Native 5 VS Para 3: Which will be your next knife? 

Are you tired of searching for a perfect EDC knife? Then, you may miss two of Spyderco’s popular knives- Native 5 and Para 3! Again, if you are thinking of picking one of them, it will also be a tough decision. Because both Native 5 and Para 3 have almost similar features and reviews! Let’s make it easier for you with key differences.

The main differences between native 5 vs Para 3 are size, lock mechanism, handle, and price. Native 5 has a more ergonomic handle than Para 3. On the other hand, Para 3 has an easier compression lock than the Native 5 back lock mechanism. However, Para 3 is more lightweight and expensive than Native 5.

The deep research and detailed comparison will help you to make the right decision. Read this entire article to know which knife is better for you! 

About Native 5: Overview

Spyderco Native 5 is an affordable EDC knife with a CPM S30V steel blade. CPM steel blade’s superior toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention make every cutting task perfect. 

Native 5 comes up with two handle versions- FRN and G-10. FRN Native 5 knife is comparatively lightweight than G-10. The handle is more ergonomic, comfortable, and easy to carry. 

Knife users prefer this knife for having a strong and easy back lock locking mechanism!  It has 4 adjustable clips, which is not a deep carry clip position, but it does a great job! 

A drop-point blade shape also makes it the best knife for everyday use, hunting, and EDC. 

see below the video of a person sharing his own experience with this knife

About Para 3: Overview

Spyderco Para 3 is the most demanding knife among knife users. It is a super lightweight, easy-to-carry pocket EDC knife. 

The CPM s30v blade used in this knife is sharp enough to handle any cutting task. But, Para 3 is a more selective knife for slicing and piercing, as it has a clip-point shape. 

The short and lightweight size is very convenient to grip and easy to handle. It also has 4 adjustable clip positions to carry this EDC knife. 

The impressive feature is the compression lock that makes the knife more popular! This lock allows a single-hand opening and closing function without using the finger. 

Although the price is a little bit expensive, it’s worth your money! 

see below the video of a person sharing his own experience with this knife

Native 5 VS Para 3: Quick comparison chart table

Native 5 VS Para 3:  Key differences

Already you can differentiate both knives after seeing the overview and short comparison! Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to get this difference to match your specific needs! 

1. Blade steel

The first important feature everyone looks for in a knife is blade steel. Because it decides how better and more sharply the knife performs on the cutting task! 

Here we go! Both Spyderco Native 5 and Para 3 have CPM S30v steel blades. It’s premium-grade steel that has excellent toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention.

That means you’ll get a sharp knife blade performance with both Native 5 and Para3, which require less maintenance!  

2. Size and dimensions

The next feature we’ll look forward to in the knife is the size and dimension. Keeping both Native 5 and Para 3 side by side, you can’t see any difference. But there is! 

Well, Spyderco Para 3 is a little bit longer than Nativer 5. The overall length of Para 3 is 7.24″ whereas Native 5’s length is 6.95″.

Both knives are comfortable to hand with their almost similar size and dimension. But if you have a large hand, I guess Para 3 is best for you. 

3. Weight

You’re searching for something lightweight for your pocket knife, right?  In this case, Spyderco para 3 is worth your money over native 5.

Although para 3 is lengthier, it is super lightweight than other knives. Native 5 is comparatively heavier, but that doesn’t create too much difference in gripping and handling.

However, para 3 is comparatively better for EDC pocket knives.

4. Blade shape

The blade shape is an important feature as your knife function depends on it. Different knife shapes are used for different purposes. 

Spyderco Native 5 has a drop point shape and Para 3 has a clip point shape. Basically, a drop point knife is used for all types of tasks, whether a clip point knife is specifically suitable for slicing and piercing.

Drop point shape has a controllable point that can be suitable for hunting also. 

Here, I’ll go for Native 5 over para 3 if it’s for everyday purposes. 

5. Handle design and material

It’s time to know the very important feature that I can’t wait for! It’s the handle design!! 

Both Native 5 and para 3 have G-10 handles, but Native 5 also has an option for Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon (FRN) handle. Both of the handles are very ergonomic, smooth, and comfortable. 

Both native 5 and para 3 lined G 10 handle versions are 3.07Oz,  but FRN or linerless G 10 handle versions are 3 Oz.  Once you knock on the handle, it sounds plasticky. Again, Native 5 sounds more solid.

Well, I would prefer native 5 over para 3 for more ergonomics and having FRN and G10 handle options.

6. Locking mechanism

In this key feature, you can find significant differences between Spyderco Native 5 and Para 3 knives. Because how easily and fastly you can open and close the knife depends on the locking mechanism.

Para 3 has a compression locking mechanism that is very impressive! It’s very easy to open and close the knife. Whenever you swing the blade, you can see there is a metal tab that locks into the back of the tang. So, it’s kind of a liner or frame lock just on the top that allows you to close this with one without using your finger.

 Again there is no spring tension here, so Para 3 provides smooth action, actually!  

Native 5 has a back lock mechanism that is also simple and strong. But it can’t be flicked in one motion and is a relatively slower opening action than compression lock. 

Therefore, I would prefer the Para 3 compression lock over the native 5-back lock. But, you need to learn how to flick the compression lock as it is sometimes difficult for some new users. 

7. Pocket clip and Carry position

Wherever you go, carrying a knife in your pocket is your priority,  right? Then, it’s time to take a glimpse of the pocket clip of both knives.

Both Spyderco Native 5 and Para3 have 4-position adjustable clips. You can get a set clip in both tip-up carries and tip-down carry. 

As I mentioned before, para 3 will be lighter in your pocket than native 5. Overall, the clip position of both these knives is very similar! 

8. Price

At this time, Spyderco Para 3 is a more expensive knife than Native 5. Both FRN and G-10 Native knives are available at a lower price than Spyderco Para 3.

9. Easy to sharpen: 

Both the Spyderco Native 5 and the Para 3 are relatively easy to sharpen due to their simple blade shapes and high-quality steel. However, the Native 5’s full-flat grind makes it slightly easier to maintain a consistent angle during sharpening than the Para 3’s flat grind.

My opinion (Which I Recommend) 

At the end of the discussion, you can now decide according to your personal preference! Still, if you are very confused between these two knives, I can give you a little hint! 

I would recommend a Spyderco Native 5 over a Pera 3, as it is an all-rounder knife. Plus, it has both FRN and G-10 handle options on an affordable budget. FRN Native 5 is a popular choice as it is a lightweight, easy foldable pocket knife.

 The drop-point blade shape makes it more suitable for everyday purposes as well as hunting! If you don’t mind the lock-back mechanism, it’s a great choice overall.

Again, if you want a knife for slicing or piercing, you can purchase para 3. It will be less lightweight and also offer one-handed closing. Although it’s expensive, Para 3 will be worth your money! 

So, which knife will you use next? Remember to share it in the comment section.