Stretch 2 vs. Caly 3 CF

One man's pro is another man's con, but here are my thoughts on how they compare. Your tastes will determine what's "good" and what's "bad".

The Caly 3 is smaller and lighter It has a "low ride" wire clip which allows very discreet carry. The matte finish CF is very easy on the pocket. The laminated ZDP Blade has a hamon-like line that some find attractive.

The Stretch II feels more substantial in the hand, and the deep "saddle" of the handle offers a very secure grip. Its lightly textured CF offers excellent traction and is quite attractive. Four position clip mounting accommodates any style of carry. Solid ZDP blade give it superior scratch resistance and 14mm Spyderhole provides maximum reliability on opening. Screw construction allows disassembly for cleaning, if so desired.

Bottom line for me, the Caly 3 is a great knife. The Stretch II, on the other hand, is the absolute best folder Spyderco has ever built.

Paul
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Stretch 2: 3 1/2" solid ZDP-189 (more resistant to scratches) hunter style drop point blade, grippier CF scales (similar to G-10), 4-way Delica 4 type clip.

Caly 3: 3" laminated 420J2/ZDP-189 leaf shaped blade, smooth CF Scales, left/right tip-up only wire clip, no lanyard hole.

I have both. I prefer the solid ZDP-189 and grippier CF on the Stretch. The extra 1/2" of blade length makes it useful for a wider variety of tasks. I can cut my lunch steak with a Caly 3, but the Stretch works much better.
 
So, is the Stretch II really the best folder Spyderco has ever made? I'd like to hear other opinions along this line of discussion. How's it compare to some of the others?
 
I agree with deacon on this one. I feel it compares with the best customs in actual use, though it will never be mistaken for an art knife. Unless you are looking for super heavy duty folding knives the Stretch 2 will compete in ergonomics, balance and slicing ability with anything I've ever seen.

Looks are irrelevant, function is everything.

Of course things like ergonomics, balance, feel and whatnot are subjective. I'm giving my opinions. I've had many much more expensive knives that didn't slice and feel nearly as well IMO.

The Caly 3 is very nice also, both in ZDP and VG10. I have all 3 knives ( 4 including stretch 1) and I prefer the Stretch 2 . It's one of the few knives I feel like getting an extra for to hold for future use. It's probably the only knife that wasn't a gift or inheritance I'd never sell. Joe
 
Ryomaru said:
What's the advantage of a laminated 420J2/ZDP-189 blade?
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The theory is that it makes the blade tougher, more shock resistant, and more stain resistant. Can't comment on the first two, except to say I think most actions that would test those theories are outside what I'd consider reasonable use for a folder. As for staining, I use my Stretch a lot for food prep, often rinse it off, shake it dry, and return it to my pocket. Never seen any sign of rust. Have managed to cause a blue/grey patina type stain using it to spread mustard, but have done the same with a couple VG-10 blades as well.

In addition, laminated ZDP may not require quite as sophisticated equipment to work with, so more of the small makers Spyderco uses in Japan may be able to build knives with it.

Paul
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My Personal Website - - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting - - - - - - Kiwimania
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
Spyderco Collector # 043 - - WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam
 
In addition, laminated ZDP may not require quite as sophisticated equipment to work with, so more of the small makers Spyderco uses in Japan may be able to build knives with it.
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Exactly right, ZDP is tough stuff. With the lamination the ZDP core is thin enough to where it can still get fine blanked without messing up the production stamping tooling. Thicker blanks require laser or water jet cutting.

Of course there are certain advantages to using the softer, more rust resistant outer layers. I like them both, though I have to admit I haven't stained ZDP yet, or rusted it. I use silicone on it, as I don't use it for food prep.

Spyderco pretty much sticks to materials and heat treats that are designed to go with the jobs intended. I pick the knife for the intended jobs and don't have trouble.

You might say I'm over carefull and prepared. I even carry pioneer tools ( shovel, axe, pick) in the trunk, along with water and other stuff as I got in the habit of doing in the military. That even includes screwdrivers chisels and wire cutters, etc.

As long as I'm near my vehicle while travelling I'm pretty much good to go, even if there's not much room for suitcases.

If you ever see me driving with the rear of the car sagging down it's likely not my shocks going bad. Joe
 
Thanks for the infos Deacon and Mastiff! Thinking of getting the CF Caly or wait for the Phoenix.
 
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