Black. Corrosion-resistant. Compact – the Para 3 Salt in MagnaCut with DLC The Para 3 Salt Black (C223GMCBKP) is Spyderco's answer to the question: how do you build a Para 3 that performs under the harshest conditions? The answer is uncompromising: a CPM MagnaCut blade with black DLC coating, G10 handle scales with a Caribbean texture pattern for maximum grip in wet conditions – all in an all-black setup that disappears in your pocket. The little brother of the Para Military 2 – now in the Salt Series The Para Military 2 is one of the most popular EDC knives in the world. The Para 3 manages to pack the same ergonomics, the same Compression Lock and the same cutting performance into a more compact package – with a 74mm blade instead of the PM2's 87mm. For the Salt Series, Spyderco took the Para 3 one step further: every component is designed for maximum corrosion resistance. The result is a knife that works reliably on the beach, on the boat, or in any weather. CPM MagnaCut with DLC – the best of both worlds As an owner-run knife shop in Hamburg, we've handled the Para 3 in many steel variants. This combination is something special: CPM MagnaCut already delivers excellent corrosion resistance – the additional DLC coating (Diamond-Like Carbon) protects the blade surface even further, reduces reflections and gives the knife its distinctive all-black finish. Steel Edge retention Corrosion resistance Sharpenability CPM MagnaCut + DLC ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ CPM SPY27 ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ CTS BD1 ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ LC200-N ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ Caribbean Bi-Directional Texture – grip that actually grips The black G10 handle scales are more than just a visual statement. Spyderco has applied their Caribbean Bi-Directional Texture pattern here – arced CNC-machined grooves that radiate from the centre of the handle, providing secure grip in every hand position, even with wet or gloved hands. This isn't a design detail, it's a functional decision for use in and around water. Compression Lock – one of the strongest locks on the market The Compression Lock is Spyderco's most ingenious invention: unlike a traditional liner lock, the Compression Lock drives part of the liner between the blade tang and the stop pin. To defeat this lock, the steel liner would literally have to be crushed – which is virtually impossible. The result is a knife you can work with confidently, with full trust in the blade. Clip & carry options The clip can be mounted in four positions: left or right, tip-up or tip-down. However, the Compression Lock is fixed on the right side of the handle – the knife is therefore not fully ambidextrous. Left-handed users should take this into account before purchasing. Frequently asked questions about the Spyderco Para 3 Salt Black C223GMCBKP Is the Para 3 Salt legal to carry in Germany? The Para 3 Salt features a Compression Lock – the blade locks firmly in the open position. Under §42a of the German Weapons Act it is classified as a one-handed knife and may only be carried in public with a legitimate reason. If you're looking for a legal everyday carry Spyderco, take a look at the UKPK C94PYL. What is the difference between the Para 3 and the Para Military 2? The Para 3 is the more compact version of the PM2: shorter blade (74mm vs 87mm), shorter handle, lower weight. The Compression Lock, Spyderhole and ergonomics are identical. If the PM2 feels too large, or you live somewhere with blade length restrictions, the Para 3 is the better choice. What does DLC coating mean? DLC stands for Diamond-Like Carbon – an extremely thin, hard carbon coating applied to the blade surface. It adds an extra layer of corrosion protection, reduces reflections and gives the knife its matte all-black finish. The cutting edge itself remains uncoated. What is the Caribbean Bi-Directional Texture pattern? A CNC-machined grip pattern developed by Spyderco featuring arced grooves that radiate from the centre of the handle. It provides secure grip in every hand position – particularly useful in wet or gloved conditions. Is the Para 3 Salt suitable for left-handed users? Partially. The clip is reversible and can be mounted in four positions, but the Compression Lock is fixed on the right side of the handle. The knife is not fully ambidextrous – left-handed users should factor this in before purchasing. How do I sharpen a DLC-coated MagnaCut blade? The DLC coating sits on the blade face only, not on the edge itself – so sharpening works as normal. MagnaCut runs at approximately 61–63 HRC, which means a basic honing steel won't be sufficient. We recommend a whetstone (400–1000 grit) or a quality ceramic rod. For day-to-day maintenance, stropping on leather keeps the edge going significantly longer between full sharpenings.