Busted a serration right off

dsvirsky

dsvirsky

Joined
Aug 2, 1999
Messages
1,910
Well, one of the little teeth. On my serrated Calypso Jr. lightweight.

I guess I did it the other day doing some light yard work; either that or cutting one of those little plastic ties they use to hold clothing tags on. Not a big deal -- I picked the knife up for $25 on close-out from SMKW and consider it a beater -- but kind of a surprise, since I wasn't aware of hitting anything that would chip the blade.
 
Wow. I had the exact same thing happen with the exact same model. I purchased it from SMKW on closeout. The chip really surprised me as I'd already exposed this little knife to some big tasks. It was a heavy duty nylon zip tie that chipped mine, and that was after cutting a lot of them. Anyways, when cutting a nylon zip tie, the knife is usually inserted in a "sideways" posture then straightened in order to POP the tie in two. This is fairly abusive on the edge but something that happens frequently in my line of work.

Reading your post was like deja vu!
 
My Calypso Jr. SE is the worst Spyderco I own. Or maybe I should say it's the one bad Spydie in my collection of about 8. I've said this a few times before, but if I can convince a single forum member not to buy one of these from SMKW or elsewhere, I'll consider my good deed for the day done! If you need a SE knife in this range, the Delica is great.

It's ironic, because I love my Calypso Jr. PE.

Johnny
 
JohnnyLightOn,

I'm interested in why you say that? What specifcally is the matter with it? Is it a design issue, do you think? Just interested, as I'm just in the process of acquiring one.

Thanks for any info you have, Jeff/1911.
 
I got one for my brother for Christmas-- a SE Calypso Jr. Overall, the quality was the worst (let's instead say it was the furthest from the best) I have seen in a Spyderco. Nothing worse than usual for that actual model, I'm sure, but it is a lower level model altogether. I'm just used to heftier, more substantial knives; like Benchmade 710, Spydie Endura, AMS2K, Queen D2 Stockman.

I was disappointed to see SMKW was offering it for $25 after purchasing my brother's for $40 from another website. The blade was also kinda wobbly in the handle when closed; but it was pretty solid when opened. My brother is not a knife knut, so I doubt he notices the difference.
 
My Calypso Jr. ltwt is PE, and I have no first-hand experience with the serrated version, but the full flat grind leaves the knife thin at the edge (which is why I like it), and the serrations are thinner still-I assume. Maybe too thin?
 
This is strange. So far I heard only good things concerning the FRN Calypso jr. Is it possible that it was a faulty batch forgotten in the warehouse(s) and now thay took it on the market? :(
I was also considering getting a Calypso jr. Lightweight but reading all these postings... I think I'll wait... :(
 
This was discussed here not too long ago.

The PE Calypso Jr. is extraordinary (mine's long since become my EDC), but the SE leaves something to be desired. It's the narrow flat grind that makes the PE so good. But on the SE, the serrations are longer and narrower than they'd be on a more obtuse grind. So the serrations are more likely to bind up in fibrous material, or (apparently) break off. I guess that's why the SEs are so easy to come by when there ain't a single bloody PE Calypso left on the internet ;)
 
Yes, this is exactly the problem. The narrow flat grind makes the serrations too thin. They bind on most materials I try to cut with it.

I bought this knife because (1) I wanted to replace my SE Delica that had been stolen (swiped by my housekeeper's 9 year old daughter to give to an 8 year old boy playing outside to impress him - that's my best guess but I could not prove it so I left it be) and (2) I loved the performance of my Calypso Jr. PE. The knife is used as my main box- and package-opening knife. But even with plain packing tape the damn thin serrations bind up. The Delica sliced through anything with ease. The Calypso Jr. PE has nowhere near the performance. Definitely a design issue.

Jeff (only Jeff), if you want I'll sell you mine for $15 USD, shipping to Canada included. It's in near-new condition. That way you can test it out for yourself and post your opinion. It will let me get rid of the dang thing and get another Spydie that I'll like better.

Johnny
 
Johnny,

I've got one on the way to me. Sounds like I should be a little gentle with it, at least in terms of twisting against the teeth. Makes sense, those blades are very thin along the edge.

Jeff/1911.
 
Hi Jeff,

I hope the knife works out well for you. :) I would be interested in your impressions of it; perhaps you could post them into this thread or start your own.

Johnny
 
Johnny,

I intend to do this, once I have the knife and have had an opportunity to try it out.

Best wishes, Jeff/1911.
 
Folks,

Well I have received my serrated Calypso Jr. LW, and I love it! I agree that it seems the teeth are quite thin, so I appreciate the "heads up" from you guys about that. I just won't be doing any hard twisting with it. It sure is sharp, and cuts like a dream. It's my new work knife.

Jeff/1911.
 
Jeff, make a user out of it. Even after snapping a chip in the blade, mine continues to serve. The Sharpmaker made an "unofficial" tooth out of the chip and it still cuts like a laser. Use it!
 
Harry,

I sure intend to. It seems like a very capable knife. Like I said though, I appreciate this discussion as it highlights a potential weakness in this knifes design that serves to make me a bit careful with it, and that's OK!

Thanks, Jeff.
 
Hey Jeff, Very happy the knife is working out well for you. :) Maybe it's just me that doesn't work with the Calypso Jr. SE!

Johnny
 
Johnny,

Yes, so far so good. But I will be keeping this discussion in mind when cutting with it, as it clearly seems to have a very thin edge my "utility" knife standards.

Best wishes, Jeff/1911.
 
Finaly I got a Calypso jr. in PE. That saves the teeth problems ;) The knife is great. The swedge on the back of the blade was asymetrical (bigger bevel on the left side), but I fixed it. Otherwise, smooth action, solid lock, no blade play and feels good in the hand.
 
Are you telling me that the very first Spyderco knife that I purchased is, possibly, not one of there finest?
 
I think you will love your knife. I have a SE Jr, and a Gray PE that is on order. Keep this in mind...

the Calypso Jr is a favorite of knife buffs. Having said that, understand that knife buffs are more critical of their knives in general, and will let the world know via forums their feelings and issue. This is not all bad, as it gives makers an idea of issues the knife has. One of the greatest Spyderco knives is the Dodo, which is loved by Syderco fans... Was this knife immune to end user issues (lock disscussions)? Look and you will find threads that come up about the Military and the tip breaking. The Military is another knife that is loved and respected. All it takes is one person to start one thread and it makes a rather small mole hill a mountian. Spyderco is not the only company to have to deal with this. I have several Emerson knives (my EDC SD folder is a Mini-Commander), yet if you read the forums you would think every Emerson has a liner lock that sucks. This has NOT been my experience. The Calypso Jr, the Military, the Dodo... ALL are great knives. Some of them like the Military have a long standing, loyal cult following. Forums are forums... if I hear a negitive thing about a knife I love and want... I need to see and feel it myself.

I would say, just sit back and relax, I am sure you will like your knife and it will serve you well. :)

By the way... do yourself a favor and score yourself a black G-10 Dodo... that would make a great 2nd Spyderco... (or if you like FRN handles, get a Native...)
 
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