I can't decide! Ka-Bar Dozier or Spyderco Calypso Jr.?

nelsonmc

nelsonmc

Joined
Jan 14, 2005
Messages
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I buy 1 knife a month usually, and the time has come once again. Last month it was my first Benchmade, a Mini-Pika and wow do I love it!

I've read a lot about both of these knifes, and I want some opinions from those who own them both. Which knife, the Ka-Bar 4065 (thumbhole) Dozier or the Spyderco Calypso Jr. is the better bang for the buck? I'm so split, either way I think next month I'll be buying the one I didn't pick this month. Thanks for the help guys.

P.S. This will be my first Ka-Bar or Spyderco! Well actually I do have a Ka-Bar, but it's about 15 years old, I have no idea what model it is, looks like a Buck 110...
 
Get the Caypso Jr. first because supply is limited where as there will be lots of the Kabar Doziers for some time.I have both and wouldn't want to make a decision as to which is the best buy but at those prices almost everyone can afford both so it's a win win situation.If I could only have one I'd pay the extra for the Caly for the better steel and the finger choil.
 
Well, since you don't own a Spyderco, I think it's about time!

Get the Calypso Jr! I've been EDCing it a while now and I love it!
 
I beleive the Grey FRN Calypso Jr is the best "bang for your buck" knife giong around, but I've not used, seen or handled the KaBar Dozier. For $35 the Caly is a steal!!
 
I try to stay under $50 a month, I mean really I try to keep it around $20 but choices are quite limited at that price range. I'm also tucking some away for a Griptilian. I think I will try for the Calypso Jr. as I didn't know they were being discontinued!? Why the heck would they do that? Darn.
 
I like Dozier's stuff but in this case go with the Spyderco. It has a better feel to it and I think the hole is better positioned on the Spydie.
 
I really like the look of the handle, the moveable clip, and the flat grind of the Calypso Jr. Geez, I may just have to put this one away in my safe box considering it's been discontinued. I hope I win, I'm bidding for one on eBay right now.
 
Only the VG-10 and grey FRN is discontinued. In a few months there will be a burgundy colored FRN with ZDP-189 steel, so there still will be a Calypso Jr. to buy, just not the grey FRN VG-10 one.
 
It is a far superior knife. It is a better cutter, the handle is better ergo-speaking, and the lock-up is more solid. And it costs alot less than the Spydie. Always go with a Dozier design.
 
I've got both. both offer great bang for the buck. The dozier was really sharp out of the box, the calypso was incredibly sharp. I prefer the calypso, particularly the choil that give it a good feel in hand. I keep the dozier clipped to my sunscreen in my truck so I actually use it more than the calypso.

Bottom line, get the calypso now and the dozier later. You could almost get both and still scrape in aroung your 50 limit.
 
Lost my bid on the Calypso but I'm still tryin'... I suppose I could use Buy It Now but I'm a cheap young man.
 
Over the past few months I've purchased a Spyderco Calypso, Jr., Ka-Bar Dozier, and Benchmade Mini-Pika in my search for an inexpensive EDC knife. I carried all three for a week each and in my case it was no contest -- Calypso, Jr. all the way. I liked the small, low-riding clip on the Mini-Pika but it was hard to open and close one-handed. The Ka-Bar is one tough knife but I found the clip to be too loose and I kept catching my hand on the metal that juts out when it's closed. The Calypso, Jr. has a nice thin profile and rides well in the pocket and the blade design and sharpness are top-notch. The Ka-Bar is now my rough and tumble knife while the Mini-Pika stays at work. All three are fine blades but I went with the Spyderco.
 
Slvgx said:
Only the VG-10 and grey FRN is discontinued. In a few months there will be a burgundy colored FRN with ZDP-189 steel, so there still will be a Calypso Jr. to buy, just not the grey FRN VG-10 one.
Click to expand...

Is this true? where did you hear this?
If it's true, I'll wait for the burgundy grip with zdp-189.
 
Joseph.K said:
Is this true? where did you hear this?
If it's true, I'll wait for the burgundy grip with zdp-189.
Click to expand...
keep in mind that it won't be the same price, as ZDP-189 is an expensive steel (but it sound so good!).

EDIT: and you can still buy a Calypso Jr, thei're discontinuted but still easily findable
 
there will be ZDP-189 versions of the Delica (in may) & the Caly jr (in june).. according to spyderco, i know of only one website that's pre-selling them (but i never really searched for more, too early) & the caly will go for $62, the delica for $65...
i think that if that ZDP-189 really performs like the rumors say, & there's no indication it doesn't, it is well worth the wait & the extra $
 
Well then, I may just start saving up for one of those then. I can't seem to win a Caly on eBay for the price I like so forget it. I'll buy the Dozier this month and wait for the new Caly.
 
You can’t go wrong with the Ka-bar Dozier. I got one as a gift a month or so ago and it has replaced my Spyderco Native (S30V) as my EDC. It is just a great feeling knife. Just wish I could afford the real deal from Mr. Dozier himself.

rgc
 
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