Argh, Para 3 dilemma!

[awa54]

So I was just getting psyched up for the CS Para 3 exclusive and then read the BBS Para 3 "issues" thread and realized that their Para 3 exclusive is still available and I *love* M390 but I'm a bit lukewarm on XHP...

The kicker is that the BBS exclusive is available NOW and despite miserable C/S practices and extortionate S&H, it ticks off all of the boxes for my ultimate everyday use Para 3. That said, I like orange and I like Cutlery Shoppe much better as a business.

Add to that the possibility that I'll miss getting a CS exclusive (can't imagine they'll last more than an hour, even if it's a full 1200 piece run) and BBS might go back to full retail on their exclusive in the meantime...

I need counciling! both for best Spyderco purchasing choices and for my Spyderco addiction :eek: :D

[awa54]

...or I could just skip the stress and get the Tan S35VN version which comes within a fraction of being as desireable as the M390 and is available from several respected dealers.

Such First World problems :o

[legOFwhat?]

[SG89]

S35VN to skip the stress!

[Sharp Guy]

S35VN to skip the stress!

Lol! This is probably the best advice if you don't mind the brown scales.

Otherwise, I really like my BBS M390 Para 3. I like the color and I really like M390 so far.

[Rutger]

You know the solution is to buy both :D

Both steels are nice in my opinion. But i expect we will see more M390/20CV/204P in the future anyway. And BBS did a rerun on their M390 PM2. They might do so with the Para 3 too. Good chance there will be a DLT 20CV or M390 coming at some point, just like the PM2. So i think the BBS is less special except for the color (which i do like a lot). So pick the color you like best. But i do think Cutlery Shoppe will sell out faster than BBS.

[SF Native]

I think you have time to decide. The bbs paras have been around for a while and not sold out. I would probably have one except they charge a lot for shipping and tax in my state which puts it at $200, and not $150.
CS is releasing two versions. I’m not sure they are going to fly off the shelves. Maybe one more than the other. Xhp is not as exotic as the 4v that was just released. The brown s35vn was just released and plenty of places have that. Are we reaching peak para 3? Over saturated market? Maybe.

[koenigsegg]

I see the BBS Para 3 for sale on the forums a lot for sub $150. You could try getting a used one a bit cheaper since you're prob gonna get both anyway haha

[Rutger]

I'd buy the BBS already if the international shipping wasn't $70. That plus customs and VAT make it a $275 knife for me.
Think that slows their sales too.

[TkoK83Spy]

This!!

[Ric]

Received my 2nd BBS smurf Para 3.
Perfect like the 1st. 240€ but worth it.

[awa54]

S35VN to skip the stress!

Lol! This is probably the best advice if you don't mind the brown scales.

Otherwise, I really like my BBS M390 Para 3. I like the color and I really like M390 so far.

Thanks for the nudge SGs

that's the way I'm leaning, especially since I like the tan/brown G10 (I have the PM2).

For all-around use I *do* like M390 (and its analogs) best of the the current crop of available stainless steels, but I don't think it's worth buying from BBS to get.

[TkoK83Spy]

Once you have it, that $15 shipping charge won't matter. Trust me!

[ZrowsN1s]

Love my bbs para3. But nothing wrong with s35v. What about S110V?

[Sharp Guy]

Once you have it, that $15 shipping charge won't matter. Trust me!

What $15 shipping charge?

See...I've forgotten about it already. :)

[awa54]

Love my bbs para3. But nothing wrong with s35v. What about S110V?

That was the first Para 3 I got! S110V may be fantastic at edge retention, but I really prefer a polished edge for a work (retail) EDC, so either M390 or S35VN deliver a bit more of what I'm after, despite neither holding up as long between sharpenings.

[cornfed]

I reaaaaaally like my BBS Para 3. The extra shipping + tax charge didn't feel good as I was paying for it but all that went away once it was in my hands. Felt great, perfectly centered, flawless.

[rgrad80]

I was lucky to get a mint BBS as the 2nd owner off of someone for $140 delivered. It’s a very good looking shade of blue...much nicer than what you see in pics or video. Mine even came with a deep carry clip and the factory clip for free.
Ask around. Some people who bought it don’t like the blue or want the cash for something else. I have had great luck getting 2nd hand Spydercos in mint condition.

[ZrowsN1s]

..... but I really prefer a polished edge for a work (retail) EDC, so ....

Polished edge? M390 all the way.

[awa54]

..... but I really prefer a polished edge for a work (retail) EDC, so ....

Polished edge? M390 all the way.

I totally agree, but S35VN is no slouch there either.

The tan exclusive will get me an immediate fix, then next year when a different M390-ish exclusive or Sprint comes along I can think about it.

At this point it's more about supporting a seller I've had good previous interactions with than anything else.