Caly 3 gray g-10 sprint run OR New Caly 3.5 ZDP-189 Carbon Fiber.

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I know the caly 3 g-10 is a sprint run, is the new caly 3.5 zdp-189 a sprint run also? I just want to know what knife you prefer and why of the two listed in the title thanks. Also if anyone has any input in the calypso brown g-10 sprint run but mainly would like to know about the caly 3 and 3.5 comparison because I prefer their blade lengths. thanks.
 
Scale color and steel flavor aside, I find that the 3.5 fits the hand just a little better. And it gives you the illusion that the blade is longer than the scales in which it resides. I don't know how they do that. I have a Caly 3 sprint run as well, and its a fine piece of knife, but for me, and just in terms of ergonomics, the 3.5 is where its at. I love the deep wire clips on both. People debate the Super Blue vs. ZDP-189, but thats above my pay grade. FWIW, the smallish Spydie hole and lack of jimping on the Calypso brown sprint run are the reasons I haven't pulled the trigger on that one.
 
I prefer the longer handle of the Caly 3.5. But I hate the scratches that you get instantly with the 420J2 outer laminate.
 
powernoodle said:
Scale color and steel flavor aside, I find that the 3.5 fits the hand just a little better. And it gives you the illusion that the blade is longer than the scales in which it resides. I don't know how they do that. I have a Caly 3 sprint run as well, and its a fine piece of knife, but for me, and just in terms of ergonomics, the 3.5 is where its at. I love the deep wire clips on both. People debate the Super Blue vs. ZDP-189, but thats above my pay grade. FWIW, the smallish Spydie hole and lack of jimping on the Calypso brown sprint run are the reasons I haven't pulled the trigger on that one.
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Thanks for the input man, the only thing that I find questionable about the 3.5 is the laminated zdp steel, I don't know what to think of it because I have never owned ZDP-189 / 420J2
 
Well, do you like a patina on your knives or not? From all I've heard, Super Blue will patina in a heartbeat. You can always scrub it off if you don't like it, but, it's honestly IMO at least half (or more) of the appeal of the steel.

I've got the brown Calypso, it's great. I really enjoy the smaller Spydie hole and lack of jimping on this model -- it's a surprsingly elegant and handsome knife with its long, lithe blade. Super, super smooth and really solid feeling. My debate was between the Caly 3 SB and the brown Calypso, and I'm happy about the route I took. I like non stainless, but I dunno.
 
AF said:
I prefer the longer handle of the Caly 3.5. But I hate the scratches that you get instantly with the 420J2 outer laminate.
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I agree, this while the SB steel gets a patina but that can be cleaned off or avoided altogether.

As for what I would go with, as much as I like SuperBlue steel and grey G10, I'd still have to go with the 3.5 CF in ZDP. It would be tougher if it was the 3.5 version SB Caly we are talking about, I wouldn't know which to pick!
 
I've had my Caly 3 SB for a few weeks now and am quite happy with. It might be a bit small for you and will enjoy the 3.5, it is a smaller knife which I particularly like.

I've found the SB takes a pretty good edge and seems to hold it well although I haven't put it thru all the paces yet.

IMHO I dont think you can go wrong with either the 3 or 3.5 in whatever steel you shall chose. I want to get the 3.5 zdp189 next :)
 
I don't have any experience with the Super Blue steel, or any of the Caly series for that matter but my experience with the ZDP-189 steel has been extremely positive. I EDC a Dragonfly ZDP, usually in addition to a larger knife, but the ZDP typically gets pulled out first. I work in retail and cut open hundreds of boxes a week. I got my ZDP blade a few months ago and the edge retention is nothing short of fantastic.

I think it's a bit unfortunate Spyderco chose the laminate over solid ZDP but I'm sure it keeps the price down. If it were me, I'd probably go with the ZDP-189 not to mention that I love the look of carbon fiber although G10 certainly provides better grip traction.
 
Caly 3.5 with VG-10 steel and black G-10 handles - that's where it's at. Good price, good steel, no worries about rust.
 
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Are there any 3.5 calys that are sprint runs i want a special knife! I like the g10- gray caly 3.5 but cant find it anywhere
 
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I had the SB Caly 3.5 but didn't end up carrying it much; I eventually traded it away. Currently I have a CF/ZDP Caly 3 and 3.5 and I much prefer the 3.5. Unless you have a pressing need to have a smaller knife, I'd suggest going for the larger 3.5.

I personally prefer ZDP over SB due entirely to the increased corrosion resistance afforded by ZDP.

The fact that the 420J2 laminate scratches easily, or that SB will patina, are issues of aesthetics that don't affect performance.
 
I have the SB, the CF, and the G10 3.5.

If you can, I'd get the SB now before they become super rare (eh? :)) and then get the CF. But, since the CF is out, it'll probably replace the G10 version like the with the Caly 3. The CF is the nicest one, IMO, but if you want SB, get it now.
 
I got the SB Caly 3. Mainly because they won't be around for much longer. I will eventually get the ZDP Caly 3.5.
 
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