Please help me decide

BJE

BJE

Joined
Apr 12, 2006
Messages
3,079
I am having a hard time chooseing the next knife I want to order. I have been looking at the
Caly 3
Mini-Dejavoo
Para-Millie
Alias I or II
707 Sequel
Tenacious
I really like the size of my 551 Griptilain and also the Para Millie for reference. I would be using it for mundane edc chores but I want a knife that cuts well and has enough strength if I ever should find it necessary.
What would you pick and why?
 
I have several Grips, a couple of Caly 3s, a couple of Para-Millies, I had a 707, and I've handled the rest of the knives in your list except the Alias I & II.

If you like the size of the Grip and the Para, then I think you'll find the 707 is too small. Even with a 3" blade, it is going to feel and handle significantly smaller than the Caly 3.

If you want a 3" knife that can play with the 3.5" boys, then the Caly 3 is the one. It carries like a slim 3" knife and cuts like a Para. It is my second favorite Spyderco right after the Para.

I think that if you're happy with your 551, the Para is going to be the best choice in your list. It's tip down only if you want to use the clip, but it also drops down into your pocket quite comfortably. The S30V blade is flat ground and a great slicer. It's also a great blade steel for edge holding and in my experience it's as tough as any of the other steels mentioned. I've never had a problem with Spyderco's S30V.

Paras are workhorses, not showhorses. Some of the other knives might look better, but the Para's open construction and compression lock will give you a simple, tough knife that can take about anything you'd dish out to a folder.
 
I had a Para and loved it, but I was bitten by the traditional bug and sold it. I would like another, but I really like the looks of the other knives. I am also looking at the Kopa and the Lum Chinese (if I can find one). I really only want a replacement to the Grip because I have an addiction to satisfy, but my excuse is because I want a better slicer than the grip and a more solid handle. I think I have it narrowed down to the
Para
Caly 3
Kopa
Mini-Dejavoo
Any other comments on these would be appreciated.
 
I've got a Para-Military, and the Caly3, and have owned a Mini-Dejavoo. I got rid of the Dejavoo because I didn't care for the lock, plus when I squeezed the handle I could feel some flex. Between the Para-Military and the Caly3, I would chose the Para-Military. I prefer the open, all screw construction, and the thicker larger handle. The Caly is also a great knife, and feel it is a slightly better slicer than the Para-Military, and I actually prefer VG-10 to the Para's S30V. It also is set up for tip up carry if that is an issue for you, as well as a deep pocket clip. STR set up my Para for tip-up carry:D. What puts the P.Military ahead is the all screw, and open construction, and IMO is more suitable for heavy use. Depending on your use you really can't go wrong with either. I'm no help, am I?:D Get both!

Dave
 
Just ordered a Teacious. I am still trying to decide between the
Caly 3
Para
and Mini-Dejavoo
 
Don't know about these three, never owned any of them. However, a potential solution to your problem: BUY ALL THREE! :D
 
My next knife is going to be a BM 707 Sequel. I have a 551 Grip now and want something just a tad smaller with a high quality blade.
 
I never had or handle Mini-Dejavoo.
I carry both Caly3 and Kopa Cocobolo (they are in my pockets as I type). Both are excellent knives and beauty queens, but quite different. Kopa is the great gents knife, good ergos and nice slicer, very good for dress-up occasions or sheeple - friendly environment. Caly3 is the knife for much more serious tasks. I love them both.
 
P-MIL.---Light weight, open build, Compression lock and the "traditional" Spyderco blade shape.
 
Get the Caly 3 and it will work its butt off for you. The flat grind has little to no resistance on the material being cut, the ergonomics are top notch in molding to your body like a really dangerous finger, and Spyderco's crazy sharp edge is yet again upfront and center as testament to their skills.
 
Have a new one to add to the list
The Al Mar Falcon
I really like the looks of this knife and I have never really owned anything like it. I can't decide between the Talon or reglar. I am guessing the Talon is a little stronger and pointier, but the regular would be the better slicer.

I don't think I will get another Para just yet, I would like a D2 foliage green version to come out and I would like to try something I haven't tried yet.

So it is between the
Mini-Dejavoo
Caly 3
and the Falcon (maybe talon version, maybe not?)

I would love to get all three, but I have bills to pay so I have to make a good decision. Do you know if New Graham will let you return a knife if you don't like it? I am not sure I would like the Caly 3 because most lockbacks (like the Manix) tend to be handle heavy and I like knives that are balanced around the index finger.
 
I would go for the Mini-Dejavoo, for no other reason than it's on my shopping list. It is a Lum design and that's good enough for me.
 
I just got a UKPK a few days ago. Almost identical to the Caly 3. It is such a nice feeling knife. It doesn't have the lockback design so it handles a little differently. It is a neutral feeling knife in hand, and oh so VERY sharp. I have decent sized hands as well.
 
I would say definitely the Para military. Its open construction makes cleaning a simple 15 second process. The S30V blade is fantastic, and it is just generally an extremely versatile knife. I carry mine 90 % of the time around town. I prefer something a little larger in the woods like a manix or Blade Tech RIJBAK, but I would not feel uncomfortable with the Para in any setting. On the reverse of that it is small enough that it doesnt bother the sheeple and is legal most places. I pair mine with an RC-3 from RAT Cutlery and a Leatherman Charge for EDC.
 
I think the Caly 3 has a very strong chance of being my next purchase. I just bought a Native today and found myself thinking "this would be great with a FFG blade and a more discreet pocket clip". I will definately be picking up another Para soon, now I just have to decide whether I want to spend $200 for two knives, or get a Bradley Alias for $200 but only get one knife. Then there is always the Mini-Dejavoo and the Al-Mar to consider. I bet I will like the newest Native also, any pics out yet or does it still have a long way to go?
 
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