Thanks for the help on this. I'm fairly new to the expensive knife world as I've only ever owned $20-30 knives so this was a big purchase for me. I went with the Para 3 after hearing so many great things about the paramilitary 2 but I wanted something a little bit smaller. I also saw the Sage but I think the ergonomics of the Para 3 are going to fit my hand better. This review helped me pull the trigger on the purchase.
I have had the sage 5 for a couple months and have just ordered the para 3. (Partially due to this review.). I really love the sage 5 and wanted to get the pm2 for quite some time, but the 3 inch convoluted Michigan carry laws held me back. I really didn't want to get another knife i wouldn't edc. I already have quite a few fixed blade knives I only carry during wilderness excursions and wouldn't bother with a folder on those occasions. The para 3 is my chance at a pm2'ish' knife that I can edc. Thanks for the review. I subscribed. Keep up the good work and keep it honest and truthful! I'll like the close-up shots and direct comparison btw.
Thanks a lot for the feedback, and I'm glad you like the Sage! The Para 3 is a great one too, so let me know how you feel about that one after a while!
I prefer everything about the Sage 5 over the Para 3... on paper. Realized when handling both that the Para 3 has the same bushing pivot as the Paramilitary 2, while the Sage has a standard pivot. The Sage didn't have that nice free-swing I love about the compression lock that makes it feel like a premium lock, like the ball-bearing lock or axis lock, instead of a glorified liner lock with tolerances and an action that is just decent. I still pick the Sage, mine just needed to be fiddled with for a while, washer contacts polished, etc. for it to have a similar action
I just got the Para 3 right out of the factory outlet. Love it. I was comparing it to the Sage 5 and I don't regret going with the Para 3. Both of these knives punch above their weight-class but the Para 3 punches a little harder.
I've got both as well and for some reason the action on the Para3 works as what the compression lock was meant for. The Sage 5(at least mine) isn't as fluent even after trying to break it in. But yet still, I love them both!
I own both and I agree, buy either one and you'll be happy with your decision. I tend to prefer the deeper carry with the Sage 5 but still find myself carrying the Para 3 because of the blade and handle ergonomics.
I'm carrying the Para 3 a lot more than the Sage 5, mostly because it's new I think. It'll be really interesting to revisit this debate in a few months and see how we feel then. Thanks for watching and commenting, much appreciated!
Perfect video for me as I'm new to knives and I really have been considering my options and these two are very similar since they have the compression lock. Thanks for the help. My only other preference would be to see the knives next to some more familiar items to get a sense of scale. Maybe a few other knives or a dollar bill or something.
Oh, and I own a para 3. It was a gift but I would've bought one hands down no question. I do not own a sage but am very interested. After the pm2 I just had to have the para 3.
I know how you feel! I wanted a smaller version of the Para 2 for a long time, so glad they made the Para 3. The Sage series is a good one too, no doubt. Lots of great knives to think about!
Great review! I had never really thought about the sage 5 until now so thanks for adding another one to my list lol. It really does sound like they are both great in their own rights. So definitely a need to get both now
Well, getting them both is definitely a great way to go if you can. I really just love that Sage blade shape, it's a beautiful design. Thanks for finding the channel and watching, and definitely let me know what you think when you pick up that Sage!
I have the sage 5 and I love it. Not a big fan of the pm2 and that super pointy blade shape. Maybe the pm3 I'm waiting on from KW will change that. Exceptional comparison JT! Nicely done.
My Para 3 opens/closes smoothly, but my Sage 5 is sticky on closing. I've taken it apart and cleaned and oiled it and it's not much better. It won't drop of its own weight as yours does. Still it's a great knife and I'm glad I have it, but even if it worked smoothly, I would recommend the Para 3. I love my PM 2, but a little outside the legal carry length for my state so it's a safe queen. Para 2 has the same basic characteristics.
Hey there, it's a bummer about your Sage sticking, I hadn't heard of that issue from anyone yet. I had to adjust the pivot on mine to get it to drop smoothly, it was a bit stiff, but I didn't lose any lockup from doing it. The "90" signifies the knife's number in the initial run of the knife that goes to people in Spyderco's collectors club. I am not the collector, I just purchase from that person pretty regularly.
I broke id down and gave it a good cleaning and lube; now it works smooth as silk. I picked up a set of anodized bronze titanium screws on ebay from Bladeswelove and the knife looks stellar.
I have the Sage 1 and the Para. I find myself trying to decide which to carry, in the morning, between the Sage and Para. They are approximately the same price, depending on the flavor of steel you get with the Para. Sometimes I carry them both. I prefer an American made knife but Taichung is an exception, they usually makes some good stuff! I am planning on getting the Sage 5 soon and I am sure I will feel the same about that model as well! Maybe carry all three, lol. Thank you for posting Sir!
I just purchased the Para 3 and it is the best knife I have ever owned! It has perfect ergonomics and the functionality of the knife is outstanding! I like it so much that I have no doubt that I will be purchasing more Spyderco knives in the future!
I've got the Para 3 and love it. The pivot on mine wasn't lok-tite'd like some other Spyderco's I've got. (ended up getting the pivot set exactly how I want it and using my own lock-tite.)
Hey there, thanks for watching! Really hard to argue with the ergos of the Para 3. Since I posted this video I use the Para 3 more for EDC/work and the Sage is more for casual use. Love them both, but the way it feels in the hand is extremely important, and the Para 3 has that definite leg up.
Great vid. I got the Sage 1 which have been my favorite EDC for few years now. Really love this knife but always wanted something of similar size but more robust and heavy duty... Para 3 might be it.
James Min - The best Spyderco’s, the collectibles, all come from the Taichung factory which has always made the high end Spyderco’s, the workmanship is impeccable.
I have the Sage 5. I think Spyderco is taking a business risk by releasing 2 knives that are so similar within months of each other. I won't say never but I doubt that I will buy a Para 3. Most of my needs are light to medium use and the Sage is perfect for those tasks
It's possible that there will be an impact there, but if the release dates were flipped and the Para 3 had come out first, I think they'd have lost even more than they might now. I really just feel like Spyderco is on a roll lately, and that great knives are just going to come out at close intervals to each other because so many of their releases are great. In the end I think it's a good problem to have, but I certainly see your side. Thanks for your perspective on it, and enjoy your Sage!
Hey JT I think the sage 5 provide the better complete package. The position of the clip on the para makes no sense for me and the huge lanyard hole....i dont talk about this monster. But i want the para3 anyway because i'm an crazy knife guy.
Hey Ronny, Yeah, I know what you mean. If you look at the Sage 5 lanyard hole and clip set up, it's hard to figure out why the Para 3 couldn't be set up the exact same way. Not sure what they were thinking there. Like I said though, it still carries just fine and I really like it overall. Thanks for your take on it!
Own both and both are excellent. When feeling more tacticool I'd go with the P3. Feeling more casual and dressier I go with the Sage 5. Because of the deep pocket clip and lighter and being more versatile the Sage 5 wins!
Yup, but one can't really go wrong with either one. I'm just glad and grateful to have both. Both are truly excellent edc pocket knives. Spyderco has done an excellent job with both. I bought the Sage 5 first but can't get the P3 out of my mind so I bought that as well, seems crazy but I have no regrets. Thanks again for the excellent review, so spot on!
really would love getting a para 3,but waiting on a cruwear or M4/carbon fiber version to come along!but seems this smaller size of the PM2 would fit my pocket a little better,thank you,vary nice video.
Thanks! From what was said at Shot Show, the plan is to get the Para 3 all the same variants that we've seen on the Para 2. Hopefully you don't have to wait too long, even though a Para 3 in M4 would be worth the wait!
Good review. The weight difference would make some difference to me, certainly in terms of EDC. I have the Sage 5 and carry it regularly, but it's the heaviest knife I own. That doesn't mean I wouldn't get a Para 3, but I would want to hold one before deciding.
I've had a lot of comments about this lately, and for me it's not important at this level of a difference, but a lot of people seem to really care. Always interesting to see a different perspective. Thanks for the comment.
Jimping on these small knifes is irrelevant to it doesn’t matter I always have full control. To each there own though:But sage 5 is better to me. Good vid
Thanks for the vid. Makes the buying decision easier. I love my Para 2, but I own more variants of the Sage, so the Sage 5 gets the nod from me. Not in my collection yet. Someday. Dragonfly and Sage are my jam. All day, every day.
Have the Para 3LW and after your review I’ll purchase the Sage 5 compression lock so far I like the compression lock the most also the Native 5 is my favorite edc so I’m hoping it will satisfy my needs.
Hi JT, The Para-3 is temptingly compelling. I need to stop watching these videos! I have a ZDP-189 Delica, the PM2 & I recently got the Sage-5. How much is enough? It is definitely the Delica that gets the most pocket-time. Fortunately, like you, I prefer the aesthetics of the Sage's blade shape. I also really like the handle scales. Regardless of what others may say about laminates! That might just save my bank balance... I am stopping both of my ears to profligate "Get Both" comments... Really... ;-)
Hahaha, I completely understand! It's an addiction most definitely, but a good addiction I think. Very cool about the Delica in ZDP. Upgrading the steel in that knife makes it really close to perfect in my book. Thanks for watching, sorry to be a bad influence lol.
Not a 'bad' influence, just an enabler... Regarding the Delica, there is something perversely enthralling about watching your sharpening stones disappear down the drain in a blackened slurry. The sort of (guilty) pleasure only a knife knut would understand.
Went with the original Para 3. I hate both style stock clips. Considered the Sage 5 but it has the paper-clip style clip and I don't like that blade shape. The paper-clip-looking one looks cheap and tends to rip out. I'll be buying a deep carry clip anyway, so I might as well upgrade the blade. I like the delica but it's my beater EDC. Wanted a better, more professional knife.
I'm deciding between either of these, because I already have a Sage 1 I am leaning towards the Para 3... but then I'd end up buying a deep carry clip which would total a similar price to the Sage 5 anyways so I'm lost in a spiral
Well, if it helps at all I sold my Sage 3 when I got the Sage 5. Didn't see the need to have both, since the blades are identical and they function the same, apart from the lock. I really like the Para 3, and I would definitely get that blade before I got another one so similar to one I already had. And if you're willing to sell your Sage 1 it opens up a few other possibilities as well. Good luck, and either way you'll have a great knife!
That's a pretty good idea, although the sage 1 has some sentiment in me just because I wanted it for years before I got it, but now I wanna try a compression lock, and back then the para military 2 wasn't an option because of it's size, so Para 3 it might be... and maybe if I really enjoy the compression I'll sell my Sage for a Sage 5
Sounds like a smart plan. If you love your Sage, stick with it. There were a couple aspects of the Sage 3 that I didn't care for, and that's why I went for the upgrade. The Para 3 will serve you well.
Sage 5 hands down that’s my choice I have them both sage 5 is just awesome I like the asthmatics and the way it fits in my pock t para 3 is cool but sage is my choice but no complaints on para 3
JT's Knife Life well it doesn't block the operation but the end of it is right there near it and I could feel it when operating it and that kind of bothered me. It even looks Esthetically weird and dis- proportionate. Don't you think so?
specopsbrat I can see what you mean there about it potentially being awkward. What's weird though, and I know I'm in the minority, is that I don't mind the look or carry of the clip. On one of my Para 3s I have a Lynch clip and it's great, but on the other it's still stock and it just doesn't bother me for some reason.I definitely understand the people not liking it though.
Great vid. Just what I wanted to see was this comparison. All things considered I love the Sage but...:that made in Taiwan stamp is all I needed to see. Made in USA wins every day.
Thanks for your comment! It's always good to see the products we love made here in the U.S.A. I have no problem with overseas knives as long as the quality is there, but having a domestic blade is always a source of pride.
First let me say that I have not needed to take either of these knives apart. That said, the Sage 5 does not have a pivot bushing as far as I know. I assume that the Para 3 does have one since the PM2 does, but I am not sure. I've had no problems at all yet though.
No, not a detox issue, thankfully. The cause of that is a lot less interesting. Sometimes it happens from anxiety, but more often than not I've been using my dremel or blow torch and my hands are just tired. Bad joints can do that to you. I do appreciate the concern though. Thanks for watching and reaching out! 👍
From what I've seen from quality of us Colorado made and Taiwanese made spydercos, is that Taiwanese spydercos are probably 10% better in fit and finish compared to us made spydercos. I've handled quite a few. From the lower end to higher end.
The Spydercos with the best details come from Taiwan I'd say. Best fit and finish, best overall quality. The U.S. ones to me are just well made workhorses. Nothing too fancy, just good and functional knives.
Hey JT, thanks for the comparison video :). Being an appreciator of both the sage and para 3 series, do you have an opinion of the new Sage 1 maxamet vs Para 3 maxamet? I'm quite torn between the two at the moment. I have a sage 5, and love the ergos and comp lock. I would like to get an upgraded steel for this, and everything points towards the sage, but I feel I may miss the comp lock and deep carry clip. I also quite like the customizability of the para 3, but that lanyard placement is a real bummer for me. Cheers!
Good question! They're pretty similar. Due to the clip and depth of carry I've gotta stick with the Sage. There isn't a really significant difference though in how the knife actually feels in the pocket, mostly because the knives are nearly exactly the same in thickness.
I've owned both. With the Sage 5, I couldn't get around how cheap the scales feel. Can't stand what Spyderco does with its carbon fiber laminated knives. Wish they would give that up. Ugh. With the Para 3, the crappy clip position is easily resolved by switching the clip to tip down. To me, the only advantage the Sage 5 has is the lower profile (because of blade shape) when the knives are folded....takes up less room in the pocket. I sold the Sage. Still have the P3.
Hmm, thanks for your take on it. While I really like the Sage 5 scales, they aren't as good as the peel ply G10 on the Para 3. The Para 3 is executed pretty darn close to as good as it can be for that design.
I've been looking at so many Spyderco knives I'm not sure which to go with for my first purchase. nailed it down between the pm2, sage 5 and para 3. no shops around me have any so I cant see how each feels.
Well, if you have large hands the decision is easy: PM2. Between the Para 3 and Sage 5 it's just a tough call. Both are great. It might be worth it to wait until you can find a store or dealership in your travels so that you can be sure. That said, if any of those could have been my first Spyderco I'd have been thrilled about it!
Very slight differences but nothing major. Haven't found a good deep carry clip yet, but I hear that Casey Lynch is working on one specifically for the Para 3.
Adam Trejo - MXG Gear has some awesome deep carry clips for these. I already got 2 of them for both of my Para 3's. I can email you some pics if you're interested.
I don't think they have done anything like that yet. Each new one changes the locking mechanism, but the steel has always been S30V as far as I know. Maybe one day...
Thanks, I really appreciate you saying that. My feelings are that if you take the time to watch and comment, the least I can do is acknowledge that. The day I stop responding is the day I should shut down the channel. And hopefully that will never be the case. Take care!
That's a pretty strong opinion! And while I don't 100% agree since I love the Sage, I'll certainly admit the Para 3 gets way more pocket time. Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍
I can't say for sure but my guess is that they can not be swapped. I might have to try it and find out though lol. It would make things interesting if they could!
I notice there is a "090" to the left of the spider on both knives. What does that designate? I have a sage 5 and it has nothing to the left of the spider...
This 90 indicates it's an early run of the knife and is from the Spyderco Collectors Club. Each collector has a number that is assigned to them and every new knife they get is stamped with it. That's where the 90 comes from. I don't know how many collectors there are but I think it's a few hundred, so you'll see numbers on blades like that from time to time.
I've heard that a few times, so I guess the wire clip isn't for everyone. Personally, I love it, but there's no real way to mount another clip because of how it's built in. Good to hear your feedback, I appreciate it!
Brian Kerby - I’m the opposite, I love the wire clip and that was the reason I went for the Sage 5. I have 8 Spyderco’s, 4 with the hourglass clip and 4 with the wire and I feel the wire does not get in the way of your grip, carries deeper and no issues with scratching your car or tearing a nylon hammock that are possible with the spoon clip. My next knife will be a Native 5 FRN and I’m going to cut groves in the handle so I can use a wire clip with it.
country of origin and price make me lean to pm3. quick search I found pm3 for $119 made in USA, sage5 made in Taiwan for $139? I'm sure it can be found cheaper but never understand the justification of charging premium for overseas products
I can understand your point of view with most companies, but it seems that Spyderco's most high end products are made in their Taichung, Taiwan factory. Sure, the Native, PM 2, and Manix are all made here, but the Sage series, Domino, and the super premium Nirvana are made in Taiwan, and that's only the tip of the iceberg. They have good quality coming out of there, so while I definitely buy the American made models every chance I get, with Spyderco I keep a pretty open mind to what else they have available.
Yeah, part of me wonders how they choose what gets made where. They must have a lot of trust in the overseas manufacturers in order to give them such good knives to work on. Like you said, I'd like to see how different some of them may or may not be in quality and price if they were made in America instead. Just an interesting system all around.
