Caly 3 G-10 -vs- Carbon Fiber

hoopster

hoopster

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Jan 12, 2007
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I just got the Dragonfly and like the blade shape and full flat grind enough that I've been thinking about getting a nicer spyderco folder to replace my Delica.
Pretty much decided on the Caly 3 but would like to hear some comments on the two versions.
I do think the Carbon Fiber looks nicer so I'm mostly interested in the pros and cons of the different blade materials. I've been very happy with VG-10 so far. Are there any issues with the Laminated blade that would have me wishing I'd bought the G-10 model?
FWIW this will be an evenings and weekends use knife as I carry a skeletool cx at work.
Thanks.:thumbup:
 
Hey man,

I've never handled either, but I'm pretty sure the G-10 model is supposed to be grippier. I've also heard that the lamination lines on the carbon fiber model are sometimes higher or lower on one side than the other. It's not supposed to be an issue, aside from an OCD/cosmetics thing. I know it'd bother me in a knife that nice, but I'm a little on the OCD side of the equation. ;)

Dunno if that's helpful or not, but that's what I've read.
 
I hear that zdp-189 is quite difficult to sharpen vs. VG-10 although I love the look of Carbon Fiber and will probably keep a higher resale value.

As most situations with spydies it comes down to personal preference.
 
I can only speak to te CF/ZDP Caly III that I EDC occasionally. It is one of the best-cutting knives I own. The smooth scales are great for EDC pocket carry, since it does not grab or scrape my hand when I stick my hand in my pocket. One interesting note -- it has been cold here the past few days (low single digits). The smooth CF just seems slippery to cold, dry hands. Never had this concern in normal temps.

Either way, a great knife. Both options are priced well right now.
 
Not a fan of Spyderco G-10 myself, think it looks terrible, but it does offer better traction than the more attractive smooth matte CF. VG-10 won't hold an edge as long as ZDP-189, but is easier to sharpen and the sides of the blade will be more resistant to scratching than the softer 420J2 outer layers of the laminiated ZDP-189 blade. Aside from those things, they're two peas in a pod.

Paul
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I have both knives and prefer VG10/G10 variant by large margin. Caly3 VG10/G10 is my EDC for more then three years already, I absolutely love it. I bought CF Caly3 just because I love design, I never wanted to carry it. I absolutely hate uneven laminated lines. I like the look of G10 on Caly3 more than CF on Caly3, also it is given a good grip. VG10 easy to sharpen and more scratch resistant than 420. Also VG10 Caly3 is discontinued, so it will be harder to buy it later.
 
bh49 said:
I have both knives and prefer VG10/G10 variant by large margin. Caly3 VG10/G10 is my EDC for more then three years already, I absolutely love it. I bought CF Caly3 just because I love design, I never wanted to carry it. I absolutely hate uneven laminated lines. I like the look of G10 on Caly3 more than CF on Caly3, also it is given a good grip. VG10 easy to sharpen and more scratch resistant than 420. Also VG10 Caly3 is discontinued, so it will be harder to buy it later.
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Good info, thanks!
 
bh49 said:
I have both knives and prefer VG10/G10 variant by large margin. Caly3 VG10/G10 is my EDC for more then three years already, I absolutely love it. I bought CF Caly3 just because I love design, I never wanted to carry it. I absolutely hate uneven laminated lines. I like the look of G10 on Caly3 more than CF on Caly3, also it is given a good grip. VG10 easy to sharpen and more scratch resistant than 420. Also VG10 Caly3 is discontinued, so it will be harder to buy it later.
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Both my older son and I have one of each flavor, and both of us feel exactly the same way. The CF is really on the slick side. If it were the excellent peel-ply that Spyderco is using on so many other knives, I'd probably lean toward the ZDP-189, but as it is I'd buy the G10/VG-10 version.
 
Hoopster,

I EDC the CF Caly3 frequently and have been able to keep the edge razor sharp by stropping with green compound regularly, just like any other knife. For me, CF works great for carry with the pocket clip,while G10 is too harsh on the pockets, hence my choice of CF Caly3. I also think the CF is nicer looking than the black G10, although not as nice as the CF in the Sage. But I would like a Caly3 in S30V with digicamo G10.:)

But... I would buy the G10 first because, as someone mentioned, it has been discontinued and you may be sorry later.
 
I knew it wouldn't be easy. This will mostly serve as my nicest folder for evenings and weekend use, not a hard use folder, I've got a Griptilian for that. I'm leaning towards the Carbon fiber just for the cool factor.
 
Only other thing I can think of to add is that I'm quite happy with the smooth carbon fiber on the Native IV. It's grippier than stainless handles, if nothing else.
 
SwimmingBird said:
Only other thing I can think of to add is that I'm quite happy with the smooth carbon fiber on the Native IV. It's grippier than stainless handles, if nothing else.
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Yeah, I'm not to worried about grip for the type of use it might see. I'm really wanting to get something pretty if I get a Christmas bonus. :D The Carbon Fiber and laminated steel are just tempting me.
 
hoopster said:
Yeah, I'm not to worried about grip for the type of use it might see. I'm really wanting to get something pretty if I get a Christmas bonus. :D The Carbon Fiber and laminated steel are just tempting me.
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hoopster said:
I knew it wouldn't be easy. This will mostly serve as my nicest folder for evenings and weekend use, not a hard use folder, I've got a Griptilian for that. I'm leaning towards the Carbon fiber just for the cool factor.
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It sounds like you really want the CF. If you're leaning that way, go with it. I'd been second-guessing my CF after reading about how many people prefer the G-10/VG-10 variant, but the CF Caly III is my gents knife and it looks great. It doesn't hurt that the ZDP edge was sharper out of the box than any other knife I have. :thumbup:
 
tradja said:
It sounds like you really want the CF. If you're leaning that way, go with it. I'd been second-guessing my CF after reading about how many people prefer the G-10/VG-10 variant, but the CF Caly III is my gents knife and it looks great. It doesn't hurt that the ZDP edge was sharper out of the box than any other knife I have. :thumbup:
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I think I will go the CF route. The G-10 version may be better for the money but I'm just wanting something different.
 
hoopster said:
I think I will go the CF route. The G-10 version may be better for the money but I'm just wanting something different.
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At this moment you can get CF Caly3 for just a little like $10-15 more than G10 variant. Still, if I would be looking for CF knife now, I would get either Native4 or Kopa. Both of them can be found at ridiculous prices.
 
Another consideration is that the G10/VG10 Caly3 is disco'd, while the CF/ZDP version is not. (The pricing is odd, since the non-disco'd knife is actually more steeply discounted.)
 
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