- Joined
- Aug 27, 2004
- Messages
- 12,955
I was recently fortunate enough to acquire several very nice newer knives from several manufacturers for myself. Some were bought and some were borrowed so I could see them. The Calypso III discussed here is mine as were the Kershaws reviewed earlier. I borrowed this Captain to give a quick look see to and find out what I thought of it. Its one of those I was not quite ready to buy without seeing first because of the 'funky' blade shape for lack of a better word.
What we have here is a couple of comparison shots of what I consider to be fine offerings from Spyderco. I use the Dodo for a reference for those wanting to see a size compare and get an idea of these new offerings from Spyderco. It seemed like a good choice since the Dodo had been out a while, discontinued and became familar to many.
Lets take the CIII first.
I love this knife. In my opinion Spyderco has done almost everything right here including with the pocket clip. To many that say, 'finally a great low rider from the factory' I say bravo also. Great job on that part Spyderco. The bronze color of the clip throws some but honestly, I like it. It actually matches up well to my khaki pants that I have on today too. For those that don't like the bronze color it has been polished off successfully by some and I understand the Dodo clip can be mounted to this CIII also for those that prefer a standard style clip in a silver color.
The blade is again one of the best parts about this knife. I love flat grinds anyway and this one is no exception. It is a super slicer and user is all I can say. The hump from the opening hole is just a bit high for me. Not bad, and certainly tolerable but it kind of stops the thumb dead. I find myself wishing the thumb ramp was just a bit more sloped forward there but as I said it is certainly negotiable and useable as is.
The G10 grips are exceptional as usual with Spyderco. I am also impressed with the fit and finish, as well as the steel liners. Nice to see that compared to those like the Dodo that are G10 by its lonesome. To me this is the difference between a knife that will last for generations vs one that will see retirement with use and usually in one lifetime. So, I applaud the steel liners as well as the other things mentioned so far.
My knife has a perfectly centered blade when closed. It opens and closes buttery smooth, locks firmly in place with only the slightest hint of movement when locked open. Certainly within acceptable tolerances for any lockback.
Ok, so much for what I see that I like. As I said above I mentioned "almost" everything right.
If there is a fault in my own mind with this folder its in the all permanently pinned construction with rivets instead of screws like seen in the UKPK. However, to Spyderco's credit the blade is removable on this one and really with a lockback that is all that need be ever removed for a service to the knife or cleaning. If the spring breaks and the blade can be removed, then it can be easily fixed. I'd personally rather see screw construction but can live with the pins. As anyone that knows me realizes the permanent pins are a small stopping point for my taking the handles off to pimp a knife but thats another story. For anyone else it may be a challenge to do much pimping on this one for anything but the factory handles. I do not think it would be possible to remove all the pins on this folder without damage to one G10 scale.
In short this is a super little knife and one that I will be hanging onto and adding to my everyday carry routine for a long time. I like it much better than the last Calypso Jr model to be honest and it has many of the same features that scream use me all over it, like the great choil for detailed point work with the blade. I particularly love the grip and the way it fits your hand like only Spyderco can do. I have read that many wish this knife was S30V steel and a Golden offering from Spyderco. Looking at it now and using it over the last day I can't say I share those views. I think I'd love it either way. VG10 is one of my top rated and preferred steels so it sits well with me.
Now for the Captain.
Oh boy! How can I start here? Its a liner locking folder offering from Spyderco. I must say it surprised me at how well it fits the hand and feels when you hold it. It is top rate for beauty in the hand. It may look fugly ugly to the eyes but the hands sure do like this knife. It has the forward slope on the Spyder hump I spoke of above that I wish the C III had on the blade. The lock measures .050 and is stainless so its a beefcake fully capable of supporting this blade securely. No amount of spine pressure affected this lock at all. The all screw construction and steel liners set it up on the top shelf for quality from Spyderco and one other thing I note is the machined higher quality looking spacers on the inside of this folder. Nice detailed touch there to add a next level of class IMO.
The Captain is tapped for screw mounts all four corners for carry modes using the pocket clip and overall the fit and finish is second to none in the industry. Both of these knives are lethal sharp also.
My only real issues with the Captain are the liner lock, which I have trouble taking to these days,(and agree is a personal thing) and also the blade. I have not quite figured out what exactly this blade shape is supposed to be used for. I guess to me it looks like another one of those Dodo difficult to sharpen models but also it adds somewhat of a stand in offering for the now discontinued Dodo on many levels. I am sure it will attain the same 'cult' following of that fine now lost to knife history folder.
I don' think you will be skinning or field dressing any small game with this blade. It may prove quite useful as a scraper and old caulk remover for the working man though. I'm sure the recurved blade will certainly cut and very well because as I said it is sharp. Those recurves have a way of continuing to perform even when they are good and dull so in that aspect I'm sure it will prove worthy to many.
I guess on this model I'm glad I borrowed one first. I'd probably be selling this one personally. I can't say I've taken to it but I can say its a very well made newer knife worth putting in your hand. The hand does take to it well.
Finally, for what its worth. It almost looks like this knife has a Wave mod started on it already. I don't think it would be much cutting to finish that out and allow this knife to flick right open using the pocket. Just a side note I picked up in my close inspection of the folder.
Thanks for reading my brief review.
STR
What we have here is a couple of comparison shots of what I consider to be fine offerings from Spyderco. I use the Dodo for a reference for those wanting to see a size compare and get an idea of these new offerings from Spyderco. It seemed like a good choice since the Dodo had been out a while, discontinued and became familar to many.
Lets take the CIII first.
I love this knife. In my opinion Spyderco has done almost everything right here including with the pocket clip. To many that say, 'finally a great low rider from the factory' I say bravo also. Great job on that part Spyderco. The bronze color of the clip throws some but honestly, I like it. It actually matches up well to my khaki pants that I have on today too. For those that don't like the bronze color it has been polished off successfully by some and I understand the Dodo clip can be mounted to this CIII also for those that prefer a standard style clip in a silver color.
The blade is again one of the best parts about this knife. I love flat grinds anyway and this one is no exception. It is a super slicer and user is all I can say. The hump from the opening hole is just a bit high for me. Not bad, and certainly tolerable but it kind of stops the thumb dead. I find myself wishing the thumb ramp was just a bit more sloped forward there but as I said it is certainly negotiable and useable as is.
The G10 grips are exceptional as usual with Spyderco. I am also impressed with the fit and finish, as well as the steel liners. Nice to see that compared to those like the Dodo that are G10 by its lonesome. To me this is the difference between a knife that will last for generations vs one that will see retirement with use and usually in one lifetime. So, I applaud the steel liners as well as the other things mentioned so far.
My knife has a perfectly centered blade when closed. It opens and closes buttery smooth, locks firmly in place with only the slightest hint of movement when locked open. Certainly within acceptable tolerances for any lockback.
Ok, so much for what I see that I like. As I said above I mentioned "almost" everything right.
If there is a fault in my own mind with this folder its in the all permanently pinned construction with rivets instead of screws like seen in the UKPK. However, to Spyderco's credit the blade is removable on this one and really with a lockback that is all that need be ever removed for a service to the knife or cleaning. If the spring breaks and the blade can be removed, then it can be easily fixed. I'd personally rather see screw construction but can live with the pins. As anyone that knows me realizes the permanent pins are a small stopping point for my taking the handles off to pimp a knife but thats another story. For anyone else it may be a challenge to do much pimping on this one for anything but the factory handles. I do not think it would be possible to remove all the pins on this folder without damage to one G10 scale.
In short this is a super little knife and one that I will be hanging onto and adding to my everyday carry routine for a long time. I like it much better than the last Calypso Jr model to be honest and it has many of the same features that scream use me all over it, like the great choil for detailed point work with the blade. I particularly love the grip and the way it fits your hand like only Spyderco can do. I have read that many wish this knife was S30V steel and a Golden offering from Spyderco. Looking at it now and using it over the last day I can't say I share those views. I think I'd love it either way. VG10 is one of my top rated and preferred steels so it sits well with me.
Now for the Captain.
Oh boy! How can I start here? Its a liner locking folder offering from Spyderco. I must say it surprised me at how well it fits the hand and feels when you hold it. It is top rate for beauty in the hand. It may look fugly ugly to the eyes but the hands sure do like this knife. It has the forward slope on the Spyder hump I spoke of above that I wish the C III had on the blade. The lock measures .050 and is stainless so its a beefcake fully capable of supporting this blade securely. No amount of spine pressure affected this lock at all. The all screw construction and steel liners set it up on the top shelf for quality from Spyderco and one other thing I note is the machined higher quality looking spacers on the inside of this folder. Nice detailed touch there to add a next level of class IMO.
The Captain is tapped for screw mounts all four corners for carry modes using the pocket clip and overall the fit and finish is second to none in the industry. Both of these knives are lethal sharp also.
My only real issues with the Captain are the liner lock, which I have trouble taking to these days,(and agree is a personal thing) and also the blade. I have not quite figured out what exactly this blade shape is supposed to be used for. I guess to me it looks like another one of those Dodo difficult to sharpen models but also it adds somewhat of a stand in offering for the now discontinued Dodo on many levels. I am sure it will attain the same 'cult' following of that fine now lost to knife history folder.
I don' think you will be skinning or field dressing any small game with this blade. It may prove quite useful as a scraper and old caulk remover for the working man though. I'm sure the recurved blade will certainly cut and very well because as I said it is sharp. Those recurves have a way of continuing to perform even when they are good and dull so in that aspect I'm sure it will prove worthy to many.
I guess on this model I'm glad I borrowed one first. I'd probably be selling this one personally. I can't say I've taken to it but I can say its a very well made newer knife worth putting in your hand. The hand does take to it well.
Finally, for what its worth. It almost looks like this knife has a Wave mod started on it already. I don't think it would be much cutting to finish that out and allow this knife to flick right open using the pocket. Just a side note I picked up in my close inspection of the folder.
Thanks for reading my brief review.
STR