New to forum

[rufus]

I am new to the Spyderco forum and I want to know what would be the most spyderco knife for a first time owner ? I am sort of partial to a spyderco para 2 or 3 , what are the main difference in these two models

[JSumm]

Welcome to the Forum! I think the biggest difference in those two is size. If you can get to a store that has both and try them out in your hand, I think that would be ideal. For me the Para 3 is a choil grip only. Too short behind the choil for a good grip. The Paramilitary 2 for me can be gripped behind the choil, though very tight still. Any blade restrictions where you live or work? That may be a deciding factor too.

[olywa]

I think the Native 5 Lightweight is the perfect Spydie intro. Best backlock in the business and a rich history with lotsa great steel selections and FRN colors.

[p_atrick]

Welcome! Some people index heavily on weight. You can get the Para3 in a lightweight version that reduces the weight even further. Have you thought about steels? This could lead down a deep rabbit hole, but each model has some unique steels that might push you in one direction or another.

[Foehammer]

Welcome to the forum!

I’d say go for the baseline pm2, it’s one of Spyderco’s most iconic and popular models for good reason. Unless you’ve got tiny hands or have to deal with size restrictions I don’t see any reason to grab the para3 over the pm2. Unless of course you just like it better.

[Skar]

Millie !!

[mongo1958]

I am new to the Spyderco forum and I want to know what would be the most spyderco knife for a first time owner ? I am sort of partial to a spyderco para 2 or 3 , what are the main difference in these two models

Welcome to the forum.
The P3 and the PM2 are both compression lock knives that you can find with various steels and scales.
Go to YouTube. There, you will find a plethora of videos on every knife you can think of.
There is also a light weight version of the Para 3 that you may like.
The Stretch 2 is as close to a PM2 as you can get but with a back lock and FRN handle.
Have fun!

[mongo1958]

Welcome to the forum!

I’d say go for the baseline pm2, it’s one of Spyderco’s most iconic and popular models for good reason. Unless you’ve got tiny hands or have to deal with size restrictions I don’t see any reason to grab the para3 over the pm2. Unless of course you just like it better.

Get both

[p_atrick]

Get both

Ah yes, the unofficial motto of the forum.

[mongo1958]

Get both

Ah yes, the unofficial motto of the forum.

Just to be clear, I followed my on advice.

[kobold]

I own all and love them all, but I prefer backlocks to compression locks and I prefer a humpless blade, so the Native is #1 in my book.

[SaltyCaribbeanDfly]

Welcome

My best advice is to find your closest Spyderco dealer and try them both in hand if possible; also look at some other options like different lock types / blade shapes / handles…you never know what you might find that you like…personally I have the 3 and love it…and have handled the 2 and it’s great as well (also on my wishlist if that helps)…either way you can’t go wrong if the ergos are good

[cjk]

Welcome

My best advice is to find your closest Spyderco dealer and try them both in hand if possible; also look at some other options like different lock types / blade shapes / handles…you never know what you might find that you like…personally I have the 3 and love it…and have handled the 2 and it’s great as well (also on my wishlist if that helps)…either way you can’t go wrong if the ergos are good

just piggybacking this post with a link to the dealer locator. I'm in agreement.
https://www.spyderco.com/resources/dealer-locator/

[mongo1958]

Welcome

My best advice is to find your closest Spyderco dealer and try them both in hand if possible; also look at some other options like different lock types / blade shapes / handles…you never know what you might find that you like…personally I have the 3 and love it…and have handled the 2 and it’s great as well (also on my wishlist if that helps)…either way you can’t go wrong if the ergos are good

just piggybacking this post with a link to the dealer locator. I'm in agreement.
https://www.spyderco.com/resources/dealer-locator/

Yup, The dealer locator came in handy for a couple of knives that I got from a dealer that I was not sure of, found them in the data base and I was good to go.

[mongo1958]

I own all and love them all, but I prefer backlocks to compression locks and I prefer a humpless blade, so the Native is #1 in my book.

No love for the Shaman?

[Nice marmot]

PM2. Pick whatever steel you like, any of them will suit you fine. Then slowly back out the door and forget you were ever here. Trust me on this. The knife will be great and you’ll save allot of money if you don’t return.

[Manixguy@1994]

Welcome to the Forum . A lot of members have already given to a bunch of information to digest . Spyderco has a great list of knives for many tastes and price ranges . Just my opinion would be to focus on the size of the two models and what type of use the folder will be used for after purchase . Ultimately it will be what you like and I hope you enjoy it and gives you great service . Post some pics always happy to see a new member with a new knife . MG2

[DavidNM]

Welcome to the Forum.

[Bemo]

Welcome! I'm a big Native fan boy. But hands and tastes vary. Good luck, it won't be your last Spyderco regardless what you select. You'll get a lot of suggestions for either a Delica or Native for your first. However, I would ask you to consider the humble Dragon fly. It will teach you alot if you listen closely.

[Doc Dan]

I think the Delica is the most iconic and best introduction to Spyderco. An Endura would be my second choice, but it is a lot bigger. The PM2 and the PM3 are too small in the handle for my hand. I am forced to use the choil and that makes the knives uncomfortable to me. The Delica is a tight fit, but feels good in my hand.