Caly 3 or UKPK?

M

Mattman888

Joined
Mar 5, 2008
Messages
311
I was looking at these two knives and am having a hard time trying to figure out witch one to buy. Are they essentially the same except one has a lock back? I like the foliage green on the UKPK more then the black g10 on the Caly 3... Is the slip joint relatively sturdy? Does it still open with the speed of a caly 3? Thanks!:D
 
There are some minor differences beyond the lock.

-UKPK has a slightly deeper carry pocket clip for better carry concealment

-The UKPK has S30V compared to VG10, or ZDP189 in the high end Caly 3

-The UKPK has a deeper index finger choil, which most agree is more comfortable

-The UKPK has no liners, which makes it much lighter

-The pivot screw of the UKPK doesn't stick out quite as much as on the Caly 3

-The UKPK is all screw construction and can be fully disassembled. The Caly 3 has pins, except for the blade, which is held in place by a removable screw.

I prefer the UKPK to the VG10 Caly 3. Mainly due to the lighter weight, S30V and deeper finger choil.

The UKPK does open quick and easily, but it has a half stop so it won't feel as smooth as the Caly 3.
 
I have both the VG10 Caly and the UKPK (in bright orange !). In general I agree with the observations, but I do think that the Caly is noticeably smoother to open. My personal fave of the two is the Caly because of the perception of extra sturdiness, however the ukpk has a wonderfully charming combination of high tech and old school knife design.
Anyway, also check out the Sage, it has the same steel as the ukpk, and it offers deeper finger choils as well. A very interesting locking alternative to the other 2.
 
I had a Caly 3 ZDP with the carbon fiber. I sold it and now all I have is the UKPK

I don't miss the Caly.
 
Had a caly 3, sold it to fund a UKPK purchase... either one is GREAT, but I Have lots of locking blades, wanted something a bit different, and really light, and I like s30v and made in golden :)

I like the FG, although I liked the black of the caly 3. The deeper finger choil is much nicer to me.
 
id definitely go for the caly cf of the 3. the laminated zdp blade is soooo sweet. plus, the caly cf is screw construction, and i do greatly prefer a locking blade. but its 50 bucks more then the other two options so its up to you.
 
UKPK. I had a Caly3 G10 and gave it to my stepson. I still have a Caly3 in Carbon Fiber and ZDP189. UKPK is an excellent knife.

RKH
 
I bought Slimshanee's Caly 3 and while I like it, I'm thinking of selling it too. I just like the light weight, deep choil, and ability to disassemble the UK knife better.
 
Both are great classic and unique Spyderco designs. UKPK orange was my first Spyderco purchase and I have since added the Caly CF as well.

UKPK :thumbup:
  • Light weight and hence more pocket friendly.
  • Urban-friendly color.
  • More "legal" in some locations.

Caly CF :thumbup:
  • More sturdy.
  • Lockback when your cutting chores require it.
  • Smoother open/close.

I could not decide, and hence I keep both. These are essentially very similar knives to me and the technical differences are minor. Actually, if I can find a good deal on a CF Sage, I would probably get one too and put them in different places around my home. I like the familiarity-factor when I pick up a knife and start cutting.

With Aloha,

Clarence
 
The VG-10 Caly 3 and the black-handled UKPK, and I'll definitely keep them both, as they have almost the same exact blade dimensions and will allow me to decide which steel (VG-10 vs. S30V) works better for me, that is, once I have them both re-profiled and sharpened to the exact same edge angle. The Caly 3 is the clear winner when it comes to smoothness of opening. The UKPK is the clear winner when it comes to (light) weight. To me, they're just slightly different versions of the same design, and they're proof positive that Spyderco designs and produces the best, most efficient cutters, and has them built to the same excellent standards, regardless of whether they're made in Japan or in the USA!:cool:

Here's to you getting both!:thumbup:;)

Regards,
3G
 
I really dig the Caly3. It has a luxurious, precision smooth feel when the blade opens and clicks into place and is all around a very nicely well made folder. That said I love my black UKPK too.
 
I might get both, but I am really getting tired of black G-10, I kind of tend to buy different colored knives. So if I was to get a Caly, It would most likely be the CF version, I just don't think I will like the ZDP blade since I heard it isn't easy to sharpen. Thanks for the suggestions! :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top