Spyderco’s best-selling Para® 3 folding knife distills all the key qualities of the time-tested Para Military® 2 model into an ultra-compact, carry-friendly format. The Para 3 Lightweight raises that bar even higher by incorporating injection-molded fiberglass-reinforced-nylon (FRN) scales and a streamlined version of our Compression Lock® mechanism to create a knife that is almost 30 percent lighter than its G-10-handled counterparts. The Para 3 Lightweight boasts a linerless, open-backed construction and a high-traction Bi-Directional Texture™ pattern for a secure grip. A stainless steel lock bar inset into the handle’s interior forms the foundation of its sturdy lock mechanism, while keeping the overall weight to an absolute minimum. The knife’s full-flat-ground blade is crafted from CTS® BD1N, a nitrogen-enriched high-carbon chromium steel that offers a superior balance of hardness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance.

Available with a choice of PlainEdge™ or fully serrated SpyderEdge™ cutting edges, the tumble-finished blade features a fully accessible Trademark Round Hole™ for swift, positive, one-handed opening with either hand. A generously sized lanyard hole and a reversible deep-pocket wire clip round out its impressive features, providing discreet left or right-side tip-up carry and allowing the easy attachment of fobs or lanyards. For tactical environments or those who prefer black-bladed knives, the Para 3 Lightweight is also available in an all-black configuration featuring a stealthy Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) blade coating, black-coated liners and hardware, and a choice of PlainEdge or SpyderEdge formats. 

Technical Specifications

Overall Length: 7.2in 183mm
Closed Length: 4.29in 109mm
Blade Thickness: .145in 3.7mm
Tip Carry Position: Tip-Up
Sheath: N/A

Blade Length: 2.93in 74mm
Edge Length: 2.58in 66mm
Handle Material: FRN
Lock Type: Compression
Origin: United States

Steel: CTS® BD1N
Knife Weight: 2.4oz 68g
Clip Position: Ambi
Grind: Full-Flat