Did I get a bum Calypso Jr ???

eCryptid

eCryptid

Joined
Jan 9, 2007
Messages
4
Hi all,
I patiently waited all week for my ZDP Calypso Jr to arrive. I have a Caly III which I love, but I've seen so many good reviews of the Calypso Jr in the past that I just had to get one when I saw that they were producing another batch. Unfortunately, I think the one I received is defective. I've already arranged to exchange it and plan to mail this one back tomorrow, but I'm wondering if anyone has seen a blade that is loose the way this one is. There is a bit of side to side play when open (with the lock depressed) but is otherwise pretty tight. The weirdness comes when the blade is closed -- all I do is gently press on the blade and it "clicks" back and forth.

I recorded a short video to better explain which can be seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgJWsc6yh7Y

You can even hear the "clicks" in the video (the audio doesn't sound in sync with the video. It wasn't that way before I uploaded it, but you can still hear what I'm talking about).

Any thoughts? Ever had a blade like this? I have several folders, mostly Spyderco but I've never seen one like this.
 
NOT normal..I've had three Calypso Jrs..nothing moved..the blades were off center, yes, but it was solid
 
I'll say this though, I can already tell that once I get my replacement I'm really going to like it. I really like the texture on the FRN handle... reminds me of fish scales. And I like the ergonomics of the knife, although I do think the Caly 3 is nicer (it has a more solid/heftier feel).
 
Throw a lanyard on the Caly jr. Ergonomically, it made a big difference for me. Thanks GR! ;)
 
So far, its my pair, eCrypt's and one other member's pair that does that.
Once the lock bar engages, its rock solid
 
My 2 gray Calys are great but my burgundy Caly has a blade so warped it cannot lay flat enough on a stone to be sharpened. It is a shame that one of the best cutters in the Spyderco stables has so many problems.
 
Well, now I'm truly bummed. I called today to make sure my return was received. It was, but then I was told that all of the other Calypso Jrs in stock did the exact same thing. As I said in my original post, the blade lockup felt good when it was fully opened so it's probably just fine in terms of safety....but I'll always have that nagging feeling that something wasn't done right in the manufacturing process -- I mean, I've got Enduras, Delicas, Natives, Dodos, etc. (some pinned, some screwed) and none of them are like this. And that's true of my non-Spyderco models as well. So, in the end I've decided to ask for a credit and instead I think I'm going for the mini "Persian 75mm" which I've been eyeing for a while :-)

BTW, I don't want this thread to reflect negatively on Spyderco in general -- they're *still* my favorite company for their innovation, quality, design, customer service, integrity, and price. I just wish I could spare ~$70 to rip that thing apart and figure out what makes it "click" (yes, pun intended :-)

Okay...now I can start looking forward to my mini-Persian ...yay!
 
I have this same problem with my brand new ZDP Caly III. It doesn't "click" like the video, but it can move. That doesn't bother me so much, because it is rock solid once open. What does bug me, however, is that there is a significant gap on the open size of the FRN opposite the spine and near the pivot. Considering that there's no way to tighten the pivot, this gap seems to be a flaw in the FRN molding, or perhas just the pinning of it together. I regret to say that this is the most disappointing Spyderco I've owned for this reason.:(

If this is a trait on all of the new ZDP Caly batch, I'm not sure how to feel about it. I know Spydercos are performance driven, function before aesthetics designs, but I guess I'm just spoiled by my other flawless Spyders.
 
I did want one of the new Calypso Jr.'s in ZDP189. I've read here and at the Spyderco site of the issues with blade wobble and in some cases the blade being warped. I have 8 Spydies now with one on the way. I've come to expect great workmanship and quality from them. However, I don't think this particular model meets that. I'll wait for something else.
 
Youll like the 75mm Persian. I like mine a lot, and theres no blade play when closed.
 
mine wobbles as well!!!! :( :confused: :mad:

I must say I am quite disappointed. I've asked the dealer what can be done, but I was hoping to use it in my jungle trip in 2 weeks...there's just not way I can get a replacement blade in time..... :grumpy:
 
anyone tried tapping the pivot pin lightly to tighten up the pivot? I think the pivot is quite loose, somehow the tolerances aren't as tight as the Caly 3 (my all time favourite).

However, the sharpness of the ZDP blade is the bee's knees !!! :thumbup:
 
It's now obvious to me that the problem lies in the pivot area. The two FRN slabs are not pinned close enough together, hence the blade wobble. I'm not sure I want to tap my pivot pin yet...waiting to see what the dealer has to say first....
 
looks like the pin diameter is wrong, could someone depress their lockbar and try to wiggle the blade around the pivot pin
 
I emailed / PMed Joyce and Tazkristi - no response yet.

I checked with several dealers - all had wobbly blades.
 
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