The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 knife is an immensely popular folding knife. I’ve looked at it a few times, but it’s simply too big for me, with a 3.44″ blade. For EDC of even shop use, I like smaller knives.
The newish Spyderco Para 3, with is 3″ blade, is just about perfect.
Advertisement
I purchased a test sample, via Massdrop*, for around $112. It’s typically $120, and so I saved a few dollars. Mine is the C223GP, which has a plain-edge blade made from S30V stainless steel.
There are other versions of the Para 3 knife, with different blade styles, compositions (such as S110V), and finishes.
This is a compact and somewhat utilitarian knife, designed for everyday use. It’s not flashy or fancy, but it is ergonomic and comfortable to open, carry, and use.
Quick Specs
- 3″ blade
- 7.27″ overall length
- G-10 handle material, in black
- “Compression lock”
- Thumb hole
- Manual opening
- 4-position belt clip
- Made in USA
I’m not ready to do a full review, but would be happy to answer any questions you might have. So far, I think this might become one of my favorite knives.
Check out more of my knife reviews here. There are lots more on the way, as soon as I can make room in my schedule to take some photos.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(via BladeHQ)
Advertisement
*Massdrop is a “group buy” facilitator. It’s hard to explain. Here’s our “invite a friend” referral link, or simply go to massdrop.com to learn more. When I ordered this knife as part of a “drop” that was active at the time, it was $120. But I declined the “complimentary” zipper pouch for a $15 credit. It ended up $105 plus tax and free shipping, for a little over $112. I don’t remember if it shipped direct from Spyderco or from Massdrop, but it’s the same knife I could buy from Amazon or BladeHQ. There’s no active “drop” for this knife at the moment, but I thought I’d explain how and where I purchased the review sample.
So far, I placed 4 orders on Massdrop, and received 3 of them without a hitch. The 4th, a Massdrop-produced, Ferrum Forge-designed, WE Knife-made folding knife (I paid $85.49) will ship in late January.
Josh
Glad to see you snagged one for the slight discount. I was eyeing this one as well and it sold out before I pulled the trigger.
Stuart
I was on the fence since it came out, but the slight discount helped to convince me. “I should review this on ToolGuyd” also helps to loosen up my purse strings.
fred
I get the idea that collectors buy a many knives. Having a several different ones for different tasks can be useful for the rest of us. If you can write them off against business income all the better. But. I don’t carry a knife on other than a few rare occasions – like for outdoor treks. On those I usually carry an old lock-back knife, that holds a good edge, in a leather belt case. All that said, maybe your review will convince me that laying out $110 to $120 for a new knife will give me something worth that investment
Stuart
I think it’s also that people that buy more than one or two knives turn into collectors.
Partially because of ToolGuyd, I like exploring the differences in knife styles and designs, each one slightly different from the next.
$110 to $120 for a knife? I would expect for someone buying this knife to usually have 2-3 knives priced between $40 and $100 before shelling out for this one.
It’s hard to justify the expense without knowing what you get for the money. And knowing what you get for the money best requires knowing what you get for less money.
At least, that’s the process I seem to have followed.
Adam g
My para 2 in s110v is simply astounding. So much so I’ve already ordered a para 3 and have a dragonfly for me and a ladybug for my wife. I find the dragonfly fills in the spots the para 2 is too large for. I love all the spyderco knives I have thus far.
James R.
I wouldn’t call myself a collector, but I carry a $130 knife daily.
My brother, on the other hand, is a collector of knives. He has a lot of different brands and styles. Some custom made by Bussey.
Of the four knives I own, three were gifts (from my brother.) One was a small Kershaw I bought at Walmart on clearance and carried until I got bored of it.
I’m starting to get that feeling again about my current EDC knife…just time for something new.
However, even working in an office environment, I use my knife daily. Opening boxes, cutting a wire or string. Random tasks, but infinitely more easy since I have a blade in my pocket.
Marcus
I am glad you are reviewing this knife I was looking at it yesterday for a new EDC. I like my blades under 3″ and to be a thin profile for my pocket. I look forward to seeing your review of the knife.
Toolfreak
I’m glad a company like Spyderco is making quality knives in the USA, but I really don’t care for the thumb hole design and they have few offerings in other styles.
That, plus these are expensive for EDC, especially considering police/security love Spyderco stuff too and might make an excuse to confiscate yours…
Still, I do like seeing the coverage of higher-quality knives on the blog, they certainly are extremely useful tools.
John
Massdrop is ridiculous. Why do you need my email address just so I can browse?
Stuart
They say it’s because deals with manufacturers require that prices be hidden from search engines.
So it’s like a private shopping club that you have to register for.
It’s annoying and I avoided doing so for the longest time.
I signed up to order headphones I read about somewhere, but ended up canceling. They send “what’s new” emails featuring items in my selected interest categories, and it wasn’t long before I placed my next order.
Daniel M.
I’m always carried Benchmades but bought this one for a change of pace. Outstanding knife! Highly recommend.
Lukas
Looks like it rides high for tip up carry. Since he clip doesn’t even get started until after that lanyard hole. Might have to factor in the price of a deep carry clip. Otherwise it looks pretty great. I’ve been considering this one for a little bit
Adam g
Mxg gear makes a good sturdy deep carry clip for about $25 that leaves only the clip visible.
Matt
Spyderco makes a great knife. A similar alternative would be their Delica 4. It’s slightly smaller but still feels good in hand. It has a fiber reinforced nylon handle which makes it a little lighter too.
Adam g
I really like the dragonfly 2 I picked up for times I only need a smaller lighter knife.
HuckleCat
I love my “Blurple” Para 3 in S110v. I found the Para 2 to be a bit too big, but the P3 is just perfect.