Over at KnivesShipFree, they have the new Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight with SPY27 blade steel and cobalt blue FRN handle scales in stock.
Other dealers are going to carry this too, but Knives Ship Free seems to have it first, and they’re always a good retailer to deal with.
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Spyderco says that this is a supercharged version of the popular Para 3 Lightweight, sporting a new color handle and an exclusive CPM SPY27 blade steel alloy produced by Crucible.
I love the Spyderco Para 3 knife, and the Lightweight is a version of that with FRN scales and slightly lower cost. Well, usually. This version of the lightweight is premium-priced, thanks to the super steel.
At this time, with SPY27 being so new, there’s no general consensus about its benefits. If you are so inclined, you can compare the different blade steel alloys Spyderco uses here.
This doesn’t seem to be a “sprint run,” but a new premium version of the Para 3 Lightweight, and it’s priced at $140. That’s a bit high (in my opinion) considering that the regular Lightweight is priced at $98, and the standard Para 3 with G-10 handles is $144.
Spyderco is releasing a series of new knives with the same cobalt blue handle and SPY27 blade steel alloy, and all of them carry a similar premium.
For enthusiasts, this might be one to consider. Maybe it’ll be a good Father’s Day gift. Treat yourself in case your birthday is coming up. But for newcomers to higher-priced folding knives, I’d advise spending less unless you know for sure this is what you want.
I ordered one for testing and review, partially because I naturally favor the Para 3 and Para 3 Lightweight, but also to check out the new alloy for present and future review relevance.
I know some of you are Spyderco fans, or knife enthusiasts. For everyone else, I’m going to redirect your attention (and budgets) to more value-priced offerings of the same design, as well as more an even more premium version. Blade steel makes a big difference in how much you spend for the same or similar designs.
I wouldn’t have expected for Spyderco to release a version of the Lightweight Para 3 that comes so close in price to the regular Para 3, but I suppose this speaks to its popularity.
Also Consider:
Spyderco Para 3 Serrated via KnivesShipFree
Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight via KnivesShipFree
Spyderco Para 3 Dark Blue S110V
Spyderco Para 3 Maxamet via KnivesShipFree
Joatman says
G-10 handles seem much more durable than FRN handles to me. The Spyderco Chapparal is on my wish list. The Para is awesome but bigger than what I’m looking for.
Stuart says
Chaparral has a 2.8” blade, Para 3’s is 2.95”.
While light and not as durable as G-10, FRN isn’t flimsy.
That’s one of the things I like about Spyderco – something for everyone. I’ve tried a couple of different Spyderco handle styles, and I don’t think I’ve found one I didn’t like.
At this price I would have expected a more premium handle scale, but it fits in line with the other new models.
Joatman says
Didn’t realize the blade sizes were so close…..but a pretty big difference in the handle sizes. Yes, they make it really difficult to choose. There aren’t many gaps between the styles and sizes.
Stuart says
Ah, you’re right about that – 3.60″ for the Chaparral (closed) and 4.29″ for the Para 3 (closed).
The Delica (2.90″ blade length) is close to the Para 3, but the Native 5 (2.95″ blade length) is in between, with a 4″ closed length. Still, its open length is nearly half an inch longer (6.95″ vs. 6.40″).
I’d say the Chaparral is the intermediate size, filling the gap between say the Dragonfly 2 and Native 5 or Para 3.
There’s also the Lil’ Native, with 2.42″ blade length and 3.47″ closed length, and 5.89″ overall length, but that’s as much smaller than the Chaparral as the Chaparral is to the Native.
If you’re willing to go a little smaller than the Chaparral, there’s also the Urban.
So I’d say the Chaparral fills the gap between Dragonfly 2, Lil Native, and Urban, and Native 5, Delica 4, Para 3 on the larger side.
It’s a great knife – Anthony had good things to say about it here – https://toolguyd.com/spyderco-chaparral-frn-knife-review-a-new-benchmark-in-value/ .
There’s also the Meerkat – 2″ blade length, ~4″ closed, ~6″ open, but its special closing method isn’t for everyone.
Joatman says
Thanks for the feedback. I like the Urban, too! Forgot about that one. Great information here!
Koko The Talking Ape says
That chart of steels that Spyderco uses doesn’t include SPY27, but there’s some discussion of that steel here:
https://knifesteelnerds.com/2020/01/15/spyderco-exclusive-cpm-spy27-steel-analysis/
and here:
https://bladeprotection.com/spyderco-cpm-spy27-steel/
The steel is a custom alloy developed just for Spyderco, so information on its properties is scarce. Knifesteelnerds speculates that it would be similar to S35VN (another premium but more widely used knife steel), slightly tougher but with slightly less edge retention, but still better than VG10, 440C and other typical knife steels. If you find an S35VN knife for cheaper, I would consider it.
My favorite is still ZDP-189, which can be made much harder but still tough *enough* and sharpenable *enough.) S90V and S110V may have better edge retention, but are harder to sharpen. ZDP-189 does lose a bit on corrosion resistance, but oh well. 🙂
Stuart says
I checked earlier today, and it does feature the new alloy, look for CPM SPY27.
Koko The Talking Ape says
Ah, you’re right. My mistake.
MichaelHammer says
To further complicate the issue, you have to also consider the tempering of the steel. Hardness and edge retention of S35VN from one knife manufacturer may not be the same or even comparable to another knife manufacturer.
Chuck Forster says
I just got my Para 3 Lightweight Spy27 yesterday. Exact same build quality and action with the Spy27 steel. Not tested enough to give conclusions yet, but I was able to shave paper into feather-down thin pieces out the box. What I think I like the most about this knife is that it is a “premium” steel in a knife I don’t need to baby. I can actually use it hard guilt free. I hate when a knife becomes so costly and premium that you don’t end up using it, at the same time I appreciate super steels and great design that isn’t always available in cheaper knives. Spyderco tends to ride that line the best. Can’t wait for your review.
928er says
Yeah, and they’re still butt ugly…
Diplomatic Immunity says
I always lusted after the S110V version. That or something in CPM M4.
MichaelHammer says
Spyderco is certainly no slouch when it comes to ergonomics. It may be what they’re best known for. What particularly attracts me to this knife is that thumb ramp with jimping. Have not held the knife, but it seems like that would provide an extra layer of control. I agree with others that FRN isn’t the best choice. It feels cheap in the hand and when speaking of tactility, it’s less pleasing than micarta or G10. Their new steel is intriguing and I look forward to hearing more about it. Very astute of them to invent and brand their own steel.
Oleg K says
Spy27 = CPM s35vn with more nitrogen and niobium, makes it more difficult to sharpen and, at the same time, won’t hold the edge as good as a knife with more carbon would. Nitrogen addition is good for diving (saltwater) knives, other than that it’s doing more harm that good.