I solved the issue by getting both

Own both, love both. EDC perfection . Also the Para 3 is a thing of beauty man!

Own both, carry the P3LW.

I own both. I carry the P3LW

“If you’re only going to buy one.....” 😂

Probably the best comparison/ head to head video I've watched. Well done!!!

Nice comparison. I’m a much bigger fan of the Sage 5 than the Para 3, and I expect to like the Sage 5 LW more than either of these myself. I’m not sure a P3 with upgraded steel should score much better, but you’re the expert. I’m more impressed by blade geometry than steel, and they’ll keep that the same on the P3 regardless of the steel. Personally I wish they would have thinned the P3 blade for this version, but that would have shocked me had they done it.

Nitrogen; it’s what blades crave. 🤣

thank you so much for the review you help me decide to buy both

appreciate you addressed the para 3 uni-liner; very fair comparison👍

I own both, and carry the PM3 LW everyday. I am a fan of the wire clip Spyderco uses. To me the wire clip is easier on my pockets, and less damaging to my leather seats if I rub against them. I have several Benchmade knives in my collection, but I have never liked thumb studs on my EDC.

Thank you for this video. I am interested in the para 3lw after getting kind of bored with my bugouts. The bugout is a good knife and affordable under benchmade standards. Like many, after a few weeks, the itch to get a new knife kicks in. It is very welcomed for spyderco to release that type of lock with that handle material. I am sure I will love the para 3lw too. I have a bias against spyderco because the spydey hole duck bill shape blades do not look great to me, and I am digging the very basic boring look of the bugout. The difference between the two do not seem different enough to deter me from buying either one. Thanks again for pointing out the little differences. *edit for auto correct problems.

Great video brother!! Buy them both!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

Great comparison. Have a Para 3 LW on order and look forward to trying it personally. I do have reservations about the stop pin -- guess we'll all find out. I would say I much prefer a Spydiehole to thumb studs for deployment, especially when wearing gloves. But I agree with your overall assessment. Bugout is one sweet EDC. I spent somewhat-silly $ on a carbon fiber-scaled version of the Bugout from Roguebladeworks, and my only comparable EDC to that knife is the TRM Neutron.

Great comparison. I'm in total agreement with your conclusion, both are solid designs that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. I wonder if the Bugout has 20% better cutting performance based on the geometry? I would carry either and both have their pros and cons. Looking forward to the inevitable alternative versions of both. A Bugout a la Super Freek would be a fantastic piece.

Love this head-to-head format to discuss pros and cons of knives and an eventual. Both have great designs and features that make them both good. I’m calling it a draw, take your pick , can’t lose on either.

Wow. I just got the para 3. Ordered a bugout also. Can't believe it's going to be lighter. PS. The para 3 looks awesome to me! It's wide but I love that far looking blade. Looks meaner.

Good comparison, I agree.

I dont like how the bugout has a flat spot when closed on the blade tang between the handle and tand

I feel different on this one I like the pm3 more and like how the pm3 looks more than the bugout. Thumbs up though Mr slicey.

Absolutely love my bugout. Haven't carried any of my Spydercos since I got it a few weeks ago.

Great comparison video, thank you. I'm in the market for an EDC and haven't carried a serious knife since my Old Timer. I would like to see an additional category that combines the warranty and manufactures reputation for customer service. In this instance, it could be the deciding factor. Watched the whole thing!

I have both, but only 1 Para3 Lightweight and 2 Bugouts. Before the Para3 was released, I bough several linerless FRN knives and they have held up in use. To me, I consider the Spyderco Native 5 a strong contender in this small lightweight market, though deep carry clips are aftermarket. Still, the Native 5 has the largest number of options in build materials.

Great review don’t have the para 3 but will soon but love my bugout but my omega spring is broke and did within a month but think it had a issue from the factory bc it was gritty and at times even hard to pull back on my axis lock but agree most the time the omega springs are solid just wish Benchmade would sake then instead of making you send in the knife.

For those who said their omega springs broke, well my 940-2 omega spring broke yesterday after owning the knife for 18 months. Since I live in Canada, sending it back to Benchmade is out of the question, so I took out my tools and a package of stainless steel memory wire and made my own. Took around an hour but I'm confident the next time it will be much less time. Works great and if any of my other BM's break, I'll be able to fix them. As far as the two knives mentioned in the vid, I have a Bugout and a regular Para 3. I have no desire for the lightweight version as of yet. I just watched a video by a youtuber named "Zach's Stuff" beating the blazes out of the Bugout and it stood up to all the abuse with just some scratches. If you watch that it may very well change your mind thinking how strong the Bugout actually is.

Why do so many people not like the way the Para 3 looks? I don't get it. I love the way it looks, in fact I prefer it to the PM2. I also prefer it to the Bugout, I think it has more character.

I love the Bugout.. the omega spring did break on me though. I sent it in to lifesharp and the issue was remedied albeit a 4 week turnaround.

Great comparison. Some what new to the channel and enjoying your content. My para 3 light weight is on its way so I cant make a comparison I do have a bugout and I love it however the scales seem to feel like its bending sometimes when using and I've seen others say the same and I dont feel its going to break or anything but it does just feel some what unnatural. I do still love the knife though

I own alot of Spyderco and Benchmade. I bought a Bugout as my main carry knife. The reason is simple, it's slim profile and light weight. I have had a Benchmade 530 for 10 years and that thing kept finding its way into my pocket because it's just so light and slim. The Bugout is like an improved version of the 530.

I have had Omega spring issues a couple times and even if I didn't, I like the compression lock better. Also in my opinion, Spyderco did the compression lock on the best on the Para 3.

Still hoping for a larger bugout in some more color options or Benchmades custom shop.

this is a good one i love em both my lightweight comes on monday which we all know bugout has proven itself need to give the lightweight a chance lot of bashing thanks Brian

Cool comparison....Good stuff....

I love both of these knives. I have to start there because I have had issues all be it small issues but issues not the less with both. My bugout chipped (fairly small chip) while popping a single zip tie. And the BD1n rolled when I was shaving off some peeling paint from siding (I’m a paint supervisor that inspects and this is common use for my knives) I don’t consider either of these edc tasks to be hard use and both failed me. Still completely usable so not catastrophic failure but failure none the less.

Have a Sage 5 - It is fantastic. But I tried to do some whittling. The leaf shaped blade was a failure. This video is right on time, as I prepare to hit buy on a bugout.

Get both!!!

Time 15:05 " I was out wacking it on a tree for a while" Hilarious !!!

Caught that Idiocracy reference and I spit my drink through my nose!😂🤣😅

One category that would have been interesting to discuss is that the Bugout is much more customizable with all of the different scales for it than the Para 3 but that the Para 3 will probably come in a bunch of steels at some point.

Great video. I’m still torn but now I have more information. Thanks bud.

I am pretty new to the knife world and I considered getting both of these knifes but I ended up getting the Para 3 LW. I like both and respect everyone's opinion but I personally like the Spyderco a lil better. Great vid!

I think the knife pivot hex bit into the FRN is a bigger issue than a liner for lock. Also they cheap looking spacers. Still they hv 30% wiggle room to improve. Good VS Brian!👍🏻

For anyone who is tempted by the Bugout but has a doubt about the handle, OR just wants something a touch nicer, check out the BM Pardue 530 knives. These are sorta the ancestor of the Bugout. Handles are G10 and hence rigid. Super slim in pocket; super lw; really worth a look. Some versions discontinued. so may be hard to get. Pricing runs anywhere from about $100 to $150...! I have no skin in the game except that I have two and love them!

great video

Really thoughtful comparison Bryan. The Bugout May have been Spyderco’s target with the P3LW, but ultimately they might have just killed the Delica. Interesting that the Sage 5 LW will still have S30V steel. Very curious as to what the pricing on it will be. Thanks for the video!

I will probably eventually pick up a Para 3 lw, but I;m just not in any hurry. I have 2 of the G10 versions, both in upgraded steels, and I just don't have a burning need to go lw. In general, I prefer g10 over the frn, but I do appreciate the wire clip and the moved lanyard hole. About time they actually listened to their customers. I haven't had my Bugout all that long, but since I got it, it's been in my pocket damn near constantly. In my opinion, it wins hands down over the Para 3 in both carry and slicing. I can't compare to the Para3 lw since I don't have one, but compared to the g10 versions, it wins hands down, and weight has nothing to do with that for me. Unless I'm wearing gym shorts, which is almost never, weight is not an issue for me, as long as it isn't a total brick. I'm a jeans type of guy. The cutting performance is far more important to me than weight, and as far as in the pocket goes, I don't feel the difference between a 2 ounce knife and a 5 ounce knife. In hand, I actually prefer a little more weight, but it still isn't a deciding factor for me either way.

Good review...I think I would like both...lol. But that thin bug out blade leans me that way.

Great Battle. I personally think they are a tie. It comes down to personal preference. I have both and I agree with all your points except quality. My first Bugout I returned to REI because the Axis lock was gritty and would really stick at times. I probably could have spent time fixing it but why should I? It should be right from the start until you use it. My second one is better by the centering is slightly off. The QC issues Benchmade has had still show up at times. I have never has a QC issue with any Spyderco. But I agree with all your other categories. Now the we are heading into warm weather, it will be a coin flip as to which one I carry when wearing basketball type shorts. So far I like both. But the as a lefty, the Bugout is a little more friendly. Spyderco please add the button compression lock to the PM3 LW! Thanks for your analysis of both these great blades.

The stop pin holes on the para3 is fine, most cold steels doesn't use any liners, so just plastic or g10 (or aluminum) holding the stop pins on both sides and these are considered hard use folders, people beat the holy crap outta 'em with no pin failures. My bugout has got fierce competition for my summer edc, I've got a para3 on the way and it's already lost pocket time to the Spyderco Ikuchi, plus the steel will mini intrigue and boker urban trapper gentleman (longer but even lighter than the bugout) are in the mix.

What do you think of a dragonfly 3 that would be 40% larger with a compression lock?

I prefer the Para 3 🔪 due to the Spyderco thumb ramp & jimping.

Can’t wait for the other new Spyderco‘ stop come out. I don’t have a Sage model yet but I plan on getting the new lightweight model!

I own both as well. I like them both. I think I prefer the Bugout for food prep type cutting. Bugout is probably the win for me based on the blade alone. Great video. Very unbiased.

I have both and switch off which one I carry. I do think the Bugout has a little better action with the blade lock it has. More fun to fidget with. I wouldn't part with either.

I Love my bugout but deamn those omega springs make me hate it.. I own both a mini griptilian and bougout and on my mini grip I cant brake the omega springs however on my Bugout I changed both omega springs 6 times and they just keep braking within 2 weeks of carrying so I just gave up on that knife... Dont get me wrong bugout is my perfect edc, I love the deamn thing but I cant be botherd anymore with omega springs

I've got the Bugout already and considered the Para 3, but not for now. I've got the PM 2 and love that. The Para 3 is just a little short annd fat for me. I'm sure it will be a big winner for Spyderco.

Thank you for the video. Now I know that I not necessarily need the P3.

Nice review. Hard to argue with anything you said. Am I the only one wondering about something? Given all the brouhaha, (repeated here), with the original P3's pocket clip and lanyard hole, anyone else think we're looking at a Spyderco CQI test run of the next gen, P3? Combine those 2, with thinner blade stock, reduced spydie hole diameter/blade height and could this be the P3V2 G10, CF, etc.?

Yep

How does the para 3 lightweight compare to the sage 5?

I think they both look pretty good clipped on to that pair of cutoff jean shorts you got there.

Question......is the detent different in the ightweight as opposed to the original Para3? Feels different but can't tell for sure.

Ive got both a bugout and the para 3 lw in spy27 and I have to say that that version of the para 3 lw is in fact a bugout killer ..

Crushed it! Here’s the thing about FRN... it’s really strong. Like high end aluminum strong. So many people called this out, including myself, and you addressed it perfectly. A lot of people fail to realize that these knives get tested to the absolute failure point and it represents beyond normal use tolerances. Awesome job 👌🏻

Noice review thanks dude I don't really like eather knife

Nice

It’s funny that in so many of these comparisons, the elephant in the room is ignored. I'm talking about the blade opening mechanism. When that factor is not even mentioned, it kind of makes the whole thing seem foolish. For me, the Spyderhole just works much better than a thumbstud. Others may disagree, but all opening methods are not created equal, and that is definitely something that needs to be mentioned and discussed.

Weird confession: on paper the bugout seems way better, but there’s something about the P3 that makes me think I’d carry and use it more BECAUSE it is a lower quality lower cost....beater...kind of tool. I guess that’s just a function of wallet size :)

I’m interested to see which I like better. I’m guessing it will be the bugout but i guess I’ll see. Do you think you are going to do a delica vs para3lw? I don’t remember if you have a delica

The "Broken Omega Spring" is like the Unicorn, everybody has heard of it but nobody I know has ever seen one.

I think you have to factor in the life sharp service, lifetime warranty. Into overall value

Funny how differently knives are priced in different countries. The Benchmade Bugout Mini runs $195.99 CAD...this full-zied version about $220.99 CAD ....Spyderco Para 3 LW $155.99....Gues Spyderco likes CDN's more than Benchmade :)) Both great for EDC...right size/weight...."..forget you're carfrying it" ..best size.

Thanks for the comparison with any knife the absolute most important thing is the blade 90 % the last 10 % is just fluff 2 great knives I am sure they both cut well both company's have that reputation I wonder how many people are actually buying knives to cut things rather than a play toy . want great ergonomics remove the pocketclip add a lanyard and carry only in your watch / knife pocket 😉😉😉😉😉😉🤔

What are your thoughts on the compression lock being weak PM the para 3 lw? I've heard people say it's not good for baring down since pressure is going into FRN on one side and steel on the other?

I own both, I carry them both!

I wish BM would make the AXIS lock with the linear spring (like the Anthem) instead of the omega springs.

Honestly kinda prefer the bugout the para 3 not having liners and only one washer bugs me the washer thing less so but still not crazy about it

As of 9/15/20 the Bugout is $114 on amazon

I was gonna get a bugout but bailed because there was no liners and I heard people saying it’s able to bend

That’s what blades crave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anybody else waiting on Blade HQ to ship out the PM2 preorder?

Which plastic is stronger?

How abt bugout vs para 2?

Good review.. If money is a issue.. Then do your homework.. If it isn't.. Why not own both? Spyderco/ Benchmade.. they are in competition.. I'm not..I love them both!

Just dropped $122 for the Para 3 LW run in CPM-M4.

Except for my dislike of FRN, I'd get both of these. Still might get a Bugout with micarta scales... Both are winners for sure.

Which knife would be better for self defense? Para 3 has better grip but the Bugout deploys faster...

I’ve been carrying a Bugout for a while, and I love it. Thinking about picking up a Para 3, just for the compression lock. I think all Spyderco knives are ugly as hell, but I want to try out the compression lock

The Para 3 has never made sense to me, and the lightweight version is just as confusing (kinda like the AR-15 pistol). With the Delica, Native 5, Chaparral, and Sage series, I can't quite figure out what niche it's supposed to fill. I'm guessing it's sole purpose is to sell? And if the Para 3 is not the successor to the Paramilitary 2, then why is it numbered 3? What happened to the Para 1 and 2?

Have you ever looked at the Kizer Aileon ? may be the best cheapest Titanium Knife at least in Europe, here you get it for 80 Euros... with is extremly cheap for a Knife with Titanium and SV35.

If there was a fidget factor category , which would you pick ?

being under 3 inches opens up the para3 to more counties in CA, otherwise both look amazing

The idiocracy reference 👏🏻

Thanks for not modeling those sweet daisy dukes 😂

I love the comment about blades craving nitrogen! lol

The real competition is Bugout vs Opinel 8 : same ultralightweight, same superslicer, same design for small tasks

I personally thinks the para 3 looks way cooler than the bugout. I just ordered a bugout and I'm sure it's an awesome knife but imo it looks kindve boring.

Bugout turned me of Benchmade, but specifically the axis-lock.....

The Spyderco, of course.

This guys knows what the f he’s talking about