Looking for full flat grind options

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Finn-lander

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Apr 12, 2008
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I recently posted on the General Discussion board that I was looking for suggestions for a new EDC. Many replied recommending a Spyderco. They also mentioned some models with full flat grinds. Now after some research, I really want a pocket scalple. What current, reasonably priced ($100 or less) production knives does Spyderco offer? (Caly Jr, Caly3, Para, Military, ???) My current EDC is a full size Grip and I don't think I want to go much bigger than that, but not significantly smaller either. Being a newby to knives, I am also a newby to sharpening so some of the super steels may not be the best for me. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

P.S. Although not a full flat grind how does the Centofante line stack up as a slicer?
 
The Centofante III and IV both have 2mm thick, hollow grind blades that are excellent slicers. The handles are lightweight FRN, quite smooth except for a few grooves. They are more of a gentleman's knife than a worker, although they are surprisingly capable when called upon.

The earlier Centofante and Centofante II were both flat ground. They are long discontinued and harder to come by, but they do show up on eBay once in a while. Either would certainly fill the pocket scalpel role.

The Military is quite a bit larger than the Griptillian, but it is flatter and lighter, so it carries like it is smaller than it is. The S90V Military is my current favorite work knife, but I wouldn't suggest it for a sharpening newbie. The S30V version is less expensive and easier to sharpen.

Of all the models you mentioned, the Caly Jr. would be my pick for a pocket scalpel. The only Caly Jr. I think is still in (limited) production is the ZDP-189/420J2 version made for Moteng. When I got mine, they were running about $68.00, and well worth it.
 
For a pocket scalpel, I would seriously recommend the Lava. You absolutely cannot go wrong with that knife.
 
the caly 3 is really a work of art. smooth action, no washers, solid as a rock. flat grind leaf shaped blade. cant ask for much more.

i have a carbon fiber one with zdp189 steel, and a g10 one with vg-10 steel. i love them both.
 
The VG-10 Caly3 is a nice knife, the G-10 Delica would also be a good choice if you want a full flat grind :thumbup:
 
The full size Grip has a 3 1/2" blade. The FFG Spyders (except for the Military) being recommended have 3", or less, blades. IME, that 1/2" of blade makes quite a difference.

The options for a 3 1/2" blade FFG Spyder are the Stretch 2 (fantastic knife, but close to $200) or the Tenacious (under $40, great value for the money, made in China).

Tom
 
Get the new D2 para military. It is awesome!!! Spyderco's CPM D2 iis vert easy to sharpen to a razor edge IMO(i am not a newb to sharpening, but nowhere near a pro;)) It also holds it's edge incredibly well. the compression lock is great too! It's definately my favorite >3.5"(legal limit in seattle) spydie.
 
'Nother vote here for the Para. Either the S30V or D2 would be a fine choice for a FFG pocket scalpel as long as you don't mind tip down RH carry only.
 
You can't go wrong with any of the Spydecos you are considering. If you want a lockback the Calys will be great.
The Para is compression lock which is easy to get used to and quite fun to use. What ever you decide on you should be totally satisfied with it.
Or just get a Para and one Caly.
 
I can recall two FFG spydies with 3.5" blade (R2 and Stretch), both of them discontinued, but can be found on the bay under $100. But I wouldn't consider any of them pocket scalpel. For pocket scalpel I would get Caly3 VG10. 3" Blade, great knife. I EDC it for more that a year and love it.
 
The best "pocket scalpel" would probably be the G10 Delica 4. It's full flat, and has a much thinner blade than the Paramilitary (which would also be a great choice). Another knife in that category would be the Cricket. It's not flat ground, but the blade is so thin that it really doesn't matter.
 
Find a Spyderco you like, and if isn't flat ground, send it to Tom Krein for one of his treatments.
I would recommend an Endura/Delica in ZDP-189, and have Tom "treat it". It would probably be around $100 when done.



Jason
 
Thanks for all of the great suggestions. Even though both are smaller than my Grip, I think it is between the Caly3 and the G-10 Delica. Both give me a new "steel" to try, G-10 handles, and FFG. I will be watching the For Sale area for a used Caly or save for a while longer and get a new Caly/Delica.
 
The Calypso 3 would be my vote. Although practically the same size, the Caly 3 will feel "bigger" in your hand than the Delica because of the finger choil. I don't have huge hands, but the Delica is just a shade too small. The Caly 3 is perfect. I also EDC a Tasman Salt, which uses the same Delica handles, but because the thumb ramp is just the slightest bit less angled back, the Tasman Salt isn't too small.

A Paramilitary or 83mm Manix will be closer in size to your Griptilian. But these have beefier blades and thicker grinds than the Caly 3 or Delica, so they're not quite the "pocket scalpel" that the smaller knives are.
 
Blades said:
Find a Spyderco you like, and if isn't flat ground, send it to Tom Krein for one of his treatments.
I would recommend an Endura/Delica in ZDP-189, and have Tom "treat it". It would probably be around $100 when done.



Jason
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I believe ZDP blades under 4" are $45 for a T.K. regrind. so its defo. not as much as $100 :)
 
Finn-lander said:
Thanks for all of the great suggestions. Even though both are smaller than my Grip, I think it is between the Caly3 and the G-10 Delica. Both give me a new "steel" to try, G-10 handles, and FFG. I will be watching the For Sale area for a used Caly or save for a while longer and get a new Caly/Delica.
Click to expand...

Just saw an NIB Caly 3 on Knifebst for under $100. Seller is pretty well known on the boards, so it seems like a good deal.
 
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the yojimbo. They may be hard to come by these days, but they're in your size range and I've heard nothing but good things about their cutting ability.

- Chris
 
I just got my D'allara yesterday and it's a great slicer too. VG-10 steel, FRN handles and it's about the same size as the grip, the only difference is the weight. The D'allara is about 5oz and the Grip is 3.25oz. I'd have to agree with everyone else, the Caly 3 seems like a favorite among us spyder-nuts. I don't have on yet, that will be after my Manix purchase :D.
 
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