CF Gentlemen's EDC

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I sure do like my Spyderco Sage 1. An excellent folder (dressy or casual) that's good-lookin' and carries comfortably and discreetly. If you prefer lockbacks, the Chaparral is pretty much a smaller Sage 1 as far as I can tell (I don't have one.) And then there's the Gayle Bradley, which by most accounts is a medium-to-hard-use worker that wears a nice tuxedo...

Caly 3 might be worth a look as well...

Good luck! :)
 
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Knives of Alaska makes their Featherlight Folding Hunter in CF. DEFINITELY worth checking out.
 
I have the CF Caly 3, and it is a great knife. For size comparison, here it is with a Millie, Bradley, and Para:
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Stainz, thanks for the BM comparison. I really wanted a 581, but I, too, decided that I prefer manual openers. My 587-1 is a two-hand-closing affair. I've never really warmed up to the 775 - seems like the exact opposite of my Para2. Beefy little tank, though.

lambert - that's an awesome spread of Spydies, and just what I needed to see. Love the FFG / FG PM2.
Something in the shape of the GB puts me off, (though I think it's starting to grow on me) and the size is really close to my beloved Para. Otherwise, I know it's a fabulous device.
You guys have really got me considering the Caly3 CF/ZDP now.
I'll need to see if one of my local B&M's stocks it.
 
Give Aramgedon down in Mtn View a try/call to see if they have the knives you want to compare.
 
Ridley75 said:
Give Aramgedon down in Mtn View a try/call to see if they have the knives you want to compare.
Click to expand...

Do you mean Armorgeddon in Cupertino?
That's exactly where I'm planning to head - when I can get a few free moments to spend.
They generally have a nice assortment of BM and Spyderco on hand.
 
Well,
I'd love to try the ZDP-189 on the Caly3, but the shape doesn't appeal to me much and the smooth scales aren't my cup of tea.
I think the Chaparral looks great, and would positively disappear in pocket but I couldn't find one to handle. Knives I've tried close to that size (D-Fly, Chive, Shoki - anything smaller than a Native or Leek) feel like two-finger operations to me. I just don't feel I can get enough purchase on their little handles to put them to use. I wear an XL glove, and have determined that I'm better at gross motor movements than fine - my fingers are just a little clumsy.
So, I ordered up the Sage 1.
I'm really looking forward to it - every one I've tried just feels like an extension of my hand. I don't usually care as much for locks where I've got to pass a digit in front of the blade to close it, but the Walker liner-lock makes it simple, quick, and nearly fool-proof. (Which I need.) I'm looking forward to seeing how Spydie's S30V compares to BM's.
Thanks for all the help!
 
maybe a little late
I am in the bay area - you are welcome to try my Chaparral (sp:rolleyes:). Seriously - PM me if interested.
I love my 940. The Chaparral was the first Spyderco I didn't trade away. It disappears in my pocket - especially with the deep carry clip you probably will not use. Very discrete.
My similar lust for CF led me to the Gayle Bradley - and as much as I try to be discrete, I can't keep it out of my pocket.
I traded my Sage1 (too late for you...) - it never felt right in my hands. The index choil was always a bit too big (med/large hands). As I'm sure you have realized, the benefit of the choil is a longer effective handle in a smaller knife (but at the expense of blade length).
And - not all CF is equivalent. The Caly3 CF just doesn't give me the same goosebumps as the twill CF. Waiting for a lightning strike CF production model...
 
Thanks foofie.
Great info. I love my Para2 and M4 Manix2, and know I dig the CF on the Sage. Gayle....Bradley.... - Must..... Resist.....
I've only handled it, not used it, but I thought the ergos on the Sage were fantastic for a knife of that size. I'll find out for sure shortly...
If it doesn't work out I may take you up on your offer. If it does, I better not. I already woke up one morning thinking what a wonderful slicer the Chaparral must be...
 
Just a quick update:
I located a Chaparral to try, the same day my Sage arrived.
I've got to say, the Chap is one of the nicest, easiest small knives I've tried. But I still felt sorta crippled with it pinched between my mitts, and couldn't get the (admittedly tight, not-broken-in) blade closed one-handed.
I must say, I'm ecstatic with the Sage 1 - it feels like the perfect EDC (if not quite as "Gentlemanly" as the Chaparral.) Now, on those occasions when the Para2 is just 2 much, I won't need to compromise - just choose wisely.
Thanks again for the help!
 
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