Calypso or BF Native?

johnniet

johnniet

Gold Member
Joined
Jul 12, 1999
Messages
4,682
I'm looking for a nice knife for a gift for a non-knife person (well he really is a knife person by inclination, but he doesn't know it). From what I read on the Forums, price range, etc. I think I have it narrowed down to a Calypso Jr. or BF Native. Now don't just say "The BF Native is the greatest!" because I want to know why someone who isn't really a knife person might prefer it -- remember, this will mostly be used to cut paper, tape, cardboard and string. Special attention to:

* ergonomics (everyone raves about the Calypso Jr., how come? how does the Native compare?)
* appearance (to non-knife people)
* engravability(?) (G10 vs. Micarta vs. the blade)

Merry Christmas,
John
 
I think the calypso jr. is probably less threatening to "non-knife" folks. It's slightly smaller and less "aggressive" looking. The flat grind blade of the calypso is also probably better for general utility. The calypso's AUS8 and the Native's Gin1 seem to be about the same, both steels easy to sharpen and keeps a decent edge. I find both the calypso and the native handles ergonomic.

I prefer the native myself but think your friend would probably like the calypso if s/he is a non-knife person. My choice for the calypso jr is the micarta handle version which I have. I found the new lightweight version to be too *light*. Again, personal perference.

sing

AKTI #A000356
 
two very good choices.
ergonomics- i like the native better, but the capypso jr. is real close.
appearance- calypso jr., don't have a preference myself, just results of informal surveys.
engravability- neither G-10 nor micarta can be engraven to my knowledge. the flat grind on the micarta calypso jr. would be more suitable than hollow on native. you could also get a stainless calypso jr. and engrave the handle, but you lose grip and add weight, so i wouldn't.
i think you'd be wise to get the micarta calypso jr. in this situation.
 
Much as I love my BF Native, I note that the only ones left have serrated blades. I do not like these for many reasons, including that they scare hell out of non-knife folks. On that basis, I would recommend the Calypso.

------------------
Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
Arlington, Virginia

 
If you are not sure that this person is aknife person, don't waste a semi-rare knife like the Bladeforums Native on him. Get him the Calypso lightweight. It is great knife, and it is smaller and cheaper. Both of which would make it a better introductory piece.
 
I would go with a micarta calypso Jr, plain edge. However, native is a nice knife too. Both have great ergonomics for my hands but I like the calypso jr a little better but thats not why I would get. For non knife person the calypso appears less tactical looking.
 
Another option is the stainless steel Native. It has a great steel (aus-10) and the handles are engravable. Probably my favorite stainless Spydie.

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Dennis Bible
Knoxville, Tennessee


 
Calypso. I just don't like the look of the Native. I know I'm the only person on Bladeforums that doesn't like it, but thats the way it goes.


Blades
 
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