Caly Jr.: ZDP & CF or VG-10 & G10?

M

MG_Saldivar

Joined
Feb 5, 2005
Messages
857
I've decided to buy a Caly and I can't decide between the ZDP/carbon fiber model and the VG-10/G10 model. The demands I put on my EDC are light so either would be more than enough knife for my white-collar-office life.

I love VG-10, especially on my Native, and I've read that some folks here on BF have faced challenges with ZDP - edge chipping and difficulties sharpening (of course, many have raved about ZDP, too).

I've never owned a carbon fiber scale knife, but I've handled a few and CF seems more attractive to me than G10. Still, G10 is a nice handle material.

So -- both Caly models are great knives, either one would be more than enough to meet my needs, and the price difference is not too great. Which one to buy?
 
I assume you meant Caly 3 not Caly Jr.

I have both versions. The ZDP/CF is nice, but I'd recommend the VG-10/G10. It's a breeze to sharpen, and you don't have to worry about uneven lamination lines (I wish they could have made it solid ZDP).

Tom
 
I've handled both and I would also go for a Caly3 G-10. It makes a much better user of a knife rather than JUST a gents folder.
 
I highly recommend the CF Caly 3!!
I work in an office environment also. It is great for office use. It isn't so heavy as to weigh down a pair of dress pants like some larger knives. It slips in and out easily. On top of that it is gorgeous.
I haven't had to sharpen it yet so I can't comment on sharpening. Most of my knives are sharpened long before they get dull. Probably a good recommendation for ZDP-189 also.
It is the first knife I have that I am considering getting a duplicate.

Cheers,
Mike
 
Got both, love both. Don't know what to tell you.... If you like VG 10 (and I do too), then get it and don't look back. The ergonomics on this knife are as good as anything else on the market, bar none, IMHO.
 
I picked up one in VG10 and G10 recently for my son. I am very impressed with not only the overall feel, but how thin the grind is. It's a slicer from you know where!

I keep asking him to borrow it and he keeps telling me I need to get my own. :D
 
I have the G-10/VG-10 Caly 3 and I would recommend it. I like VG-10 better than ZDP-189 and I prefer G-10 for scales over CF. I do have some CF Spydercos and some ZDP-189 Spydercos, but I've found that G-10 works better for me as a handle material because of it's grippiness and VG-10 is preferable because it's a tough steel (takes impacts well) and it's easier to touch up than ZDP-189.

I should add that I work in a warehouse and spend a lot of time outdoors for recreation and life support. I'm not a gentleman nor am I impressed with flash. I'm a user that values function over form. Others who like a bit of flash will have a different take... "all good, just different" as Sal says.

Honestly, I think you'll be happy with either one and I wouldn't be surprised if you end up with both sooner or later.
 
Hey, I'm think'n about a caly also in G-10/VG-10. Could anyone post some pics? I would love to see a side view showing thickness and liners. Thanks
 
I have both. I'd recommend the Caly 3, with VG10. not so much that it's grippier but the 420J laminate scratches rather easily. And the Caly 3 is $50 cheaper. that's a lot.
 
I have both and I like them both a lot, but my personal fav is the ZDP/CF version b/c I like the CF handles (easier to get in & out of pocket than grippy G-10) and I like the look of the laminated blade.

For office/light use, the carbon fiber handles are better than G-10 in my opinion. CF is fine for hard use too, but G-10 just screams it.

The ZDP version was the sharpest out-of-the-box knife I have ever handled and I don't think it will be too hard to maintain. On the other hand, VG-10 is my favorite all-around knife steel - it is easy to sharpen and takes a great edge.

You can't go wrong, but for office-use/white collar I'd say CF.
 
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