Review Calypso Jr. in SuperBlue

[brj]

Not much of a review, but there goes. Initial impressions are favorable (as in kicking myself for disregarding the Calypso line so far).

Likes:
- extremely lightweight, which is always good in my book
- good ergonomics (small wonder, it's a Spyderco after all )
- fish scales texture absolutely brilliant and I absolutely positively loove the shape of the blade (swedge included)

So-so:
- smaller than I prefer (my typical carry gravitates between a Pacific Salt in the summer months and a Military pretty much the rest of the time)
- pinned construction (there is zero lock play though)
- the heel of the blade not exactly aligned with the lockbar on my example, and there is a huge (relatively ) gap between the lock and the scales

Don't think I'd be returning it though, as it's not bothering me in the least. Plus, I'd rather play with SuperBlue than with postal services .

Now if we could only have the full-sized Calypso resurrected from time to time...

 

[martyq]

This was one of my favorite models back in the early days of collecting Spyderco. I still have a VG-10 model with similar gap issues. It's like a larger size dragonfly which I also like very much. Thanks for the review and hopefully I can find one of these to add to my collection.

 

[Mikke]

Lockbar on my 420 clad ZDP-189 is close to perfection (I can't find any faults at least), but apart from that I totally agree with your Likes and So-so. I like most things about my Calypso JR, but the size is on the small size for my preferences so I don't carry it that much. I'm tempted by the Superblue, but as I don't carry mine (in the awesome ZDP-189 nonetheless!) very often, I think I'll pass, despite it being tempting.

 

[Kiteman72]

I just cracked mine open, and after a heavy dose of chicken-eyeing and coon-fingering, I can easily declare it a new favorite. I'm glad too, because as far as tough to get Spydercos go, this one was up there.

Initial impression is "very lightweight Delica", kinda. It's different enough that I will very seriously consider getting a "backup" if the opportunity arises. Arrived shaving sharp and with even grinds and rock solid lockup. The swedge is just killer and the blade is very nicely polished.

Very happy with this new knife!

 

[8-Fingers]

I’m really pumped to get this knife! I just informed KC that I wanted them to split ship an order so this is on its way! Best part of the deal is that KC honored the original mis-marked price when it was first advertised.. I picked this one up for around $32 shipped!!!!

 

[Mikke]

... I picked this one up for around $32 shipped!!!!

That's really a steal!

 

[on_the_edge]

Really nice size on these. Here is a comparison pic with my Caly 3 and Dragonfly.

Thinner stock than the Caly 3, but thicker than the Dragonfly. Edge length on the Caly 3 is a hair over 2-5/8" while the Caly Jr. comes in at 2.5". Weight on the Caly 3 is 3 oz. even while the Caly Jr. weighs in at a mere 1.9 oz.

I think Spyderco did a great job here!!!

 

[Fonedork]

I just cracked mine open, and after a heavy dose of chicken-eyeing and coon-fingering, I can easily declare it a new favorite. I'm glad too, because as far as tough to get Spydercos go, this one was up there....

LOL!

 

[sharp_edge]

Tip down carry only? Why?

 

[LTSweeney18]

I was wondering if anyone here has a caly jr and a benchmade mini grip that could try and see if the mini grip clip fits on the caly jr. If it works then I'm thinking of ordering a deep carry mxg clip. Thanks!

 

[ribstabsheart]

Anyone know of a spot where I could get one, or have an extra?

 

[hardheart]

I got an email on the 20th still showing my 12/11/17 preorder from knifecenter as pending with zero in stock. Any idea if spyderco going to ship any more, or did I wait nine months to pay scalper prices?

 

[P2P]

I got an email on the 20th still showing my 12/11/17 preorder from knifecenter as pending with zero in stock. Any idea if spyderco going to ship any more, or did I wait nine months to pay scalper prices?

That’s sucks, that was some serious patience on your end too.

 

[WoodManGM]

I got an email on the 20th still showing my 12/11/17 preorder from knifecenter as pending with zero in stock. Any idea if spyderco going to ship any more, or did I wait nine months to pay scalper prices?

Placed my preorder on 12/8. Like you, my order was showing zero in stock and I was getting nervous. But, I got my shipping notice on Thursday (9/20). So I think you might be OK.

 

[on_the_edge]

IIRC, KC has a well-known history of taking preorders well over and above what they know they will be getting. It sucks if you don't know about this practice and you don't get in "under the wire". KC could very easily put a stop to it if they wanted to. Clearly they have no such desire and it comes at the expense of their customers.

 

[WoodManGM]

IIRC, KC has a well-known history of taking preorders well over and above what they know they will be getting. It sucks if you don't know about this practice and you don't get in "under the wire". KC could very easily put a stop to it if they wanted to. Clearly they have no such desire and it comes at the expense of their customers.

I've placed quite a few preorders with them over the last few years and the only one I lost out on was the Para 3 Cruwear.

When you place a preorder with KC you have to give your credit card information so the sale is as good as complete. Some other dealers take preorders without any money up front or with only a small deposit and many of those customers will bail. Since KC is virtually guaranteed a sale for high demand knives under their system they will gladly take and sell as much product as they can get. It's the manufacturer that fouls up the works here when they provide less product than the dealer expects.

 

[shotcaller88]

Placed my preorder on 12/8. Like you, my order was showing zero in stock and I was getting nervous. But, I got my shipping notice on Thursday (9/20). So I think you might be OK.

I also placed my order on 12/8 and they are currently in the mail. I ordered a user and safe queen.

I have had KC pre-orders get canceled though.

 

[Kiteman72]

I also placed my order on 12/8 and they are currently in the mail. I ordered a user and safe queen.

I have had KC pre-orders get canceled though.

Okay, you made me feel better, I just had to have a safe queen for this amazing knife as well! Not an easy task.

 

[Fixall]

I was wondering if anyone here has a caly jr and a benchmade mini grip that could try and see if the mini grip clip fits on the caly jr. If it works then I'm thinking of ordering a deep carry mxg clip. Thanks!

I have a couple Caly Jrs and a 555-1 Mini grip. If ya can wait until I get home on Thursday, I’ll check It out.

 

[Chariotz4]

This thread helped push me over the edge when I saw some stock of these show up at a local retailer. I bought it for above MAP, but less than I've seen them go for on the secondary market. Overall, I really like the design and ergos of this one a lot (man, is that long and thin swedge on the top of the blade something!). My only complaint is that the edge bevels don't seem to be even, particularly on the tip of the show (left) side. However, since I plan on using this one (lightly), as I do with all my knives, it's not a huge deal - although I definitely would've appreciated a better/more even grind out-of-the-box.