Feedback from lightweight calypso jr. owners?

Uncle Bill · Nov 9, 1999

Now that these have been out there for a few weeks, what's everybody's experience with them?

What do you think of VG-10? Is it the steel of choice in a folder this size and price?

Mine, FYI, is doing a great job. It goes with me everywhere, handles all sorts of cutting chores, and stays very sharp for a very long time. I'm not doing scientific comparisons or anything, but from a purely subjective point of view, I'd say it's the best steel I've ever owned (there's no 440v or BG-42 in my collection).

db · Nov 9, 1999

Hi I have not had mine long enough to comment on the steels performance. I will say the one I got had the best factory edge I have ever seen. Well done Spyderco, this is the first knife I have not felt like resharpening as soon as I got it.

lbwheat · Nov 10, 1999

I bought two of these little beauties just so I could take one and really see how sharp it can get. The first one I received with the Chai sign I left as it was in the box,but the second I used my 204 on the 40 degree side first to lengthen the bevel then I went to the 30 degree side and used the flats of the white stones until I could see the edge was completed with a 10 power jewelers loupe.Then I removed the wire edge with cardboard stroping and finished up with polishing the edge with a thick piece of oiled leather stroping the same as with the cardboard until it shows a nice shiney finish on the edge. I'm not sure how delicate the edge is,but it will slice a ripe tomato paper thin and I have to be careful if I use it to cut meat on a plastic tray because it zips right through without any resistance.I don't think I've ever owned a knife this sharp.I think the VG-10 is a really great steel.

Dalerich · Nov 10, 1999

The Calypso Jr. Lightweight is the sharpest knives I own. It is one of my favorite Spyderco knives. The texturing on the zytel makes for an excellent grip. The blade design it the best. The thin blade and flat grind make for an excellent cutting machine. (2 stitches in my index finger testify to this fact).

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Dale Richmond
AKTI Number A000949

storyville · Nov 10, 1999

Hey Uncle Bill -- so can we expect khukuris with VG10 in the near future?

Good Q -- I'm thinking 'bout getting the new Calypso Jr ltwght -- appears to be among the most versatile designs in a most compact package...

Glen

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How unfortunate that youth is wasted on young people." Mark Twain

Roger Blake · Nov 10, 1999

The Calypso Jr is my favorite 3" folder. I love its ergonomics. Mine is micarta handled with an aus-8 blade. I like micarta handles, they have class that zytel just does not. As far as aus-8 goes it takes a very keen edge, and is easy to sharpen. Its true that the edge is not as long lasting ats and others but with the amount of use I give it, its not a concern. I like this knife a lot. It comes closest to perfection of the knives I own and I own way too many. There was some talk that these may be discontinued.

misque · Nov 10, 1999

That's one of AUS8A's endearing values. It takes an astoundingly fine edge. Bad thing is, it just doesn't keep it as long as some other steels. Oh well...

The great thing about VG10 is it takes the same type of edge as AUS8A and holds on to it for a good while!

Oh, BTW, I LOVE my Calypso Jr. Lightweight!
This is one little working knife that ROCKS!

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The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.

anthony cheeseboro · Nov 11, 1999

I just got my hands on a Calypso jr. Lightweight. I am impressed in the extreme. It is incredibly light, even lighter than my Delica 98. The blade is sharper than any I have seen before. The threaded holes for the reversible clips are extremely well made. The action is as slick a smooth liner lock. I am really impressed.

maddog2020 · Nov 11, 1999

The Calypso Jr LTWT is my favorite little daily user. Ultra ltwt at just under 2 oz.
VG-10 is a great improvment over the Aus-8. Firm grip thanks to the two directional fish scales. Molded IN, threaded metal insert for easy set up if you want lefty carry.

I am a LEFTY of course....LOL. I had used the ol' micarta Calypso Jr for a number of months....the action on the micarta is SWEETer. Overall, if you like the std jr, you will LOVE the LTWT even more IMHO.

Too bad they weren't available in BLUE, or Maroon.

---- HINT, HINT, HINT.... Sal.

Ray 'md2020'