The Spyderco Para 3 offers the same great ergonomics of the Paramilitary 2 in a smaller, more urban friendly package. As mentioned previously, the only personal complaint I have with the Para 3 is the pocket clip. CPM S30V is a great steel for any knife, but Spyderco has gotten their blades down to a science in their forty-four years of existence. Required fields are marked *. For everyday carry, small knives like Spyderco Delica Vs Para 3 will be the most ideal as they can be slipped easily on your pocket or belt but, while they are small, the design and sharpness are very much reliable for different tasks. As for the user experience, we do think both of them are almost exactly the same when it comes to the reliability or sharpness of the blades. (3) 3 product ratings - Spyderco Delica 4 Lightweight Folding Knife 2.9" VG10 Blade Green FRN Handle. Hey, I'm Drew! In addition to the better steel and more ergonomic lock choice, the Para 3 offers something the Delica does not: the additional finger choil. Hello, Sign in. Posted by sully v on Jan 7th 2020 I recently bought the Para 3 Lightweight, it's a very good choice. The Para 3 was first introduced in Spyderco’s famous G10 handle scales. The Spyderco Para 3 is a compact version of the spectacular Paramilitary 2 folding knife. The last part is probably knowing the local laws in your place. As it sits in your pocket, the Para 3’s stock clip sits over .5” out of the pocket’s edge. Spyderco Chaparral Vs Delica – Conclusions… So to sum it all up, in the Blade Steel And Materials category, the Delica uses VG-10 blade steel and the Chaparral uses CTS XHP blade steel… The CTS XHP blade steel on the Chaparral is superior to the Delica’s VG-10 … It's available in several different handle/blade variations and a regular or lightweight set-up. Despite all the edge, the blade still feels petite – no doubt due to its exceptionally thin blade stock. Once you are used to it, the Para 3 can be opened with any finger. You can find custom handle scales, screw sets, back spacers, lanyard hole tube inserts, and many more items at very reasonable prices all over the web. - RELIABLE HIGH - PERFORMANCE - The Para 3 traces its history all the way back 2004 to the introduction of the Para Military design. The stock pocket clip leaves something to be desired. The two are convenient yet versatile for typical outdoor and even office applications when you need something sharp to cut ropes, tape, ribbons, papers, etc. After using the Byrd I'm not sure if I want another knife with FRN. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. It is as easy as what you can imagine using the knife for or the typical task of this knife so will have the best, most useful option. Yes, this knife is better than the original Para3. Both are good for medium or large hands as you can still fit all fingers on the handle but personally, we prefer the comfort of Para 4 as it feels robust and gives a reassurance when you grip or use the knife with more pressure. With a lustrous history of innovative and interesting designs, Spyderco is in the top three in every list you’ll find when you Google “best pocket knife.” The Para 3 ranks right up there with the best of the best. Spydrco has been operating for quite some time and their EDC knives are also the choice of many. - THE NEW EDC - The Para 3 distills all the features of that best-in-class folding knife into a more compact, carry-friendly package. CPM S30V is known for its incredible edge retention and corrosion resistance. Yes, it is also a Delica … The Para3 is a good knife, but not a great knife. Thanks to a tiny ricasso and the absence of a finger choil, it has almost the same amount of usable edge as the significantly larger Paramilitary 2. Aluminum Ball Cage Lock for Spyderco Manix 2 Knife . The full flat grind aids in slicing capability while the Clip Point design aids in finer detailed work near the tip of the blade. I'm an independent knife and EDC gear reviewer. Spyderco sprint runs can be a popular pattern, such as the Delica, receiving special treatment with a new handle or blade material or a unique new pattern of limited production. Among those brands, Spyderco is one of the best options we can recommend as their knives are amazing. It was first to be a one hand opening affordable, quality folding knife.They have been improved through the years and you will find lots of variety in today's offerings. The Spyderco Delica and Para 3 are also a bit different here with the former comes with a back lock while the latter is a suspended lock. It is a durable knife with great ergonomics and a blade that will hold up to years of abuse. They are also well-known to have lots of models and variants for their customers to match with their preference but more importantly, their blade quality will be among the best in the same price range. Like its bigger brother, the Para 3 has the Compression Lock, textured G-10 scales, and a full-flat ground blade. The Para 3 takes everything users love about the classic Paramilitary 2 and shrunk it down by roughly 15%. Most users, including myself, use the “Spydie Flick” method of opening; using your middle finger to “flick” the knife open. Fast forward six years to 2010 and Spyderco released the Paramilitary 2. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you. Loved by most and despised by some, Spyderco’s recent release of the Para 3 in two variants with LOADS of exclusive sprint runs has made the Para 3 a very popular choice for those looking for a sturdy folding knife that doesn’t break the bank. $4.80 shipping. Aesthetic wise they look just like most small EDC out there and there is nothing special about the appearance. Spyderco Para Military 3 Sprint Run C223GPFGR, 2.95" CPM S45VN Plain Blade, G-10 Handle. In general it is allowed to bring a small knife but our definition of small is probably different so it is best to know which criteria that falls into what’s allowed and not allowed, just to save time having to deal with your local law enforcement. Titanium Scales for Spyderco Shaman -Stonewash. The Para 3 has several advantages over a Delica as well, such better ergonomics for larger hands, crisper, smoother action (love the drop free bushing pivot) The difference between the standard Para 3 and the Para 3 Lightweight blades is the steel – while the original G10 Para 3 used CPM S30V steel, the Lightweight uses Carpenter CTS-BD1N steel. In comparison, Delica is shorter but the depth is about the same. The next part we want to talk about is their ease of use and opening as this is also one of the most important factors to consider when looking for an EDC. Waspknife.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fee by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I compare Spyderco pocket clips with the crappy plastic sights you’ll find on most Glock pistols: easily replaceable with something usable. Instead of small thumb studs to worry about, you place your thumb in the Spydie Hole and push the knife blade out until it locks into place. Inspired by the iconic Para Military™ 2, the Para 3 distills all the features of that best-in-class folding knife into a more compact, carry-friendly package. Just like multi tools that are opened using a certain mechanism, almost all of us prefer the type that can be easily opened or with one hand if possible. I have carried my Para 3 for approximately nine to ten months now and it has seen a lot of cutting tasks in that time frame. Account & Lists Account Returns & Orders. With its patented Compression Lock, the Para 3 boasts an EDC friendly blade size that is nearly indestructible when used properly and taken care of. After almost a year of use, my Para 3 has no “blade play” in any direction. - WIDE SPECTRUM OF HANDLE COLORS - The Delica 4 now offers new vibrant tones including blue, green, brown, gray, orange, zome green, black and purple. Sometimes you will find that after continuous use over a period of time, pivot screws may loosen and your blade will have a slight “wiggle” when testing the knife’s lockup. The G10 scales on the Para 3 are one of my favorite patterns in my collection. - SUPERIOR QUALITY - Machined from premium CPM S30V particle metallurgy stainless steel, the Para 3 offers superior balance, edge retention, and low-friction cutting performance. Spyderco has done a great job on their DLC coating and I would argue that its added corrosion and wear resistance adds incredible value to the Para 3. To carry these knives, you can slip them on the pocket or if you carry a bag, they are still small enough to not occupy much space in your bag or pocket. Spyderco Delica 4 - Blue FRN - Wharncliffe - K390 Blade. Spyderco Delica and Para 3 User Experience Cart In addition to the better steel and more ergonomic lock choice, the Para 3 offers something the Delica does not: the additional finger choil. My goal is to help you find the best knife to fit your needs and budget. As mentioned above, several companies offer deep carry clips for the Para 3 but it doesn’t stop there. The Spyderco Delica and Para 3 are also a bit different here with the former comes with a back lock while the latter is a suspended lock. CPM S30V (standard models - too many to list with Sprint Runs), 4-Way Reversible (Tip-Up or Tip Down, Right-Handed or Left-Handed), 3.4oz (Non-Lightweight version)/2.5oz (Lightweight version). The Para 3 is a beefier version of their lower-priced options and is definitely stronger thanks to the Compression Lock, but it wouldn’t hurt to pick up an Ambitious as a good backup knife if you don’t want to loan your more expensive Para 3 out to a buddy. Your email address will not be published. The Bugout features lightweight Grivory handle scales, a CPM S30V blade, and the ambidextrous Axis Lock. Spyderco sprint runs are specially designed knives of limited production. SOLD OUT. - POCKET-FRIENDLY - It features a lightweight, open-backed construction style and its stainless steel liners are nested into the textured G-10 scales. Before heading to shop, here are some tips on choosing your own EDC knife. Both Spyderco Delica and Para 3 are quite different despite looking similar as the former comes with 73mm blade length and 65mm edge length with blade thickness of 2.5mm. Retaining the intuitive and strong compression lock, the Para 3 is a reliable EDC tool that will offer all day comfort at just 3.4 ounces. Really this knife shines when being compared to a Delica, they are almost the exact same size, Expect the para 3 has more blade and handle height and is thicker and 1 ounce heavier. They are different from the blade length and steel type as well as locking mechanism and even handle which one or the other may feel better for you. As you can distinguish from the sample picture above, the Tenacious is using a LinerLock type while Delica is using BackLock. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It suffers heavily from comparison. The Delica 4 is less expensive than the Para 3, but at a price. However it is over $120. Spyderco is not liable for the misuse of any Spyderco knife or product purchased either directly from Spyderco or a reseller. Do yourself a favor and pick one up today! If you are here then an EDC knife is what you need everyday and just like everything, not all small knives will give you the exact same benefits depending on which seems to work best in your application. Moving further, the next thing you may want to know is probably the steel itself as this is what’s most important for a knife. The former is a hard steel with more chromium to improve corrosion resistance and is also quite tough. The first thing I did was order an aftermarket, deep carry pocket clip for my Para 3. (Pictures would be great:)) I receive tons of letters and packages every week and the Para 3 has no issues breaking down boxes after I rip open yet another new knife or flashlight to add to the EDC collection. Anything from Spyderco is going to be tested and reviewed before it leaves the factory and blemishes are extremely few and far between when you open the box for the first time. Since the original Paramilitary release in 2004, everyone wanted to see a smaller version that was more comfortable to carry in the pocket. They are ideal for one hand operation and you can flick them open very easily with a substantial feeling to it. Another advantage to the compression lock is it is easy for left-handed users to operate. (I wear a Large size glove for reference). from Knifecenter.com - The Original and Largest Online Catalog of Cutlery The blade on the Centofante is just shy of three and a quarter inches long. MSRP: $165.00 Was: $165.00 Our Price: $115.50. Add a DLC-coated blade to that mix and you have an almost-indestructible knife at your disposal. $129.00. It's a balancing act of respecting the original design while giving it fresh legs for the next generation of owners. ... or use of the item in violation of applicable federal, state and local laws or regulations. They are ideal for one hand operation and you can flick them open very easily with a substantial feeling to it. What’s a bit different in our opinion is their handle which is prominently different in width. Every Para 3 I’ve had the pleasure of handling has been extremely well built and the fit and finish is on par with knives that cost twice what the Para 3 will run you. $83.00. Still, the people wanted something even smaller… Fast forward a couple more years to 2016 and Spyderco released what everyone seemed to be looking for: The Para 3. What Spyderco Delica and Para 3 Look Like, How are the Blade of Spyderco Delica and Para 3, What Steel Used for Spyderco Delica and Para 3, How are the Locking Mechanism of Spyderco Delica and Para 3, How are the User Experience of Spyderco Delica and Para 3. In our opinion the Para 3 handle improves user comfort and the steel also retains the edge better. If you’re looking for a Spyderco but aren’t sure about the Spydie Hole yet, there are budget options from Spyderco as well. CRKT offers several budget options such as the Piet and Amicus, but you sacrifice better blade steel, fit and finish, and lock type. I also own the Delica 4, but I reach for the Para 3 more often. - SUPERIOR BLADE STEEL - The blades are full flat-ground VG-10 Steel with a thinner highly refined cutting edge and a larger 13mm opening hole. Although the Golden, CO knives are fundamentally different in overall ethos than the Taichung stuff, if this Para 3 is a fair representative of the new plant’s capabilities, they are every bit their equal in term… I can even overlook the lack of bottle opener (joking)! With the utilization of the finger choil, I am able to choke up on the knife for more precision cuts and harder tasks such as cutting cordage. They are convenient for various tasks from cutting branches, foods, and helping you with ropes or packages. Buy Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knives, The original design intent of the Paramilitary was to provide the same proven reliability and cutting performance of the Military but in a more compact, easy-to-carry package. The steel type originated from Japan and is one of the most popular in the high-end market. A deep carry clip will add more security knowing the Para 3 is seated fully below the pocket line and you won’t run the risk of accidentally letting that brand new favorite knife of yours fly out of your pocket! The Para 3’s fit and finish really doesn’t really need to be talked about, but we will anyway. Second is probably how you will open the knife and how you will use the blade. Spyderco strikes that balance with the new Para 3. Although the Bugout is a great knife, if you’re looking for a hard-use folder the Para 3 is obviously the better choice. Other companies such as Fox, CRKT, and MKM have duplicated the basic theory behind the Spydie hole, but in my experience, they are not on par with the large round hole that Spyderco offers its users. Adding an aftermarket deep carry clip to the Para 3 is a game-changer and will make you fall in love with the knife all over again. Speaking of the lanyard hole, the Para 3 offers an oversized lanyard hole for the addition of your favorite lanyards and beads to customize your Para 3 however you see fit. Both Spyderco Delica and Para 3 are solid options and one of their best qualities is how they are made from excellent steel which is the key for a reliable blade. “The Para 3 is an American made EDC folder with ergonomic features designed to take on the toughest cutting jobs,” Spyderco’s Joyce Laituri tells us. The Delica is similar in size and weight to the Para 3 but lacks the more durable feeling of the Para 3’s G10 is less “filling” in the hand. Some folks may need the addition of a lanyard to aid in grip, but I have not found it to be an issue for me (Although some of the lanyards on my friends’ Spydies look pretty sweet!). However, its higher price tag and … Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Review – Is It Worth Buying? You can go amazing with any of them based on which seems to fit you the most but if we are to recommend then Para 3 is the better option between the two because it has better steel and more comfortable handle. Phosphor bronze washers smooth out the open/close action and the clip is upgraded to a four-way tip-up, tip-down, left-or right-handed clip. Other lightweight options are also available from other brands such as the Benchmade Bugout. The compression lock is similar in theory to a liner lock, but instead of the lock being on the “front” side of the knife handle, it is on the spine (or back) of the handle. or Best Offer. Spyderco has already used BD1N in the UK Penknife series of slipjoints , but the adoption of this uncommon steel to the Para 3 Lightweight was unusual. Utilizing the finger choil to “choke up” on the blade for finer cutting tasks is a huge deal for me. The Para 3 has a blade length of just about 3”, with a cutting edge of 2 5/8”, an overall length of 7 1/8”, and a weight of 3.37 oz. In addition, the weight and size may hinder you so do make sure that this knife can still be carried around comfortably yet still effective for your type of application. I have had no issues with my time using the Para 3 of any kind of blade play back and forth, or up and down for that matter. The Bugout is designed for light EDC tasks whereas the Para 3 can take a beating and keep on going. Ounce for once one of the most capable folding knives ever made, the Para 3 is destined to be a classic. Is the Para 3 actually worth twice the price of the Delica 4? That brings the overall length to 7.24 inches long when the blade is locked out. Different people with different activities may need different products which seem to fit in their preference or what they need to take care out there. Just like your multi tools, a small knife can save the day when you are doing outdoor activity or adventuring with mother nature. That may be the case, and I get that, but from Spyderco alone the Sage series and the Native 5 both do a better job of being a 3” (or sub 3”) daily carry knife than the Para 3 does, and in some cases even for less money with better steel – like the Native 5 Lightweight. Para is not far different with an overall blade length of 75mm with the edge measured at 67mm and blade thickness of 3.8mm. The compression lock can easily be actuated with either hand and with the Para 3’s pocket clip is reversible for right hand or left-hand carry. These blades are also not made in the same place as Delica seems to be originated from Japan instead of the U.S. When shopping for a new knife, we often check the blade itself and this is necessary to match with their typical application. I have seen some awesome Spyderco emblem lanyard beads and just might pick one up for myself in the near future. Starting with Delica or Delica 4, this model is made with VG-10 steel while the latter is made from CPM S30V. I decided to go with an MXG Gear deep carry clip for my Para 3 and couldn’t tell you where the stock clip is now. A Compression Lock, S30V blade steel, and G10 handle scales make the Para 3 a fierce competitor to the Delica for sure. If you can imagine the exact opposite motion of snapping your fingers, you’ve got the Spydie Flick. EDC knives are very personal so not everyone will agree with your choice but, we do think both Spyderco Delica and Para 3 are amazing in the size and price point. $25.00. It is easier to just go with any of your favorite brands if you need to save time and we also recommend picking from popular names for those who want to get the best convenience when choosing their EDC. There are five evergreen Spyderco knives that are better than this knife in this same size (Caly3, Native 5, Delica, Centofante 3, Efficient). There are a host of knives from other companies that are just better in this size and price range. 5 out of 5 stars The Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight ticks every box for the ideal EDC pocketknife. Despite the difference, we are sure almost all of us will benefit from carrying a multi tools or small knife around. Alright…now it’s time for the only complaint I have with the Para 3: the pocket clip. The knife boasts a very ergonomic handle with very usable jimping on both sides of the spine of the blade near the handle. The big dogs duke it out again. If you happen to live in one of these areas, the blade length on the Para 3 has a listed measurement of 2.95,” and its edge is 2.62” (courtesy of Spyderco). The two are convenient yet versatile for typical outdoor and even office applications when you need something sharp to cut ropes, tape, ribbons, papers, etc. It offers the same proven reliability and cutting performance, but in a more compact, easy-to-carry design. The Para 3 is stylish in looks and feels even better in the hand! The Benchmade Bugout has sat atop the throne for a couple of years now, but does the Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight have what it takes to conquer the mountain and stake its claim as the best one? $54.00. Spyderco knows how to put a knife together and make sure it’s going to stay locked up tight for a lifetime of use. Spyderco Endura 4 - Blue FRN - Fully Serrated - K390 Blade ... RGT Spyderco Para 3 Scale Set - Skinny Mod - Coral Red Canvas Micarta $59.99. In general, all of them are capable of similar tasks but slightly different. For those of you with even larger hands, Spyderco designed the Para 3 to include a sizable lanyard hole for adding lanyards and your favorite knife beads to. Most of my time is spent on the road as a patrol officer for a local police department, but I spend most of my free time researching, collecting, and using my knives! The original Delica was released alongside the Endura, as an option for users who prefer smaller knives. With the adjustments Spyderco made to the design, the Para 3 lives up to the billing. DLC coating toughens the steel and makes it less resistant to scratching and wear. Read also: Spyderco Tenacious Vs Delica. CPM® S45VN is a martensitic stainless steel specifically created to transcend its predecessors. The Delica had similar proportions and the same lock, but came with a … The Para 3 features a finger choil between the handle and the start of the blade for multiple grip options. SOLD OUT. Considering the application which sits best in your taste, there are EDC knives that require two hands or one hand but personally we like the one with thumb stud on so we can quickly open it when in pinch. Delica® 3 FRN C11BK3 OUT OF STOCK $99.95 MSRP. But that is a backhanded compliment, like being the skinniest sumo wrestler. The Delica 4 is $60 with back lock and VG10 steel and FRN handles. SOLD OUT. Prices are usually around $100 for this great USA-produced pocket knife! Spyderco knew what they were doing when designing this lock! You must be eighteen (18) years of age to purchase Spyderco knives. Both models actually have few edge types and for this comparison we are going to talk about the smooth edge variant yet, you can opt for the serrated type as well if it fits in your application better. It is made in Golden, CO, and is the first SpydercoI’ve handled that was produced in their new facility. In order to be safe when using your pocket knife, it is best when your hand is not in the blade’s path when closing. sharpmost.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to sharpmost.com (amazon.com, amazonsupply.com, or myhabit.com). But Spyderco released a new version, a lightweight version, and a few of the criticisms I had are gone. My Para 3’s blade was centered perfectly out of the box and that still holds true today. They also have different handle types with Para 3 carrying the G-10 variant and the Delica or Delica 4 has the FRN type. 22 new & refurbished from $80.87. Titanium Ball Cage Lock for Spyderco Manix 2 Knife. The Para 3 has better steel (S30V), a Compression Lock which I really want, and G10 handle scales. The Ambitious is the smallest in the Chinese-produced line, so it’s obviously not a direct comparison. The stock pocket clip on the Para 3 makes the knife fit very uncomfortably in the pocket at an odd angle. Seriously though, the blade length is short enough to keep the life-fearing masses from running in terror, but long enough to get all the jobs done. Both Spyderco Delica and Para 3 are solid options and one of their best qualities is how they are made from excellent steel which is the key for a reliable blade. The Delica is similar in size and weight to the Para 3 but lacks the more durable feeling of the Para 3’s G10 is less “filling” in the hand. If you also wonder which of them will be the better option, make sure to check our article below. Zenith Trainer Blade for Benchmade 51 - Stonewash. These two are typical small knives we can bring along almost everywhere and the compact profile surely makes them easy to conceal if you don’t want to stand out. In a traditional grip without using the finger choil, I can still fit all four fingers on the knife and it fits comfortably. I enjoy fidgeting with both the aforementioned models and have owned them for a long time but they do not come close to Spyderco’s USA made quality. It’s the Centofante’s most noteworthy spec: at 1.95mm thick (according to my calipers), it’s easily the longest, thin… $39.00. SOLD OUT. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS IN THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. But in many ways the Delica was an improved version of the C01 Worker, Spyderco’s first ever pocket knife. The steel is made in the U.S and uses vanadium carbides to improve hardness. If you are here then a small EDC knife will be the best choice and now when you have an ideal image of how the tool needs to offer or need to be, it is time to see what the market has to offer. There are lots of options out there and rather than thinking about the typical application of this knife, choosing among the vast blades and knives out there is much more complicated. The compression lock is actuated by simply sliding it over and flipping the knife shut. The Delica 4 offers VG-10 blade steel which is a step or two below the Para 3’s CPM S30V’s offerings. If you need to keep this knife small but reliable for lots of light and medium jobs, Spyderco Delica and Para 3 are two ideal options we also like.