1st Spyderco suggestions . . .

H

HiltonP

Joined
Jan 19, 1999
Messages
236
A question . . . If one is wanting to buy a "1st Spyderco" for a family member where should one start ?

The person (a woman) would use it for everyday chores around the home and office, nothing tactical, nothing outdoor/sport. I'm thinking along the lines of (in order of priority) :

1. the Calypso Jr
2. the Dragonfly (steel frame)
3. the Delica-98

Ideally I'm looking for a knife for her which will encourage use and carry, i.e. nothing too aggressive, nothing heavy or bulky. I also want to try for a blade length which is practical (for cutting fruit, etc). It would probably be carried in a briefcase when in the office, and in jeans when not.

Any ideas . . .

Regards, HILTON
 
All IMHO?

I was basically hit with the exact same question about a month ago, with almost exactly the parameters you describe. I went through 4 choices:

Dragonfly, Delica, Endura, Calypso Jr.

I swiftly eliminated the Dragonfly and the Endura based upon blade length. My wife does not want a 'big blade' Endura, since she teaches on a college campus, and they have silly knife rules. I personally don't find the small blade of the dragonfly all that useful.

Between the Delica and Calypso: you have the same _general_ 'shape' and ergonomics, but the calypso is more $$$ and a better grade of steel. I opted for the Calypso (stainless handle- she likes that- plain edge). All depends on how much you're willing to spend.

BTW, look at the bladeforums deals/steals on the dragonfly. If you go for the shorter blade length, you can save quite a bit of money while supporting the forum.

Mike



------------------
Hey! Uncle Sam!

(_!_) Nyah nyah nyah!

Refund! You lose! :)


 
Also: The stainless-handled Calypso Jr. looks VERY nice when it is engraved with her initials. I'm sure the same can be said of the others in stainless handles.

Mike


------------------
Hey! Uncle Sam!

(_!_) Nyah nyah nyah!

Refund! You lose! :)


 
I would suggest either the Micarta Calypso Jr. or one of the Carbon Fiber Dragonflies.

I find the steel bodied knives slippery in the hand. I am also a big fan of full flat grinds. The Micarta is classy, light, and strong. In conjunction with the flat grind and elegant lines, this makes the Calypso, Jr., IMHO, the most beautiful Spyderco.

The CF Dragonfly is prettier than the Zytel, and more comfortable in the hand than the steel. I bought a friend of mine a steel one and gave one I got from a good friend (Thanks, Savman) to my old man. Just this morning, however, I ordered another one.

Hopefully, there will be a micarta Dragonfly in the near future. (I know, you all are sick of me talking about it...)

Hope this helps,

Clay

------------------
Clay Fleischer
cdfleischer@yahoo.com

Picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue...

 
I have given 2 Dragonflies(both zytel) away as gifts. Both ladies had seen my Delica and thought it was just too much knife. So the Dragonfly was the perfect size for them. I find it too small myself, but they were happy.
Blades
 
Hilton,

I went through the same process about a few weeks ago, with about the same choices you had. I ended up giving her the Micarta Calypso Jr., and she loved it. She said she like the classy smooth look of the micarta, I'd have to agree, that why I purchased it (now I have to get one for myself
smile.gif
). Now I just have to get her in the habit of carrying it all the time.

Take care,
Tom
 
If she likes it(for some odd reason, some people just don't), go for the Viele. It's a little more stylish, but a very good performer, and neat looking.
Aaron

------------------
Why did you stab that girl?
You won't believe this, but I had too much coffee!
-Edmond by David Mamet
aaronm@cs.brandeis.edu
 
A Delica is a hard to beat first knife. I just gave one of my nephews one (plain edge, old style clip, got a bargain on it) and he uses it on his construction job everyday. It still looks brand new-plus he thinks i'm really cool now!
wink.gif


The Calypso Jr black micarta is probably my all time favorite Spyderco right now and I've owned at least a dozen different models over the years. It is definitely a step up in the classiness dept. My choice would depend on whether or not this woman will use or abuse the knife. For the chores you described the Calypso Jr could easily do the job and then some. Then there is always the cost factor. Plus, is this person right handed. For a lefty the Delica 98 would be perfect.
 
Hilton -- I suggest the Micarta Calypso, but whatever you decide on I hope you'd invite her to become a forumite!
 
Hilton,
The Delica, I find too pointy to play with, so maybe it's too pointy for her to enjoy having and using.
The Calypso Jr in Micarta is not too pointy, fun to handle, more likly to be happy with.
The guys are right, top of the class, with class. It's in my pocket 25 times for every 1 time the Delica is. The Delica is a winner in its price range, I am happy to have it also.

[This message has been edited by mcfg (edited 16 April 1999).]
 
My vote would be a Micarta handled Calypso Jr, as I love my full size Calypso (a lot of knife, though!). I would also opt for the plain edge. Just to add to your confusion, you may also want to consider the mini-Dyad, which has two small blades and Micarta handles. Many women seem to prefer carrying what is accepted as a "traditional" style pocketknife.
Steve
 
I have to join the bandwagon. I think she would love the Calypso Jr. The handle is sleek and smooth, the action is easy to open and the finger choil enable a user to grasp the knife better. The size is perfect too for a new knife owner.



------------------
~Greg~

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top