Caly 3.5 ZDP vs Endura ZDP

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bravodelta

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Jun 1, 2010
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Hi Folks,

I am trying to decide between the Caly 3.5 ZDP and the Endura 4 ZDP. The $50 difference doesn't bother me. Looking for info between the clad ZDP blade on the Caly and the full ZDP blade on the Endura.

All suggestions and comments are appreciated!!
 
If they are ground the same they should cut the same. The inner core of the Caly blade and the Endura blade are hardened the same Rockwell hardness. The clad blade should be tougher due to the softer laminate and less likely to snap if abused.
 
IMO, the caly ZDP 3.5 will slice a little better. It will carry better and also the 3.5 design and profile wears ZDP very well.
 
When deciding which ZDP-189 to get, I went with the stretch. I love it's blade shape and the handle feels great in hand.
 
I'd choose the caly for sure, I have a zdp endura and 3.5 in zdp and I can't tell any difference between the edge retention. The calys ergos are top notch, but the blade size of the endura is more to my liking. You won't be disapointed either way you go, they are both great knives!
 
I've got them both and it just depends on what I'm doing that day when I choose which to carry.
The Caly is classier and the Endura is more of a worker IMO but both do a great job.
I picked up the ZDP Caly mostly for the carbon handle and swapped the blade with my VG-10. Now I've got a ZDP Caly 3.5 with a G-10 handle just sorta laying around....
 
the caly series are ground much thinner at the blade than the endura. the caly's about as thin as the delica. so the endura has a sturdier blade and the longish design of both the blade and the handle makes for a nice edc package with both utility and self-defense in mind.

the caly makes for a better slicer. it's a dinky knife, considering that blade:handle ratio is pretty close. when closed, you won't believe it has a 3.5" blade. also the handle ergos are designed for a specific slicing pose.
 
Yeah, the Stretch seems to complicate the decision making process even more. I have held them all except the Stretch.
 
Get the Caly. That family may be, IMO, Spyderco's best work. Killer ergonomics, carry, fit & finish and edge geometry. They're pretty thick at the spine but ground to a real thin edge.
 
I own both as well... Both are keepers, sorry I couldn't be more help. (Get both :p) The Caly 3.5 is a special knife with that CF, I tend to carry it on more special occasions, I have a 3.5 SuperBlue as a user. My Endura is often carried and used, great for camping too.

Oh...You are considering the Stretch now too huh? That's my favorite Spyderco to EDC, I collected all three ZDP variations. As far as slicing capability, the Stretch and Caly 3.5 is tops. Between these three, I'd go with the Stretch. Ok, I'll stop I know I'm just confusing you more. They're all great knives and ZDP is fantastic in a EDC folder in my experience.
 
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I've never cared for the laminated blade look, just my $.02 worth. I like the ZDP for what it is and how it looks, laminated blades should all be Damascus!
 
I too have the endura, caly 3.5 and stretch in zdp. I should like the caly 3.5 more than i do as it is a beautiful knife.Like the shape of the blade, the deep pocket clip, and fit and finish.The stretch is a super slicer, the sharpest spyder i have received new. For me i prefer the endura. Little more slender, longer blade. Just fits my hand better. I am sure things would switch if it was a caly 3.5 super blue with g-10.
 
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