Hungry For Spyderco CF! Stretch CF vs Sage CF vs Native CF vs Caly 3 CF

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TheAmazingTacos

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Oct 19, 2011
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I am really wanting some new carbon fiber knives for edc i cant see any of these blades in person but watching reviews I really like all of these so I am not leaning toward any knives so I need help guys and gals which should I get and why?! Stretch CF vs Sage CF vs Native CF vs Caly 3 CF

Thanks!
 
I've owned all of those except the CF Native (which I've owned the FRN version of), and for EDC my pick would be the Stretch. A big reason is simplythat I prefer knives with a 3.5" or longer blade for EDC and the Stretch is the only one of those that meets that criterion. But I also think it's the most versatile and comfortable in the hand of the bunch, with the larger handle and finger choil offering very natural and comfortable grips in both a choke-up and choke-back position. Additionally, I prefer the grippier feel of the ply carbon fiber to the smooth and twill carbon fiber on the others.

All are excellent knives, though, and you honestly can't go wrong with any of them. I still have my Sage 1, and it's my top choice on those (rare!) occasions when I want to carry a smaller knife.
 
I hope that your are aware that CF on Stretch, Sage, and Caly/Native have different finish. Stretch has peel-ply CF, Sage has twill, Caly3 and Native have smooth, almost polished CF. Stretch will provide you with the best grip, but not the best look. Sage will have medium grip and in my opinion the best looking CF, Native/Caly least grip and nice look for gents knife.
Also Stretch and Native are discontinued, so it will cost more to get this two.
Stretch has solid ZDP blade steel, Caly has laminated ZDP (blade with very hard core, but scratches easy), Sage S30V, and Native VG10. Sage has liner lock, the rest are midlocks.
I never owned CF Stretch - I really do not like the blade shape. I owned Sage, but sold it, I do not like blade shape either. I still own CF Caly3, but I hate uneven laminated lines on the blade.
CF Native4 is the winner of my heart. I love the knife. I used to have two, but in the moment of insanity sold one:(:o. Great knife, great ergos, good steel and looks good. Very good EDC.

neuron said:
I've owned all of those except the CF Native (which I've owned the FRN version of)
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I think that this is not exactly correct. CF Native4 has different blade than any FRN Natives: it is FFG, which performs and looks quite different. Also no swedge.
 
bh49 said:
I think that this is not exactly correct. CF Native4 has different blade than any FRN Natives: it is FFG, which performs and looks quite different. Also no swedge.
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Of course. I was just referring to the general Native platform (just as a reference point in terms of size/shape/ergonomics rather than the details of the blade grind).
 
Money vs blade length vs sharpening habits. All knives are more than capable for most use and are darn sure purdy. Sharpening VG10 is a lot different than ZDP but don't let that scare you as it's reputation is worse than its bite. I think the US made Native would be great also but you'll likely not find one close to the price of a new Sage.
 
I have the Caly3 CF and the Sage 1. I much prefer the smooth CF on the Caly3 to the "textured" CF of the Sage. I don't feel that grip is a problem with either knife because of the excellent jimping and choils, and even if it was, I don't think that the Sage's CF has any grip advantage over the smooth CF, which definitely looks better.
 
The stretch (and Gayle Bradley) are significantly larger than the Caly 3 / Sage / Native 5. Personally, I like the smaller size for EDC. I have a Caly 3 and Sage and like them both. Haven't got my hands on a Native 5 yet but everything I have heard suggests that it's another excellent offering. It's going to be hard to go wrong with either one, it will really come down to personal preference.

Between the Sage and Caly 3, I like the Sage for general EDC but find that the Caly 3 is a very special knife and definitely has some more appeal from a collector's standpoint. Like I said I think it's hard to go wrong and my best advice would be to pick up all 3. ;)
 
You might get more replies in the Spyderco subforum.

For an EDC I would pick the Stretch just because I like a bigger knife. For more of a dress/ gentleman's knife I really like the Caly 3 though it is a little small for me for day to day carry. I don't like the Sage 1/2 because of the cutout for the lock. It makes the grip for my index finger much smaller than the rest of the knife and feels awkward. It only feels OK if using the choil. I have a native but not the CF version and it is an OK knife but not my favorite design. It's also a little small for what I like.
 
how about the spyderco chinese Lum CF? the CF on that is gorgeous!

and aesthetically, i think it looks the best of the bunch :D
 
Don't forget the Military cf with BG-42. Is that the peel ply? The stickiest for sure. The Caly3 looks the prettiest but sure is slick.
The Sage gets most of the pocket time with me. The feel is right in between the others. Just right.
 
TheAmazingTacos said:
I am really wanting some new carbon fiber knives for edc i cant see any of these blades in person but watching reviews I really like all of these so I am not leaning toward any knives so I need help guys and gals which should I get and why?! Stretch CF vs Sage CF vs Native CF vs Caly 3 CF

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Had 'em all. I would add Gayle Bradley to your list and pick it above the others.

Next, I would rank Stretch, Sage, Native, then Caly. Most or all of them are reviewed by me with more detail if you click on *My Knife Reviews* in my sig.
 
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