A Few Caly Questions

Big_Red

Big_Red

Joined
Feb 23, 2009
Messages
669
Sorry if this has been covered already.... Got my new Caly 3 G10/VG10 model yesterday and have a few questions.

When lock is disengaged with my thumb, blade has lateral (wiggle side to side) play. I figured this could be remedied by tightening the pivot screw. I tightened the pivot until the screw was slightly buggered, no improvement. It appears the actual lock mechanism (lock bar) is slightly thicker than the blade tang, allowing the pivot screw to only be tightened down just short of cinching up the blade. There is no blade play during lockup and the knife feels relatively solid; but I'm wondering if this is normal based on the design of this knife?

Second, I've read this model has or will be discontinued. Seems to me this was a relatively strong seller and one of Sal's best designs. Why discontinue? Has the design become stale, run it's course, a 'replacement' model taken it's place? I know when it comes to knives it's all personal preference, but I thought this design was a home run.

Thanks in advance for your comments.
 
I've never wiggled my blade when disengaged. My Caly 3 locks up very tightly, better than most lockbacks. I also have the CF version and the lockup is equally secure. It's a great design. My guess would be that sales have tapered off.
 
What sells well among people who know about knives may not sell as well among people who don't. The price increase from Delica to Caly, for example, may not be justified for people who don't see or need the advantage of a full flat grind(for example). that, or we're about to see a Caly4.
 
90% or more of the hundreds of midlock Spydercos I own exhibit lateral play if I push on either side of the blade with the knife closed. Most return of center naturally as soon as I take my finger away. I've never considered it to be a problem.

As for the Caly 3 being discontinued. The G-10 version has been dropped, the CF/ZDP-189 version is still in the lineup. Most common reason for a knife being retired is slow sales, but since many of the models most loved by "afis" don't fare well with "John Q Buyer", that's not necessarily an indicator of a bad design.

One contributing factor might be the sheer number of 3" folders (Delica, Sage, UKPK, Native, Caly3, and Paramilitary) in the lineup.

Paul
bar_02.gif

My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Kiwimania ---- Spydiewiki
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twisted up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam
 
Big_Red said:
Sorry if this has been covered already.... Got my new Caly 3 G10/VG10 model yesterday and have a few questions.

When lock is disengaged with my thumb, blade has lateral (wiggle side to side) play. ... but I'm wondering if this is normal based on the design of this knife?

So does mine, but it doesn't seem to be a problem in normal use.
Click to expand...
 
Thanks for all of the responses folks.

Like I said, the knife feels solid and lockup is solid... As such, I don't see the blade play when lock disengaged ever being an issue. Just a fit and finish nitpick on my part.

As a follow up; how long has the Caly 3 been in production?
 
Last edited:
Big_Red said:
As a follow up; how long has the Caly 3 been in production?
Click to expand...
About three years.

Paul
bar_02.gif

My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Kiwimania ---- Spydiewiki
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twisted up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam
 
Someone else asked about testing for play with the lock disengaged and I guess I don't see why this would be important? You never use the knife when the lock is disengaged so why would it matter? It has been my experience that many lock designs seem to pull everything tight when they are locked open. That extra pressure and piece of metal wedging itself into the tang is going to change how tight everything is. I think your knife is just fine if it locks up good as that is when it is used. I also don't think it is a fit or finish issue. You wouldn't take a new car and see how it handles or how fast it goes with the hood open?

I say use the knife and you will soon forget about it once you see what a great knife it is. Have fun with the new toy!
 
Well, to me blade play is unacceptable except in cheaper knives. None of my lockbacks has any tipe of blade play, no matter if its locked open or if it's closed (well, except one of the Ladybugs, but it's so little that it is not noticeable unless you look for it). None of my Caly3s or any other Spydie (or any other brand, for that matter) has any type of blade play. It's up to you if you are willing to accept it or not.
 
Cisco Kid said:
Well, to me blade play is unacceptable except in cheaper knives. None of my lockbacks has any tipe of blade play, no matter if its locked open or if it's closed (well, except one of the Ladybugs, but it's so little that it is not noticeable unless you look for it). None of my Caly3s or any other Spydie (or any other brand, for that matter) has any type of blade play. It's up to you if you are willing to accept it or not.
Click to expand...

Same here, I can't stand blade play and none of my folders have any noticeable play except maybe my Ladybug1. The play in it is minimal and it's because I've used it for hard cutting tasks meant for bigger knives.
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
Someone else asked about testing for play with the lock disengaged and I guess I don't see why this would be important? You never use the knife when the lock is disengaged so why would it matter
Click to expand...

Why people care about this has always been puzzling to me as well.
 
It shouldn't have any horizontal blade play at all. I've had three, and none of them had it.

If it bothers you, I'd return or exchange it.
 
To clarify folks, no blade play at lockup. Very solid. I understand play when the lock is disengaged is not a functionality issue, but who wants a sloppy fit when closing the knife? Albeit for only a brief second, it's there. Pivot screw it torqued to the max.

Personal preference would be a perfect fitment all the way around, but if this is typical/acceptable for a mid-lock style I can certainly accept the design. However, if I have an exception I'd be interested in knowing.

Maybe Sal could chime in on if side wiggle when lock disengaged is acceptable. Well, I called Spydie warranty and left a message - will report back.
 
Last edited:
What the Deacon said.

My Barong is a vault when opened but disengaged I can wiggle the blade. Doesn't bother me at all.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top