Which steel for the Para 3?

[ZeroRange]

I think I have a problem. I have the P3 in 52100, M4, M390, Rex45, Maxamet and CTS-XHP.

I would definitely recommend M390 or 52100. 52100 is fun but M390 is great all around. My Maxamet is too chippy for me to really enjoy it. The other steels are great it just comes down to budget.

[Extra330SC]

Definitely a good looking knife you have there James! Don't see that model all that often. I think people are afraid of the easy patina 52100 can get.

Thanks Rick...I'm pretty happy with how the smoothing of the carbon brought out the mesh! I've been tossing the idea of swapping DLC blade/screws from another Para 3 with this knife and go with the all black look. We'll see :cool:

James

[JackofAllBlades]

Nothing more satisfying than a super tough yet small blade.

The All Mighty Cruwear is what you need.

[archangel]

The 52100 is also surprisingly affordable, compared to the other mentioned versions. Thanks for posting the pic, it sure is a beauty. Are the handles clearly textured like on the Chap, or more flat like e.g. on the Manix Cru-Wear?

[RobDigi]

Why is the CF 52100 an eclusive?

I see it everywhere even Amazon .

[Joey]

I love my 52100 PM2. Those carbon fiber scales are amazing in every way (looks/feel/weight/strength) and 52100 is nothing I need to worry about, reason being I live in the desert and all. 52100 is also a steel I can easily get to whittle hair after sharpening.
That said I think Maxamet is a better option, and I see them pop up on eBay for around $220 now and then. Not so bad when you remember a Maxamet PM2/PM3 would have cost you nearly $200 after taxes or shipping from your favorite distributor while they were in stock.

[Extra330SC]

The 52100 is also surprisingly affordable, compared to the other mentioned versions. Thanks for posting the pic, it sure is a beauty. Are the handles clearly textured like on the Chap, or more flat like e.g. on the Manix Cru-Wear?

The full Carbon Fiber scales on the military family (millie, PM2 ,Para 3) are "non glossy" textured style that is very grippy. The carbon /G10 laminate on the Chaparral and Gayle Bradley is smoother while also reflecting more light! I like the different carbon fiber options that Spyderco offers...including the full CF glossy scales on the new Kapara.

I wanted to experiment with the peel-ply carbon scales on the 52100 Para3 ! I added more contour to the scale edges and brought the gloss out by sanding down the "peel-ply " grids. I like the way it came out ...but it is SMOOTHER which offers less traction...just a FYI. I'm using this Para 3 as a light EDC so no issues with function.

Here is a picture of Military CF/TI , 52100 Para 3, and the carbon laminate Chaparral. Hope this helps your decision.

James

[tps3443]

This may be what you're looking for...though I'm sure you would have to pay a steep price on Ebay. Unless you can find one on Blade Forums?

5xfrE6lh.jpg

That is so nice! My favorite knife ever. To bad I don’t own one yet.

[tps3443]

I’d go CPM 4V, Rex45, or Maxamet. There all (3) super strong.

If you want something that is stainless maybe S110V.

There’s something about the red Para 3, with black 4V blade that looks so good to me.

[TkoK83Spy]

This may be what you're looking for...though I'm sure you would have to pay a steep price on Ebay. Unless you can find one on Blade Forums?

5xfrE6lh.jpg

That is so nice! My favorite knife ever. To bad I don’t own one yet.

It is a rare one, and a looker! Guilty of no hard use...yet. so I cant really comment on the performance.

[tps3443]

This may be what you're looking for...though I'm sure you would have to pay a steep price on Ebay. Unless you can find one on Blade Forums?

5xfrE6lh.jpg

That is so nice! My favorite knife ever. To bad I don’t own one yet.

It is a rare one, and a looker! Guilty of no hard use...yet. so I cant really comment on the performance.

I know there so purdy right out of the box. Watch that pivot area for rust though! I’d keep a good coat of something around that area. I read about another owner of one just like yours hardly even used too, upon disassembly it had rusted through the DLC coating around the pivot.

[archangel]

The full Carbon Fiber scales on the military family (millie, PM2 ,Para 3) are "non glossy" textured style that is very grippy. The carbon /G10 laminate on the Chaparral and Gayle Bradley is smoother while also reflecting more light! I like the different carbon fiber options that Spyderco offers...including the full CF glossy scales on the new Kapara.

I wanted to experiment with the peel-ply carbon scales on the 52100 Para3 ! I added more contour to the scale edges and brought the gloss out by sanding down the "peel-ply " grids. I like the way it came out ...but it is SMOOTHER which offers less traction...just a FYI. I'm using this Para 3 as a light EDC so no issues with function.

Here is a picture of Military CF/TI , 52100 Para 3, and the carbon laminate Chaparral. Hope this helps your decision.

James2018-12-29 15.33.04.jpg

Thanks!

[gull wing]

BBS M390 by far. Got an S110V first - not fun :mad: