When the Spyderco Para 3 came out 2 years ago, it had big shoes to fill. After all, it was following up on one of the most popular and timeless knife designs ever, the Para Military 2. The Para 3 set out to be a better option for EDC, by offering a smaller, but nonetheless useful blade in an easier-to-carry package. With the Para 3 Lightweight, Spyderco drops some weight (and the price) to elevate the knife even higher. With a new steel, better ergonomics, and one of the lightest materials available for handles, it's a solid contender for an all-day, everyday carry knife.
The biggest, most noticeable difference between the original Para 3 and the new Lightweight is in the handles. While the older model used G-10 scales, the new version features injection-molded, fiberglass-reinforced nylon (FRN) scales covered in a bidirectional texturing pattern, providing a solid grip. The handles are also more rounded and chamfered on the edges, making the new knife more comfortable to hold. The design and material choices on the handle contribute a lot to the weight savings, making the Para 3 Lightweight nearly thirty percent lighter than its predecessor, tipping the scales at a pocket-friendly 2.4 ounces. Similar to other Spyderco FRN models, the handles allow use of a wire clip, a design that shaves off even more weight while allowing a deeper pocket carry than the original Para 3. This allows a more discreet carry while still keeping the knife easily within reach.
A new, streamlined version of Spyderco’s patented Compression Lock mechanism—the first they've incorporated into a model with FRN handles—handles the deployment and closing of the blade, allowing familiar, one-handed operation. With the blade deployed, whether via the classic Spyderco thumb hole or with a flick, you get access to a 2.92” blade in the leaf-shaped, full flat-ground profile that traces its roots back to the original Para Military 2. It's a versatile shape useful for everyday tasks, from food prep to precision cuts. The blade uses CTS-BD1N steel (another first for Spyderco), and replaces the CPM-S30V of the original Para 3. Additional Nitrogen in the alloy gives it better edge retention and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for hardier tasks. And at under 3 inches, it's able to take on most tasks while still adhering to common knife laws.
Refinement and upgrades usually come with a cost, but the Para 3 Lightweight loses numbers on the price tag as well. True to its name, it's a lightweight knife in both the pocket and on your wallet, giving you a solid option for your next EDC knife. Get your own at the Amazon link below.
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