Caly III (VG-10), Calypso 3 (ZDP), and Uk Pen (S30V)!?!?!

K

Killdozer

Joined
Jan 17, 2007
Messages
91
Found the knife, love the look, but I am completely puzzled on Spyderco's steel choices.
1. Caly III: uses VG-10 and locks which I value. Knife is sold in the U.S.A. although it naturally uses the Japan VG-10.

2. UK Pen: a non-locking Caly knife but with S30V steel. S30V is considered a U.S. steel and a damn fine one at that, but they sell this one to the Brits (ok in the USA too but no lock!?).

3. Calypso 3: THIS IS NOT THE SAME THING AS THE CALY III, Features a 3.00 in. ZDP-189 steel blade and a 4.06 in. carbon fiber handle. Carbon Fiber handle, sexy! and that ZDP steel which I am not sold on yet (too brittle?).
http://www.crocblades.com/store/catalog.cfm?product=C113CFPE

Which would you get and why? Is ZDP for real?
 
ZDP is a fine steel with a noticable edge in edge retention on many materials. It's a steel pretty much born to be used on knives like the Caly 3, too. You'd be a fool not to try and pick one up when they arrive.
 
If I'm you I would take a Caly3 with VG-10 and would be happy about a great knife for EDC! My 0,02 $

BTW: ZDP-189 = Japanese steel :cool:
 
when do the caly 3 zdp 189 carbon fibre one's come out??
I'think sal mentioned something like end of february?
I think; wait on ordering till the zdp ones come out as currently i don't own any knives with this steel and i want one for comparing.
I think first i'll order a zpd one and second the regular vg10 one
 
According to crocblades.com the Expected Date: 03/31/2007
They also show the release dates for the K'Pal, Forester, and upcomming Kopa's although not all with pictures. It's the only place I have found that lets you do that and for the same discounted rate that they sell all their knives.

I don't work for them and just found the site yesterday.

-Mat
 
thanks for the info brother ;)
we'll have to be patient for the moment
i'll check the site never ordered from them and don't know them ?
i'm a little precautious on online ordering..,.:(
 
As far as the best user, I'd get the Caly 3. The UK Penknife doesn't have a lock. And the ZDP-189 Calypso Jr does have cool steel, but steel by itself does not make the knife, and the Caly 3's other improvements make it the winner for a user, in my opinion. As mentioned, if you're stuck on ZDP-189, there will be a higher priced Caly 3 coming w/ ZDP-189 and CF handles.
 
I want 2 of the Caly 3 with carbon fibre and ZDP steel, if it's done like the G10 and VG10 model. All the little nuances really make it the best sub-3 inch knife ever.
 
VG-10 Caly III: By all accounts, a fantastic knife. I will get one.
ZDP-189 Caly III: Perhaps more fantastic than the VG-10 version. I will get one also.
UK Pen knife: Made in the USA to British knife laws. Great combo of build, design, and material. I probably won't get one.
 
Can you take the ZDP blade out of the FRN model and put it in the G10 frame or are there differences?
 
"Can you take the ZDP blade out of the FRN model and put it in the G10 frame or are there differences?"

No, they are totaly different models. The Calypso 3 has a different blade shape than the CJ.

I really don't see the need for the Calypso Jr. anymore now that the Calypso 3 is out. I sold my CJ and never looked back.

So, there is going to be a Caly 3 with ZDP-189 and CF handles? At least I know what my next knife is going to be. I am not really all that excited about the ZDP steel but the CF handles are a great idea.

I am slow to grow to like a new steel. I noticed that I am always one or two super steels behind times. I am only now really getting to like and prefer S30-v over VG-10 but VG-10 is still one of my favs. I am nowhere close to be being sold on ZDP yet. I really don't know if it is worth the extra cost yet.
 
kgriggs8 said:
I am slow to grow to like a new steel. I noticed that I am always one or two super steels behind times. I am only now really getting to like and prefer S30-v over VG-10 but VG-10 is still one of my favs.
Click to expand...

It's interesting that many now really appreciate VG10 and a lot prefer it over S30V :)

Experience and everyday use of the steel wil make the difference.
Although knifenuts will always be sensible for the hype of new exotic steels.
I know I am
If you want total unbiased reviews about a new steel, you must wait for at least two years. An eternity :D

No bad words about zdp by the way.
 
Joe Talmadge said:
As far as the best user, I'd get the Caly 3. The UK Penknife doesn't have a lock. And the ZDP-189 Calypso Jr does have cool steel, but steel by itself does not make the knife, and the Caly 3's other improvements make it the winner for a user, in my opinion.
Click to expand...

Well, having had a long look at the Caly 3 I'm not so sure myself. Alright, it's a cool knife, and I certainly want to get one some day, even though I have the UK Penknife as well.

But on the other hand it's quite a lot heavier than the "old" Calypso Jr., and the blade is a bit thicker. As a general purpose knife I think I'll stick to the Calypso Jr. as my main EDC for the time being. As good as the Caly 3 is, I feel the old Calypso Jr. is still the better cutter, and the difference in weight is noticeable.

And if I need a tougher knife I'd carry a fixed anyway.

Hans
 
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