Native IV vs. Caly 3

lava_lamp

lava_lamp

Joined
Oct 5, 2006
Messages
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I have been meaning to pick up a Caly 3 for a while, after hearing what a great slicer it is and hearing so many folks say it is their favorite Spyderco.

I just traded for a Native IV in Carbon fiber with VG-10 steel and it seems pretty similar to the Caly 3. My question for those of you who have both is how different are they? Is it worth getting the Caly 3 if I have the Native?

Thanks.
 
I have both. They're actually very similar knives in construction and feel. Sal just commented in the Spyderco forum that the Native IV, Caly 3, and Sage are part of a family of knives.

The real differences, IMO:

Native 4:
Spear-point blade, slightly more piercing tip with swedge
Further lock travel to unlock, feels like added safety with the lack of a Boye dent
Taller handle with more to grip
Phosphor Bronze washers
Refined utility knife feel

Caly 3:
Leaf-shaped blade
Lock engages solidly but easy to unlock
Slim handle, disappears into the hand, great ergonomics
Washerless
Gent's knife feel

Both are about the same thickness, Native seems slightly lighter. They're definitely different knives, but the differences are pretty subtle.

I have the G-10/VG-10 Caly 3. I plan on picking up the Carbon Fiber version, but that's just because I'm crazy about the series of knives!
 
I have a Caly3 but not a Native, although I like the Native. If I ever need a blade designed for higher penetration, I will get a Native, that's how I feel about it.
 
Another point worth noting. Native IV offers 4 way clip mounting. Caly 3 offers better concealment with the low rise wire clip. Depends on which of those, if either, you value most.
 
enderwiggin said:
I have both. They're actually very similar knives in construction and feel. Sal just commented in the Spyderco forum that the Native IV, Caly 3, and Sage are part of a family of knives.

The real differences, IMO:

Native 4:
Spear-point blade, slightly more piercing tip with swedge
Further lock travel to unlock, feels like added safety with the lack of a Boye dent
Taller handle with more to grip
Phosphor Bronze washers
Refined utility knife feel

Caly 3:
Leaf-shaped blade
Lock engages solidly but easy to unlock
Slim handle, disappears into the hand, great ergonomics
Washerless
Gent's knife feel

Both are about the same thickness, Native seems slightly lighter. They're definitely different knives, but the differences are pretty subtle.

I have the G-10/VG-10 Caly 3. I plan on picking up the Carbon Fiber version, but that's just because I'm crazy about the series of knives!
Click to expand...

I agree with enderwiggin. One more difference that Caly3 has a hump with jumping on it, which can be handy for cirtain kind of cutting.
I EDC G10/VG10 Caly3 for more than two years and absolutely love this knife.
it is a beauty and workhorse. I have CF Caly3 and do not like it that much, I do not care about laminated blades.
About three week ago my friends gifted me Native4. Knife is outstanding. I never used it, will keep in display case as a memory, but I bought second Native4 for use.
I need both.
 
I like the wider handle of the Native IV. I like the lack of a Boye detent.
The Caly III is ground to a thinner edge.
 
I have both, and agree with the points above. I do favor my Caly 3 CF Zdp-189 over the native due to the fact that I am addicted to the thumb ramp and jimping for a secure hold. I also like the wire clip over the stamped one. They are very similar, and are both great knives.
 
I'm considering one or the other as my next purchase. I'm concerned that the front choil on the Caly 3 is going to be similar to the Navigator, which I found to be "unsafe" feeling. It felt like my finger could easily slip forward and get sliced, so I don't edc the navigator anymore. It's a shame because I like the blade. The choil on the Native seems more substantial and secure.

Am I off-base here? I'd appreciate any input from you guys who have both knives. Thanks.
 
Nope, you're right on. The choil on the Native IV is WAY more substantial than on the Caly 3. I like it a lot more, but I don't think the Caly 3's choil is really unsafe.

I don't get why they didn't keep it more like the UKPK, though.
 
I guess looking at the photos and comparing both knives one gets the impression that the Caly 3's choil is "weak", but that may only be relative to the hilt-like choil on the Native.

I really like the Caly 3's non-threatening appearance (I live in NY :o ...) and the low riding clip, so I'm leaning that way, but I don't want a knife I'm not confident in using for every day tasks because I might slice a finger. Decisions, Decisions .... :D

Thank you for your input. :thumbup:
 
I am carrying my Native4 for a few days now. Great knife, but I am missing low ridding wire clip of Caly3. :eek:
Still love both: Caly3 and Native4. Will carry both.
 
I am following this thread with interest, because after buying and using the Sage, I am ready to drop the hammer on a CF Caly 3. Aw nuts, who am I kidding? I'll just end up getting the Native IV as well. :o
 
... and just to complicate matters, I'm considering a UKPK because the absence of a lock may be desirable here in NY.
 
PV29 said:
... and just to complicate matters, I'm considering a UKPK because the absence of a lock may be desirable here in NY.
Click to expand...

I love my Orange UKPK, this is a great knife as well, but to the best of my knowledge there is no law, at least at this time, prohibiting locked knives in NYC. You just cannot expose any part of the knife, including the clip, so carry inside the pocket. This is what I usually do in the city.
 
bh49 said:
I love my Orange UKPK, this is a great knife as well, but to the best of my knowledge there is no law, at least at this time, prohibiting locked knives in NYC. You just cannot expose any part of the knife, including the clip, so carry inside the pocket. This is what I usually do in the city.
Click to expand...

It is my understanding that the lock is not the issue - but overzealous LEOs gravity dropping the knife is. If you flick it open with a very hard snap, or if you can grab the blade and snap it hard enough that it opens, they can call it a gravity knife, and you just might have an appointment with a judge. Most Spydercos can be opened this way.

And it is true that you can't have any part of it visible.
 
THG said:
I never understood why some laws REQUIRE you to conceal. Why is that?
Click to expand...

Because a visible knife will cause tremendous uneasiness in the sheeple and it can trigger a violent gang war between the Sharks and the Jets. We don't need another West Side Story breaking out in New York City!!! :rolleyes:

On a serious note, I wish the Native 4 had a wire clip like his older brother the Native 3.
 
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