Looking to order a Spyderco Para 3 lightweight. I haven't bought from any of the online knife stores before and was hoping to get feedback on some of them from the membership here -- I've seen some of the online reviews, but they are, as usual, contradictory and hard for me to parse.

Looking at Blade HQ, Knivesshipfree, DLT Trading, Smoky Mountain Knifeworks, Knife Center. I'm sure there are lots of other sellers, large and small, but again, I'm new at this online buying. All my other knives have been through a store or directly from the maker (Matt Lesniewsky). Thanks.

I've bought from all the ones you listed, never an issue.

I like Knivesshipfree, as I perceive they are a small family business, and their prices are competitive.

I've done quite a bit of business with Blade HQ and DLT. Just ordered a SAK from DLT yesterday infact. Never an issue with either company. Quick shipping and recieved exactly what I'd ordered. When I was living in Utah I visited Blade HQ's retail store and always received top notch customer service.

I've ordered from BladeHQ and Smokey Mountain with no issues.

I have purchased from most of the vendors listed with positive experiences. The online vendor I like the most, however, is The Knifeworks, not to be confused with Smokey Mountain Knifeworks.

I have both long term and recent experience with virtually all the major online knife sellers. In my estimation, BladeHQ has the best website to look-up both knives and specs....however Knifeworks & DLT Trading have the finest customer service, fastest shipping and are competitive price-wise with all other sellers.

(And, to the OP, Knifeworks is located in Columbia, LA.)

I've dealt with DLT Trading and they are great to deal with! No problems whatsoever!
Good people..

Pretty much all of the above.

GP Knives could be another.
https://www.gpknives.com/brand...spyderco-para-3.html

As others have said, pretty much all of the above. I've done very well with Knifeworks, Knifecenter, Blade HQ, and Knivesshipfree. No problems with any of them; usually bought the most competitive for the knife I was looking for.

I've bought knives from a lot of the above sellers. Always had good service. Kershawguy is a great guy to deal with. https://kershawguy.com

I have dealt with the Knifecenter and Knivesshipfree. Both are solid, efficient businesses with every order I have placed delivered correctly and on time. I would say they have great customer service but I haven't had to contact either one directly since the original transactions have been problem free.
Another one to consider is AG Russell (https://agrussell.com/). They carry more special runs and knives from certain bladesmiths, not always the lowest price but good service.

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Kershawguy is a great guy to deal with. https://kershawguy.com

Could not agree more.

BladeHQ
Houseofblades

Those are my go to.

GP knives has price gouged people in the past

The guy who owned knivesshipfree passed away recently and I don't know if they are still as good as they were.

Most manufacturers have implemented pricing control is so it's almost 6 of one, half dozen of another when buying.

I know people at Houseofblades and they are cool. BladeHQ does a crap ton for the knife community.

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Originally posted by Scurvy:
The guy who owned knivesshipfree passed away recently and I don't know if they are still as good as they were.

Really? I’ve seen no notice of that and no mention in their personalized emails.

They moved to Chattanooga a few years ago and I used to stop by when working up there. They are great people and fun to talk to. They’ll go back and pull inventory and give you the pick of the litter.

Another rec for kershawguy.com

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Originally posted by gibby29:

quote:

Originally posted by Scurvy:
The guy who owned knivesshipfree passed away recently and I don't know if they are still as good as they were.

Really? I’ve seen no notice of that and no mention in their personalized emails.

Yes, they discussed it in some of their emails a couple of years ago. I think they were still in Escanaba, MI when that happened. AFAIK, his wife Wendy is now running the business.

BladeHQ, KnivesPlus, and KnifeCenter. Knivesshipsforfree will need to try.

As above. Plaza Cutlery is another good one, family owned.

Ordered alot from here... https://agrussell.com/