Caly 3 Carbon has spotty "slick" finish on carbon fiber handle

J

jdeangelis

Joined
Jan 9, 2010
Messages
43
I have multiple Spyderco carbon handle knives. I realize that they all do not have the same carbon type and finish. I received a brand new C:confused:aly 3 Carbon Fiber Spyderco a short time ago. When viewing the carbon fiber, side to side and up and down, it appears that in the finishing process the carbon fiber finish is "slick and spotty in some areas, and perfect carbon fiber finish in other areas. Spyderco advised me to clean it with soap and water, and that did not help at all. I sent it in to Golden Colorado as advised, waited a substantial time for the return, and the Cal 3 Carbon Fiber finish is exactly the same. I called Spyderco before receipt, and they assured me that they used a grease remover that took away the slippery "fine sanded" spotty look of the carbon fiber, and this Caly 3 carbon fiber came back exactly the same. I have numerous Spyderco carbon fiber knifes and this the only one with a defective looking finish. i thought the knife should be replaced like other manufacturer's and am going to speak to the customer service case tomorrow as she is out today. Has anyone else had experience with a Spyderco Caly 3 carbon fiber with this slipperly inconsistent finish on the carbon fiber handles. very disappointing for me as this is a fairly pricey knife by Spyderco. Thanks for your kindness in helping me out.
 
Spyderco is a good company, has setup a call tag and is willing to look at it again and satisfy my concern regarding a poorly produced carbon fiber finish. Just wanted to let you know, after returning it once and receiving it the same condition. Hopefully now I will get a replacement knife for this pricey Caly 3 Carbon Fiber knife.
 
Care to post a photo? I've always heard that the Caly CF was the most slick of the lot, so not too sure what you mean by your post.
 
The Carbon Fiber on the Caly 3's is the slickest I've seen on any spyderco, and I love it that way on this model. Most custom makers leave there CF slick as well.

Mine is the same all over. Are you saying yours look differant in certain places?
Have pics?


edit- I did get a caly3 once that had G-10 with a faded place. Sent it back to the dealer. Will your dealer swap?
 
The slick surface was inconsistent meaning they forgot in the production to apply the slick service complete on both handle services. Spyderco sent a UPS person to pickup the CALY 3 Carbon Fiber and take a close look at it, and if need replace it. I agree, "slick" handle is not preferred when it comes to secure grip. My other Carbon Fiber models don't have this same slick service. I will say Spyderco is an excellent company and is willing to do whatever possible to make me happy. Great Spyderco customer service out of Golden, Co!
 
WTF is "slick service?" :confused: :confused: :confused:

I'm betting that the grain pattern of your carbon fiber varied from place to place - which produces elongated weave patterns. That's normal. You just returned a knife to Spyderco and guarantee that you'll get the exact same knife back. There's nothing they can do for you.
The
 
Slick surface is fine, but application is not consistant but spotty in sections, as if the surface was not sanded completely and/or the finish composition was not applied across the complete surface. I am very familiar with carbon, I even have a Calfee Carbon Tetra Pro race bike that has impecable finish.
 
Last edited:
The same carbon finish as my returned under warranty, defective carbon finish on my Caly 3.

The carbon finish on the Spydie Tim Zowanda is just perfect compared to my Caly3 that I am still waiting for a promised replacement and waiting a LONG time!

That proves that I did get a defective unfinished carbon finish on my Caly 3.
Spyderco agreed to exchange my Caly3 carbon for a new one but it is taking forever.

The warranty department at Spyderco is understaffed, much understaffed than at Benchmade, that's my experience!
 
Last edited:
You would think they would give me great warranty support. I mentioned this and am waiting forever for my replacement!!
 
It looks like you've been waiting about a month. Is that really forever? I'm still confused by the whole thing. The CF scales on my ZDP Caly 3 are smooth. From carrying and using it appears that the finish is a little spotty when looked at in the right light. Is this what happened to yours?
 
I assume English isn't your first language? I think you mean slick surface not slick service.

Without seeing it I don't know what you are talking about. Mine has a place where the carbon fiber looks different because it was scrunched up a little when the epoxy was put on it. But it doesn't effect the functionality of the knife just the look of the carbon fiber. Sounds like another person who needs to only buy custom knives as they expect only perfection. You are getting away cheap if you are buying Spydercos and getting close enough to perfection and a custom to make you happy. A production knife is going to have cosmetic imperfections.
 
Pics, pics, we want pics! It's frustrating to read threads like this because we can't see what the OP is talking about.
 
I have a CF Caly 3 and I noticed that there is a curved line that must be a misplaced fiber. This is not a scratch, since I can't feel it. It isn't enough of a problem to bother with. The knife is close to perfect. The finish is fine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top