soon! Be on the lookout 👀!

[@williamhollar7844]

I got a deep carry clip and now perfect

[@braidyfisher]

I thought is was a stubby looking little thing and that the back of the handle looked kinda funny... but couldnt really figure out what it was exactly. I think an aftermarket deep carry clip would cover some of the lanyard hole and look silly too.

[@SailfishSoundSystem]

Is the tip a little more robust than the Para 2? That tip always looked weak to me.

[@TheApostleP]

SailfishSoundSystem Nope. The bevel and edge profiles are as identical as can be.

[@SailfishSoundSystem]

I wish they would fix that like they did with the Delica 4.

[@bumstudios8817]

Thanks always for the review. Not the most attractive spydie to me, but your edge looks great on it!

[@randallrogers6608]

They scaled everything down but the lanyard tube. With everything they did well they dropped the ball on the lanyard tube... Just shows they are not perfect.. Seems there is room in there game mistakes. Big mistakes. Where was this made again? Still all in all this has to be my favorite knife ever.

[@lv4235]

Like your reviews

[@1vw4me]

What you've mentioned is exactly why I've never gotten a PM2, 3. Between the finicky compression lock, flimsy scales, etc.....these are the reasons I've kept my original liner-lock Military, and the Benchmade 940-1 is King of EDC. None of this BS with the Axis-lock!

[@jesseespinosa9739]

1vw4me your benchmade will break its omega spring before the para loses its edge.

[@drivingmuffin]

I've actually never had an omega spring break either, but I hear some people struggle with it. My 707 is still going strong after 7+ years with no problems. The blade is getting a little bit small after a lot of sharpening though... lol

[@michaelniel7523]

That para 2 S35vn is nice...

[@guusdejong2523]

The military is my second favourite knife right behind my large sebenza 21. This one looks good but I don't think I will get it.

[@brian4407]

Switch the pocket clip to tip-down. Problem solved

[@Lychee959]

makes it feel like spyderco is secretly casey lynch and mxggear

[@TJRuble]

Hey Rob, looking to get some Knives sharpened and a couple spa treatments for the fancier items. What's the best way to get in contact with you? I have messaged on FB with no luck.

[@shadowbanned15]

Not starting a war but seriously America... PLEASE adopt the metric system FFS - 4 and 7 8ths? 3 and 7 16ths? Can you seriously say you wouldn't rather just have 4.5 or 3.5

[@TheApostleP]

Tony I do this to start he the small minds of the metric myopic Euros. We Americans have learned our whole lives to think in fractions, decimals and metric at the same time. It’s good brain exercise to be able to flow between them.

[@shadowbanned15]

@@TheApostleP haha fair enough mate (think I'd had a few whiskys when I commented), great videos regardless of the units of measurement used :)

[@bxutuber]

I have a PM2 that is bent at tip of blade, can this be fixed? *CPM S30V

[@BrentonCarr]

Rob, We may differ politically and I may not agree with you on that front, but I really enjoy your channel and its informative content. Plus (and most importantly) we're brothers in Christ. So thank you for all you do and God bless.

[@yanksmc7]

I use the top clip so that's not an issue for me. I do still hate the giant lanyard hole tho

[@jsweatt6302]

Para 3... 3" blade, 3.0 oz. Sounds about right to me

[@MrRUSSWILL]

Wow Sir! What a fantastic review I do love my PM3 ! Didn’t realize that detail of the lanyard hole until you pointed it out! Although I used a deep pocket clip to remedy that situation, I am no fan for the paperclip clip. Thanks again I will be watching more of your videos!

[@Sheriff-tchoupi]

Hey rob ! sharpenning question : when they get used , do you flatten your stones or do you buy new ones ? love your content keep it up ! =)

[@TheApostleP]

Chrixter I flatten them to the very end. Now there's a video that needs to be made!

[@Sheriff-tchoupi]

Can't wait for it !

[@15569903]

This knife looks like it would be quite handle heavy with regard to balance. I have not had one in hand. Anyone have a comment on balance?

[@TheApostleP]

Sean Willard It weighs 3.0 ounces total. It's so light that balance is virtually irrelevant. There's nothing heavy about it, blade or handle.

[@15569903]

Thanks for comment rob. I'd like to get my hands on one!

[@jameshunt530]

How do I get a hold of you? like to send some knives in for your edge. I have a inkosi and a 21 also a crkt ripple. I really want to get a mirror edge on.

[@TheApostleP]

James Hunt [e-mail]

[@nathan_navaja]

Aftermarket deep carry clip. Problem solved.

[@useaknife]

I’ve had the para 3 for about a month and I think it’s perfect now I’m not a super knife snob in the sense I’ve never had a knife that’s over 100 dollars in the exemption of the para three and the manix 2 and I love the para three more much better action my and I love the compression lock The frame bending never noticed till you pointed out haha and the big amount outa my pocket I like because when I’m on a fire wearing gloves I can pull it out of my pocket most knives I can’t and same for the huge thumb hole for those reasons non of the bad stuff most people don’t like bother me but I can see where if your in a office this would not be your favorite knife

[@Antimonyish]

Why not take a dremel and make a sharpening choil? I do it to all my knives that need it. Takes like 2-5 minutes.

[@onixpyro3883]

why the f is a lanyard tube ALWAYS necessary...

[@TheApostleP]

Onix Pyro Not only is a lanyard tube not always necessary... but as a guy who almost never carries a knife with a lanyard attached, I don't think the lanyard hole is necessary on most knives. But if you're going to make a lanyard hole, adding he tube just provides another positive locating pin function, especially in Spyderco knives.

[@suttonmatthew]

Floating stop pin? No, it’s not a floating pin. :My complaint is that the stop pin is carbon steel, and prone to rust.

[@TheApostleP]

I use the term “floating” to describe the relationship of the stop pin to the structure of the knife. It’s not shouldered and fixed by fasteners to both sides of the handle assembly. The side of the handle opposite the one screw is allowed to move along the pin as the pivot is adjusted. I thought that was obvious in the video format of a review, but perhaps not.

[@suttonmatthew]

@@TheApostleP So, one end of the pin is fixed, and the other slab floats with the adjustment of the pivot? It’s sounds similar to the CRK Inkosi.

[@TheApostleP]

@@suttonmatthew Exactly.

[@rabbivj]

looks like the blade to handle ratio is about the same as the para2...no thanks...

[@flowerdoodle2438]

This guy has the best swallows on the internet

[@flowerdoodle2438]

…and the longest thumbnail beds.

[@cwrowe]

Para 3 is no more than the manix

[@333turdferguson]

All the annoying features of a paramilitary 2 magnified in a smaller package. All the good features as well, but a swing and a miss overall.

[@jk-mm5to]

I will wait for one in titanium.

[@whaBAMdude]

Rob, I'm assuming that you knew/know about the warranty change. Your public criticism of Spyderco for their warranty and selling off a bunch of your collection because of it arguably caused them to loose potential business and customers. I would expect you to give them their due props now that they fixed it.

[@mikewarner2285]

Lanyard hole cigarette holder