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Head to head

Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight vs Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight

Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight runs a 2.92″ clip point blade in CTS-BD1N; Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight runs 2.95″ of drop point in CPM-S30V. The Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight is the lighter of the two by 0.10 oz.

01234567 in
  • Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight · Clip Point
    2.92″ blade · 0.145″ spine · 2.4 oz · ~1.35″ tall
  • Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight · Drop Point
    2.95″ blade · 0.125″ spine · 2.5 oz · ~1.31″ tall
Spine thickness, same scale
0.145″
0.125″
Length and spine thickness drawn to true scale from published specs. Outline traced from the maker's side-profile photo.
SpecSpydercoSpyderco Para 3 LightweightCheck priceSpydercoSpyderco Native 5 Lightweight
Blade length2.92″2.95″
Spine thickness0.145″0.125″
Overall length7.21″6.95″
Closed length4.29″4″
Weight2.4 oz2.5 oz
Blade shapeClip PointDrop Point
SteelCTS-BD1NCPM-S30V
GrindFull FlatFull Flat
LockCompressionBack Lock
Handle materialFRNFRN
Country of originUSAUSA
Price bandPremiumPremium

Tinted rows are where these two differ.

The steel difference

CTS-BD1N

Nitrogen-enriched BD1. Sharpens very easily and resists rust well — a sensible steel for a knife you actually use hard.

CPM-S30V

The long-time American benchmark. Holds an edge far longer than 420HC and still sharpens on ordinary stones. Chippy if you pry with it.