Beat the Icon: Spyderco Para 3 vs. Alternatives

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Can anything truly beat the Spyderco Para 3? We take a look at some challengers here: kcoti.com/36X4P9j
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?
Featured Knives
0:00 Spyderco Para 3: kcoti.com/3Nvrbji
3:47 Spyderco Sage 5: kcoti.com/3NsqIhJ
5:18 Demko AD20.5: kcoti.com/3tKsAKM
7:21 SOG Kiku XR: kcoti.com/3JOuf7S
10:00 GiantMouse ACE Biblio: kcoti.com/3qHeB6P
12:46 Fox Yaru: kcoti.com/3LqFx2B
14:49 ArtisanCutlery Wren: kcoti.com/389Aght
18:23 Spyderco Efficient: kcoti.com/3wFvG4N
20:01 CRKT Pilar III: kcoti.com/3tLSVIx
21:24 Cold Steel Mini Recon: kcoti.com/3JZUbgE
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Опубликовано:

6 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 520

@randytherhino 2 года назад

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

@jonathandavis6072 2 года назад

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

@andrewvillarreal2152 2 года назад

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 RU-vid channels 🤔. Great video!

@WhstlblwrBlastingEpsteinsPals 2 года назад

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

@carlk1183 2 года назад

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.

@Loleyke 2 года назад

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

@wayneorellana2549 2 года назад

This is a really good idea for a segment. Keep up the awesome work.

@tarkbaydar5465 2 года назад

Nice idea for new series. I love that you can still find new ideas.

@trlarosa 2 года назад

Awesome thanks so much. Ironically I just pulled out my Para 3 LW today before seeing this video. It was the first knife that checked all the boxes for me but I hadn’t handled it for a while. It will be back in my pocket soon. Thanks again! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

@firefighting.responder 2 года назад

Spyderco makes some great knives....

@FlipFlibbo Год назад

@@mrgibbles09 your welcome Deputy Douchebag

@lachlanlander6002 Год назад

I'm still waiting for the follow-up 😂 why finish it at "..."

@lo5492 6 месяцев назад

@@lachlanlander6002I’ll give it a go: …if only they weren’t so damn expensive!

@bladelover90210 3 месяца назад

Yup 😊

@holgerthennig1780 2 года назад

Really nice video, big thanks!

@pierrepower8343 11 месяцев назад

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.

@BrentonCarr 2 года назад

Fantastic idea for a series!

@punjasandtyger4090 2 года назад

Great segment. Para3 is certainly iconic. Great work

@lewisyouknow 2 года назад

Brilliant idea for a series!!!!!!

@realbroggo 2 года назад

This is an excellent idea!! Why I absolutely love this channel. Other icons for consideration: Cold Steel Recon 1, Ontario RAT 1 (or 2), Benchmade Bugout, Civivi Elementum and Chis Reeve Sebenza, Buck 110 - actually pick anything I love it all!! Another great vid.

@pauljasmine353 2 года назад

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.

@John5.56 2 месяца назад

I thought the same until I tried one.

@mesawolff2233 2 года назад

Hey Guys, great new series as always. I just got the Kansept Pelican and I believe it’s a strong contender as a Para 3 alternative. It’s a phenomenal knife. Also, the Kizer October is worth a mention. Thanks, always look forward to your videos.

@OffTheGrid1982 2 года назад

That SOG is one of my favorite folders. Solid 💯👊

@RUSTYGHOST-fq5ec 2 года назад

Great idea for a series love it. Please do shaman next!

@bosse641 2 года назад

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

@jerseythedog 2 года назад

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.

@geoffwatson8007 2 года назад

Good video! I loved your performance in Talladega Nights!

@muskyman1018 2 года назад

Sounds like this is going to be a great series DCA!

@jf4572 2 года назад

Excellent review 👍🍻

@normcote270 11 месяцев назад

I ordered the PM3 with FRN. scales in dark blue yesterday!! Great review, thank you!!

@pompeylad1977 Год назад

Great video cheers, can I just ask how you guys get the blade pivot so loose so it’s easy to flick out and in? I’ve tried 3 in 1, WD40, vegetable oil and even loosening the pivot nut but nothing seems to work, I will add that my spyders are new, any advice would be great, thanks.

@pocketknifecollector 2 года назад

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.

@User-ub4jo 2 года назад

Best idea for a series. Do every icon!

@zbhaz1105 Год назад

I've had some pretty cool knives over the last 35 or so years the para three quickly became my favorite

@gspam154 2 года назад

Own too many Para 3 and Para 3 Lightweights. Love them. Great idea for a series.

@stevelewis1721 2 года назад

How many years did it take to develop the splendid expertise you display? Super work, thanks.

@Tzodie 2 года назад

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

@peggynulsen1365 2 года назад

What a great video idea. Nice picks for comparison too. I own several of these....no shortage of good knives to choose from.

@danielcox5849 2 года назад

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.

@toddbowers418 Год назад

That’s the same solid choice I made.

@ZPositive 2 года назад

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

@se7enspac3s 2 года назад

I've got a bunch of expensive knives, but I've been rocking the para3 lw for the last few weeks. Works great, sharpens easy.

@ml8067 2 года назад

Great topic, keep them coming. For me the Giant Mouse is the closest. Your knowledge paid on this one. I never would have even thought of the mini recon.

@Chloe-py3vk 2 года назад

Yooo really excited for this series

@WhstlblwrBlastingEpsteinsPals 2 года назад

Same

@robertbennett5929 2 года назад

I bought a Spyderco Delica from KnifeCenter a couple months ago. It having k390 steel, I took it apart put some mineral oil on the entire blade. When I put it back together it has a bit of slop on the lockup when deployed. What are my chances of correcting this if I take it apart again??

@johnkeck1025 2 года назад

Can you do a video comparison of the griptilian vs the bug out? Full sizes and the minis?! Thanks!

@roylayug5405 2 года назад

Hey DCA, Love that Demko 20.5 in red. When will you be getting the black blade version?

@thui7889 2 года назад

Before even watching the video, I was hoping the sage 5 would make it on the list. For me it’s a better slicer and less hump for my thumb to push on, which I like. But in terms of action and “hard use” it gotta be para 3

@joefoley1079 2 года назад

What if your stuck wit 3 inches

@josesoto7184 2 года назад

Good vid DCA But one thing I never see mentioned about the para 3 which I consider a great benefit is the minimal amount of hardware for the toughness you receive, Less to go wrong and if something does quicker to maintain, Pair of 3 executes that better than most

@DavidHernandez-dq1ih 2 года назад

Is there any deep carry pocket clip for the original para 3 even a aftermarket one

@RobEcu123 2 года назад

Bought mine 5 years ago, active duty af ammo so it's taken a beating, sharpened once(maybe not the best practice), i just chipped the tip but I stuck it in a missile part cover cause it wouldn't come off so it's my fault. Think I want a better steel cause I got a s30v. Suggestions?

@macmccartney5760 2 года назад

So is the the pm2 stil the gold standard for slicing? For all others to be compared too? Or has the title shifted hands?

@dmharvey30 2 года назад

Have had my spyderco efficient for almost a year. Love it an it is my go to knife. It’s my every day carry.

@DZNTZ 2 года назад

The Para 3 works for me because 3” is the concealed limit in my state. Its hard to beat, though if I could I’d carry a PM2! They’re both special knives, worth the price tag. The D2 RAT 2 makes a great budget alternative, a fantastic value and fun to customize. Another favorite edc is the Izula 2 - with a good sheath, it’s extremely carryable and just awesome. Still 3”, so if it’s concealed no worries.

@clintashmead3558 2 года назад

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.

@rtz549 2 года назад

Good series idea.

@lawrencecassidy1229 2 года назад

I like the new series, keep it going,

@charlesard8639 2 года назад

Good idea.

@EagleJim62 2 года назад

I've got the Digi cam s45 version of the para 3 and I love the stonewashed blade. The best part of the para 3 is the handle. As you described, it's a small blade that can be used for heavy duty work. As with many Spydercos, it's a classic. I'm also a big fan of the AD 20.5 with D2 steel. I replaced the cheesy handles with micarta and now it's a great knife.

@jimkissell1620 2 года назад

I’m surprised the Byrd meadowlark didn’t get mentioned as a budget option

@microwavegommmm916 2 года назад

Love the channel

@edmundmack8979 2 года назад

Ok DCA i have bought way to many knives trying to find the right one for work its dusty all the time, wet some of the time, and all around pretty rough on any tool but my knife inparticular. Some guidance would be very helpfull. Some thing that can handle dirt, dust and a dip in water or oil

@jguet9482 2 года назад

I know you guys don't carry this yet, but my favorite non-para 3 knife in that size is the EMP EDC Nymble. Super fidgety and a great blade.

@bethanyanne2226 2 года назад

I know that you don't sell them, but the Honey Badger with a leaf blade seems like a good budget alternative. Anyone know why those aren't available at knife center?

@tincansailor9437 2 года назад

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.)

@bougiebum9138 2 года назад

@Dee Bee that's what I always thought/felt/said... right up until I got to hold the Para2 in my hand. I'm kind of a different sort of knife guy, though. I could collect knives based on aesthetics and features and materials, etc... But when a knife just feels "right" in my hand, I feel like I just "need" to own it. The last knife that tickled me like this was a $25 POS Walmart Kershaw. I bought it and I loved it. An "EDC" just has to feel right to me. I'm not normally abusing my EDC though, if I can help it. I usually try to find the right tool for the job first, before I go whooping on an EDC 🤷 just my 2 cents.

@HammerSmashedFace92 2 года назад

@Dee Bee don’t worry. They’re not as people praise them to be

@jusme8060 2 года назад

@@HammerSmashedFace92 oh yes they are.

@charlessalmond7076 2 года назад

@@jusme8060 nyet, its just a tool.

@mattkandel2449 2 года назад

@Dee Bee - Yeah, I think it's a "love or hate" thing. I think a lot of the designs work better than they look. Some designs are way over hyped(Paramilitary 2).

@Lazzoboy 2 года назад

Got the PM3 a year ago, it was everything I ever wanted. Lite, smooth perfect i my hand. After using it for a while I notice that the edge got dull very fast, to fast.. Was relly disaopponed about the steel. Got the CTS BD1 N steel. Anyone else felt the same?

@shamitoson 2 года назад

The Sage 5 LW has steel liners, the para 3 LW does not. Also the texture is much nicer on the Sage compared to Para 3 LW. Tai Chung does FRN textures much better than Golden.

@zman8340 2 года назад

^^^^^^this^^^^ talk abut a perfect knife. My sage 5 lw is the best built and finished spyderco I’ve ever had and I’ve carried them for 25 years.

@shamitoson Год назад

@@thaknobodi not sure what you mean. Sage 5 feels the same. Now the lil’ native has a little piece that bangs your finger when closing it. Haven’t had anything like that with the Sage. Standard compression lock feel.

@czenkusm Год назад

Lol nah

@Jsmith9055 Год назад

I think the Sage 5LW is legitimately the perfect folding knife. Not the nicest, or fanciest maybe, but its pretty much perfect for damn near everyone

@mikemckenzy 2 года назад

Yaru is one of my favorite EDC knives, period. Just wish the price was a little more affordable. But so so good. Cool list, DCA!

@mkj8757 2 года назад

I love a lot of these knives on the table

@Matt.L.L 2 года назад

Is the finish on the Para 3 S45VN stonewashed or satin? I've seen it listed as both, and I'm curious before I pull the trigger on a purchase.

@knifecenter 2 года назад

It has a subtle stonewash -DCA

@BlueOx2277 2 года назад

So how well does the para 3 compare against the Buck 110 in ANY of their trims or model? Specially the slim pro knives…

@silverbeard_edc4546 2 года назад

I carry the same digital camo Para 3 but with a black S45 blade. The Para 3 or the Buck 112 Sport are in my pocket 90% of the time. Two different knives but both are amazing carries

@billy_2473 Год назад

9:17 when you pulled out the Sog I was about to puke but then I think you actually won me over… it’s on the list now.

@EDC_Soldier Год назад

DCA said "what if you're stuck with three inches" and I felt personally attacked

@ryanlhobson13 2 года назад

Ohhh nice. Good stuff.

@ryanlhobson13 2 года назад

Do not like the way it opens. I know I’m in the minority. I’d rather a benchmade

@davidinghram2494 2 года назад

I have three knives that size...Demko AD20.5 jade green...Ace Biblio dark titanium...Para 3 blurple, s110V. I carry them in that order, very seldom the Para 3 because it is so chunky compared to the other two. All three excellent knives that would make anyone happy.

@JoeDeGuidopastorforchrist 2 года назад

Why doesn’t that light weight one have the patented Spy27 steel blade?

@garrettdustman8505 2 года назад

I wish the griptilian with the thumb hole was still available. Probably one of the best alternatives to the PM3 while keeping most of the best parts of it and adding the axis lock

@midwestgear 2 года назад

Love the new series idea! I'd go for a Hogue Deka or budget sog terminus xr. Love my sog and I'm craving a deka bad.

@jespernakskov6206 Год назад

Very cool Beat the icon video, with a lot of different knives to look at aswell. The Para 3 is one of my favorite knives, it just works and feels good in the hand. The only other knife I could think of that is in the same ballpark, is the Willumsen Copenhagen RED E in G10. Try looking at that. BTW your content i great, keep up the good work.

@kylemccaffrey3003 2 года назад

Don’t own either but I’d have to think of the mini grip and bug out as being a pretty solid competitor against the para 3. I do own the ad20.5 and it’s a staple in my edc

@DuhYaThink Год назад

Yup, pm2 😊love the para 3’s. Just the blade availability is great and the ergos are top notch for a smaller knife 👍🏻

@notme123123 2 года назад

Very cool episode! I was actually thinking about this from a different angle. I’ve decided that I want to get a Spyderco, but I’m overwhelmed with the number of choices. I don’t have a specific tactical use case. This will be just an EDC pocket knife. I have big hands and I’d like a full grip (no Manbugs). I have a Civivi Elementum, a CEO Flipper, and a Kershaw Zing. I’d like to get something more interesting by way of lock and/or steel. How about a “How to pick your first Spyderco” episode?

@urcrimeiamlaw 2 года назад

Was in the same position Bought several and the Sage 5 LW is the absolute winner I really love the compression lock and it’s my go to edc most days. Start there.

@harrycrab8725 2 года назад

Or a para 2 or 3. I resisted for a long time. Not sure why. They’re popular for a reason! Also lots of versions to choose from and after market parts/options if interested.

@VisionWords 2 года назад

The Sage 5 LW or the Manix 2 are Spyderco's best EDC knives, in my opinion. The Sage is a great lightweight option, and the Manix is great if you want something a little bigger. Both have great locks, but the ball-bearing lock on the Manix is probably a little more fun to use and also is arguably the stronger of the two.

@abc456f 2 года назад

@@VisionWords Agree. I actually dislike both the para 3 and pm2 because of the lack of chamferring on the scales. They're just plain uncomfortable. Carrying the sage 1 in maxamet today, great knife. But I'd pick the manix 2 as my all time favorite spyderco.

@DZNTZ 2 года назад

Manix is probably the most “fun” first Spyderco, and a great fit for large hands. Price isn’t too harsh either. The PM2 and Para 3 are the most customizable if that’ll be your thing. Few things more edc-able than a good knife that you’ve put your own stamp on. But the Manix would be a good gateway!

@David.Nightingale 2 года назад

Just go for Sage 5. I use my old Sage 1 for years and that little knife is a beast. Personally, i dont recommend LW version. It feels cheap and your hand will be in pain after hard work. Go for standard smooth CF version. - (no hotspots)...

@ryanharnell9268 2 года назад

Nice List. Yeah Vox plays so much in the sub 3 category. Pillar 3 D2 is my favorite fancy "Beater"

@genewentz9906 2 года назад

How would the buck spitfire fit in with the para 3

@dano727 2 года назад

I love my Para3 LightWeight ! Definitely high in the rotation ! I actually prefer the FRN scales to the G10.

@spaljenibackup9339 Год назад

"What if you're stuck with 3 inches" I feel personally attacked

@fullantonio 2 года назад

Very nice video! I would really like to have the Mini Recon 1 in Clip Point blade. Do you know when it will be available?

@knifecenter 2 года назад

Unsure but you can pre-order now if you want. Your card won't be charged until we ship the knife to you. -DCA

@fullantonio 2 года назад

@@knifecenter ok, I’ll pre-order it. Thanks for the reply!

@poboy8490 Год назад

I checked out the SOG and CRKT, and then the salesman suggested the PM2. It just felt so damn good that I had to have it

@troysnyder8174 2 года назад

Have a para 3 in s45vn , love it , I have large hands , trying to get ahold of a cerabrus worker scales but not lucky so far. It if had just 1/4" longer handle...

@keenobservations3050 2 года назад

Nope, I have 8 Para 3s in definitely steel and scale types. It’s my go to, but I still can enjoy changing up the look on the fly. Great video

@glenngoins3100 2 года назад

Nice knives! I like the manix xl and the chief.

@revolvermaster4939 Год назад

Well this video made me order my 5th Para 3, DAMN YOU!

@jonathantrescastro2712 2 года назад

What about something from spydercos sub bran Byrd there has to be something in that line up I’m sure right?

@allrededc 2 года назад

Looking through my collection, I would have given pretty strong consideration to the Kizer October. $129 20cv, micarta scaled liner lock with a low profile flipper, opening hole, and a Fuller that can be used to flick the blade out as well..

@ZPositive 2 года назад

Yes, except buying one gives money to the CCP. 🤮

@Madmartigan4477 2 года назад

I have a Para 2 and a Steel Will cutjack that compare favorably, considering the price difference. I wonder if the Para 3 would compare favorably with the mini Cutjack in a similar fashion???

@user-mm9ex9zk7x 5 месяцев назад

Got a light weight one coming tomorrow

@Nightwolf866 2 года назад

Hey DCA, you keep overlooking the N in BD1N steel. It is a different steel with more edge retention and toughness than BD1.

@lmcq784 2 года назад

Great series! I would also have included the Native 5 in there too. Ideas for future Icon series: Ultralight/Bugout; Premium/Sebenza; CompactFixed/Izula; Camp/ESEE6/BK9; what else?!

@muskyman1018 2 года назад

Some old school too, like the Kabar, and Buck 110. Kershaw Leek, may be worthy.

@stevebrown7190 2 года назад

It’s very difficult to find something with the function, and feel of a Para 3. It’s one of my favorite EDC’s of all time, and probably gets as much pocket time as any knife I own.

@mad0uche 2 года назад

I mean besides the Para 2, I would say that's an understatement, there is nothing like it.

@gregasp728 2 года назад

@@mad0uche 3

@shamitoson Год назад

@@mad0uche it’s funny how people go either way on those two. Have both and really don’t care for the para 2. Way too big and heavy closed for such a short blade. Para 3 is just nice.

@shamitoson Год назад

Sage 5 would float your boat then. I’d go Sage5, para 3, many other knives, PM2( way down the list for edc).

@stevebrown7190 Год назад

@@shamitoson I have a Sage 5 lightweight, it’s a good option too.