A new Calypso Jr. and my impressions (images) >

patrickb

patrickb

Joined
Dec 29, 2003
Messages
339
My first spyderco and (while I've said this before about other brands like BM & William Henry), it's certainly not going to be my last. I purchased the Calypso after reading countless positive comments here and at other forums. Priced very reasonably at ~$40, I figured I had to give it a try.

First, the Calypso is the sharpest knife I've seen out of the box! All my knives (a variety of production folders from Benchmade to Kershaw to William Henry) have been shaving sharp out of the box, but this Spyderco is d@mn sharp! It'll work its way through my mail in mere seconds ;)

Secondly, I really like the spyderhole. As a fan of thumbstuds, I never saw the need to change it up, but after using the Spydie for a few days, this little opening hole really grows on me.

As a big fan of carbon fiber, I wasn't all that impressed with the FRN handles I'd seen in photos. I must admit, they offer a great grip which feels much better in the hand than I'd anticipated. Also, a nice beefy clip with a brushed finish. IMO, looks much better than polished and you gotta love the logo.

Lastly, did I say this is sharp? A great knife and a fantastic value. Size is perfect for me as I prefer 2" - 2.5" EDC Gent's folders. This is a great little weekend knife for me. I used an 18" or so length of 3mm nylon cord for the lanyard to complete the package. I like lanyards as they give me something to grasp in the depths of my front pocket.

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Nice photos and I agree it is a great knife. I have removed the clip and carry it loose in my front pocket. It is so light that I never feel it against my leg. I was mostly negative on FRN before this knife. I will not hesitate buying a FRN handled knife in the future.

Jon
 
Originally posted by Kimberholic
I have removed the clip and carry it loose in my front pocket.
Jon
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Funny you mention that, I rarely *use* the clips on my EDC's, but like the feel of them while opening & closing. I've tried to remove clips on my BM 770 and a WH Kestrel, but always put 'em back on as I find it give me something to grab onto when opening the blade.

Best,

Patrick
 
Were there little scratches on the lock bar lever (the polished sides) and is your grind straight? (Centered blade when closed) Thanks, mine is a bit off.
 
Originally posted by GarageBoy
Were there little scratches on the lock bar lever (the polished sides) and is your grind straight? (Centered blade when closed) Thanks, mine is a bit off.
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No scratches, but the blade is NOT centered just as you described. I hadn't thought about it being due to the grind. I figured it was the placement between the handles or that the handles were off, not the blade's grind. Interesting take.

In any event, it still locks up and closes very solidly so it seems like a non issue to me, especially for a knife at this price point. If it cost over $100, I'd be more concerned.
 
Great pics, Patrick. I highly agree that the Calypso Jr. is an awesome knife for the price. :cool:
 
Great pics! What camera are you using? And what did you use for your background/what kind of lighting was used?
 
Originally posted by dylan_d
Great pics! What camera are you using? And what did you use for your background/what kind of lighting was used?
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Thanks for the kind words, Dylan. I shoot with a 4MP Nikon CP4500 (sadly the last of the swivel lens Nikon Digitals). For knife and other macro photography, you can't do much better than the Nikon Coolpix line.

For lighting, I use two incandescent desk lamps on either side of the subject. The background is simply gray cardboard, actually the back page of a Lange & Sohne catalog (fine swiss watches).

Best,

patrick
 
Now being a spyderco fan and a lefty I just gotta have one of those! I saw the older models in my fav brick 'n' mortar byt the pics of yours made me drool to get one!
 
I have a coolpix 950, one the earlier swivel bodies. I've been thinking about getting a 4500, these pics make my decision that much easier :D
 
Originally posted by dylan_d
I have a coolpix 950...
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Of course, the venerable CP950. I debated buying the 990, then the 995 and by the time I ended up going digital, the CP4500 was out. I'm sure you know there are many excellent photographers still shooting great macro stuff with their 950's. Unfortunately, the 4500 has been discontinued, but you may be able to find one at an online dealer (slight chance) or perhaps a local camera shot (much better chance). I've heard that ther were several Ritz/Wolf camera shps with the 4500 in stock around Xmas time.

AFAIK, Nikon doesn't have any plans for a new swivel body, other than the very small SQ.

Good luck.

-pb
 
Wow...great pics. Mine is on the way...can't wait! It will be my 6th Spydie to date- the sickness grows :)
 
Originally posted by patrickb
Of course, the venerable CP950. I debated buying the 990, then the 995 and by the time I ended up going digital, the CP4500 was out. I'm sure you know there are many excellent photographers still shooting great macro stuff with their 950's. Unfortunately, the 4500 has been discontinued, but you may be able to find one at an online dealer (slight chance) or perhaps a local camera shot (much better chance). I've heard that ther were several Ritz/Wolf camera shps with the 4500 in stock around Xmas time.

AFAIK, Nikon doesn't have any plans for a new swivel body, other than the very small SQ.

Good luck.

-pb
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Yeah, the swivel bodies are dead. It's true than Wolf had a supply of factory refurbished 4500's around xmas. Sold out now, of course. You can still find some on ebay. That's my plan :D

My 950 takes great macros, but they are not nearly as sharp as yours, and there is a considrable amount of noise (compared to the 4500).
 
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