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