Beat the Icon: Spyderco Para 3 vs. Alternatives

Some knives are so iconic they come to define their own genre. The Para 3 is one of those knives. Is there anything else out there that truly comes close to replicating one of the best compact tactical EDC pocket knives on the market?

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[randytherhino]

DCA coming in with another banger of an idea; excited to see what is to come!

[Loleyke]

Ordered a sage 5 lw yesterday and it comes tomorrow in the mail, can't wait

[IAMMarilynMonroe]

Awesome video. Can't wait to see the iconic Morakniv Bushcraft knives and the alternatives. I'm loving all my Moras.

[SquidGunman]

At 1:52 David asked the question, “what if you’re stuck with 3 inches?”
Story of my life. 😂

[andrewvillarreal]

Love how the channel is always coming out with fresh ideas and doesn't show us the same knives over and over again like some other YouTube channels 🤔. Great video!

[pocketknifecollector]

Another budget knife that gets you some similar attributes to a Para 3 is the Artisan Cutlery Arroyo. Similar blade length (but longer cutting edge and no choil), slicey flat grind and thin blade stock, piercy acute point, good neutral handle shape with G10 scales, particle metallurgy steel, deep carry clip. The most obvious differences are the upswept spine of the Arroyo (and more belly), and the liner lock instead of the compression lock. Yes, you do have to put your thumb across the blade path to unlock the blade, but there’s a big flipper tab sticking up like a finger guard there, which would hit your thumb before the blade could close on it, so from a safety perspective it’s fine. Is it as good all around as the Para 3? No—but it’s about one quarter of the price.

[carlk]

I like the idea of comparing a popular knife with others similar to it. It can help people who are looking for knives which have similar traits, fit in with legal restraints &/or budget concerns. Having said that, it seems it's always the same knives keep popping up. I would like to see more variety in general and in this series along with more reasonably priced options. Thanks.

[bosse]

The Cold Steel would be my choice. Very nice. And a good price.

[pauljasmine]

Great idea for a series. Really liked the last 2. CRKT and the Cold Steel. Never been able to warm up to most Spiderco blade shapes.

[jerseythedog]

The larger thumb hole on the Para makes it ideal for gloved hands. I’ve used mine for drywall, cement board, wood, food, cardboard, zip ties, wires, plastic tarp, mulch bags, and anything else that got in my way. It is absolutely my favorite knife and I default to it above my cheap and expensive knives. Every knife I have is waiting to take the same beating that this one does because I can’t seem to put this one down.

[punjasandtyger]

Great segment. Para3 is certainly iconic. Great work

[jonathandavis]

This is going to be a great series! DCA and the KC crew keep rocking it!

[tincansailor]

This is a great idea for a series. I own the AD 20.5 and the Pilar III. I enjoy them both and prefer their slimmer closed profiles in the pocket. (That opening hole hump is why I've never sprung for a PM3 or PM2.)

[pierrepower]

Great review and very informative about a lot of knives. Spyderco seem to really set the standard. I don't own one yet but have a yojimbo 2 on the way and I can't wait.

[danielcox]

I debated between the Para 3 LW and the Sage 5 LW and decided on the Sage 5 LW. I like the overall appearance more and I really like the finger choil. It has been a great EDC that gets carried frequently.

[ZPositive]

The Native 5 in LW or with liners would make a solid alternative to the Para 3.

[threeminuteshate]

@1:50 My wife has been stuck with three inches for the past 21 years!

[Tzodie]

You guys are the ultimate knife nerd channel. I love it so much. I feel so heard!!! lmao

[bennyc]

The Para 3 really is in its own class. My S45VN version almost invariably ends up in my pocket when I'm working around the house. It's tough and slicey, and the tip is nice and pointy when you need it. I've got big hands, but I've always found the Para 3 a great fit, and the PM2 unnecessarily large. The Para 3 is not my first choice for out and about or at work though.

[clintashmead]

I am a new owner of Spyderco’s. I was looking at the Para 3 and PM 2. I went with the Para 3 and made the purchase three days ago (Saturday). This was my first Spyderco. I was so impressed that I went ahead and got the PM2 yesterday. I realize that these two knives are probably considered matured or seasoned in the marketplace. However, they still very much maintain a stronghold in a grail category in my opinion. Your alternatives offer great options but I really couldn’t by-pass the Para 3 or PM2’s. The two I got offer G10 scales and s45v blade steel. The PM2 is the all black version with DLC blade coating. Again, these two knives are iconic. Maybe not as exciting as some newer released blades but certainly they are worth prioritizing as part of a collection and carry.