Wanting a New EDC Spydie

J

JNieporte

Joined
Nov 1, 2004
Messages
3,352
It's that time again where I want a new knife, but don't know which one to get. So, I ask the advice of those who already have what I want. It will be used for EDC, which includes cutting the same things as my Delicas and Enduras (paper, cardboard, rope). I've got some criteria, and a few examples.
1. Blade must be under 3.5" long.
2. Must be able to open AND close one-handed.
3. Pocket clip must allow for left-hand carry.
4. G-10 is preferred, but not required.
5. Price MUST be around $100 US.
6. Linerlocks seem to SpyderDrop more easily then lockbacks, so this is a plus.

And my narrowed-down examples, with a few comments on each...
1. Para Military. D2 is preferred, but nothing wrong with S30V. I don't like the non-adjustable pocket clip, but otherwise it's a great knife. I've handled a few, but never owned or used one.

2. Caly 3. Only handled the carbon fiber version, but want a plain G-10 one. It felt very nice, and has a tip-up reversible clip.

So, would you rather have a Para Military, or a Caly 3 for EDC? Any pics of them side by side?
 
If you like liner locks, and don't mind it being made in Taiwan, also look into the Sage. It's a lot of knife for the money. The CF on the Sage is very nice. It's textured, and grippier than that on the Caly 3.

Also, the blade is S30V, which may be a plus for you.

Tom
 
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Okay, decision time....

Sage or Caly 3?

Caly 3: Made in Seki City, Japan. 3" blade (2-5/8" edge) made of VG-10, 1/8" thick. Weight is 3 ounces. Lockback. 4-1/16" closed. Ambidextrous tip-up wire clip. G-10 handles. Will cost $95 for me.

Sage: Made in Taipei, Taiwan. 3" blade (2-5/8" edge) of S30V, 1/8" thick. 1/2" Spyderco hole. Weight is 3.2 ounces. Linerlock. 4-3/16" closed. Ambidextrous tip-up clip. Carbon fiber handles. Open back. will cost $95 for me.
 
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I think that the knife you want is a Centofante 3.Wonderful, ergonomic, style, with a finesse that few blades can match.Reasonable price for the quality.Frank Cenfofante is a master knifemaker and Sal and him put their heart into this one.I have many, more expensive knives, but non better.I'm carrying one right now.
 
I agree with gandalfe. The Para and the Caly 3 are great knives, but the Centofante Spyderco's just a great pocket knife. A bit of a sleeper. Beautiful blade, fantastic ergos and almost unnoticed when your hand goes in your pocket. Superb EDC design. A pleasure to carry and use.
 
I'd go with the Caly although I think both the paramilitary and caly are some of the most ergonomic and comfortable knives I have ever held. I just dont like how the paramilitary has only tipdown carry and the handle is rather large. The Caly takes it due to its deep riding wire clip.
 
The Calypso 3 is what came to my mind before I read farther down your post and saw it was already one of your choices.

It can be closed one-handed easily (it's usually how I close mine). Make sure your index finger is within the finger choil enough so it won't guillotine you, push the lock with your thumb, flip down so the choil hits your finger, then move your fingers and either drop it closed, or change your grip to close the blade with your index finger or thumb.

I've always found closing linerlocks with my left hand very awkward (good thing I'm right-handed). A Compression lock is less awkward, and can be dropped closed with a flick of the wrist pretty easily with either hand. So if the Paramilitary isn't out of your price range, then give it a serious look too. There's a pretty big size difference between the Caly 3 and the PM though, so keep that in mind. The blade on the PM might only be slightly longer, but the handles are very different. The Caly 3 is designed to be used with the finger choil. The PM is designed to allow a full grip on the whole handle, or choked-up on with the finger choil.
 
JNieporte said:
Okay, decision time....

Sage or Caly 3?
Click to expand...

I EDC Caly3 for almost two years and I love everything about this knife. For it is as good as EDC need to be.
I have Sage as well. IMHO this knife has the best looking CF out of all Spydies I saw. But my preferences still with Caly3, mostly because I love how it looks, it is the beauty.
 
JNieporte said:
Looks like I want the Caly 3.
Click to expand...

If it needs to be ambi, that's probably your best choice. I have a Sage, a couple of Caly 3s, and 4 Paras. I use the Caly 3 at work and carry the Sage over the weekend or just for something dressier. The Paras get the outdoor jobs (hiking, camping, etc.)

IMAO, VG10 actually makes a better EDC blade for my use because it seems to be a bit tougher than S30V (more impact resistant, not harder). And the Caly 3 is the easiest of the three for me to hold, open, and close.

The Sage is really nice for me since I'm right handed and the blade does seem to be a bit wider than the Caly 3. I also really like the open back construction and bubble textured CF scales.
 
If only there were a linerlock version of the Caly 3 (I love open-back knives). But lockbacks are nice, too.
 
Sage

Just do your self a favor..... SAGE!!!!! My god just get the Sage would ya'? :D

Yea, I love my ZDP Caly, but....... The Sage is just so so so... Perfect!!!




SAGE!!!!!! :D
 
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