Need a replacement for my Calypso Jr

M

Minjin

Joined
Sep 29, 2002
Messages
521
Unfortunately, after a number of years of faithful service, I seem to have misplaced my nice burgundy ZDP189 Calypso Jr. It was such a great knife with good ergonomics and a fantastic blade steel. One of the biggest things I liked was it's light weight and very slim profile. This helped me carry it IWB in the front while forgetting that it was even there most of the time.

So, I've been out of the knife world for a while. What should I get to replace this knife? Anything newer that can hold a candle to it as an EDC? Any suggestions would be welcome.
 
Price range? Any laws limiting blade length?

Real cheap replacement = Persistance
Inexpensive replacement = new Delica w/ full flat grind or Native for $45+.

Manix 2 about 75
Sage about 100
 
Needs to be compact and thin. No restrictions other than that. I'm looking for something similar or not radically different in size or function than the CJ.
 
Caly 3 would be the closest current model. It is virtually identical in size, shape, and thickness. Differences are that it's heavier, tip up carry instead of tip down, has a larger Spyderhole, and no swedge grind on the blade. Or you could keep an eye on eBay and the exchange here, Calypso Jrs. show up in both places at least occasionally.

Paul
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My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Kiwimania ---- Spydiewiki
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It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twisted up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam
 
As you said, it's heavier and that's a sticking point for me. I really valued its light weight and I didn't realize till the past few minutes of looking around on spyderco's website just how much heavier everything is. Everything seems to be a good amount heavier. I looked on here and I see that the CJ is discontinued for good. I really don't get that. It seems to have lots of love for it, more than many other models. Why discontinue it?
 
Alright, I'm liking the Delica 4 Flat grinds at around 60 bucks. And the Sage doesn't seem too terribly heavy and is around 85 bucks.
 
The Rookie is worth looking at. The knife is very light and thin - the liner is only on one side. The folded size is 3 3/4" with a 3" blade. It is a sprint run, but may still be available.
 
CF Sage is a great knife and can be had at a very attractive price. On the down side, it is both considerably (about 25%) thicker and a bit (7 grams) heavier than the CF Caly 3. Rookie would be much lighter than either of those, but doesn't have a full flat grind. or the 50/50 choil.

Paul
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My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Kiwimania ---- Spydiewiki
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twisted up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam
 
Minjin said:
Alright, I'm liking the Delica 4 Flat grinds at around 60 bucks.
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This would be my pick. The new FFG D4's are really, really great little EDC's that fit the bill for your needs perfectly. Now you just have to decide, which color.:D
 
For the inexistent price range and the need of a lightweight blade, I would suggest looking at the Cf Stretch 2 and the Cf Caly3. These two aren't too far from the weight of a Caly Jr.

Also might worth checking out are the Centofante 3 and 4, Dragonfly G10

Good luck!
 
If it's similar size, shape, weight and feel you want, look no further than the FFG Delicas. And at current street prices, they're a bargain.
 
Like the OP I am very impressed with my burgundy ZDP189 Calypso Jnr. I really can't understand why it was discontinued. Very disappointing!

Fortunately I still have mine, it's my "office" EDC. I also have one of the earlier models.

I may have to look at the Delicas as a possible replacement.

Sometimes I'll substitute my BM mini grip for the office but the Calypso Jnr. really is the perfect knife for that environment IMHO.
 
the s30v Native is a nice, light EDC. Carries very well, cuts even better (but it's a spydie, so it goes without saying.) Haven't handled a calypso jr, but the native is rather thin, nearly as thin as my Centofante. I also love the ergonomics in hand, it's comfortable like a much larger knife would be.
 
What about a Salt 1 or Delica 3 (if you can find one)? They should be similar in size/weight to the Caly Jr. (all 3 have no liners IIRC), but they aren't FFG.
 
Only one thing can replace a Caly Jr, and that's another Caly Jr. It just might cost you a little more now than it did originally.

Bo.
 
kya said:
What about a Salt 1 or Delica 3 (if you can find one)? They should be similar in size/weight to the Caly Jr. (all 3 have no liners IIRC), but they aren't FFG.
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They also lack a 50/50 choil. Some folks consider that to be one of the Calypso Jr's desirable features.

Paul
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My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Kiwimania ---- Spydiewiki
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twisted up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam
 
The Deacon said:
They also lack a 50/50 choil. Some folks consider that to be one of the Calypso Jr's desirable features.

Paul
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Good catch, forgot all about the choil. Then again, the OP was considering the Delica 4, which does not have a choil either. He/she seems to be more concerned with the weight and thickness.
 
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