Caly 3 and manix

Caly 3:

http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=235

Manix:

http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=165

The Manix is bigger, and from what I've heard has a pretty stout handle which gives a good grip, but may not be the most comfortable for an EDC. A good sturdy folder for hiking/backpacking, or camping.

The Caly is a bit smaller and low profile with the wire clip. Probably a bit more comfortable in the pocket, but maybe not as secure of a grip.

Both should be good slicers with their flat ground blades. It looks like you should be able to get a full 4 finger grip on the Manix without using the choil unless you have very large hands. I doubt you could do that with the Caly unless you have very small hands.
 
Caly 3 is considerably smaller and lighter. It has a thinner blade (3mm vs 4mm). It is available in both G-10 and Carbon Fiber, while the Manix comes only in G-10. The Caly 3 is manufactured in Japan, and uses either VG-10 steel, for the G-10 version, or ZDP-189 for the CF version, while the Manix is made in the USA and uses CPM S30V blade steel. Manix has a flat steel clip that can be positioned for tip up / tip down carry either right or left handed. Caly 3 has a wire clip that only allows tip up carry, right or left handed. Manix is all screw construction, Caly 3 has a screw pivot, but uses pins for the lockbar and backstrap. Manix lockbar has no David Boye dent, lockbar of the production version of the Caly 3 has the dent.

Oh, and the Manix is available in two sizes. Not the world's best photos, but they may help you compare the Manix, 83mm Manix, and Caly 3. The Caly 3 in them is the CF version, but the dimensions of the G-10 are identical.


caly3_manixes_01.jpg


caly3_manixes_02.jpg


caly3_manixes_03.jpg

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Paul
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My Personal Website - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting
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jbhappeny12 said:
Can someone tell me the difference between the caly 3 and manix? Thanks in advance.
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You know the story David and Goliath from the bible?

David = Caly 3
Goliath = Manix

One of them is very very strong and tall and has more weight, but the winner is ... :cool:
 
Thanks for the quick replies. I am looking for a new EDC and those two peaked my interest. Anyone know about the mini Manix???
 
You mean the one in the middle in all those pix? ;)

It may be even stouter than the Manix, is almost as heavy, just as wide when closed, the same thickness, etc. Personally I find the shorter butt of the Mini makes it less comfortable in hand unless I am gripping it at the choil, but YMMV.
 
Depends on what you're buying the knife to do, on your tastes, and perhaps your attitudes. All three are well made knifes. The Manixes are both stout, sturdy knives and for just that reason tend to be relatively bulky and heavy. Some would consider them overkill in an urban or office environment. At the other extreme, choosiing the Caly 3 as your only tool for a week in the wilderness would be considered foolhardy by many.
 
The Deacon said:
Depends on what you're buying the knife to do, on your tastes, and perhaps your attitudes. All three are well made knifes. The Manixes are both stout, sturdy knives and for just that reason tend to be relatively bulky and heavy. Some would consider them overkill in an urban or office environment. At the other extreme, choosiing the Caly 3 as your only tool for a week in the wilderness would be considered foolhardy by many.
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Those many obviously have never been in the wilderness for a week with a Caly 3. I used mine for 3 months of backpacking through Colorado this summer, and it took out every task i could dish out. Even though the Caly 3 is smaller dont underestimate its abilities as a great survival/ camp knife.:thumbup:
 
jarlaxle said:
Those many obviously have never been in the wilderness for a week with a Caly 3. I used mine for 3 months of backpacking through Colorado this summer, and it took out every task i could dish out. Even though the Caly 3 is smaller dont underestimate its abilities as a great survival/ camp knife.:thumbup:
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jarlaxle...

Interesting comments re: your Caly 3. Even though the Caly 3 did what you asked of it for those 3 months, did you find yourself wishing for any other knife for general use?

How well did the lock and blade perform?

I ask because I've got a G10 Caly3 that I don't EDC regularly due to concerns about the lockup being a little on the light side for some of the hiking/camping chores that I ask of my EDCs.
 
dalefuller said:
jarlaxle...

Interesting comments re: your Caly 3. Even though the Caly 3 did what you asked of it for those 3 months, did you find yourself wishing for any other knife for general use?

How well did the lock and blade perform?

I ask because I've got a G10 Caly3 that I don't EDC regularly due to concerns about the lockup being a little on the light side for some of the hiking/camping chores that I ask of my EDCs.
Click to expand...

STR talks about the lock strength in a few of his post, look here.

http://www.freewebs.com/strs-knowledge/folderlocksstrength.htm
 
dalefuller said:
jarlaxle...

Interesting comments re: your Caly 3. Even though the Caly 3 did what you asked of it for those 3 months, did you find yourself wishing for any other knife for general use?

How well did the lock and blade perform?

I ask because I've got a G10 Caly3 that I don't EDC regularly due to concerns about the lockup being a little on the light side for some of the hiking/camping chores that I ask of my EDCs.
Click to expand...

I was using a BM mini grip with the axis lock. The axis is known as a solid lockup system, but being in the dirt and dust of CO made the action gritty and the lockup not very secure. The Caly3 stayed cleaner and i never questioned the integrity of the lock.
 
darthsoaker & jarlaxle...

Thanks to both of you for the input. I have followed Steve's comments very closely, since I like the Caly 3 so much. I was interested in jarlaxle's real-world experience to go along with Steve's excellent analysis of the lock's materials & construction.

I have a Christmas list coming up for my best mate and his wife. They are camping/hiking addicts and both like knives. I'm looking at the CF Caly 3 for her and I was curious about how it would hold up in the types of use that she would be likely to give it.

I've just about decided to do that for her, along with a large leather pouch from A G Russell to carry it.
 
jarlaxle said:
Those many obviously have never been in the wilderness for a week with a Caly 3. I used mine for 3 months of backpacking through Colorado this summer, and it took out every task i could dish out. Even though the Caly 3 is smaller dont underestimate its abilities as a great survival/ camp knife.:thumbup:
Click to expand...

On my last hike a couple of weeks a go (just a short one nighter) I used a khukri for gathering firewood and a Delica for everything else. I had a 4 inch fixed blade (made from an Atlanta Cutlery kit) with me as well, just in case, but it never even came out of my pack. It all depends on your style of camping. I rarely "need" anything more than a Delica, but it's good to have something else for a backup and just to play with if you want. :D
 
Salamander42 said:
On my last hike a couple of weeks a go (just a short one nighter) I used a khukri for gathering firewood and a Delica for everything else. I had a 4 inch fixed blade (made from an Atlanta Cutlery kit) with me as well, just in case, but it never even came out of my pack. It all depends on your style of camping. I rarely "need" anything more than a Delica, but it's good to have something else for a backup and just to play with if you want. :D
Click to expand...

Yea i had an RAT3 as well, but got a lot more use out of the Caly because it was always on me. I've noticed when you are out in the wild for a longer period, you find reasons to save your edge for food prep and other things. I can collect a lot of wood just by grabbing dead or small branches and breaking them over the knee or stomping on them.
 
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