Spyderco Para 3 VS Sage 5 (Taiwan VS USA Pt. 2)

This isn't the first time someone has done this review, but you all keep asking for it and Shortcut Reviews was nice enough to loan me a Sage 5 so here it is! I hope it's a unique take.
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Thanks for watching!

[@sinjon]

When Nick Shabazz disassembled the Sage 5 there were some burrs on the washers. He polished the washers and the action greatly improved. Just an FYI

[@tacticaltrev]

Great comparison and great review. Completely agree on the Para 3's ridiculous size of the lanyard hole and Spyderco clip. The Spyderco wire clip is my absolute favorite on any knife I own. I guess Spyderco gets is right on some of the knives they produce!

[@kerryrwac]

I so agree with you on the lanyard holes .

[@susanjavier2008]

I got lucky and got the rex 45 delivered yesterday and Im one happy camper , great new edc

[@robboss1839]

Playing with my sage 5 as I watch this That wire pocket clip is my favorite

[@LetoAtreidis]

I hate it, it moves sideways and I don't see why it wouldnt with that form factor.

[@Cristopher1976]

I cant wait til the lightweight battle between these two knives!

[@Greg-bz2bf]

Good points; great review. One thing I like about my Para 3 is the pocket clip keeps a bit of the knife out of the pocket that makes it a bit easier to pull out when working with or without gloves. I have the Sage 1 in Maxamet and G10, and I find the Spydiehole a bit sharp; while the Para 3's hole is nicely chamfered. Both great knives. I take either my Domino or Sage for EDC, and my Paramilitary 3 or Para 2 if I expect more heavy work. And my Subvert when I have ambition.

[@carlosmiles1011]

I carry sage 5 in front and a rat 1 in the back, different blade shapes, different uses

[@TheOfficialCaseMade]

I met a guy that carried no less than FIVE freaking knives; two small folders for "light duty" (one as a backup for the other), a Buck 110 for "heavy stuff", a small fixed blade for I dunno whittling? And a gigantic "THAT'S NOT A NOIFE, THIS IS A NOIFE" so he could cut down a tree if he needed. Mind you the guy lived in a suburb and worked a job that always had whatever tools he needed already at his disposal lol. I think he just likes to ask strangers "guess how many knives I'm carrying?".

[@timbo4374]

I don't have a Sage5, but I guess I need to get one now, lol..I got my 1st Para 3 yesterday, the burnt orange Rex45 one, and I admit I like it more than I thought I would.

[@michaeltlouie]

I played with both in the store for about 20 minutes and ended up buying the Sage 5. Both were neck and neck in my eyes until I put them in my pocket. The Sage 5 was a deep pocket carry while the Para 3 stuck out a little bit with the clip placement. I also tried the Para 3 Light which was solid also and offers a deep pocket carry setup, but then you sacrifice on steel quality. I wanted to stick with the S30V steel. In the end, I also liked the shape of the blade on the Sage 5.

[@johndavolta3124]

What steel is the Para 3 lightweight?

[@ShortcutReviews]

Ya.... been waiting for this battle!!!!!

[@SliceyDicey]

Thanks for making it happen!

[@ShortcutReviews]

I think the shouldered pivot can prevent removing side to side play compared to the more standard pivot of the Sage5 and even though the Para3 starts with stupid thick blade stock, those fine points on the Para3/PM2 seem more fragile than the more leafy blade shape of the Sage5. The tip on the Para3/PM2 is much finer than the Delica where the tip is a bit bullnosed. Thanks for tuning the action.

[@Damen0530]

Awesome review Brian, I'm liking the Para 3 more and more each day I carry it, it's slowly pushing my Delica out of my pocket.

[@thelonerider5644]

sage and the para3 are two of my favs. That and native5. Love the wire cklip on the sage tho.

[@bassingbasics6621]

I’ve always loved the look of pm2 and 3

[@plainscrafter5374]

Thanks for the comparison and going in-depth. I may be the only person who has a Sage 1 and a Sage 5 but not a PM 2 or a Para 3. I have bear paws for hands and the Sage ergos are awesome, and the wire pocket clip makes it a discrete carry. Like you, I seldom need to heavy duty work, so the Sage has been a nearly perfect carry for me

[@Damen0530]

Plainscrafter I have XL hands as well, and the Para 3 fits great in my hands, I was lucky enough to get the Rex 45 version, it's really a nice knife.

[@billbraski]

I have a couple spydie lanyards that will ONLY fit through that large lanyard hole. If you ever used a pareing knife before im sure you noticed that the handles are to short 90% of the time. This idea was taken into account with the pm3. More handle than blade is why it feels so quality. Good purchase on a handle is important with ANY tool.

[@curtisfox4917]

This was my first Spyderco, and my short stumpy thumbs had to practice a bit to get that blade to flash open,,...I had point my thumb down the hole to get best results instead of my thumb print..I own the Para 3 sprint run S35v too..but I don’t get it til Christmas..ha ha

[@tiddybagel]

I've owned 6 para 3s and just got a sage 5...the sage 5 is now my favorite. My favorite started as the PM2, then manix 2, and now the sage 5 is first with maybe the chaparral tied for 2nd with the manix

[@MultiPcExpertGhost]

Manix 2 or sage 5 as a first knife?

[@TheOfficialCaseMade]

​@@MultiPcExpertGhostthis is where I'm at, but I think I'm leaning towards Sage 5 for being an overall more conducive size and weight to carry daily. I really wanted my first real Spyderco to be American, but the Sage 5 just ticks every single box for me.

[@TheWatcher60401]

I am with you, love the carbon fiber laminate that spyderco uses.

[@chersgear7202]

I just got the all black manix 2 and blurple para 3 today. The bluple looks odd on the scales. They seem all stained with dark sections. But, now I am seeing everyone’s looks like this. And, I do agree about pocket clip. Wish I would have watched your video first. I would have bought the sage. Like the look better and the pocket clip. I have a question. How hard is it to change scales on para 3 ? Really love the color but hate how it looks darker in spots?

[@markunion9156]

Where else can I get the Lynch clip with the cutout besides bladehq???

[@57HEMIviken]

Another great battle to the death but if you keep showing that para 3 I'm going to end up getting one lol but I'd rather get something a little less beefy tho since i already carry a pm2 any recommendations on a smaller second edc? And before you say sage 5 I'm one of those that can't stand the carbon fiber stick n ply lol

[@Outpost_76]

There are some awesome aftermarket scales that delete the lanyard hole on the Para 3. If I liked the knife more I would explore that route myself.

[@SliceyDicey]

Yes there are. But again... It's fixing something that Spyderco did.

[@laserbrain7774]

Everybody loves a wire pocket clip and hates lanyards.

[@TheFlyrodder68]

I have both. I give the nod to Sage 5.

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

Nice battle

[@JeffBruenderman]

Great review . Just bought the Sage...still love my ugly ass Para 3 too

[@jococo7920]

I hesitate between bugout and sage5 lw ... I understand why bugout is popular it's so light you forgot you have it but for only 1 once more the sage 5 have full liner feel really more solid in the hand and better ergo and 20 bucks less I choose the sage 5

[@DustinFlu]

The sage isn't as drop shutty because it has a better detent and is less likely to open in your pocket or when you don't want it to

[@spyderg6509]

The lanyard hole on the sage 5 is so much better the the ridicules one on para 3 terrible position wire clips would’ve been perfect if they set it up for wire. I have both I carry sage 5 the most I do enjoy the para 3 as well though

[@macro820]

I think it's the 52100 Carbon fiber ones, the PM2 is $170 but the Para3 version is $185.. makes sense haha

[@bobb.9917]

Heh..heh...LOVE your reviews. I think that the AMC Gremlin came in that color as well!!!!! :-)

[@SliceyDicey]

Thanks, man!

[@david37922]

I've had a Sage 5 for a while, love it, but I picked up a Para 3 FRN (lightweight) a couple weeks ago and I'm highly impressed. Not sure about the BD1N steel, but all other aspects are in favor of the Para 3.

[@JMRabil675]

No one knows about the Sage 2, the titanium frame version. Amazing Slocey has never heard of this knife! It is the best spydey ever made hands down imo

[@subbystyle]

Great review and finally!! Lol :) But I don't agree on the quality aspect with everything you said; it should have been at least a tie.

[@SliceyDicey]

I can see that, but as I said... It's just a feel thing. And it wouldn't have changed the winner anyway.

[@FISHUNTREE]

I think they listened to you cause the PM3-LW uses a deep carry wire clip. Which was the right choice. I wish the Native 5 Salt had the wire clip too, cause nothing more pointless than having a saltwater knife stick half way out of the pocket, and likely to detach accidently, and get lost when you need it most.

[@brian7578]

And this opinion has swayed me from pulling the trigger on the Rex-45 para 3 @ $189 bucks online. Great post!

[@MiloTupy]

Those are my 2 favorite knives Ever made.

[@SliceyDicey]

Not bad choices!

[@void1984]

Now Sage5 is available with FRN

[@mikejoseph8392]

As far as classy looking the Sage 5 takes it by a landslide. I had 3 of the Sage series 1,3 and 5, and one was literally better than the other. The Para 3 looks like someone took a PM 2 and put it in a Shrinky Dink machine. The reason I sold all 3 is because I wanted something a little more substantial so I bought the Domino. Once I got it I never carried the Sages any more. I still believe that the Sage series is a much better looking knife and the slicing performance is better than the Para 3. If you want fancy steels then Para 3 is your knife but if you are looking for a well performing, good looking, high quality knife then you should get the Sage 5. To me it's a hands down win for the Sage 5 in S30V.

[@esoteric5277]

@@edrader Ashamed to admit I only have a clone of the Domino, and hate to say I find it's great😲 Ofcourse the bladesteel's not what it says, showside scale is G10 (or maybe not even that) and overall quality isn't up to par, but I still enjoy it almost as much as my Manix 2🤫 I'd be happy to trade both my Native 5LW and Manix 2LW for a real Domino🧐🤗

[@Trolldaddy5]

The sage 5 is a ugly blade shape. It's oval ish and just weird. It looks like someone took a old Indian arrow or spear tip and made it into a knife. Other than the para 3 obnoxious hole the actual look and shape looks better. But appearance is subjective.

[@curtisfox4917]

I bought the Sage 1 just for the solid carbon Fiber handle, no lanyard hole liner lock, like it better than the 5

[@vancedyer755]

Get both.

[@jordansteffanson4998]

Looking forward to the Mantra 3, any chance for a battle with the Sage 5?

[@SliceyDicey]

If I get one. I didn't get in on the pre-order for that one.

[@jordansteffanson4998]

Slicey Dicey are you going to try to get one? Doubt they'll sell out very fast. Or will you wait to hear what others have to say first?

[@SliceyDicey]

If funds are willing, I'll get one.

[@Lazarus745]

I'm using my PM3 with no pocket clip. I wear it on an auto neck sheath.

[@jasonphillips572]

You have to ride the short bus if you cant pick these 2 knifes up and tell the para 3 is a far better knife in less than 10 seconds!

[@esoteric5277]

short bus always better, for comfort, economy and driveability😝

[@laserbrain7774]

Are you a bicycle technician?

[@macro820]

Have you seen the Taiwan factory?

[@SliceyDicey]

Of course not.

[@charliemartin4392]

My grandma had a shit brown gremlin, with a white stripe

[@tomr3641]

Well OK, Nice effort, thank you, but kinda almost too close to call. Native 5 might be more fun in that mix. But here's an idea. How about that WE Rectifier and a small Sebenza? Made in usa/$400 vs made in China @ $150. First price out. Then price in....

[@SliceyDicey]

Don't have a small Sebenza and they really don't fit my hands well. I don't think it would be much of a contest.

[@tomr3641]

You might be surprised. Time to challenge some silos....

[@SliceyDicey]

I don't think that I'd be surprised. I owned a large Sebenza and have held several smalls. The small really doesn't work for my hands. And the WE is a better slicer with the same steel for like a third of the price. I like CRKs for sure, but this particular comparison wouldn't be close. For me.

[@azpwnz]

Speaking of para 3 variants... Who else got one of the REC exclusives the other day?

[@azpwnz]

I spoke too soon. My order got cancelled on the day I had to put my dog down....

[@wrjames38]

LessthanRyan92 Got 1 on first drop (Brian is awesome ) and 2 rex 45 !

[@danielcram4734]

I know this was 4 years ago but $189 for this knife seems so far out considering other options on the market made offshore. Unless you are a Spiderco nut there is nothing about this knife (sage 5) that should be almost 2 big ones imho.

[@MetalsForBrunch]

I feel that the para 3 is gimicky, the sage 5 wins in ergos, wire clip and leaf blade. Para 3 is just better steel and experimental mini of pm2 made in usa. I just wished all spyderco knives were made in usa to help promote more work over in the states.

[@fuhq5121]

Yeah but the Taiwan knives are made better. Even still.

[@spingarn]

14:00 I carry tip down so not necessarily.

[@bzr160]

Have lanyards on small knives,no need for them on these knives.

[@thelonerider5644]

The sage comp lock is stiffer outa the box. I asked about it they said the pivot is different than on the para3.

[@sinjon]

TheLoneRideR yeah the pivot rides on a track. I forget atm if the para 3 pivot does too, but that might make a difference

[@ChessQuizToday]

Why do you use clips any way. All they do is catch on seat belts, and if in the woods. Well don't get me started. Para 3 is the best knife IMO.

[@tyarnold4088]

Lots of strange comments on here.

[@111111111Tiger]

bottom line - u can't go wrong with either. And yes, if there is no wire clip then add$20 for a deep carry. Spyderco isn't gonna change anything. They know most of their clips suck and they don't care. They say the after market community will resolve their issue. Let's talk denial ?

[@esoteric5277]

Screw you😝😜😏 Spyderco knives were made to be held in the hand, not in the pocket😖

[@nrh7ten892]

sage 5 with better scales all day

[@davidh0159]

I have to admit. That leaf shaped design of the Sage is not nearly as offensive as that bird head on the Para 3.

[@bp-hx9ts]

Yeah always thought the para 3 was ugly compared to the sage

[@rmpj13]

Sage all day long!!!!

[@artemkanarchist]

I just really like the way para 3 looks... Cannot see why everyone is dunking on the design

[@20alroco]

Para 3 looks better than the pm2..... Don't be a fool, para 3 was in fact independently designed. Sage has a shit pocket clip, the same lock mechanism as my grandpa's knife.

[@esoteric5277]

And justice for all, Sage 5 wins the battle👊 But for whom the bell tolls, Para 3 will help you out at the sanitarium as you kill 'em all just so that you can ride the lightning😑

[@cosmicjelly1509]

While mastering the puppets to hardwire the asylum to self destruct

[@f1mikeyboy]

The sage is the best call. The blade shape on the Para 3 is ugly. Thanks for the video.👍