Para 2 vs Caly 3

D

DrRi

Joined
Oct 28, 2010
Messages
32
Hi guys!

I've decided to break out of my sub 20$ knife buying tendency and get my first high quality blade. I decided on Spyderco because of their reputation , and I've narrowed down my choices to the Caly 3 and the Paramilitary 2. Yes I realize there are probably a lot of threads asking for help between two blades, sorry! But now I'm completely stuck. I know the para 2 has pedigree, but it may be a little large for me. The Caly 3 is a good size and has some unique materials, and is a little classier. So given the choice, what would you pick? Can't be both :p

Also it would be totally awesome if someone could post a comparison shot of the caly 3 to the para 2 with a third reference!

Thanks guys!
 
I'd go with the Para2 myself, but then again, I don't consider it a "little large" by any mean. I think those are both great choices!
 
Caly 3 for me. It fits my hand perfectly and I don't need the added strength of the comp lock for EDC. The Caly 3 rides very well in the pocket and is a superb slicer. If you're looking for an EDC, the Caly 3 is hard to beat. You may even want to consider the Caly 3.5. That's another great knife.
 
If you feel that the Para2 is a bit large, then you have answered your own question. Get the Caly...though I would suggest the CF and Zdp version.
 
DeathbySnooSnoo said:
If you feel that the Para2 is a bit large, then you have answered your own question. Get the Caly...though I would suggest the CF and Zdp version.
Click to expand...

Ditto - I like the way the Caly 3 CF really rides low in the pocket. The blade length is perfect for me. The Para 2 is a great knife, but a little too big for my EDC needs.
 
I carry both a Caly 3.5 and the Para 2. Both great knives but if I could only have one, it would be the Para 2 w/o a second thought. It hits all the right notes for me and I consider it the best design Spyderco has yet come up with. It's a little bit more heavy duty than the Calys but is still light and easy to carry. The handle provides outstanding grip.

For me, 3.5 inch blade length is perfect. I carried a Caly Jr. (3 inch blade, iirc) for many years but once I tried the larger blade, I found the 3.5 inch blade a much more useful size. Can't imagine anyone finding it to be too big, but if you are looking for the most blade with the most compact handle, either the Caly, or even better, the Caly 3.5, are great choices.
 
I debated over the size of the Para 2 compared to other models as well.

After much time spent reading reviews, watching vids and hearing nothing but praise, I pulled the trigger and bought one as my first high quality EDC.

Shortly thereafter I also located and purchased a G10/VG10 Caly 3 (dimensions are identical to the CF/ZDP model) which seems to have earned respect as well...I carry both of them often.

The Para 2 takes up a bit more room in the pocket but the carry is quite comfortable and the blade is outstanding. I enjoy both models and the Caly is an impressive knife in it's own right, but there's something about the size, shape and construction of the Para 2 that just makes it a superb tool.

If your typical daily environment is conducive to a larger knife, I'd say go for the Para 2; it's absolutely worth it.

Shot a comparo pic for you:

Spyderco002.jpg
 
I've owned both the Para 2 and the Caly 3.5. Both are great knives, and both have their strong points. The Caly series is much thinner and rides more low profile than the Para 2. It's a very slim and light knife. However, it doesn't have any washers so the action isn't as smooth as the Para. Also, if you use your blade in the nitty gritty than the Caly is harder to clean out with the closed back construction. You won't find any Spyderco model that packs so much knife into such a small footprint, however.

The Para 2 is slightly heavier and thicker than the Caly 3.5, but feels smoother in pocket due to the pivot being flush with the handle. Opens smoother due to the washers. Also, the blade shape on the Para has always been a little more useful for me, with the belly and very fine tip. Plus it's thicker and tougher steel. The Para is hands down stronger, with the nested liners and Comp lock. The Comp lock is also much easier to safely manipulate than the back locks found on the Caly series. You also get more grip positions in the Para 2, the Caly won't fit in your hand without using the choil.
 
I agree with most of the points made in the last two posts, except the reason the Para 2 opens more smoothly is not only washers but it's newly designed pivot bushing system combined with the compression lock.

Also, re the Caly 3 vs Caly 3.5, for a tiny bit more handle length, you get an extra half inch of blade. Comparison shots of Caly 3.5 with Para 2:

m8cr9f.jpg


4t13jb.jpg
 
I find the Caly 3 to be on the large side for my pockets, and wouldn't consider the paramilitary for other reasons as well.
The Caly 3 has good ergonomics and you can't beat the steel for edge holding. Well perhaps you can "beat" the steel, but I can't imagine a better knife for
the size than the Caly 3.
 
In my opinion these two knives are completely different. Para is medium to hard duty EDC and CF Caly3 is more gents knife, good for office environment or dress-up occasions.
I like Para2. It is the great knife without ant doubts. I never was crazy about CF Caly3, I do not like knives with uneven laminated lines. My love belongs to G10/VG10 Caly3. I carried this this knife every day for four years and switched to Caly3.5, which is in my opinion is masterpiece. Caly3/3.5 are excellent slicers, very compact and look good. Get Caly3.5 and you will never regret.
 
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