Performance Comparison - Native CPM 440V vs Calypso, Jr. VG-10 - Normal or not ?

RDaneel

RDaneel

Joined
Apr 23, 2000
Messages
5,501
Here's the totally unscientific results of a non-test (ie. just normal use - no test intended).

I had just resharpened my Native CPM 440V to just short of push cut through paper (Hey, that's my way of testing sharpness - various grades > newspaper, slick magazine paper and typing paper). I then used it to slice some filter material for my heater/air conditioner blower. When I tested the blade again on paper (drum roll) it bounced off. It took a real effort to get it to slice - noticeable roughness in the cut.

Now the Calypso, Jr. VG-10. Sharpened to push cut through newspaper sharpness. Used it to slice through 6 feet of half inch thick cardboard. No noticeable decrease in performance afterwards.

Now, I'm more than satisfied with the Calypso, Jr. (It's become my favorite daily carry). But, frankly, I'm disappointed in the performance of the Native. I've noticed a tendency in the past for the Native to lose it's edge quickly but the above results frankly shocked me.

By the way, both of these knives are super easy to resharpen.

Are these results typical? Or is this a case of YMMV?

Sorry for the long windedness, but I am curious.

Dean

[This message has been edited by RDaneel (edited 08-03-2000).]
 
Well, guess what? I got to thinkin' that maybe this filter was some super-duper knife dullin' material. So, I took my Calypso, Jr. VG-10 to it just like I did my Native. You guessed it. Dulled it up quick exactly like the Native.

Guess my real world example only proves that filter material dulls knives. I'm just not cut out for this knife testin' stuff.

Be kind to me now.

Dean

 
RDaneel,

Hey, ya wanna get rid of that Zytel Native of yours for a nice-n-shiny Stainless Native II?
biggrin.gif
.

I'm lookin' for a trade...
smile.gif
.

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Dann Fassnacht
Aberdeen, WA
glockman99@hotmail.com
ICQ# 53675663
 
Aw, shucks, Glockman. I still favor the zytel over the stainless steel. But thanks for askin'.

Dean

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"All is well. And all will be well - in the garden." Chance the Gardener
 
Although there's nothing about a filter that would require super edge strength, it is true that both the Calypso Jr and Native have very thin edges, and both have steels that are left a bit soft (which means, weak). Could it be that the edge have merely turned, and a quick steeling on a smooth steel would bring them back again?

The fact that they're both "super easy to sharpen" could be just a function of the thin edges, but just as likely is due to the fact that the edges on both knives are still sharp, and merely turned and in need of a steeling.

Joe

[This message has been edited by Joe Talmadge (edited 08-03-2000).]
 
Joe,

After thinking about it, I'm inclined to agree that the knives only needed steeling and that the edges turned. I'll keep watching and next time I'll just try the steel (and look at the edges under magnification).

So do you think the sharpness I described is resulting in too weak of an edge?

Thanks,

Dean
 
Actually, RDaneel, I misread your original post. I had initially thought that the thin edges, coupled with soft, weak steels, made for edge turning. But I had thought that the two steels involved were 440V (Native) and 8A (Calypso Jr.). I didn't realize you were using the Calypso Jr. lightweight, which has VG-10, which is hard and strong.

It's still worth trying this again and steeling, to see if the edges turned -- they are, after all, very thin. But now I'm not at all sure that that's the problem. IN fact, I'm beginning to wonder about filter material itself. Those filters feel like thick paper, but I wonder if they can have very hard particles embedded in them. I think the filter material itself might be the bigger suspect.
 
Glockman,

Why is it you'd want to trade a SS Native for a Zytel? I ask because I've looked at the Native vs. the Native II – however, I prefer the stainless. I'd really like to have the stainless version w/the 440 steel; however, that's obviously not an option.

To All:
Who prefers the Calypso Jr. Lightweight over the Zytel Native?

I've been looking at both of these, trying to choose between. They both feel good in my hand, but I was looking for more of a "real world" experience-based assessment.

Thanks!
 
The question was: "Who prefers the Calypso Jr. Lightweight over the Zytel Native?"

I like the FRN version of the Native and it is a lot of knife for the money. BUT, if I'm going to carry a Native it will be the G-10 BF version. I bought my sister the professional baker a Calypso Jr. Lightweight for Christmas last year. It arrived in the mail to me and I checked it out. I walked around for several days picking it up, putting it down, opening and closing and I really liked it. That was a hard knife to send off to Denver. I'm also a big fan of VG-10. I haven't bought one for myself yet but I've just been busy buying stuff from Himalayan Imports lately (as well as those Khalsas on sale). I highly recommend the new Lightweights.

Gregg
 
Joe, The filter material cut was kind of a plasticky type. Blue on one side and white on the other. Feels greasy to the touch. Funny thing is, up until I tried these two knives out on it I had been using an old camillus knife (Lone Ranger - no laughter please). While not sharp it has been a trooper cutting this stuff once a month for about 4 years.

RacerX, By the way, my preference between the Native and the Calypso, Jr favors the Calypso, Jr. The Native is cool, but the VG-10 is really super and the Calypso, Jr. fish scale pattern is neat, too. Nice scientific reasons for what I like, too.

Dean
 
RacerX,

I am looking for a Zytel Native for two reasons:

(1) Lighter weight.
(2) The stainless is too slippery in my hand, when opening the blade with my thumb.
 
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