plain edge or serrated?

S

snake

Joined
Jun 30, 1999
Messages
7
hi,
i am planning to buy a new utility knfe,for every day uses.I hesitate between the Calypso or the new Delica...am i better to go with the Delica?knowing that the blade steel is ats-55?is ats-55 better than aus8?
And for a versatile knife,wich is best?
serrated or plain? which one is the most popular?
tnanks
 
Hi, Snake. I wouldn't worry too hard about ATS-55 steel. It holds up extremely well. As to plain or serrated, I can only say that it depends on your intended use. If you want to cut mostly fiberous, tough items, then get a serrated edge. If not, get a plain edge. At least that seems to be the opinion that has evolved out of many debates over this subject.

------------------
Walk in the Light,
Hugh
 
All of the Spyderco knives are wonderful
smile.gif
!

The Delica is considerably less money (50%), and you can switch the clip for either righthand or lefthand carry. You can't go wrong with either. All I can recommend is go all plain or all serrated blade as opposed to the combo: blade is short enough and you don't have enough of either to do what-ever.
I went from partial serrated (this is what newbies do) to std. plain blade (that is the decision of the majority here).

Just my thoughts.....

 
Don't worry about the steel, edge geometry more than makes up for any slight deficiency in that area.

The delica is more of an all-round knife. The calypso jr., which I consider the best-designed of any of spyderco's knives, can be an all-rounder but doesn't feel quite as robust to me. I use it as a "gentleman's scalpel". I put a very thin edge on it, and it's easy to get scary-sharp. It will zip through almost anything -- from cardboard to rope -- much easier than just about any other folder. But when the cutting gets tougher, I worry about the thin edge a bit. If I'm gonna be rough with it, I swap it for the delica.

Joe
 
Also, if you opt for the Calpyso Jr., you should know that it comes in both hollow ground (metal handle) and full flat-ground (Micarta handle) versions. I prefer the flat ground Micarta version. I have both serrated and plain. If I can have just one knife, I generally prefer a plain edge. By the way, the Calpyso Jr. (Micarta) is a beautiful knife with an excellent level of craftsmanship. Super smooth and pleansant to hold and use. New production will be a molded plastic handle, but with better steel and reversible pocket clip.

David Rock
 
I thought you could currently get the Calypso with VG10 alloy blade. I would take that over most alloys. It's tough and takes an extremely sharp edge. Also the taper on the Calypso blade would give you a heck of a working knife. The Calypso Jr. Lite which is coming out in a month is also supposed to bet VG10.

PS: I'd go plain edge for utility work. It leaves a neater cut and is simpler to keep sharpened.

[This message has been edited by Jeff Clark (edited 30 June 1999).]
 
Snake,what do you intend on using the knife for (what do you do for a living)? When I worked on cars part time I would use a full serrated knife; lots of tough stuff to cut through(hoses, thick plastic, oil dry bags). I work in a paraloft and I use a plain edge knife. I you work around anything that can be damaged easily, you may want to consider a knife with a plastic pocket clip, or a sheath(I also work around 40 million dollar aircraft, and the last thing you want to do is scratch the windshield, paint job, etc). also consider retention of the knife, I know it can suck when you lose a knife, but to lose it around an open parachute, flight controls, engine compartment....you know what I mean with that.
Man this go long fast, well, I hope I helped.
PR


------------------
Pain is weakness leaving your body
-------------------------Military "Military" fans unite!!!


 
thank you very much!

but,what about the choice between ATS-55 versus AUS-8?do i have to take this in consideration?
 
hehe

you'll not believe it but i am pianist...musician
i work also for a big musical instruments company.so..often,i have to open boxes..letters etc.
but,i also own an afck partly serrated and a plain edge sentinel.But right now i need something smaller that i can use for almost everything without scaring ppl when i use it.
 
I'd say, "Go for the Delica98." I have one that I used up until I got my BF Native and I liked it a lot. I opened many a box with that baby and in several months' use, it never needed a touch up. As a matter of fact, that little devil is still shaving sharp! I cannot see the difference in price to buy a Calypso.

------------------
Walk in the Light,
Hugh
 
snake: don't worry about the steel. These are two knives that excel in different areas. Pick the knife based on what you're going to do. It will be a mistake to pick based on the steel, IMO.

If you do decide to go with the Calypso Jr. and just can't live with AUS-8, you can consider waiting for the lightweight version, which will have a VG-10 blade.
 
snake, AUS-8 is OK, it works but there is so much more available. Ats-55 is real nice, I had an AFCK and I own an Endura 98(till I can sell it to Amacks). The endura cuts better than the AFCK IMHO. It's easier to sharpen too. I would go for a Delica 98, I have not used a knife with VG-10 yet so I don't know too much about them. I hope I helped you out in your choice, Jon
 
I think that for a "working" knife,i am better to go with a Delica 98.Solid,light,not too scary and good steel.After all,what i need right now,is not a trophy...its a tool.

thank you all again for your attention.I apreciate a lot!
 
You seem to have made up your mind, but I would suggest you hold both in your hand. So much of what makes a great knife for me is ergonomics. How it feels in my hand. How easy it is to open. Thats why I like the Calypso Jr so much. But we all have different hands so I say you got to go somewhere that has both and try em. I will pay extra money for a micarta handle. I would not worry about the steel all that much.
 
If you have the money I'd recommend getting a serrated Delica 98, and a plain edge Calypso. One for right side, one for left side.
smile.gif



Blades
 
You may also want to take a look at the Native(C41) in the lightweight. It has a great blade and handle design. I think the spearpoint and its broadness give a solid feel and control when you cut.
 
Yes (on confusing you
biggrin.gif
). Get the Native, in a plain edge blade, and you'll be taken care of. I own much more expensive knives (OK, only about 3 times more expensive than the zytel Native), but the Native is the one I pick up 7 times out of 10. I like it so much that I wish I could afford to buy one in every incarnation of it (Native, Native II, BF Native, Native Chief.... plain edge, serrated, etc.)

O_D
 
Personally I would go with the Delica plain edge.

Ultra lightweight, great steel at a great price.

Easy to find, quick to replace.

I personally prefer plain edges for their ease of resharpening, and I prefer the cleaner look of a plain edge.

Another benefit of the plain edge (which should not affect your decision, but is an added bonus) is that it is not as scary looking to non knife people.
 
thank you very much for your help.

i finaly made my choice...i bought a plain edge Delica.For the price,i am very impressed!even compare to my mini afck and my sentinel.I think that this knife is more practical in "real" life.Right out the box,it wasn't razor sharp...but a few pass on my sharpmaker did the job.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top