Caly 3 or Stretch? ZDP versions

Z

zl1

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if you HAD to choose.
Possibly the Caly 3.5, so throw that in to your considerations!
 
While not a huge fan of ZDP, if I had to carry a ZDP blade, I'd go with the Stretch because it fits my hand better than any other Spyderco. Not to mention it's solid ZDP, so the flats of the blade are less prone to scratching than the 420J2 outer layers of the Caly's laminated blade.

OTOH, the Caly's will probably slice a little better, as their maker tend to grind his knives thinner behind the edge that the folks who make the Stretch. Caly's carry more discreetly, but lack a lanyard hole. Stretch allows tip down carry and has one. Caly 3 and 3.5 have matte CF handles, Stretch is FRN, unless you can find the older peel-ply CF version.
 
I have never held a Caly, but my Stretch is very thinly ground and is one of my best slicers. You have to hold one to appreciate how well it fits your hand.
 
I'm sure the Stretch would provide better traction in hand since the bi-directional FRN is a lot grippier than smooth CF.

In spite of that I would opt for the Caly 3 or 3.5 because I prefer some of its ergos. I've become accustomed to using 50/50 choils on my Spydies, and it has a somewhat steeper thumb ramp. Also, the look of the Stretch has never grabbed me, but I hear from practically every Stretch owner that the knife is excellent.
 
I prefer the appearance of the Caly especially the blade shape, I have the Sprint version with Blue Steel. I rarely carry it tho since I tend towards hard use in a ranch setting. But when I go to town I'll opt for the Caly. I've been eyeing the Stretch, users love it, I think it would be good to have in the collection but I'll probably acquire a Strider SMF before the Stretch simply because it will get more use than another small pocket knife.
 
I would go with the Spydie Stretch ZDP189 all the way as I carry one of my Delica ZDP189's all the time (plus I have a few
other 189's and I really like the Steel.**)
 
I absolutely love my ZDP Stretch. It is becoming one of my favorite Spydies.



By far my best slicing folder and the handle is incredibly comfortable as well. ZDP takes a sharp edge.
 
I don't have a Caly, but love the Stretch. There is a lot of usable blade and a great handle. And to me 3 inch knives seem a little small anymore. But that cause I've been carrying larger knives and it is subjective. Besides all that, Sal likes it!
 
I feel like the best answer is get both
I'll have to.. have both by Blade show this year :)
 
When I need a 3.5 inch blade,out of my many knives, the Stretch and Caly3.5 are the only ones that I have designated as users.
 
Imo the Calys are some of the very best EDC knives in the entire Spyderco line up. I carry my 3.5 everyday, so my vote goes to which every Caly suits your blade length requirements.
 
PatrickKnight said:
Imo the Calys are some of the very best EDC knives in the entire Spyderco line up. I carry my 3.5 everyday, so my vote goes to which every Caly suits your blade length requirements.
Click to expand...

Carries like a delica with the 3.5 inch blade and g10 scales.
 
PatrickKnight said:
Imo the Calys are some of the very best EDC knives in the entire Spyderco line up. I carry my 3.5 everyday, so my vote goes to which every Caly suits your blade length requirements.
Click to expand...

Please listen to this comment - it took me literally years to get this message BUT the Caly 3.5 is virtually the perfect EDC blade (for me at least:friendly_wink:).

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I have had the ZDP version and the VG10 and recently re-purchased the ZDP 3.5. It is with me now whilst I am abroad. I love the VG10 version just as much (if not more - for it's ease of sharpening) but it is a bit plain-Jane looking.

If we can have a variety of colours for the Endura and Delica surely we could have some colour options on the Caly series. [And before anyone says it - yes I do own the big Caly with brown scales but it doesn't have the deep-carry pocket clip]

I am not a huge fan of the back lock design but there can be no argument that it works - moreover I can flick my Caly's open pretty much as fast as any other knife I own and certainly fast enough for any real-world need.

These are terrific knives...

Ben
 
^^ Yep.

Caly fans, you can't stop us, you can only slow us down.
 
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