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Help me choose: Spyderco Police 3 or Calypso Sprint?

CapitalizedLiving

CapitalizedLiving

Joined
Dec 1, 2007
Messages
3,798
Hello everyone,

I recently decided to get a Police 3 in G10, but when I started price-shopping I found the Calypso sprint and watched a video comparing the two. I am now wondering whether I should go one way or the other.

On the one hand, the Police has a bigger hole, comes in black G10, has screws instead of pins, and jimping. It comes in plain or serrated. And finally, it is readily available for a good price, allowing me to push back the purchase decision to next year.

On the other hand, the Calypso has a leaf blade (which I like), is lighter by about 1/2 ounce, and has an uncoated clip. I would really like all these features but will pay a premium for them, plus I have to act now if I want one.

I could just buy both and compare them, but I'm not going to. I'm going to make a decision and run with it. So, which one would you buy, and what would be your rationale?
 
I own both, carry neither, but will say that I find the Calypso handle more comfortable in my hand. Beyond that, they're both well made knives, so it really depends on which features are most important to you. If you want SE, are on a tight budget, prefer black to brown, or have thoughts of changing the scales, then go for the Police 3. If weight or potential future value are important, then go with the Calypso.

On a totally different note, is that a Renault Dauphine in your avatar?
 
For me, when it comes to choosing between a sprint and a production knife I more likely will get the sprint. But, I have to know within myself that I will actually use the sprint.

The Calypso is a really sweet folder.

Good luck with your choice.
 
Thanks guys. I definitely took pause when I saw the Calypso, it looks much more streamlined than the Police. I think in a lot of ways I would appreciate the added comfort and lower weight. Man, if only the Endura G10 was around, I'd just grab that and be done.

And yes, that car is a Dauphine.
 
Though it would be nice to pickup a sprint while they're around, I do simply love the Police3 G10. It is one of my favorite designs of knives. The only thing I don't quite enjoy is the set of plain black G10 scales. At that, they are able to be customized nicely, though, as it is out of my pocket now to be done up by ShepardCC. The blade shape is very useful and slim on the Police, with still an effective belly towards the tip. So overall, as a user, I would vote the Police3 G10. For a collection, I would go with the Calypso.
 
tchapman414 said:
Though it would be nice to pickup a sprint while they're around, I do simply love the Police3 G10. It is one of my favorite designs of knives. The only thing I don't quite enjoy is the set of plain black G10 scales. At that, they are able to be customized nicely, though, as it is out of my pocket now to be done up by ShepardCC. The blade shape is very useful and slim on the Police, with still an effective belly towards the tip. So overall, as a user, I would vote the Police3 G10. For a collection, I would go with the Calypso.
Click to expand...

Excellent response. Thank you very much.
 
I made the decision.... the Caly 3.5. I was handling one and it seemed like a good Goldilocks knife, something substantially bigger than my Dragonfly but without a lot more bulk. I like the wire clip and I feel like I am carrying a small knife in the pocket but a big knife when it is open.

Prior to this decision I was leaning heavily toward the Calypso sprint. I am very impressed with how light and slim it is, compared to its overall length, but the closed length and carry profile simply wasn't going to work out. Sprint or no sprint, it would be used until destruction or loss, and if I feel I can't carry it then it defeats the purpose of ownership for me. I guess I prefer my collection to have scars than dust.

With all that said, I might wait a year or so and pick up the Police 3 G10 since it's not on the discontinued list. That all depends on whether I decide the added bulk and length will be useful for situations in which the carry profile isn't an issue. So if the Caly 3.5 doesn't work out, I know where to turn next.

Thanks again for the responses.
 
CapitalizedLiving said:
I made the decision.... the Caly 3.5. I was handling one and it seemed like a good Goldilocks knife, something substantially bigger than my Dragonfly but without a lot more bulk. I like the wire clip and I feel like I am carrying a small knife in the pocket but a big knife when it is open.

Prior to this decision I was leaning heavily toward the Calypso sprint. I am very impressed with how light and slim it is, compared to its overall length, but the closed length and carry profile simply wasn't going to work out. Sprint or no sprint, it would be used until destruction or loss, and if I feel I can't carry it then it defeats the purpose of ownership for me. I guess I prefer my collection to have scars than dust.

With all that said, I might wait a year or so and pick up the Police 3 G10 since it's not on the discontinued list. That all depends on whether I decide the added bulk and length will be useful for situations in which the carry profile isn't an issue. So if the Caly 3.5 doesn't work out, I know where to turn next.

Thanks again for the responses.
Click to expand...

A different choice altogether, but a fine one, nonetheless! I once had a Caly3.5 CF/ZDP, and it certainly has an impressive amount of cutting edge tucked into its slim handle and overall profile. Enjoy your new knife!
 
CapitalizedLiving said:
Hello everyone,

I recently decided to get a Police 3 in G10, but when I started price-shopping I found the Calypso sprint and watched a video comparing the two. I am now wondering whether I should go one way or the other.

On the one hand, the Police has a bigger hole, comes in black G10, has screws instead of pins, and jimping. It comes in plain or serrated. And finally, it is readily available for a good price, allowing me to push back the purchase decision to next year.

On the other hand, the Calypso has a leaf blade (which I like), is lighter by about 1/2 ounce, and has an uncoated clip. I would really like all these features but will pay a premium for them, plus I have to act now if I want one.

I could just buy both and compare them, but I'm not going to. I'm going to make a decision and run with it. So, which one would you buy, and what would be your rationale?
Click to expand...
If you can only get one right now, get the sprint Calypso. You'll have plenty more opportunities to get the Police.
 
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