Spyderco Delica Vs. Caly3

A

alexanderkbaker

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Jan 26, 2008
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I am considering one of these two knives for camping and general use. I like the VG-10 steel in both knives. Which handle grips better? Which is sturdier? Which would you recommend? I would also consider a knife that is slightly smaller. I was looking on the Spyderco sight but could not find what I was looking for, something similar in shape but smaller overall.
 
alexanderkbaker said:
Which handle grips better? Which is sturdier?
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Bi-directional texturing on the Delica means that handle isn't going to go anywhere. G10 scales on the Caly 3 will smooth out a little over time, but you still won't have any grip issues.

As for strudy, the Delica's saber grind makes it a little more sturdy... but the Caly 3 is a better slicer. You'd want to beat pretty hard on either blade to damage it.
 
The delica due to its saber grind and tip design will be a little more resistant to abuse. The calypso 3 is more of a dedicated cutting tool with a rather thin blade and full flat grind. While I think all the frn spydies feel nice in the hand the rough texture of the spyderco G10 will grip better in general. I'd recommend the delica here, it's a great knife and because it's fairly cheap it's easier to get past that "first scratch".
 
I find the Caly3 to feel a bit better in the hand but it all comes down to personal preference.
 
I've had both and I think for camping use the Delica is the way to go. The blade design should take more of a beating as it is not as tip-thin as the Caly. Also it costs a bit less so if you lose or break it you won't shed as many tears.

Personally I think you should look into a fixed blade for camping especially if you are going to be on the trail for a while and away from civilization. You don't want to be stuck in the middle of bumble with no blade.

Good luck with the decision.
 
Caly 3 fits me better than 99% of knives out there, Delica I couldn't get a comfortable 4 finger grip last time I held one. I also prefer thinner blades. Caly 3 for me. Unless you plan on digging the tip around in hardwood a lot I don't think the thicker blade on the Delica is going to benefit you much in most circumstances.
 
+1 for the Delica. I don't own a Caly 3 yet but it's on my "want list" for purchase sometime this year hopefully.

As for this part of your post. . .
alexanderkbaker said:
I would also consider a knife that is slightly smaller. I was looking on the Spyderco sight but could not find what I was looking for, something similar in shape but smaller overall.
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. . . Take a look at the Dragonfly. My first Spydie was a Dragonfly, and I think that no matter how many more I get, it will always be one of my top 2 or 3 favorites. The blade is full flat ground like the Caly 3, and the finger choil lets me get almost a full 4 finger grip even though it's a rather small knife. I haven't handled one of the stainless versions yet, but the FRN one is super light and has proven itself to be tough enough to stand up to regular use in a warehouse cutting lots of heavy duty plastic straps and heavy double and triple wall cardboard cartons. Flat ground blades go through cardboard like light-sabers.
 
IMHO the Caly3 is one of the best folders out there for the civilized world. The Delica, however, is designed to take a beating and still cuts beautifully and is an excellent knife. I have and love both but which is a better choice depends on your intended uses.
 
I love my ZDP Caly3 more than anything (except for my BG42 Millie :)) But I would go with the Delica. It seems to be more of a workhorse then the Caly3. If you REALLY wanted a good camping knife I would pick a Salt 1 or a Pacific salt. The Salt 1 is the same as the Delica except it has that rust-proof blade and a stronger tip.

Tom
 
I've used my G10 Caly 3 around a cabin at a campsite. It worked fine for fuzz sticks, collecting stuff from the woods to take back home, trimming a bit of stuff out of the way when walking, that kind of thing. In fact, I didn't use the mini-M that I was carrying at all... just the Caly 3.
 
I usually carry a Caly3 C113CF, but I keep an FRN Delica 4 in the car, for incidental/emergency use. Both are good, the Caly fills my need for EDC just slightly better than the Delica, partly due to the FFG, and partly due to the grip ergonomics.
 
Well it seems that either one will work as both seem to perform well with the trade off being strength versus cutting ability. I carry a fixed blade so in either case the knife will not be put to the test regarding strength. The real trick will be afordability and personal comfort. I bought a ss Native once and the second ridge in the handle just did not fit my hand.
 
I have both of them and I really cannot decide which one is better. I just like both of them, the Caly 3 being the more elegant one and the Delica 4 being the more sturdy one. I would buy both of them and carry them both so I would not have to decide which one to take with me ;)
 
Caly 3 hands down for me. Ever handled a puukko? they're also thin bladed.
 
Caly3 here, no doubt about it, both the blade and handle design of it is just superior. Possibly the best and most comfortable handle on the market, regardless of price :thumbup:
 
caly 3 better blade geometry,better handle ergo's,nicer design.:thumbup:
delica less expensive good everyday user.:D
 
Get the new G-10 delica 4 to me it looks likeit has the best of both. The flat ground blades are a great add to reg. G4. I just wish they weren't $10 to $20 more than a Caly 3.
 
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