Caly 3 question

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PatrickKnight

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Jan 24, 2012
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I really like the looks of this knife but at the same time really dislike ZDP-189. Are these still made in VG10 or am I limited to ZDP-189 or the sprint in Super Blue?

Thanks in advance guys, btw I did a Google search and all the stores I found had the ZDP-189 models only.
 
Yes, the only model currently still in production for the Caly 3 is the ZDP 189 and CF version. The VG10 and G10 version was discontinued a couple of years ago. You may still find one from time to time on secondary market.

If you are not restricted by legal reasons, you should consider the Caly 3.5 in VG10 and G10. That model is currently still in production and it is a great EDC knife. It weighs slightly less than the Caly 3 (weird, I know) and offers 1/2 inch more blade. The Caly platform is my favorite that Spyderco offers and I can tell you honestly that the Caly 3 and 3.5 are equally great. ;)
 
I am not restricted to 3 inches by law just preference, I am actually trying to decide between a Sage 1 and a Caly.
 
PatrickKnight said:
I am not restricted to 3 inches by law just preference, I am actually trying to decide between a Sage 1 and a Caly.
Click to expand...

Caly 3 is actually narrower in width and thinner than Sage 1. Blade length and thickness are identical just that Sage 1 has a wider blade. The Sage 1 CF handle has more texture and thus a better grip than the smoother CF handle on the Caly 3.

You can also go with a Chaparral CF with CPM-S30V but the blade is 2.8".

Caly 3.5 actually feels smaller than it is with a 3.5" blade again due to a narrower profile.
 
RamZar said:
Caly 3 is actually narrower in width and thinner than Sage 1. Blade length and thickness are identical just that Sage 1 has a wider blade. The Sage 1 CF handle has more texture and thus a better grip than the smoother CF handle on the Caly 3.

You can also go with a Chaparral CF with CPM-S30V but the blade is 2.8".

Caly 3.5 actually feels smaller than it is with a 3.5" blade again due to a narrower profile.
Click to expand...

The thing I really like about the Sage is the tip appears to be at least a little more stout than the Caly and the PM2. Which is why I am drawn to it over the other two. I really like everything about the Para other than its super thin tip.

I also like the Sage and Para2 are S30V after using a buddy's PM2 for a week I can safely say Spyderco does S30V the way the steel was meant to be heat treated.
 
PatrickKnight said:
I am not restricted to 3 inches by law just preference, I am actually trying to decide between a Sage 1 and a Caly.
Click to expand...

That's a really tough choice Patrick. I am not qualified to tell you which one to get, as I was unable to make that choice myself.

I have no regrets about getting both, and wouldn't think of giving either one up.
 
Double Post was NOT intentional.


PatrickKnight said:
I am not restricted to 3 inches by law just preference, I am actually trying to decide between a Sage 1 and a Caly.
Click to expand...

That's a really tough choice Patrick. I am not qualified to tell you which one to get, as I was unable to make that choice myself.

I have no regrets about getting both, and wouldn't think of giving either one up.
 
I would love to be able to try both but at this point me spending 100-120 bucks is a big deal. So I have to rule it down to one and the worst part is I cant hold any of them before purchase.
 
Here's a picture of Sage 1 and Caly 3. Caly 3 is decidedly narrower and thinner for the same blade length. The CF scale on the Sage 1 has more texture and thus grippier. Sage 3 is liner lock whereas Caly 3 is back lock.

90285b74-3130-497c-89fd-bb21a9aa64aa_zpsd8065c66.jpg


Caly 3 Specs:
length overall 7" (178mm)
length closed 4.063" (103mm)
blade length 3" (76mm)
cutting edge 2.625" (67mm)
blade thickness .125" (3mm)
blade steel Laminated ZDP-189 / 420J2
handle material Carbon Fiber
weight 3oz (84g)

Sage 1 Specs:
length overall 7.125" (181 mm)
length closed 4.188" (106 mm)
blade length 3" (76 mm)
cutting edge 2.625" (67 mm)
blade thickness .125" (3 mm)
blade steel CPM S30V
handle material Carbon Fiber / G-10 Laminate
weight 3.2oz (91g)
 
These are both GREAT knives. If choosing between these two I prefer the Sage. For me the linerlock is the deciding factor. That being said, in recent months my CF Caly 3.5 has much more carry time than the Sage 1. You can't go wrong with either. Hard decision as the VG-10 in the Caly is a great steel.
 
Right now, Caly 3 only comes in laminated ZDP-189 / 420J2 steel and CF scales.

Caly 3.5 can be had like Caly 3 above or with VG-10 steel and G10 scales.
 
Correct RamZar, I should have qualified the Caly in VG-10....if you can find it. :D I prefer the CF scales, easier on the pockets, but a bit harder on the wallet. ;)
 
PatrickKnight said:
I am not restricted to 3 inches by law just preference, I am actually trying to decide between a Sage 1 and a Caly.
Click to expand...
Out of these two I strongly prefer Caly. I carried Caly3 and Caly3.5 with VG10 blades for 5-6 years combined. Never had a problem with VG10 and in some sense I like it more than S30V because it hold raiser edge longer. Caly3.5 with VG10 will be a great choice. Very compact knife with 3.5" and great ergos. Still my current favorite is Native5. Feels the best in my hand. Good cutter too :)
 
I much prefer the Caly over the Sage and the Super Blue 3.5 variation is my favorite but they are all excellent. I picked up 3 of my 4 Super Blues in the secondary market and they pop up fairly regularly.
 
Caly 3 vs sage 1.... it comes down to lock, handle material, blade geometry and steel preferences. I chose the caly 3 and do not regret it at all. Check on youtube for comparisons if it helps. You are not the first to have that dilemma. :)

The carbon fiber really is much easier on your pockets.
 
Between the Caly 3 and the Sage 1, I really like the Sage 1. The ergos of the Sage just fit my hand perfect. The Caly 3 felt a bit smaller. I like the ergos on the Caly 3.5 better than the Caly 3. Another thing I like better on the Sage is the lock. I prefer the liner lock to the back lock. I have handled probably 6-8 Caly 3.5s and all of them had vertical blade play that was considered "normal" because of the nature of the back lock...it bugs me... The one I have i my possession right now is no different. Last but not least the fit and finish on the knives I have received from Taichung Taiwan have been absolutely perfect in every way. My example coming out of Japan have been less than perfect. I think knives coming out of Taiwan are Spydercos best produced pieces...as far as FnF.
 
ZDP isn't my favorite to resharpen either, but in my experience the Spyders coming out of Seki city also have the best factory sharpening jobs. As long as it comes with good factory bevels the ZDP won't be a chore to touch up as long as you don't let it get out of hand.

Pick up a Caly 3 ZDP... mine is far and away the best example of F&F and design genius that I've had in a Spyderco.
 
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