The Spyderco Para 3 is a very compact member of the Spyderco family, designed for user comfort and portability. Though the difference between this and other collections may be subtle, the Para 3 is an ideal alternative to the Paramility 2 for those looking for a knife for daily use. This EDC knife has retained much of the qualities that make the Paramilitary popular, though it's smaller for your carrying convenience.

Spyderco Para 3

Spyderco Para 3

Spyderco is one of the largest and most famous knife brands in the world. Models like the Spyderco Paramilitary 2, Delica 4 and Tenacious are true classics. Spyderco offers a wide range of functional EDC knives, knives for first responders and premium gentleman's knives. What do these knives all have in common? The signature hole in the blade, an innovation introduced by Sal Glesser in 1981. Today, Spyderco continues to pioneer and is an indispensable brand in the knife world.

Spyderco knives

Spyderco knives

## Reasons to choose Flytanium 

Flytanium specialises in accessories for the Spyderco Paramilitary 2, Para 3, Benchmade Bugout and Demko Knives AD20.5, among others. With a constantly evolving range, Flytanium strives for top performance, just like the brands they produce for. This means a constant focus on innovation, better fits and higher quality. 

 

## Flytanium series 

### Flytanium Bugout 

The Benchmade Bugout is one of the most popular pocket knives in the world, and Flytanium offers custom parts to fully customise this knife. Choose from handles made of G10, carbon fibre, brass, micarta or copper. Besides handle scales, Flytanium also offers backspacers, pocket clips and various screws. 

 

### Flytanium Paramilitary 2 

The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is a global icon, and Flytanium helps you make this knife even more unique. With accessories such as copper handle scales or carbon fibre with a raindrop pattern, you can fully customise your Paramilitary 2 to suit your own style. 

 

### Flytanium Arcade 

The Arcade is Flytanium's first pocket knife. It has countless personalisation options. Thanks to Flytanium's expertise in custom parts, you can customise this premium knife to your liking, including handle scales and backspacers. 

 

## Flytanium product types 

### Flytanium pocket knives 

Since 2021, Flytanium has been producing their own pocket knives, including the Flytanium Arcade. Designed with personalisation in mind, this premium EDC (Every Day Carry) is a perfect fit for lovers of high-quality knives. 

 

### Flytanium accessories 

Accessories are at the heart of Flytanium. Think handle scales, backspacers, washers, pocket clips and locks; all made for top brands such as Spyderco, Benchmade and Demko. These high-quality components make each pocket knife unique. 

 

### Flytanium Zenith Balisong 

The Flytanium Zenith Balisong series consists of high-quality trainer butterfly knives. These trainers have excellent balance and build quality, perfect for taking your butterfly knife skills to the next level. 

 

## History of Flytanium 

Flytanium started in 2014 with titanium handles for the Benchmade 51 Morpho Balisong. Success led to expansion into materials such as carbon fibre, copper and brass. In 2016, Flytanium started producing accessories for several brands, and in 2021 they launched their first knives, including the Talisong Z. This was followed in 2023 by the Arcade, Flytanium's first EDC pocket knife. This knife reflects Flytanium's commitment to premium quality and innovative design.

Flytanium

Ansø of Denmark, founded by Danish designer and knife maker Jens Ansø, is known for its unique combination of Scandinavian minimalism and unconditional quality. From his workshop in Jutland, Denmark, Ansø develops knives that are both practical and visually sophisticated. Jens Ansø is distinguished by his background in industrial design, which is clearly reflected in the lines, choice of materials and finish of his knives. Ansø also regularly collaborates with renowned knife manufacturers such as Spyderco, Giant Mouse (co-founder), Böker, Kershaw, Fox and Zero Tolerance, resulting in production series that make his signature style accessible to a wider audience. Moreover, almost every leading Italian knife brand has now released a design by his hand.

Ansø of Denmark knives

Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight

Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight vs Benchmade Bugout

Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight vs Benchmade Bugout

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 collection

Buying Guide Spyderco knives by collection

Buying Guide Spyderco knives by collection

The [Spyderco](kato://content/migrated_pageid_476) Para 3 and [Benchmade](kato://content/migrated_pageid_282) 945 Mini Osborne are two amazing EDC knives. Popular amongst enthusiasts for their functionality, appealing design and size. But what are the differences? Are there similarities? We will tell you!

For this versus we compare the [Spyderco Para 3 C223GP](kato://product/SPC223GP) and the [Benchmade 945 Mini Osborne](kato://product/BE945).

## The similarities between the Spyderco Para 3 and Benchmade 945 Mini Osborne

The Para 3 and the Mini Osborne are two completely different knives. And yet there are some things they have in common as wel. Both knives, for instance, are a smaller version of a knife that was introduced some time ago. The Para 3 of the Paramilitary 2, and the 945 Mini Osborne of the 940 Osborne. Both knives are produced in the United States, can be opened with one hand and have a blade length of approx. 7.5 cm.

Spyderco Para 3 vs Benchmade 945 Mini Osborne

Spyderco Para 3 vs Benchmade 945 Mini Osborne

One of the most exciting brands to follow is [Spyderco](kato://content/migrated_pageid_476). Each year they introduce amazing new models that wow the knife world. At the 2019 Shot Show this brand introduced dozens of knives we can expect in the coming year. With Wouter from Spyderco we selected a couple of these new models!


## The Spyderco Para 3 lightweight


The fans asked for it, so here it is. The Spyderco Para 3 lightweight! Characterizing for the lightweight collection is the FRN handle: a glass reinforced plastic that is incredibly strong. These knives are incredibly light and as such very popular amongst pocket knife users. Previously the Para 3 was only produced with a steel liner construction with G10 handles on top. Considering its size the G10-Para 3 isn't a heavy knife. Spyderco, however, was able to make the new Para 3 even lighter. The Para 3 lightweight weighs only 68 grams. That is 28 grams less than the G10 version. The steel of the blade also transformed. The Para 3 has a blade made from CTS BD1N steel. A type of steel we often see on Spyderco's budget models. The new Para 3 lightweight will therefore also be a lot cheaper than the model enhanced with the S30V steel G10!

Shot Show 2019: the newest Spyderco pocket knives

Shot Show 2019: the newest Spyderco pocket knives

Benchmade and Spyderco: two of the largest and most prominent brands in the pocket knife world. But what are the differences between the two brands? And why would you choose one over the other? Let's get into it!

## Similarities

Both brands are known for making knives that are designed to be used. Take for example the [Benchmade Bugout](kato://product/BE535) and the [Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight](kato://product/SPC223PBK). Two favourites among knife enthusiasts when it comes to practical, lightweight EDC pocket knives. Almost every knife lover has had one of the two.

Benchmade vs Spyderco

Benchmade vs Spyderco

The [Spyderco](kato://content/migrated_pageid_476) Paramilitary 2 and Para 3 are related. The Para 3 is namely a smaller version of the Paramilitary 2. Other than that they are completely identical. But how much smaller is the Para 3? And which of these two knives should you choose? We will tell you!

Many different versions of both knives were introduced throughout the years. For this versus we compare the standard models: the [Spyderco Paramilitary 2 C81GP2](kato://product/SPC81GP2) and the [Spyderco para 3 C223GP](kato://product/SPC223GP).

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 vs Spyderco Para 3

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 vs Spyderco Para 3

The [Spyderco](kato://content/migrated_pageid_476) Paramilitary 2 and [Benchmade](kato://content/migrated_pageid_282) 940 Osborne are two incredibly famous pocket knives. Real classics in the knife world. Many who prefer large pocket knives consider either of these knives to be the perfect EDC knife. But what are the differences? Are there things they have in common? We will tell you!

Of both knives many limited editions were produced throughout the years. For this versus we compare the standard models: the [Spyderco Paramilitary 2 C81GP2](kato://product/SPC81GP2) and the [Benchmade 940 Osborne](kato://product/BE940).

## The similarities between the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 and Benchmade 940 Osborne

Both knives are produced in the United States, can be opened with one hand and have a blade length of approx. 8.6 cm. Because of this blade length the Paramilitary 2 and the 940 Osborne are a part of the larger EDC knives category.

Both knives are enhanced with a pocket clip. No deep-carry pocket clips you often see on many other knives. As such you carry the knife a lot higher in your pocket. You can, however, mount the clip of the Paramilitary 2 in four places on the handle. For the 940 you have two options.

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 VS Benchmade 940 Osborne

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 VS Benchmade 940 Osborne

Shot Show 2020, an annual event in Las Vegas. Anyone who has heard of Vegas has heard of the phrase 'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas'. This week is a massive exception. At the Shot Show brands and designers show off their newest products and talk about their plans for the future. One of these brands is [Spyderco](kato://content/migrated_pageid_476). We stopped by to find out more about what great things they have in store for 2020. Enjoy!


`youtube: s4XqfPjzZxk`
Spyderco's reveal for 2020 raises the bar for many knife brands. We see a lot of new models, but also a great amount of remarkable sprint runs. Even a completely new, by Spyderco developed, type of steel. Below we made a list of the most unique knives.

Shot Show 2020: the newest Spyderco knives

Shot Show 2020: the newest Spyderco knives

[Spyderco](kato://category/spydercomessen) Reveal Volume 16 is here, and this new release features a wide range of innovative knives, specially designed to meet the needs of various users. This second product overview of 2024 includes new additions to the popular Salt® series, iconic models in Cru-Wear and CPM 15V steel, and standout limited-edition designs. Here are the highlights!

New Spyderco Knives Launched in Reveal Volume 16

New Spyderco Knives Launched in Reveal Volume 16

Buying Guide: Spyderco Knives by situation

Buying Guide: Spyderco Knives by situation

I am looking for a Spyderco knife from one of the most popular collections

Buying guide Spyderco knives: which Spyderco knife to get?

Buying guide Spyderco knives: which Spyderco knife to get?

[Spyderco](kato://content/migrated_pageid_476) values their C.Q.I.: Constant Quality Improvement. This literally means they constantly improve existing Spyderco knives. Often small adjustments that are barely visible. This time the change is a little more substantial: Spyderco replaces the famous CPM S30V steel from the Paramilitary 2 and Para 3 for the new CPM S45VN steel.

Spyderco replaces the CPM S30V steel from the Paramilitary 2 and Para 3 for CPM S45VN steel

Spyderco replaces the CPM S30V steel from the Paramilitary 2 and Para 3 for CPM S45VN steel

## Sharpening on a Wicked Edge: how does it work?

Sharpening on a [Wicked Edge](kato://content/migrated_pageid_411) may be a bit different from what you're used to. You can't compare it with a sharpening steel or electric sharpener. A Lansky or Spyderco sharpening system comes closer. But sharpening on a Wicked Edge is even easier. In this step-by-step plan we'll show you exactly how to sharpen with a Wicked Edge sharpening system.

How do you use a Wicked Edge sharpening system?

## Steel vs. Iron

Steel is a material that mainly consists of the chemical element iron (Fe). Iron is the name of an atom, and steel that consists of 100% iron is not suitable for daily use.

Never use the term iron unless you are talking of the iron atom.

## Tooling steel

Tooling steel is steel suited for tools like knives, chisels and other tools.

The main element added to steel is carbon. The addition of 1-2% carbon makes it possible to harden steel.

If the tooling steel must be stainless steel, 8-30% chrome is added to the steel. Nickel is not used to make the tooling steel into stainless steel, as that hampers the hardening of the steel.

Besides carbon and possibly chrome, other elements are added sometimes to improve the quality of the steel on specific points. The best known elements are Vanadium and Molybdene. The influence of those elements is not described in this article as it is of a very complex matter.

## Structure

It is very important to know that the composition of a type of steel in itself does not say anything about the characteristics of the steel.

Steel consists of iron crystals, that exist in different shapes (by shapes we mean the order of the atoms) and sizes. Additions like carbon can be present in the crystals or in different shapes between the crystals. Carbon can be present as balls or discs between the crystals but can also bind to the iron atoms (carbids).

The structure of the steel therefore not only depends on the composition but also the treatments the steel underwent. Think of heat and cold treatments and welding (= shaping steel in a solid shape by remodelling).

## Hardening

When you slowly heat liquid steel (with 1-2% carbon) the atoms will order differently under different temperatures. That is because the atoms start to vibrate more strongly and need more room to move under increasing temperatures.

Above 200 °C the atoms can take on another order. It is not possible below 200 °C and the structure is frozen as it were.

Between 200 °C and 700 °C, ferrite crystals are formed (ferrite is a name for the order of the iron and carbon atoms, just like austenite and martensite).

In ferrite crystals the iron atoms are close together and there is no room for the carbon atoms between the iron atoms. That’s why the carbon attaches to the edges of the ferrite crystals.

Ferrite steel is soft and tough. It is used as construction steel, but is not suitable as tooling steel.

Above 700 °C the iron atoms arrange themselves differently. Austenite crystals are formed.

In austenite crystals there is room for carbon atoms, between the iron atoms. If you keep the steel at a temperature above 700 °C for a while, the carbon atoms move from the edges of the crystals to the space between the iron atoms in the crystals.

By quickly cooling off the steel from this phase to below 200 °C (by for example immersing in water or oil) the carbon atoms cannot leave the crystals. Because the carbon atoms are in the way, the iron atoms cannot re-arrange into ferrite crystals. Martensite crystals are formed instead.

In that format the steel is considerably harder and is called hardened steel.

The story sounds simple, but many parameters affect the result. Think of: the structure of the steel before it is hardened, the exact temperature, the duration of heating, the speed of cooling and the influence of other elements added purposely, or unintended as impurities in the steel.

## Tempering

After a piece of steel has been hardened, it is too brittle to be used and is full of inner tensions. The method to remove that brittleness and tensions is called tempering.

During tempering the steel is heated for a few hours at 200-300 °C. In that temperature the crystals re-arrange themselves which decreases the inner tensions and brittleness.

The duration is critical here because the steel will become progressively softer.

## Hardness

Hardness is the resistance of the steel to permanent distortion at microscopic level.

The hardness of the steel is measured by pressing a pointed object with a certain force against the steel and measuring the size of the imprint.

The hardness of tooling steel is expressed in degrees Rockwell C, often abbreviated as HRC.

## Hardness of knives steel

The table below gives an overall overview of the characteristics of knives steel with different hardness levels.

* Up to 52 HRC: Too soft for making knives.
* 52-54 HRC: Quite soft steel, reasonable quality.
* 54-56 HRC: The hardness of many French chefs’ knives. The steel is hard enough for kitchen use, but regular use of a sharpening steel is required to keep the knife sharp. Knives of this hardness are usually easy to sharpen.
* 56-58 HRC: Hardness applied for professional German kitchen knives. Knives of this hardness remain sharp long enough for kitchen use, can be sharpened on a sharpening steel and are reasonably easy to sharpen.
* 58-60 HRC: Hardness you usually find in better quality pocket knives like Spyderco, Cold Steel and Buck, and kitchen knives from Japan, like Global. Those knives remain sharp considerably longer than cheaper knives, but are a lot more difficult to sharpen.
* 60-62 HRC: Knives of this hardness remain sharp for a long time, but they are at risk of becoming brittle and the knives are often difficult to sharpen. These disadvantages are quite easy to suppress with modern steel types, but the quality depends on the quality of the whole production process.
* 63-66 HRC: Currently knives of hardness up to 66 HRC (Twin Cermax of Zwilling J.A. Henckels) are available. These are no knives suitable for the majority of users, but rather a specific group of amateurs. Knives of such hardness have the disadvantage that they become brittle, resulting in breakage of blade parts when used carelessly and often a low resistance against corrosion. In other words: clean immediately after use.

## Other characteristics

Hardness is not the only characteristic of steel. Other mechanical characteristics are a.o. the draw strength, sturdiness (impact resistance), and cold brittleness.

Corrosion resistance is also an important chemical characteristic.

Hardness alone is not the be all and end all.

## Influence on the price of a knife

A knife in a good, hard steel type will cost a lot more than the same knife made from a lesser steel type.

The difference in price is only due to the cost price of the steel for a small part. The steel processing leads to the high difference in price.

Sharpening modern hard steel types like S90V are much more time consuming and more demanding on the used materials than the sharpening of 440C for example.

Hardening and tempering is a lot more critical with modern steel types and must sometimes be entrusted to specialised companies.

The steel type has an important impact on the price of a knife. If you want a really good knife you must be prepared to pay the price for it. But you will get an excellent piece of equipment in return.

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