Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

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EmperorMA
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Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

#1

Post by EmperorMA »

I recently acquired a Manix 2 XL and am liking the action and lock. I'm thinking of adding another BBL and I could use another 3" blade in the rotation.

Does anybody have some side-by-side comparison pix of the Para 3 and Sage 3 they'd care to post? I already have and enjoy (except for the clip placement!!) a Para 3 so the comparison will be meaningful to me.

Thoughts on the two knives are also quite welcome and encouraged. Thanks!
Wishlist: Delica 4 FFG VG10, Manix 2 LW XHP, Military 204P and S110V, Para 3 Cruwear and S110V, Paramilitary 2 (all versions), SpydieChef LC200N, Caribbean PE and Sheepsfoot SE

Procured: Caly 3.5 VG10, Dragonfly 2 LW VG10, Manix 2 XL S30V, Native 5 LW S110V, Para 3 S30V, Paramilitary 2 S110V
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abbazaba
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Re: Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

#2

Post by abbazaba »

Lots of comparisons on the internets. I have both and like the Sage5 more overall... it should solve your issue with the clip and I find the handle more comfortable. I'm carrying it today and carry it often. I like the flat spine on the Para3 better, but carrying it just makes me wish I was carrying a PM2.
EmperorMA
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Re: Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

#3

Post by EmperorMA »

I haven't been able to find comparison pix between Para 3 and Sage 3. I know the 3 is bigger than other Sages and I was hoping to see it next to the Para 3.

I love my PM2 S110V but I am limited to 3" blades or less five days a week. I'd like to add a couple of more knives that meet that requirement and I am really liking the BBL on my new Manix XL so I thought I might give the Sage 3 a try.
Wishlist: Delica 4 FFG VG10, Manix 2 LW XHP, Military 204P and S110V, Para 3 Cruwear and S110V, Paramilitary 2 (all versions), SpydieChef LC200N, Caribbean PE and Sheepsfoot SE

Procured: Caly 3.5 VG10, Dragonfly 2 LW VG10, Manix 2 XL S30V, Native 5 LW S110V, Para 3 S30V, Paramilitary 2 S110V
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Evil D
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Re: Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

#4

Post by Evil D »

Just so you're 100% aware the Sage 3 uses the Bolt Action lock not a CBBL. The action is very similar but easier/lighter spring feeling and the mechanism that does the locking is totally different.
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EmperorMA
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Re: Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

#5

Post by EmperorMA »

I just like the action using the thumb/ finger on each side of the knife. Pretty sweet in the XL and I'd imagine even sweeter in the Sage 3.
Wishlist: Delica 4 FFG VG10, Manix 2 LW XHP, Military 204P and S110V, Para 3 Cruwear and S110V, Paramilitary 2 (all versions), SpydieChef LC200N, Caribbean PE and Sheepsfoot SE

Procured: Caly 3.5 VG10, Dragonfly 2 LW VG10, Manix 2 XL S30V, Native 5 LW S110V, Para 3 S30V, Paramilitary 2 S110V
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Re: Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

#6

Post by dplafoll »

In my opinion, the answer here is actually Sage 5. ;)
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EmperorMA
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Re: Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

#7

Post by EmperorMA »

dplafoll wrote:In my opinion, the answer here is actually Sage 5. ;)
In my opinion, the answer is, "Both."

Really liking the bolt action lock, though.
Wishlist: Delica 4 FFG VG10, Manix 2 LW XHP, Military 204P and S110V, Para 3 Cruwear and S110V, Paramilitary 2 (all versions), SpydieChef LC200N, Caribbean PE and Sheepsfoot SE

Procured: Caly 3.5 VG10, Dragonfly 2 LW VG10, Manix 2 XL S30V, Native 5 LW S110V, Para 3 S30V, Paramilitary 2 S110V
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Re: Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

#8

Post by wolfgaze »

Just an FYI - the Para 3 DLC version is coming out soon.... KC website now has a photo up....
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Re: Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

#9

Post by Sharp Guy »

EmperorMA wrote:Does anybody have some side-by-side comparison pix of the Para 3 and Sage 3 they'd care to post? I already have and enjoy (except for the clip placement!!) a Para 3 so the comparison will be meaningful to me.
Here you go Emperor!

Image
EmperorMA wrote:Thoughts on the two knives are also quite welcome and encouraged
For me it's a toss up between the two knives. There are features of both that I like. I don't really carry either very much but the Para 3 gets more pocket time and use than the Sage 3. It makes a better work knife for me at the moment. The Sage 3 is fine but on days that I carry a Sage it's usually the Sage 2 or Sage 5.
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anycal
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Re: Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

#10

Post by anycal »

wolfgaze wrote:Just an FYI - the Para 3 DLC version is coming out soon.... KC website now has a photo up....

Been waiting for a new all black knife. Had a couple, but no more. Wanting the Manix 2 backlock all black, this may have to do to hold me over. Very tempting.


Image
Peter
EmperorMA
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Re: Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

#11

Post by EmperorMA »

Sharp Guy wrote:
EmperorMA wrote:Does anybody have some side-by-side comparison pix of the Para 3 and Sage 3 they'd care to post? I already have and enjoy (except for the clip placement!!) a Para 3 so the comparison will be meaningful to me.
Here you go Emperor!

Image
EmperorMA wrote:Thoughts on the two knives are also quite welcome and encouraged
For me it's a toss up between the two knives. There are features of both that I like. I don't really carry either very much but the Para 3 gets more pocket time and use than the Sage 3. It makes a better work knife for me at the moment. The Sage 3 is fine but on days that I carry a Sage it's usually the Sage 2 or Sage 5.
Thanks for the pic. That confirms what I was suspecting...the two knives are pretty much the same size. For my purposes, that is fine. I'd just use the Sage as a change of pace every once in awhile and for the occasional dressy foray into the odd 3" jurisdictions in the area.

Love the clip on your Para 3, BTW. I actually consider the price of this knife to be $30 more than advertised anywhere, as I believe an aftermarket clip is absolutely necessary.
Wishlist: Delica 4 FFG VG10, Manix 2 LW XHP, Military 204P and S110V, Para 3 Cruwear and S110V, Paramilitary 2 (all versions), SpydieChef LC200N, Caribbean PE and Sheepsfoot SE

Procured: Caly 3.5 VG10, Dragonfly 2 LW VG10, Manix 2 XL S30V, Native 5 LW S110V, Para 3 S30V, Paramilitary 2 S110V
EmperorMA
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Re: Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

#12

Post by EmperorMA »

anycal wrote:
wolfgaze wrote:Just an FYI - the Para 3 DLC version is coming out soon.... KC website now has a photo up....

Been waiting for a new all black knife. Had a couple, but no more. Wanting the Manix 2 backlock all black, this may have to do to hold me over. Very tempting.


Image
That looks outstanding! Very, very tempting! I'm sure I can find a black aftermarket clip for it.

I think it looks better than the all-black PM2. I think both the Manix 2 and Native 5 all-black models are really sexy, too.

I'm also looking forward to the Para 3 in a good working stainless steel like 204P or M390.
Last edited by EmperorMA on Wed May 17, 2017 8:59 am, edited 1 time in total.
Wishlist: Delica 4 FFG VG10, Manix 2 LW XHP, Military 204P and S110V, Para 3 Cruwear and S110V, Paramilitary 2 (all versions), SpydieChef LC200N, Caribbean PE and Sheepsfoot SE

Procured: Caly 3.5 VG10, Dragonfly 2 LW VG10, Manix 2 XL S30V, Native 5 LW S110V, Para 3 S30V, Paramilitary 2 S110V
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Re: Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

#13

Post by Evil D »

If they would get rid of that pinky bump like the end of the Sage handle is my opinion of the Para 2/3 would improve significantly.
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Re: Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

#14

Post by dreadpirate »

For me - I like both the handle and blade shape of the Para 3. The Sage is excellent (I own a Sage 3) - it's just I think the Para 3 is even better.
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Re: Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

#15

Post by anycal »

EmperorMA wrote:... I'm sure I can find a black aftermarket clip for it...
Yes, from MXG Gear,

Image
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Sharp Guy
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Re: Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

#16

Post by Sharp Guy »

Carried my Para 3 today because of this thread.

Image
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EmperorMA
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Re: Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

#17

Post by EmperorMA »

anycal wrote:
EmperorMA wrote:... I'm sure I can find a black aftermarket clip for it...
Yes, from MXG Gear,

Image
Have you (or anyone else watching this thread) used this exact clip? I'd be interested to know how well it works.

I am really wanting the exact Casey Lynch clip that Sharp Guy has on his Para 3 but I can't seem to find one anywhere. This MXG clip could be a good alternative.
Wishlist: Delica 4 FFG VG10, Manix 2 LW XHP, Military 204P and S110V, Para 3 Cruwear and S110V, Paramilitary 2 (all versions), SpydieChef LC200N, Caribbean PE and Sheepsfoot SE

Procured: Caly 3.5 VG10, Dragonfly 2 LW VG10, Manix 2 XL S30V, Native 5 LW S110V, Para 3 S30V, Paramilitary 2 S110V
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Re: Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

#18

Post by EmperorMA »

Sharp Guy wrote:Carried my Para 3 today because of this thread.

Image
Me, too. :cool:

Image
Wishlist: Delica 4 FFG VG10, Manix 2 LW XHP, Military 204P and S110V, Para 3 Cruwear and S110V, Paramilitary 2 (all versions), SpydieChef LC200N, Caribbean PE and Sheepsfoot SE

Procured: Caly 3.5 VG10, Dragonfly 2 LW VG10, Manix 2 XL S30V, Native 5 LW S110V, Para 3 S30V, Paramilitary 2 S110V
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Re: Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

#19

Post by anycal »

Using it on my PM2s. I gave my P3 to a friend, otherwise I'd show you what it looks like on it.


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Re: Para 3 vs. Sage 3 Comparison

#20

Post by EmperorMA »

Evil D wrote:If they would get rid of that pinky bump like the end of the Sage handle is my opinion of the Para 2/3 would improve significantly.
I know what you mean. Luckily, on both the Para 3 and PM2, that bump hits my hand perfectly and actually adds to my love of the two knives. I get that even a difference of 1/16th of an inch might make me hate them both.

Along with Caly 3.5, easily my favorite Spydies so far.
Wishlist: Delica 4 FFG VG10, Manix 2 LW XHP, Military 204P and S110V, Para 3 Cruwear and S110V, Paramilitary 2 (all versions), SpydieChef LC200N, Caribbean PE and Sheepsfoot SE

Procured: Caly 3.5 VG10, Dragonfly 2 LW VG10, Manix 2 XL S30V, Native 5 LW S110V, Para 3 S30V, Paramilitary 2 S110V
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