Recommendation - Caly 3 CF vs Native 5 G10

Sunby

Sunby

Joined
Jan 19, 2012
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I would like to seek a suggestion/recommendation from Spyderco fans.

I currently own Delica 4 FFG and it's the only Spyderco that I own.
I'm seeking second Spyderco but having a hard time deciding between Caly 3 CF and Native 5 G10.
I do like the carbon fiber handle of Caly 3 but not quite sure about the lack of phosphor bronze washers.
Caly 3 is somewhat similar to Delica but Native 5 has completely different looks.

I know the final decision is up to me but any input from your experience is truly appreciated.
 
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I might be the only person in the world that doesn't like the Caly. Its handle feels too skinny/narrow for me when making saber grip cuts. Pretty much the same for the Delica but I accept the Delica b/c of its price point. I prefer the wider handle of my Native 5. Anxiously awaiting the FRN version.
 
The Caly 3 will give you more things different (deep carry wire clip, Carbon Fiber, ZDP steel) from your Delica than the Native 5 (G-10, thicker handle). Plus, the Native 5 edge is slightly shorter (3mm) than your Delica while the Caly 3 edge is slightly longer (2mm).

My vote is Caly. The lack of washers is not a problem in my experience.
 
They're both very nice although I'd choose the Caly 3.5 over the Caly 3.
The different sized handles has been mentioned. Another consideration is the newly engineered lock on the Native 5. It's the most solid feeling lockback I've experienced.
 
Sunby said:
Caly 3 is somewhat similar to Delica but Native 5 has completely different looks.
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I never thought about Delica and Caly3 been similar. They are very different knives. I am big fan of current generation of Caly family, really do not care about CF/ZDP variant. I do not care about this type of CF finish and do not like polished laminated blades. So out of your list I would choose Native5. Unless you will consider G10/VG10 Caly3 or Caly3.5 variants. Than it would be a tough choice for me. I love all these three knives.
 
If you like cf and want bushings check out the sage 1. Unless of course you're stuck on back/mid locks.
 
I had a Caly 3 CF and though I liked it, I moved it on. The CF looks nice but the smooth finish, in conjunction with slim handle, doesn't offer great/comfortable grip. The 420j cladding steel scratches quite easily, especially around the pivot (no PB washers). The spine profile is, of course, quite different and this changes the ergonomics.

Personally, I like the chunkiness of the Native 5. Mine had great F&F to boot.

The Caly CF is a greyhound to the Native's Bull terrier. Both good knives, just different.
 
Some of the comments on handles have to be subjective. I like the Caly3. The knife is compact, and certainly not too slim, like the too-small handle of something like
an Mcusta. The action is very slick. It is a fine knife.
Personally, I don't care to carry something larger than I need. I get more pocket time from the Chaparral than the Caly3, just because it is more comfortable.
I'd rather have the ZDP189 than the S35V, but I'd be happy with the Caly 3.5 as well, in VG10.
If you want a heavier knife and prefer the styling of the Native, then go for it.
I prefer the looks and functioning of the Caly3, but I also prefer CF.
 
Both great knives but I prefer Caly 3,better slicer,better in pocket,better looking,better steel,less maintenance and tough as well.
 
I like my Caly3 G-10 SB.. I did not care for the Forum Native and I dont know if it has the same feel as the G-10.. Native was too blockey to me and the Caly melts in my hand.. John
 
Consider the Caly 3.5, its the same size in pocket as your delica while having >.5" more blade. Don't forget the Caly 3 & 3.5 both come in a G10 handle option with VG-10 and even Aogami Super blue (in the C3). Everybody needs atleast one Caly series, great knives.

Also have you considered an original Calypso?

Edit:Arrrg, the ~2 year old necro-post got me, usually I catch it...
 
The Native 5, for me, is a little thick in the pocket. Great knife, but it doesn't disappear in the pocket like the Caly 3 and 3.5.


EDC Forums Native 5 with moonglow scales.
 
The OP has had 2 years to make the decision. Hope he found something by now... :D
 
Haha.....I was thinking the same thing but the way I look at it, this thread might help someone else in the future when doing research.

From the moment I took the Caly 3 out of the box, I knew I wasnt going to like it, so I got rid of it. I also got rid of my Native 5 for no other reason than to change things up and I now regret it. So for me personally, I would take the Native 5 over the Caly 3 any day.
 
I edc a native 5 every day (upgraded from my old native 3). I much prefer the g10 to frn or carbon fiber, it is also a very sturdy knife. My particular model has the stainless backing and pocket clip, it is just a good looking knife.

I also don't get looked at like I am a serial killer when I use it amongst the sheeple...so there's that too.
 
Bronco said:
There is that. ;)

Of course, a little Native 5 porn never hurts either.
Click to expand...

Doesn't hurt at all. :)

I sold both of my Native 5's when I pre-ordered the S110v carbon Native 5 so I've been Native 5-less for a looooooooong time.
I sold my Caly's as well and I don't have another on order.
 
I've owned both and find the Native 5 to be more comfortable, probably because it fills my hand more.

If I were going to get another I'd wait for the upcoming one in cf/s110v :thumbup:
 
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