Spyderco Sage 5 Lightweight VS Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight

[@rmpj13]

I was going to settle for the Para 3 LW, but I found the Sage 5 LW. I no longer have to settle for something that I didn’t really want, but was the closest to what I envisioned. The Sage 5 LW is exactly what I was looking for.

[@jaystrongbow9435]

Good review, explains all the pro and cons. I wish Spyderco would dump the lanyard holes. Not needed in these lightweights.

[@Jsmith9055]

I bought the Sage 5LW over the Para3LW based solely on the blade shape. I just dont like the pronounced hump on the P3. The action on the S5LW is incredible, and i honestly think its the perfect pocket knife for any situation

[@jonathanwatson268]

I could hear your disappointment in the sage 5 in your voice through the whole video. I understand your disappointment, especially given the way they lightened up the para 3 LW. I want a sage 5 LW because of the frn texture, and the rounded grip edges. I'm not concerned about the weight personally.

[@mikewhite255]

My question is when did a hundred bucks become a budget knife? I bought a manix two for like 115 and my wife nearly lost it lol I said babe chill this is a budget knife😂 seriously though as mass produced as these are even with the nicer steel should be 50 to 60 dollars . Don't get me wrong I love love love my manix 2 but c'mon it's obviously priced above what I would consider a reasonable price for a knife and certainly isn't budget friendly for many many people .

[@TheWatcher60401]

I got the spy27 lightweight para3 after I purchased the g10 s30v, and I agree the para3 lightweight is almost the perfect edc and way better than the full size. Then, the salt version was released, and it was perfected. I had to grab a second para3 lightweight and have zero regrets. (I will be getting a sage 5 salt when it drops though. )

[@gigaphonicon]

I own but those knives and I love them equally they switch as my daily carry

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Great comparison. I’ve owned three Para3 Lightweights and have sold 2. I find the Golden, CO FRN to be sort of slick. I definitely prefer the Taichung or even Seki City FRN. I also had blade centering issues with the Para3. Im going to get a Sage 5 for sure, but I might go with the standard Sage 5 over the LW. Haven’t decided yet. Thanks for sharing!

[@mrsw916]

I had all the same issues with my Para 3 LW, slippery frn and inconsistent action even after disassembly and cleaning. Returned it and have a Sage 5 LW coming in today

[@ponyboyack00]

I would be interested in hearing how you like the Sage 5. I like my PM2 a lot, am shopping for 3" or less now. Thought the pm3 was a natural choice but seeing many like the sage 5 or other options over the pm3.

[@amunderdog]

If you are collecting the Sage models. Then the FRN version is a must buy

[@toddboone333]

I’ll take the Sage 5 compression lock in M4 over any Para 3 except for the grey G-10/Maxamet. But the best deal for any Spyderco is the Chaparral in CTS-XHP for $100.

[@danofiremano]

I held out on the P3LW & bought the Spy-27 version, thanks!

[@barrylevitt1170]

It all depends upon how you use your knife; since I do a lot of camping and hiking my number 1 concern is safety when I use a knife and the Sage 5 lightweight with bi-diectional Frn will provide a lot more grip. Thank You for a excellent comparison, I look forward to the Sage 5 lightweight Vs. the Bugout.

[@SliceyDicey]

Para 3 has bi-directional also.

[@barrylevitt1170]

@@SliceyDicey When the Para lightweight came out the updated UK penkife was revamped with the BD1N steel,which I really llike, I decide to try the UK penknife and to bypass on the Para 3 anf get the SAGE 5 lightweight and the Bugout. The Uk penknife has better ergs and a more secure grip than my Bugout and I use the Uk penknife all the time.I may try some micarta scales for the bugout.

[@mickkeim4142]

I agree about the thinner blade...it is everything between these two. But you make some great points.

[@jasonthames7360]

It’s a great time to be a knife buyer! I appreciate your opinion but for me the Sage 5 FRN is the better of the two. I like to use my knives and the para 3 simply isn’t the cutter the Sage is. I agree the value of the Para 3 LW is hard to ignore. I understand you’ve had great luck with your Old Sage and Kapara, but many people have gotten knives that would either be drop shut and have blade play, or poor action without blade play. The bushing pivot is a huge upgrade I hope they use in all of their compression lock models from Taichung going forward. I can’t wait to see all of the steel/color variants of both knives in the future! Thanks Brian!

[@jesseallen4184]

I’ve had my Sage 5 LW for a few days now and it hasn’t left my pocket. I wasn’t even planning on buying one but I missed my Para 3 LW so decided to step up to the Sage 5 LW. Bloody love it. The action out the box is the best out of any compression lock I’ve had. Super smooth, perfect detent, drops but in a nice hydraulic way, perfectly centered with no play at all. The FRN feels and looks higher quality than the Para 3 LW FRN. The Sage 5 LW inside of the scales are smooth compared to the sharp Para 3 LW scales. I’ve had several of the regular Sage 5 models and found the Spydiehole sharp. Taichung have smoothened the Sage 5 LW hole and it’s perfect now. I really hope Spyderco CQI all future compression lock knives with the pivot bushing, it’s just brilliant.

[@TheExtraTerrestrial]

I noticed the sharp scales on the Para 3. The Sage 5 is much better in that regard. Wish it were a little lighter, but still a very nice knife. I have both, so I guess they can share pocket time =)

[@jesseallen4184]

Extra Terrestrial I couldn’t afford to keep both so the Sage 5 for me 🙂

[@dumperspydiehoe298]

my Para3 LW was also off center. the reason is because it only has one washer. the other side of the blade rubs against the plastic or FRN. i have one in my “bugout bad” and the sage 5 lw is more of a user to me. also the S30V is a little better than the CTSBD1N

[@itsaknifestyle8482]

Great comparison. I have a para 3 lw and I love it. The centering is also a little of on mine but I disassembled it so I can’t send it back👍

[@BurroB0Y]

As long as you reassembled it appropriately and the centering issue was there before, yes you can send it in.

[@itsaknifestyle8482]

BurroB0Y ok thanks

[@kylelindberg7771]

when it comes to ergonomics, the sage 5 lw has a better thumb ramp. It's more subtle, so when you need to get right behind the edge and bear down, it doesn't dig in as much. (not to mention flowing better with the blade shape)

[@david37922]

Good comparison, I've had the Para 3 LW for several months and a Sage 5 (original) for nearly 2 years, both are excellent tools for EDC. My Para 3 LW has perfect centering & great action, same w/Sage 5, but I'll pass on the S5 LW version, not enough advantages over the original S5.

[@ZakWilson]

I would have liked to see BD1N on the Sage 5 LW. I'm very pleased with it on the UKPK because it's stable at 10 degrees per side, which not many steels can do.

[@mickkeim4142]

I thought I’d seen all your reviews for the last couple years...but, I guess I did miss this one. While I own a Para...I’ve never handle the Sage lightweight. Glad to see this comparison.

[@jeffsmith6441]

My Para3 LW is off centered as well but I figured it was from the washer only being on one side. I'd like to get a Sage 5 but not sure if get the LW version. I've never had a Spyderco other than the Para 3 LW and the Endura 4 so I'd love to get my hands on one of the G10 models.

[@chrislowery1980]

Curious as to what impact the blade being off center in closed position has. Anyone?

[@WilliamMancel]

Great battle. Based strictly upon my own personal preference for the blade shape, I would go with the Sage 5. I don't like the looks of the Para 3 blade, particularly the hole. I understand why they did it, however the Sage 5 has a hole & still works fine.

[@WilliamMancel]

I looked at the Sage 5, Para 3, & the Bugout, & i went with the Sage 5. I wanted to try a compression lock & like you said, the Para 3 is ugly. It's probably a great knife, just not for me.

[@Trolldaddy5]

The para 3 hole is kinda goofy bc it's hump, but to me, the sage 5 blade shape is ugly and weird. it looks like someone tried to turn a arrow head or spear into a knife.

[@spyderg6509]

This is a tough one but I love my sage 5 if I can get it in LW it’s sage 5 all day $100 for sage would’ve been perfect

[@laserbrain7774]

The only reason to chose a LW over a regular is the lower $ cost. And the LWs are still too expensive.

[@kenmarapese9085]

Dont' own either one of these folders, based on what you said I scored it 6 for the Sage 5 and a tie on the value. Like these vids!

[@mini14head]

Good review. I have a para3LW, but went ahead and ordered the sage5LW anyhoo. If it has a compression lock, I want it.

[@ryanqwerty]

I think the sage 5 wins on everything but cost and weight. The only reason to get a p3 LW is if you are broke or wear sweatpants all day (or both).

[@michaelsigman8942]

My para 3 LW blade is off centered too: I just assumed it was due to the washer only being on one side....?

[@jonathanwatson268]

Mine arrived off center and with a stiff action. I took it apart and cleaned and oiled it and when I put it back together I was able to get it centered with no play and the action is as good as my standard para 3. If you are comfortable doing that I would highly recommend it.

[@toddboone333]

The weight difference comes from the fact that the Sage 5 has liners and the Para 3 does not.

[@chrishinkle5982]

Thanks for the great videos brother!

[@Gpknives]

Great comparison but this is one of the few times I'd have to disagree with your final conclusion. The Sage 5 FRN is lighter than the CF version though I realize it isn't featherweight like a Bugout but it is still a great way to get this solid design and save about $40. I'm a big fan of the new Taiwanese Bi-Directional FRN and I'm looking forward to the Caly 3.5 FRN in this setup. Honestly you can't go wrong either way and as with any choice like this there is a high level of subjectivity. On feel FRN Sage 5 wins for me but that is just my .02¢ and YMMV. Keep up the good work!

[@SliceyDicey]

That’s okay. Everyone has a right to be wrong. ;)

[@Joe.dirt7909]

I was so happy when my Para3 LW got delivered 😎 until I pulled it out the box and see that the blade centering is bad....like bad. I’m not a picky person when it comes to blade centering. But did I mention how bad it was 😱

[@SliceyDicey]

As others have pointed out and I’m tending to agree. I think it’s designed to be a bit off to one side because of the single washer. Because every single one I’ve seen or heard of is off the exact same way.

[@therichardchannel]

I have two Para 3 lightweights and no matter how I adjust the pivots or wedge something to try to fix it while adjusting pivots, it's always off center to the left just like yours. I'm pretty sure that it's just the design. It's still my favourite knife next along with the bugout though

[@sunnyrachelsson3169]

Mine is pretty centered out of the box but that might change

[@goodnessgraciousitellya5004]

I’m eyeing the Sage 5 lw bladehq exclusive with the blacked out M4 blade. I really want it, but I have my chaparral lw and I love it. I basically just want the Sage for the compression lock, smooth action, and fidget factor but I’m not sure if it justifies replacing the chaparral with its super slim carry and thin slicey blade. If they released a Sage 5 in K390 id be all over it though.

[@billbraski]

Id go sage 5. S30v all day. Something about the sage's action is just a little smoother than the para. They are ooooooo so close. This was a tough matchup!

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

It's the weirdest thing, but I love the he PM2 and hate the Para3. Even the aesthetics, I don't think they look that similar. Love the Sage5 so much that I considered buying the lightweight. This one is an easy choice for me.

[@hardleydangerousmaun]

Good points well made! It’s just not anything special especially for the money. Not a para 3 fan but the LW definitely takes the win.

[@walterzboy]

Great video! Just wanted to point out the Delica runs on washers, not directly on the FRN. Am also envious of your luck from the factory - my regular Sage 5 will not drop shut no matter what I do. Am contemplating buying a LW and seeing if I can switch the pivot as my CQI Kapara is amazing...

[@AverageDE]

I agree regarding the weight of the Sage. I don't think lightweight is the best description.

[@petergalione1414]

Agreed, it's kind of like the Chaparral lightweight. Both should have just been referred to as the FRN version.

[@petergalione1414]

I don't know, but to me, the bushing really makes a difference. I am trying to imagine a PM2 that has a pivot like the CF Sage, and I can't imagine that the action would not suffer.

[@SliceyDicey]

The PM2 does have a pivot like the CF Sage 5.

[@petergalione1414]

@@SliceyDicey The PM2 doesn't have a pivot bushing? Well, crap. I totally thought it did.

[@petergalione1414]

Actually I know the PM2 has a bushing, so I think I've just totally lost the point somehow. Sorry about that. Love the channel, especially the Battle to the Death videos, they're my favorite.

[@tylerhaskiell3184]

No.the pm2 doesnot have a pivot bushing

[@jackgallant4776]

I feel like the difference between the lightweight sage 5 and normal aren’t enough to justify the price difference. Unlike the para 3

[@michaelsigman8942]

Jack Gallant that’s my sense: the sage 5 LW looks great, but essentially the same as original just with FRN for not a huge weight savings.....

[@randyf.9188]

I agree. It's a Sage 5 FRN, not lightweight. I will stick with my original.

[@ardhitoalphabhirawa4419]

Love & buy them both, no regrets...😁

[@1130jawz]

How far the para 3 is off center bothers me a little. I would of liked the bd1n on the sage 5 to lower cost!

[@knivesinourlives7997]

I still love you, but you got this backwards! Para 3 G10 Maxmet & Sage 5 Lightweight Rock! Two of my favorite carries for the summer.

[@doluseb]

How about both vs the chaparral

[@zonkdonkey]

Totally wrong. For 30$ more you get a better steel, better looking knife, and full liners. Then because you are impressed that the lightweight para 3 is more improved from the poorly designed regular para 3 that you conclude you are disappointed with the lightweight sage 5. Since the sage series is already such a great design it of course will be harder for improvement. The lightweight sage 5 manages to shave .4 ounces from the regular version, still has full liners, has better traction, retains the same s30v, and is 40$ cheaper. Maybe you should look up the definition of value?

[@SliceyDicey]

Okay. Disagree. The Para 3 LW made me keep a Para 3. The Sage 5 "LW" gave me no desire to replace my regular Sage 5.

[@Lagoon7]

Og sage 5 or para 3 lw?

[@powersww1reset]

Sage 5 lw is easily the better knife, in this contest

[@Jtytwister]

The Sage 5 LW wins hands down. The one that slightly edges it out is the Native 5 LW.

[@powersww1reset]

Full steel liners is more of a thing, than led on, here. You literally still have a knife, without the scales, vs one liner and one washer. Sage ftw all day!

[@mudrucker3656]

I think the design of the paramilitary 2 looks way better in the compact para 3

[@Harkwit]

Delica runs on bronze. Only the dragonfly, the native Lw, and the manix lw run directly on frn

[@SliceyDicey]

Okay. Point remains.

[@Harkwit]

Wasn’t arguing, just letting you know for trivia’s sake :-)

[@smlamt]

Could u put the new pivot in the pm3 from sage see if it worked

[@SliceyDicey]

It won't. Hole in the blade is bigger. Totally different dimensions.

[@Dustysa4]

@@SliceyDicey Drill press... ;)

[@PenjaminFranklinn]

I still have no clue which to go for

[@111111111Tiger]

Newly scheduled show. "Battle to the Death and Beers"

[@retflo2583]

So get the Para 3 LW and swap out the scales...

[@Rondingo100]

Hope you start making videos again.

[@beeferbaron]

Love spyderco!

[@rmpj13]

I love my Sage 5 FRN!!!!!!!!!

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

No No No. You're wrong! Sage 5 all day long. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Pharto_Stinkus]

I own both of these, as well as a few other comparable Spydercos (Delica, Native LW), as well as many comparable knives from other makers. I agree with you that the Para 3 wasn't great. The Para 3 LW is SO much better, that it almost needed a different name, disassociating it with the Para 3 standard completely. In my humble opinion the Para 3 LW is the best lightweight EDC folder ever made. I love it. I'd like to note, that none of my Para 3's (I have 4), have any of the issue with centering that many seem to complain about. Also, while many of their international knives are good quality and value, I will always buy American if possible. If they ever release a para 2 LW, i will buy 10 of them, and never buy another knife for the rest of my life (mostly joking, but the sentiment is sincere). Side note, Spyderco needs to stop releasing FRN versions of knives and then calling them "Lightweight". Several of their LW models are barely lighter than the standard versions, The sage, and Police 4 LW are the biggest offenders, but there are a few others.

[@Pharto_Stinkus]

@z z I'd say that based on everything I've read and seen, as well as my own personal experiences, you are in the minority with that opinion. But if you prefer the standard Para 3, more power to you.

[@Pharto_Stinkus]

@z z as I stated above, none of my Para 3 LW are off centered. One was, slightly, when I first got it, and some basic maintenance fixed it. Common complaints about the standard Para 3 are; pointless and poorly positioned lanyard hole, HORRIBLE clip, too heavy/bad blade to weight ratio, and VERY ugly. THE para 3 LW fixes 3 of these 4 problems. These opinions about the standard Para 3 are shared by pretty much every notable knife reviewer, online and in print. For every positive review about the standard Para 3 you can show me, I can show to 3 negative ones. These are not just MY opinions, they are EVERYONE'S opinions. This is further supported by the fact that the Standard Para 3 has never sold out, or been unavailable, anywhere, even in most of it's sprint run, and super steel variants. People aren't buying them. The only advantage the standard has over the LW, is choice of blade steels, and, debateably, strength (how strong does the average user need their pocket knife to be, really?). If you have intelligent counterpoints to anything I've said, please, feel free to share. But if your intention is just to argue pointlessly with "I'm right cuz I said so" type statmemts, then I'm not interested, and I won't respond anymore. Enjoy your Para 3, no one else does.

[@Pharto_Stinkus]

@z z ah, personal attacks, the last resort of the argent loser. Have a nice day.

[@Pharto_Stinkus]

@z z Here are links for the 4 most popular/biggest online knife retailers. You can see that not only is the para 3 in stock at all of them, but most of them even have the sprint runs in stock. No one buys these, they are NEVER sold out. knifeworks.com/spyderco-para-military-3-g-10-dark-gray-c223gpdgy-2-95-in-maxamet-plain-blade/ www.knifecenter.com/item/SP223GPDBL/spyderco-c223gpdbl-para-3-folding-knife-s110v-satin-plain-blade-blurple-g10-handles-paramilitary-3 www.bladehq.com/cat--Spyderco-Para-3--2475 www.dlttrading.com/searchresults.html?search_query=para+3

[@Pharto_Stinkus]

@z z I'm starting to think you may just be trolling me. There are a million videos demonstrating the drop-shut on the Para 3 LW.

[@MrAliaspostmortem]

My Para 3 LW is also horrible off center. And the edge is a total mess. Uneven and wobbly.

[@melvinphinisee9406]

Basically a large Chapparel

[@bobb.9917]

Like my normal Sage 5 over both of these guys AND the regular Para 3! ....NEXT! 😬

[@sngx1304]

Para 3 LW is off center on mine. All copies I’ve seen reviewed, it is off center. As I have used mine, it has gotten worse. BM Bugout FTW!

[@andyhayward1261]

It’s funny to me it’s reversed I think the sage 5 looks ugly and the para 3 is attractive although since getting a sage 5 LW the blade shape has been growing on me

[@ruru2500]

You said this was an evaluation of the LW offerings then constantly brought the standard versions in when evaluating score. Wasn't really impressed with your logic this time.

[@santamak]

unpopular opinion: the para 3 is one of the most gorgeous knives around (way better than the pm 2) while the sage 5 is amazingly ugly

[@thaknobodi]

I agreed before i got one in hand. With a lynch clip on the Sage its actually beautiful, especially when you hold it in hand clip side up with the point towards you.

[@hondasaki900]

Para 3 is ugly, Sage wins.

[@Mr.Sr.Jr.]

How does a guy who does a KZbin channel on knives not know how to center his own knife in seconds? other than that good video I wish I would have seen this before I bought my para 3 lw. It is silly that Spyderco has the liner on only one side, the little extra weight would have been well worth it.

[@Trolldaddy5]

I think the sage 5 is ugly. It looks like someone took a old Indian arrow or spear and tried to make it a knife. its oval ish shape is just goofy to me.

[@BigHammerz]

Couldnt agree more,i have both and i think the Para 3 LW is a better looking knife.

[@romantp00nkt]

Bugout always the better choice

[@bulbchangingmonkey]

Hey Brian. 1st?

[@ovego]

Shekels?

[@michaelsigman8942]

$

[@joaosousa6950]

Prices in Europe in 2024: para 3LW - 135 euros, Sage 5 LW - 165. At least we have free healthcare 😅