C54 Calypso or Para?

O

ofelas

Joined
Aug 30, 2003
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174
Condisering a SE Calypso/Micarta fullsize vs a SE Para, as they both fit my budget.

Pros/cons, less visually threatening? Either way, I'm going with serrated versions of either folder, they'll pretty much be used as slicing tools; no prying or crowbar use.

I like the way the Native & Calypso Jr. handle, never actually held the fullsize Calypso or Para in my hand. The Para looks like it'd rip pockets, and the Calypso seems a little blade thin for being 4".

I tend to stick with one folder for EDC - it will be used as a very light duty cutting tool + an emergency personal defense "last resort" measure.

Thanks for the anticipated input.
 
The two knives are constructed pretty differently. The Para is a stout, thick, “little big knife”, while the large Calypso is long, but thin and light for its size.

I bought a Para-Military about a month ago, but returned it the next day. The fit and finish were not good and I thought the handle was uncomfortable compared to the full-size Military. A lot of people rave about the Para though, so YMMV.

I had a plain edge Calypso for awhile but stupidly sold it a couple of years ago when I needed money. It was an extremely nice knife… sort of like a big gentleman’s folder. Ergos are very similar to the Calypso Jr. and the overall fit and finish were great.

So… I’d go with the Calypso. You might like the Para-Military, but I think there’s less of a chance that you’ll be disappointed with a Calypso.
 
If you want something more rugged, I'd go for the Para. If you want a better slicer, go for the Calypso.
 
And if you want a rugged, great slicing, knife that won't cause incontinence among the terminally timid, then consider a Stretch.
 
And if you want a rugged, great slicing, knife that won't cause incontinence among the terminally timid, then consider a Stretch
Click to expand...
I handled a Stretch yesterday morning, and I was pleasantly surprised. I'm *generally* not a fan of stainless handled folders, but the Stretch felt righteous in my hand; I like the smooth feel, and the geometry seems right for me.
If I hadn't already commited to a numbered Calypso C54 SE, I'd get a Stretch, as I've set my budget at 1 folder every 6 months.
Thanks for the input, all, keep 'em coming!
 
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