BM 555 vs. Delica 4 vs. VG-10 Calypso Jr.

C

CrazyGunNut

Joined
Feb 4, 2006
Messages
11
Had all but decided to get a mini-grip for camping/backpacking utility/last ditch survival purposes. Then I took another look at spyderco. What do you all see as the relative advantages of the 555 vs. the new Delica vs. Gray Calypso Jr. in VG-10? The liners and screw together construction on the Delica is appealing. But the Calypso Jr seems so popular. As far as I can tell it doesn't have liners though. When I went to the outdoor store yesterday, I handled an older delica and found significant play at the pivot after grabbing the blade and handle and flexing it a bit. seemed worrisome. Thanks!

PS not looking at a bigger blade cuz I gotta pack the thing and try to go as lite as possible!
 
I consider the Calypso Jr a bit small. But, that's just me. It's more of a gentlemen's pocket knife. The Delica is a better choice imho, though it too is borderline small. I have the Grip and, it would appear to be a great camping knife. Of your choices, I would go with the Mini-Grip based on my experience with the Grip (which itself is hardly big enough to be considered full size).

But in reality, any of the knives that you are considering are really good knives.
 
You will have a VERY hard time FINDING a grey Calypso, Jr. Just keep that in mind!! The Delica 4 is very much improved!! So, it is between the mini-grip and a D4. Hmmmmmmmmmm. I would say get the Delica 4 for the VG-10 blade. Unless you want to wait until the ZDP Delica comes out!! i would HIGHLY recommend the ZDP Delica!!
 
I find the Calypso Jr. much larger than the Delica. The integrated choil and carved out finger grooves really give it the leg up. In fact, just this friday, I went down to the store and held both in my hands, deliberating whether to get a caly jr. or a delica (3) or a minigrip. I walked out with the caly jr. and minigrip. The lack of a choil on the delica hurts it in my opinion. It's far behind the caly jr., which is discontinued...

The minigrip is a strange beast. I actually really regret buying it since I don't want to start a collection. It's a very sturdy knife and the balance is just right for me. I've read people saying that the handle is lighter than the blade and it feels cheap, but on the minigrip, the balance is between your index and middle fingers, so it's pretty far back on to the grip. There's also as little flex as I've seen in any non metal alloy scaled folder. However, the lack of a finger choil means it isn't ideal for the most delicate of work, thereby creating something of a contradiction. It's a beefcake knife in mini form. This may be good for your camping purposes.

The caly jr. is a user knife. It's also the sharpest knife I've got, even out of the box. If I could only have one between the minigrip and the caly jr., I'd easily go for the caly jr. for its full four fingered grip. The minigrip is really a 3.5 finger grip at best unless you have small hands. If the absolute strength of the knife matters to you, I suppose you could still balance your choice between the new delica and the minigrip. The minigrip is probably heavier than the delica, which may hurt it since it plays a backup role, but otherwise it seems to be a toss up. As a knife I'd want to use, I'd go for the caly jr. For a knife to abuse, I'd go for the minigrip except that it really begs for another half inch in the handle so that you can properly abuse it.
 
The blade on the CJ is great but I don't consider it a heavy duty knife. If you want to stay in that same size range and get a heavier duty folder get you one of the new BenchMade HK29FDP (14210 Drop Point axis lock folder).

I just got one of these and have to say its a very nice folder in a gentleman size and yet more capable than any other folder in this size range that I have handled. The grip on this one is better than the Griptilians I've handled. I have big hands and I can get my whole hand on it. A lot of the reason I say this is a heavier duty folder has to do with the lock strength of course but it is also lined with stainless steel. I might add that it is a good blade shape for EDC too.

If you are looking at Spyderco check out the Ocelot. This is, in my opinion the best knife I've bought from Spyderco to date. Everything about it is superb. It is very well thought out and the size is perfect for any sportsman I know that like the outdoors. It isn't just a hunting knife.

STR
 
I would have thought those knives were too nice for backup knives, but if the budget can bear it...The calypso jr. is certainly not heavy duty.
 
Just to clarify, they're not back-up, it'll be the only knife I bring backpacking, and probably go with an opinel and/or multi-tool for car-camping...
 
I haven't cut anything with the Ocelot but I really liked it when I held it. Very solid knife. It's more expensive than the Manix, though. Maybe STR can give some more input.
 
Get a Mini-Griptilian with 154CM Blade steel. They are just now making it to the knife shops.

If you absolutely positively have to go with Spyderco, get a Delica 4.

I just don't think you can beat the Axis lock. The Griptilians are real hard to beat.

I also second what STR said about the Benchmade HK29FDP. Great knife and awesome G10 handles.
 
The Ocelot has the big handle thing going for it and all the well thought out grip points with non sharpened serrations in all the right places.

The steel isn't half bad either for that matter. Personally I like VG10 over 154CM but both are good. As far as cutting goes, it is six of one half dozen of another. The HK blade has as much edge as the Ocelot but the handle is smaller and shorter in length. However the Ocelot is thinner and has a better grip. The HK is kind of slick and smooth by comparison especially in the cold.

Personally if I had to pick between the two I'd take the Spyderco but both are good. I would give the edge to the Axis lock for lock strength but the lock on the Ocelot is plenty strong from what I can tell. Here is a pic to compare the size difference. Ironically the Ocelot is less noticed in the pocket due to how thin it is.

Oh yeah. I personally like the fact that the Ocelot has a lanyard hole. I guess in a pinch you could tie one on the spacer to the HK but it is pretty close to the blade so it may not last if it gets cut everytime you close the blade on it.

STR
 
How about a Spyderco Salt 1? The H-1 steel and a bright yellow handle would be ideal for outdoors.
 
how does the steel on the salt 1 compare from and edgeholding/easy to sharpen perspective. I want something that isn't gonna be too finicky to sharpen as I might not have a full on sharpmaker w/ me.
 
I handled a Delica 4 last Friday. Very nice, much improved handle, has some semblence of a guard, much grippier, I can't wait to get one. Smaller BM just did not do it for me. I prefer the 707 in anything that size.
 
Delica 4 is where it's at. The only hard decision is should you buy one now to indulge yourself, or wait for the ZDP-189 one.
 
Ocelot if you can afford it.
Look into Tim Wenger's Bladetech (he's the original designer of the Ocelot) Lite models. They have the blade shape and handle of the ocelot, but in FRN and uses 440C (which is a pretty good steel, BTW)
 
You can't go wrong with any of the knives you mentioned..but I find 555's oval hole is sometimes a bit slippery. I prefer the thumbstud mini grips - the 556 or 558.
 
the spyderco's are thin and lightweight compaired to the BM - which is why I'd go with one of them. Its so nice to carry and not even know its there until you need it - no matter what pants you wear. I have both the caly and delica 4 - difficult choice, but Im going to say get the delica because of one of the new improvements. the steel liners. they eliminate any flex out of the FRN which in turn eliminates any chance of blade wobble. the new delica is still thin and light - but rock solid. a great design made better.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top