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Spyderco: Para 2 or the Caly 3 CF?

Mikey's Deli

Mikey's Deli

Joined
Jan 27, 2014
Messages
183
Just a quick opinion poll. Going to get one or the other.
Sure could use your expert advice.
Thanks,
-mikey p.
 
Boy, those are some distant cousins!

The blade length, lock type, clip type, and blade steel are just all over the place.

Is this one going to be an everyday user? Any concerns about blade lengths for your location as far as laws / work / school?
 
The laws are cool. Blade lengths are close and yes it will be EDC.
I guess I want your preference.
The para seems to be the flagship of the Spyderco family, but boy-o-boy the blade steel on that Caly.
What do you think?
 
I don't buy lockbacks except under extreme cases so it would be PM2 for me, no question, not even close.
 
I think the Caly 3 is the closest to perfection that I've ever seen, hands down.
 
If you want to go lockback, go with the Native. I liked the Native way more than the Caly back in the day.
 
I EDCed a Caly 3 cf for a good while and loved it. It's very inobtrusive in the pocket and not quite as intimidating in mixed company as my PM2, I'd have to say. Love the ZDP-189, too. The edge retention is amazing. I have no beef against lockbacks and it became quite natural for me to close the knife one handed in a short time. Hell, I think I'll carry it tomorrow. :)
 
Gavin S. said:
I EDCed a Caly 3 cf for a good while and loved it. It's very inobtrusive in the pocket and not quite as intimidating in mixed company as my PM2, I'd have to say. Love the ZDP-189, too. The edge retention is amazing. I have no beef against lockbacks and it became quite natural for me to close the knife one handed in a short time. Hell, I think I'll carry it tomorrow. :)
Click to expand...

Sweet!
 
Had a PM2 and sold it. Carry a Caly 3.5 frequently. I know the PM2 is popular 'round here, but I didn't like it. It's very bulky (in all three dimensions) for its blade, especially when compared with something slim like a Caly. The comp lock is a fun toy but not as practical as other locks. I also didn't like the pivot system that doesn't allow you to adjust out blade wiggle, and the super course pocket eating G10. IMHO the Caly is a far superior knife.
 
The PM2 would be an easy choice for me but it sounds like you're already sold on the Caly steel.

I assume you're talking about ZDP-189? Yeah, it's good stuff but I doubt you'll notice the difference between it and the PM2's CPM-S30V under normal daily use. The only thing you may notice is that the Caly is slightly harder to sharpen.
 
A comparison with a Caly 3.5 would be much closer in size. The Caly 3 is closer in size to a Delica.

A Caly 3.5 will be smaller and flatter in the pocket while providing, if I recall correctly, about 1/4 of an inch more cutting edge.

I personally prefer ZDP-189 over S30V, though you should keep in mind that the 420 J2 that it is clad in will scratch pretty easily.
 
You're going to end up with both anyway, you may as well face it. You've got the sickness.
 
I feel like I've posted this pic at least a couple times, but to give the OP an side-by-side look. To everyone else, I'll take and use referencially a different pic in the future. :)
IMAG0583_zps54971510.jpg
 
addylo said:
The PM2 would be an easy choice for me but it sounds like you're already sold on the Caly steel.

I assume you're talking about ZDP-189? Yeah, it's good stuff but I doubt you'll notice the difference between it and the PM2's CPM-S30V under normal daily use. The only thing you may notice is that the Caly is slightly harder to sharpen.
Click to expand...

Good point. I guess it's abut owning the steel as much as, if not more than usage.
 
trevitrace said:
I feel like I've posted this pic at least a couple times, but to give the OP an side-by-side look. To everyone else, I'll take and use referencially a different pic in the future. :)
IMAG0583_zps54971510.jpg
Click to expand...

Thanks for the pics.

Also, I should say that being made in the US is starting to be important to me. I know they both are. But a lot of other Spyders aren't.
 
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